Breakfast & Brunch in Shinjuku: Best Restaurant and Cafe 2024

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts. The west side of the station is lined with skyscrapers, forming a vast business district. JR Shinjuku Station is famous for having the world's highest daily passenger traffic, with countless people passing through daily.

As a major gathering spot, Shinjuku offers numerous cafes and restaurants, ranging from trendy food establishments to chain restaurants and long-established venues. When it comes to breakfast at Shinjuku 2024, there are plenty of spots serving exceptional morning meals. In this article, I'll introduce you to my personally recommended restaurants and cafes that are perfect for breakfast and brunch in the Shinjuku area.

4 Recommended Restaurants & Cafes for Breakfast and Brunch in Shinjuku

KUROKATSUSAN


Source: Tabelog

KUROKATSUSAN specializes in katsu sandwiches and hamburgers using premium black pork.

Their signature dish is the katsu sandwich, which features crispy and juicy deep-fried pork cutlet served between their house-made special bread. This popular item has gained many devoted fans.

The special bread, made with high-quality domestic butter, has an excellent aroma and moist texture. The thick cutlet delivers the powerful umami and sweetness inherent to the meat.

The combination of the moist bread and thick cutlet is absolutely perfect! Each sandwich order comes with a delightful set including potatoes, pickles, and soup.

If you order before 10:30, you'll receive a complimentary drink service.

<Basic Information>
・Address: 2F, 4-18-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Business Hours: Monday 8:00-15:00
                 Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Holidays 08:00-20:30
                 Saturday 09:30-20:30
                 Sunday 08:00-17:30
・Closed: Tuesdays
・Phone: 050-5600-0221
・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurokatsusan_/



Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku


Source: Official website

Sarabeth's, known as "The Breakfast Queen of New York," is a hugely popular brunch restaurant from New York. You can enjoy the same delicious menu items that draw queues in Manhattan, including sandwiches and French toast, right here in Shinjuku. It's perfect for those craving a hearty Western breakfast.

Famous for introducing Eggs Benedict to Japan, many customers travel from other prefectures just for this signature dish. I personally highly recommend their Eggs Benedict - I was amazed by the delicious Hollandaise sauce when I first tried it.

While popular for breakfast, they also offer plenty of sweets and alcoholic beverages, making it suitable for cafe visits or dinner as well.

<Basic Information>
・Address: Lumine 2 2F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Business Hours: 9:00-22:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-5357-7535
・Official Website: https://sarabethsrestaurants.jp/



Toraya An Stand Shinjuku


Source: Official website

"Toraya An Stand" is a unique concept store featuring paste-style anko (sweet red bean paste). Here, you can casually enjoy sweets and bread paired with anko.

"Toraya," established in Kyoto in 1586, is a long-standing expert in anko making with over five centuries of experience. Their "an paste" creations are exquisite, and the melt-in-your-mouth gentle sweetness of their anko is truly captivating.

Popular menu items like "an-pan" (red bean bread) and "toast" are perfect for breakfast at Shinjuku 2024, and they're available for takeout, allowing for a quick and convenient meal. The location is easily accessible, just outside the JR Shinjuku Station's New South Exit. It's an ideal spot for a light snack or when craving Japanese-style sweets.

<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shibuya-ku Sendagaya 5-24-55 NEWoMan Shinjuku 2F
- Hours: 10:00-21:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6273-1073
- Official Website: https://anstand.toraya-group.co.jp/



Royal Host


Source: Official website

Royal Host is one of Japan's leading family restaurant chains with locations nationwide. This beloved establishment offers a diverse breakfast menu perfect for your morning in Shinjuku 2024.

From Western-style breakfasts featuring bread and omelets to Japanese-style meals centered around rice, the variety ensures everyone in your group can find something they love.

As a Royal Host fan, I recommend the "Morning Japanese Set with Silver Salmon" (Asano Wateishoku Ginzake). The perfectly grilled fatty salmon pairs excellently with rice. The high-quality dishes will leave you wanting to return.

