Best Udon in Shinjuku 2024: Top Spots for Authentic, Creative, and Modern Noodles
Shinjuku's charm lies in its exceptional accessibility, with multiple train lines including JR, subway, and private railways, as well as the large Busta Shinjuku bus terminal. Known for its tourist attractions, commercial facilities, and entertainment venues, it's one of Japan's busiest districts. While popular establishments like Niboshi Ramen Nagi have made their mark in Shinjuku's ramen scene, the area is equally famous for its udon offerings.
As Tokyo's premier entertainment district, Shinjuku attracts top-tier restaurants from across the nation. With its concentration of first-class dining establishments across various cuisines, it's the perfect spot to enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine. This article focuses on the popular Japanese dish "udon" and introduces 10 outstanding udon restaurants in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku: A Fierce Battleground for Premium Udon Restaurants
Did you know that Shinjuku is a highly competitive district for udon restaurants? From affordable chain restaurants to high-end Michelin-starred establishments and unique specialty shops, there's a diverse range of udon restaurants to explore.
Udon is satisfying enough for a quick lunch when time is limited, yet also perfect for a leisurely meal with friends, making it suitable for various occasions.
What is Udon?
Udon is made by kneading wheat flour with water, rolling it thin, and cutting it into noodle strips. Like pasta, it's cooked in boiling water for several minutes. The noodles come in various thicknesses, from thin to thick, allowing diners to choose based on their texture preference and the accompanying soup.
Its popularity stems from its chewy elasticity and smooth, slippery texture. This unique mouthfeel has made it a favorite among international visitors as well, becoming one of Japan's most popular traditional dishes.
Udon has lower calories and carbohydrates per 100g compared to rice or soba, while still being filling, making it ideal for those watching their diet. The variety of soups and toppings available keeps it interesting meal after meal.
Two Michelin-Listed Recommendations for Those Seeking Shinjuku's Best Udon
Here are two Michelin-listed restaurants recommended for those seeking the finest udon in Shinjuku.
Udon Shin
Source: Official Instagram
Udon Shin prides itself on freshly made (uchitate), freshly cut (kiritate), and freshly boiled (yudetate) noodles.
My regular order is the Shrimp and Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Udon with 6 pieces of tempura (2 shrimp, 4 vegetables). The standout feature is their carefully crafted noodles, characterized by their smooth texture and springy bite. The soup has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the noodles, appealing to customers of all ages. The tempura is served piping hot and crispy - be sure to enjoy it while it's fresh!
Popular among international tourists, the restaurant prepares udon to order, which can result in wait times. While queuing at an udon restaurant is unusual, I can confidently say this place is worth the wait for its perfectly balanced chewy noodles.
Store Information:
- Address: 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-6276-7816
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Official website: https://udonshin.com/
Kirimakiya Jinroku
Source: Official website
At Kirimakiya Jinroku, you can enjoy udon made without additives and soup crafted from carefully selected ingredients, served fresh without pre-preparation. Just as the popular Niboshi Ramen Nagi is known for its fresh noodles, Jinroku takes pride in their noodle quality.
My regular order is the simple hot Kake Udon. The chewy, springy udon noodles perfectly complement the seafood-rich soup, creating a wonderful synergy of flavors. The uniquely sweet soup base is exclusive to this establishment, explaining why they have so many repeat customers.
You can customize your basic menu with various toppings such as raw egg, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), natto, and various tempura options. I recommend trying different toppings to create your own original udon combination.
The signature noodles maintain consistent quality through strict control of wheat flour, salt water, and temperature. Some menu items are available for under 1000 yen. Don't miss this chance to enjoy Michelin-listed cuisine at reasonable prices.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-17-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-6273-2646
- Hours: 11:30-16:00, 17:30-23:30
- Official website: https://r.goope.jp/jinroku-gyoen/
Three Recommended Udon Restaurants in Shinjuku, Introduced by an Udon Enthusiast!
Here, I'll introduce three recommended udon restaurants in Shinjuku, along with their unique attractions.
Tsurutontan
Source: Tabelog
Tsurutontan, opened in 1989, continues to serve "agetachi" udon - freshly made, cut, and boiled. The interior features traditional Japanese design elements, and you can enjoy luxurious dining accompanied by daily live music.
