Shinjuku 12 Best Lunch Restaurants 2024: Shinjuku Station Gourmet Guide

Shinjuku is a popular tourist destination featuring numerous attractions including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Hanazono Shrine. The Shinjuku Station area has one of the highest passenger volumes in Japan and is always bustling with activity.

Shinjuku, frequented by tourists and business professionals alike, is well-known for its abundance of restaurants. As one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts, it's renowned for high-quality cuisine and ambiance. The area's charm lies in the variety of dining options available – from restaurants in high-rise buildings offering scenic views to tourist-favorite sushi and ramen shops, and relaxing cafes perfect for your Shinjuku lunch experience.

While Shinjuku might be famous for its nightlife, particularly in Kabukicho, did you know there are many excellent establishments open during the day? In this article, we'll introduce 10 recommended restaurants that are perfect for lunch in Shinjuku.

5 Classic Recommended Restaurants for Your Shinjuku Lunch

Shinjuku offers diverse lunch options, thanks to its mix of tourist attractions, department stores, and corporate buildings. Let's start with 5 classic recommended restaurants that you absolutely must visit for lunch in Shinjuku.

Ichiran (Ramen)

Source: Official website

Ichiran specializes in natural tonkotsu ramen. Their signature tonkotsu soup, extracted 100% from pork bones using a proprietary method, successfully concentrates the umami of tonkotsu while thoroughly removing any unpleasant odors.

The soup offers rich flavor without leaving a heavy aftertaste and pairs perfectly with their thin noodles. A unique feature is the order form where you can adjust the soup concentration, oil amount, garlic, and sauce quantity. If you're visiting for the first time and feel uncertain, stick to the basic options. On my first visit, I ordered the basic tonkotsu ramen and found the flavor balance perfect, enjoying every last drop.

Seating is available in Ichiran's original private counter booths, making it popular among solo female diners. Since you don't have to worry about others, feel free to order extra noodles (kaedama) if you're hungry!

<Store Information>
- Address: B1F, 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 9:00-6:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 050-1808-2529
- Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/shinjuku/

Rokkasen (Yakiniku)

Source: Official website

At Rokkasen, established in 1986, you can enjoy meat dishes using carefully selected branded and domestic beef at this long-standing yakiniku restaurant. The staff wears kimono (traditional Japanese women's clothing) and hakama (traditional Japanese men's clothing), allowing you to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Their recommended offering is the 120-minute all-you-can-eat yakiniku course. You can choose from three types: yakiniku only, yakiniku & shabu-shabu, or yakiniku & sukiyaki hot pot, with prices varying by meat grade. The premium "Kobe Feast" course features the highest-grade Wagyu such as Kobe beef ribeye and Matsusaka sirloin, plus unlimited servings of boiled crab and lobster, allowing you to fully enjoy these luxurious ingredients.

The beautifully marbled meat (sashi: fat distributed within the lean meat) melts in your mouth and is absolutely exquisite - you won't tire of it no matter how many pieces you eat! Enjoy this luxurious 120-minute Shinjuku lunch experience with their extensive drink selection.

<Store Information>
- Address: 10F, 1-10-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3348-8676
- Official Website: https://rokkasen.co.jp/

Udon Shin (Udon)

Source: Official Instagram

At Udon Shin, you can enjoy udon made with their motto of "freshly kneaded, cut, and boiled." Their specialty udon is prepared by cutting the dough upon order and adjusting the boiling time according to the day's weather conditions to create the ultimate bowl.

My recommendation is the tempura shrimp and seasonal vegetable udon. The noodles have a smooth texture followed by a springy and firm consistency, with a noodle presence unlike anything I've had before. The tempura set comes with 2 shrimp and 4 vegetables, which are light and crispy, making them easy to eat.

The menu ranges from simple plain udon to sets with meat or tempura, and even carbonara-style with butter and onsen tamago (a type of soft-boiled egg). You can customize your udon by adding toppings like daikon oroshi (grated daikon radish), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), or green onions.

<Store Information>
- Address: 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-6276-7816

Shinjuku Tsunahachi (Tempura)

Source: PR TIMES

Shinjuku Tsunahachi, a specialized tempura restaurant, has been preserving its original taste since opening in Shinjuku in 1924. The restaurant features counter seating where you can enjoy your meal while watching the skilled chefs prepare tempura right before your eyes.

For lunch, I recommend the Tempura Zen set. It includes 2 shrimp, 2 seafood items, 2 vegetable items, and a kakiage (mixed tempura), served with rice, miso soup, and pickles - a truly satisfying meal. The crispy tempura is light and not at all greasy, and I found myself finishing it in no time.

I visited on a day when I was particularly hungry. The generous portions made for a satisfying Shinjuku lunch experience.

<Store Information>
- Address: 3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- Phone: 03-3352-1012
- Official Website: https://www.tunahachi.co.jp/

Sushizanmai Higashi-Shinjuku Branch

Source: Tabelog

At Sushizanmai Higashi-Shinjuku Branch, you can enjoy sushi made with fresh seafood delivered daily from Toyosu Market and other locations across Japan, making it a perfect spot for a luxurious Shinjuku lunch.

My regular order is the "Premium Bluefin Tuna 5-piece Nigiri Set," which includes otoro (fatty tuna), chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), akami (lean tuna), aburitoro (seared fatty tuna), and negitoro (minced fatty tuna). It's fascinating to compare the different tuna flavors all on one plate. For those wanting to try various types, I recommend the "Tsubomi" set. It includes an assortment of tuna, shrimp, and egg sushi, along with chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with ingredients) and soup. This luxurious meal is available at a reasonable price, but only during weekday lunch hours.