Royal Host Shinjuku
<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishi Shinjuku 6-5-1
- Hours: 8:00-22:00 (Breakfast served 8:00-11:00)
- Closed: Varies (check website)
- Phone: 03-5323-4227
- Official Website: https://www.royalhost.jp/



For Those Seeking an Elegant Breakfast: Hotel Cafes and Restaurants are Recommended!

CAFFE (Hyatt Regency Tokyo)


Source: Official website

For those seeking an elegant start to their day in Shinjuku 2024, hotel breakfasts are highly recommended. "CAFFE" at the Hyatt Regency offers a buffet-style breakfast open to both hotel guests and visitors. The luxury hotel setting provides the perfect start to a special day.

The buffet features both Western dishes like bacon and scrambled eggs, and Japanese options like grilled fish and simmered dishes. The ability to enjoy both Japanese and Western cuisine is a delightful feature. Popular items include homemade pudding with gentle sweetness and mild curry. With free-refill coffee and tea, it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy your morning.

<Basic Information>
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishi Shinjuku 2-7-2
- Hours: 7:00-22:00 (Breakfast 7:00-10:30) (Dinner service temporarily suspended)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3348-1234
- Official Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/ja-JP/tyoty-hyatt-regency-tokyo



GRILL & DINING Manhattan Table (Shinjuku Washington Hotel)


Source: Official website

You can enjoy a breakfast buffet at "GRILL & DINING Manhattan Table" located in "Shinjuku Washington Hotel." Situated on the 25th floor, this restaurant with its excellent view is perfect for dates. The breakfast buffet is reasonably priced at 2,200 yen. As a popular breakfast spot in Shinjuku 2024, the restaurant is always bustling with both tourists and locals.

The buffet selection is luxurious, featuring authentic dishes ranging from Japanese cuisine like tuna and tempura to sirloin steak – a spread worthy of dinner. Their popular fluffy pancakes are one of my personal favorites. With its outstanding cost-performance ratio, I confidently recommend this restaurant to those who want to eat heartily in the morning.

At night, the luxurious atmosphere with beautiful city views makes it ideal for dates.

<Basic Information>
• Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishi Shinjuku 3-2-9 25F
• Hours: 6:30-10:30 (breakfast)
• Closed: Never
• Phone: 03-3344-6109
• Official Website: https://washington-hotels.jp/shinjuku/breakfast/635837ad9b60269/



The Jones Café & Bar in Tokyo


Source: Official website

"The Jones Café & Bar in Tokyo" is a New York-style café restaurant located on the first floor of "KIMPTON Shinjuku Tokyo."

Morning sunlight streams through the large windows, offering a pleasant start to your day. The pastries displayed in the showcase are all tempting and appetite-inducing. The urban and stylish interior, along with Instagram-worthy food and photogenic space, attracts many young customers seeking social media-worthy content.

Until 11 AM, they offer exclusive breakfast menus. You can choose from an internationally diverse menu ranging from classic bread & bacon eggs to porridge, tortillas, and pancakes. Enjoy an elegant morning with pastries and coffee.

<Basic Information>
• Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishi Shinjuku 3-4-7
• Hours: 7:00-22:00 (breakfast 7:00-11:00)
• Closed: Never
• Phone: 0120-056-658
• Official Website: https://www.kimptonshinjuku.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonestokyo/



Traditional Japanese Coffee Shops Perfect for Breakfast!

For breakfast in Japan, coffee shops (kissaten) are also recommended. A kissaten is an establishment that serves coffee, cakes, and light meals. Many customers come to relax while enjoying coffee, and the atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried.

Unlike modern cafes, kissaten offer a retro, antique atmosphere. They serve Western-style dishes adapted to Japanese tastes, such as pasta, toast, and curry, allowing you to enjoy proper meals. Having breakfast at these retro coffee shops, away from everyday life, provides a special experience.

Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh


Source: Official website

Established in 1975, "Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh" is a historic café famous for its siphon coffee. Each cup is carefully brewed, producing a rich aroma that has earned the loyalty of regular customers. Enjoying a cup in this elegant space, reminiscent of a VIP room, offers a truly exceptional and special experience.