The menu ranges from Japanese to Western-style flavors, offering so many choices it's hard to decide. Their popular item, which I often order, is the Mentaiko Cream Udon. The Western-style cream soup combines with Japanese dashi umami and mentaiko's saltiness, creating a complex flavor beyond mere richness. The popping texture of mentaiko adds to the experience, making me drink the soup to the last drop. It's truly a perfect fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines.
Besides their standard menu, they offer seasonal specials using fresh ingredients. These limited-time offerings have a premium feel and are highly recommended.
<Store Information>
- Address: Shinjuku Kabukicho 2-26-3-B1F, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5287-2626
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-8:00, Sun/Holidays 11:00-23:00
- Official website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/
Creative Udon Itteki Hassenja
Source: Tabelog
Creative Udon Itteki Hassenja specializes in Sanuki udon (a famous udon brand) and offers meticulously crafted creative dishes during dinner time.
My top recommendation is their signature Black Meat Udon. The soup features stir-fried beef cooked sukiyaki-style with a distinct sweetness. Japanese sansho pepper adds accent, and despite its rich flavor, it remains surprisingly light and enjoyable to the last drop.
During lunch, you can order half-portions of two regular menu items as a half & half set. I recommend trying the Black Meat Udon and White Meat Udon combination. Both are house specialties offering contrasting flavors.
For dinner, small portion udon is available. Why not complete your meal with their exceptional udon after enjoying their exquisite dishes and drinks?
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-15-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3342-8889
- Hours: 11:00-14:30, 17:00-22:00
- Official website: https://www.itteki.com/itteki.html
Yamashita Honki Udon Shinjuku 3-chome
Source: Tabelog
Yamashita Honki Udon Shinjuku 3-chome takes pride in serving freshly made noodles that are prepared daily in-store. The noodles are on the thinner side, characterized by their springy elasticity and smooth, pleasant texture.
A must-try menu item is the Tori-ten Tartar Bukkake Udon. Atop their signature udon noodles, you'll find chicken tempura finished with secret seasonings and homemade tartar sauce generously arranged. When the light tartar sauce dissolves into the mild Kansai-style broth, it adds just the right amount of creaminess for an exceptional taste. The combination of the crispy fresh-fried chicken tempura and the chewy udon creates two distinct textures to enjoy. When I first tried this dish, it was a revelation!
They also offer a variety of other dishes such as White Mentaiko Cheese Cream Udon and Hot/Cold Beef Tendon Curry Udon. Please try these unique variations and enjoy a new Japanese culinary experience.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-32-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5369-2352
- Hours: Sun-Thu & Holidays 10:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 24 hours
- Official Website: https://yamashita-honki-udon.com/
Must-See for Those Seeking the Best Udon! 5 Top-Rated Udon Restaurants in Tokyo
Beyond Shinjuku, Tokyo is home to some of Japan's finest udon restaurants. Here's an introduction to 5 must-visit udon restaurants that are considered among Tokyo's best.
The previously introduced restaurant is also excellent. Consider choosing based on your mood and accessibility from tourist spots.
Udon Maruka
Source: Tabelog
Udon Maruka, located about 5 minutes' walk from Jinbocho Station, serves authentic Sanuki udon. The owner trained at the famous "Yamakoshi Udon" in Kagawa Prefecture. A notable feature is their commitment to using Kagawa Prefecture-sourced ingredients, including flour, soy sauce, green onions, eggs, salt, and chili pepper.
My favorite is the Kamatama Calpis Butter, which is kamatama (udon topped with raw egg and mixed with concentrated dashi soy sauce) topped with Calpis butter, green onions, and black pepper. The combination of butter and dashi soy sauce is exceptional, with occasional hints of black pepper heat and crisp green onions adding accent. The simple ingredients allow you to fully appreciate each component's flavor, making it irresistibly delicious.