You can order sushi by the piece, so feel free to add more to your order if the set isn't enough to satisfy your appetite.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1-1-15 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 11:00-5:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5155-6655
- Official Website: https://www.kiyomura.co.jp/store/detail/11

5 Restaurants and Cafes Recommended by Locals for a Relaxing Shinjuku Lunch

While popular restaurants often have long lines, sometimes you want to enjoy a peaceful lunch in Shinjuku. Here are 5 hidden gems recommended by locals.

Chinese Restaurant Shinsen

Source: Tabelog

Chinese Restaurant Shinsen, which earned Hong Kong Michelin stars for four consecutive years, specializes in Hong Kong cuisine, particularly their famous beef brisket stew.

Their popular menu item is the original beef stew. The soup, simmered for over 10 hours on low heat with beef bones, chicken bones, and Hong Kong spices, has a light yet rich umami flavor. The beef, which has absorbed all the delicious flavors of the soup, is exceptionally tasty! The tender texture that melts in your mouth makes it absolutely addictive.

You can choose from regular, curry, mala, or soy sauce flavors. For those wanting to try different tastes, the "Two-flavor Lunch Set" is recommended.

On weekdays, all drinks are available for 250 yen, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon with excellent food and drinks.

<Store Information>
- Address: 1-16-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5155-5688
- Official Website: https://www.shinsen-hk.com/

Tempura Azabu Yokota Shinjuku Bettei

Source: Tabelog

Tempura Azabu Yokota Shinjuku Bettei is a branch of the renowned "Tempura Azabu Yokota" which earned Michelin recognition for eight consecutive years.

For my Shinjuku lunch, I tried their specialty Azabu Yokota Tempura Don. It's a tempura set meal using abundant seasonal ingredients, including special tempura, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), pickles, and soup. The tempura, perfected through careful attention to batter, oil, and heat control, features a crispy coating with excellent texture and no greasy aftertaste. Despite the generous portions of tempura on the bowl, I finished it quickly without feeling heavy.

While the elegant atmosphere might feel formal for dinner, their lunch service offers an accessible way to enjoy Michelin-quality cuisine.

<Store Information>
- Address: 3F, 1-19-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6258-1168
- Official Website: https://yokota-g.com/shop/shinjuku-bettei/

Acacia Shinjuku Main Store

Source: Official website

Established in 1963, Acacia Shinjuku Main Store is a long-standing Western restaurant where you can enjoy your meal in a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. Located just off Shinjuku's busy main street, stepping inside feels like traveling back in time.

Their signature dish, unchanged since their founding, is the rolled cabbage (ro-rukyabetsu) stew. It features beef and pork mince wrapped in cabbage, topped with their original white stew sauce. The rolled cabbage is so tender you can cut it with a spoon, yet remarkably maintains its shape. The slightly salty stew makes you want to keep eating more rice!

Other menu items include extra spicy curry rice, hashed beef rice, and cream croquettes with scallops - dishes that appeal to all ages. Takeout is also available, making it perfect for an outdoor lunch in Shinjuku.

<Store Information>
- Address: 3-22-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-21:30
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-3354-7511
- Official Website: https://www.restaurant-acacia.com/

Kurokatsusan

Source: Tabelog

Kurokatsusan offers thick-cut katsu sandwiches and hamburgers supervised by a chef with experience at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. They luxuriously use premium Kagoshima Nanshu Farm black pork (kurobuta). Since they purchase whole pigs, you can choose from various cuts including loin, tenderloin, and minced cutlets.

My regular Shinjuku lunch order is the Black Pork Millefeuille Katsu Sandwich. The five-layered pork belly slices are tender and juicy, releasing their flavors with each bite. It pairs perfectly with the cabbage and slightly sweet, chewy bread. Since it's not overly heavy, even those who are sensitive to oily foods can enjoy it.

Dine-in plates come with truffle-flavored potatoes, soup, and râpée as set sides. Their attention to detail with accompaniments ensures a satisfying lunch experience.

<Store Information>
- Address: 2F, 4-18-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 8:00-20:30
- Closed: Fridays
- Phone: 03-6383-3171
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/kurokatsusan_/

Ramen & Onigiri Eddie

Source: Official website

Ramen & Onigiri Eddie is a novel dining concept where you can enjoy ramen in a stylish interior decorated with glowing neon lights. With its cafe-like atmosphere, it's especially popular among female customers.

My top recommendation for your Shinjuku lunch is their Cappuccino Ramen with Truffle & Porcini Cream Soup. The visual presentation is striking - instead of a traditional ramen bowl, the noodles are served in a handled mug. The cappuccino-like foam on top is actually meringue, and when you dig in, you're greeted by the aromatic blend of truffle and porcini mushrooms. The thin noodles pair perfectly with the rich cream soup, giving it a pasta-like quality. You can also customize the flavor by adding the separately provided truffle oil.

While ramen is their main offering, their onigiri (rice balls) are a hidden gem on the menu. Try mixing any leftover soup with your rice to create a delicious risotto-style dish for a unique flavor experience.

<Store Information>
• Address: 1-11-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
• Hours: 11:00-21:00
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone: 03-6380-6606
• Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/rahmeneddie/