During breakfast hours, they offer set menus that include unlimited refills of siphon coffee. Besides the standard bacon, eggs, and toast sets, you can also choose the "zosui" set. Zosui is a rice-based dish similar to porridge, simmered with vegetables and eggs in dashi broth. With its gentle flavors, this warming dish is highly recommended for breakfast at Shinjuku 2024, especially since restaurants serving zosui are quite rare. If you're interested, definitely pay them a visit.

<Basic Information>
• Address: 2F, 3-2-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: Open 24 hours (Breakfast: Mon-Sat 6:00-11:30)
• Closed: Never
• Phone: 03-5379-2822
• Official Website: https://edinburgh.jp/



Meikyoku Coffee Shinjuku Ramble


Source: Shinjuku East Gate Shopping Street

Established in 1949, "Meikyoku Coffee Shinjuku Ramble" is a historic café where classical music plays leisurely in the background. The interior, designed to resemble a luxury cruise ship, features a retro atmosphere dominated by crimson red. Having breakfast in this elegant space, complete with a grand staircase and chandelier, is the height of luxury.

Their menu includes a variety of light meals such as sandwiches and pasta, with coffee set menus available all day. My personal recommendation is the "Pizza Toast Set." The thickly sliced bread is generously topped with cheese, offering excellent value and volume. With an extensive selection of sweets including cream sodas and parfaits, this café is perfect for casual visits as well.

<Basic Information>
• Address: 3-31-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 9:30-18:00
• Closed: Never
• Phone: 03-3352-3361



Two Recommended Restaurants for Enjoying Traditional Japanese "Teishoku" for Breakfast at Shinjuku 2024

For those who want to enjoy traditional Japanese set meals (teishoku) in the morning, here are two recommended restaurants. The basic composition of teishoku follows the "Ichiju Sansai" principle: rice, soup, and three side dishes.

Unlike course meals, all dishes in teishoku are served simultaneously. The dishes complement the rice well and provide a balanced nutritional intake from meat (or fish) and vegetables. This style of dining is common in Japanese households. Please enjoy these colorful and nutritionally balanced set meals.

Yayoi-ken


Source: PR TIMES

When it comes to teishoku restaurants in Japan, "Yayoi-ken" is a representative choice popular among Japanese businesspeople and students. 

You can enjoy home-style dishes commonly eaten in Japanese households, such as grilled fish, simmered fish, and karaage (fried chicken), in teishoku style. With over 20 menu items, there's plenty of variety. A pleasant bonus is the free rice refills with any set meal.

Until 11:00 AM, you can enjoy breakfast at Shinjuku 2024 for under 500 yen. My recommendation is the "Shirasu Oroshi Teishoku" (whitebait with grated daikon radish). The combination refreshes your morning mood. Traditional Japanese foods like natto (fermented soybeans) and tofu can also be ordered separately to experience various Japanese flavors!

Shinjuku Gyoen Branch
Basic Information:
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 1-34-8
- Hours: 8:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5367-8737
- Official Website: https://www.yayoiken.com/en/



Nishi-Shinjuku Branch
Basic Information:
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishi Shinjuku 7-21-21
- Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5332-3196
- Official Website: https://www.yayoiken.com/en/



Shokudo Naganoya


Source: Tabelog

Established in 1915, "Naganoya" is a long-standing teishoku restaurant loved by locals for over 100 years. In the retro-style interior, you'll be served by kimono-clad staff, giving you a taste of traditional Japan.

The menu features hearty portions suitable for working people, including fried foods and yakiniku. Their signature dish, "Nikudofu" (meat and tofu simmered in sweet and savory sauce), has many fans. The tofu, simmered until chocolate-brown, has a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.

Their katsu curry is another consistently popular menu item. The mild, fruity curry sauce perfectly complements the crispy katsu. Menu items can be ordered separately, so you can create your own set meal by adding salad and miso soup!

Basic Information:
- Address: Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku 3-35-7
- Hours: 11:30-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 03-3352-3927