You can choose between regular (280g cooked) and large (560g cooked) portions. If you're hungry, order the satisfying large portion and enjoy the udon to your heart's content.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-16-1 Kanda-Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku
- Closed: Sundays and Holidays
- Phone: Not public
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-16:00, 17:00-19:30, Sat 11:00-14:30
Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza
Source: Tabelog
Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza is a 130-year-old establishment known for its "Onihimogawa" (wide noodles), which was sold from the Taisho era to the 1950s. The "Oni-kama" menu item, conceived by the fifth-generation owner who was well-versed in flour, has gained attention and won the "Udon Championship" competition three consecutive times.
I always order their signature "Oni-kama." Their proud Onihimogawa noodles, while wide, are not thick and have a smooth texture that's easier to eat than you might expect. The more you chew, the more the wheat flavor spreads in your mouth, allowing you to strongly experience the noodle's taste. The ingredients include Joshu Mugi-buta (Gunma Prefecture's branded pork) and other domestic products, offering a bowl concentrated with dedication and originality. Another highlight is eating from vessels selected by the fifth-generation owner, featuring traditional Japanese pottery like Arita-yaki, Mino-yaki, and Mashiko-yaki.
The restaurant walls feature pink azaleas symbolizing Tatebayashi, the birthplace of Hanayama Udon, creating an elegant atmosphere. The counter seats are welcoming for solo female diners, allowing you to enjoy delicious udon without hesitation.
Store Information:
- Address: 3-14-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-6264-7336
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-15:30, 17:30-21:30, Sat/Sun/Holidays 11:00-16:00
- Official Website: https://www.hanayamaudon.co.jp/ginza/
Shodai
Source: Tabelog
Located about 5 minutes' walk from Ebisu Station, Shodai is a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy soba and sake-accompanying dishes. While soba is their main offering, the white curry udon is a must-try dish that's gaining popularity in Shinjuku Udon 2024's trending list. Its striking all-white appearance has created quite a buzz on social media and in the press. When served, the bowl features a spiral of pure white foam. What looks like whipped cream is actually potato mousse, concealing curry broth underneath. When mixed, the spiced curry broth combines with the gentle flavor of the fluffy mousse, creating a novel curry udon experience. The pepper garnish adds a spicy accent, introducing you to a completely unique udon experience.
With generous portions of both udon and potato mousse, this filling dish will surely satisfy your hunger.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-1-10 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3714-7733
- Hours: 11:30-23:00
Ebisu Udon Yamacho
Source: Tabelog
Ebisu Udon Yamacho is produced by Yamacho Shoten, a katsuobushi (dried bonito flake) specialist with over 100 years of history in Osaka's Kuromon Market. They pride themselves on their authentic dashi broth. You can choose from 17 types of udon, and during dinner, you can enjoy side dishes like oden and dashi-maki tamago simmered in their exceptional udon broth.
My regular order is the wagyu beef udon. This luxurious dish features premium Japanese beef, and the umami from the meat perfectly complements the broth made from the veteran shop's bonito flakes. The noodles have excellent bounce and firmness while being slightly thin, making them easy to eat.
With an extensive menu of side dishes and alcoholic beverages, it's perfect for enjoying udon with drinks or as a final meal after drinking.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-1-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3443-1701
- Hours: 12:00-15:30, 17:00-22:00
- Official website: https://www.foodgate.net/shop/yamachou
Taniya
Source: Tabelog
Located one minute's walk from Suitengumae Station, Taniya's concept is "a bowl you'll want to drink to the last drop, gentle on your body," offering udon with kake-dashi made without any artificial seasonings or additives. Their broth is carefully prepared daily for over four hours using natural ingredients like dried sardines (iriko), kelp (konbu), and bonito flakes.
Their signature dish is the kashiwa-ten tsuke udon. It comes with three pieces of chicken tempura and three types of vegetables, served with concentrated dipping broth. The freshly made, cut, and boiled authentic Sanuki udon noodles are thick with excellent elasticity and texture. The chicken tempura features a crispy coating and juicy, tender meat that matches the udon's quality.
Taniya has been selected by Michelin for three consecutive years. Why not try this renowned restaurant's cuisine for lunch?
Store Information:
- Address: 2-15-17 Ningyocho, Chuo-ku
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-5695-3060
- Hours: 11:00-21:30
