Top 10 Izakaya in Shinjuku Recommended by Locals Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Feb 14 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Top 10 Izakaya in Shinjuku Recommended by Locals

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s biggest business areas. Home to the famous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and many commercial facilities, it is one of Tokyo’s must-see sightseeing areas. This article will introduce 10 izakaya that are great to visit after a day’s sightseeing.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Shinjuku.

1. Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku Branch

At Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku Branch, they offer a selection of daily specialty menus featuring fish processed with fishermen's skilled techniques like "Shinkei-jime (destroying the fish's spinal cord)" and "Ikekoshi (letting fish rest in the tank)." Additionally, they provide a rich variety of Japanese sake carefully selected for each season, as well as options perfectly suited for fish dishes. Alongside popular choices such as Dassai, Hidashimizu, Shiraku, and Taka, guests can also enjoy the Yonpachi Gyojou's original sake, collaboratively crafted with sake breweries each year. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling fishing town and savor the freshness of the sea's bounty to your heart's content.

Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku Branch

Open: [Tuesday-Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) / [Saturday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from West Exit of Shinjuku Station on JR and Keio Line / 3-minute walk from South Exit of Seibu Shinjuku Station on Seibu Shinjuku Line / 5-minute walk from Exit D5 of Nishi-Shinjuku Station on Marunouchi Subway Line
Address: 1F, Shinjuku Misuzu Bldg., 7-8-3, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Niku Bar Amore Shinjuku －Wagyu beef

Niku Bar Amore Shinjuku is a restaurant where you can try reasonably-priced Wagyu beef. The dish to try is the Sushi Topped with Lightly-Broiled A4 Rank Japanese Beef (4 Pieces) (880 JPY). Many people hear sushi and imagine seafood, but in Japan, people also enjoy "meat sushi," where sliced raw or broiled beef is put on top of small blocks of shaped sushi rice. The beef has that luxurious taste you can only find in Wagyu beef, and the irresistible top-quality fat melts in your mouth the moment you pop it in. The restaurant also sources craft beer from all over Japan, so enjoy your beef with a good beer!

Niku Bar Amore Shinjuku

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 0:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station
Address: B2F, 31st Tokyo Bldg., 3-34-3, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map

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3. Izakaya Umaimon－Seafood

10. [Seafood Cuisine] Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho

Izakaya Umaimon in Kabukicho area of Shinjuku, offers seasonal seafood fresh from the market. Get various seafood dishes good enough to be served in a high-class restaurant at izakaya prices such as the Sashimi Mixed Platter (700 JPY for 1 serving), which comes with 3 types of seafood arranged into a 6-slice platter, or the Premium Japanese Pufferfish Sashimi (1,480 JPY). A well-known secret of the izakaya is the many different types of sake on offer! It is the perfect place for sake lovers, with offers including an all-you-can-drink option and a sake tasting set.

Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from the east exit of the JR Shinjuku station. A 6-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
Address: Kabukicho Bldg. 1F, 1-12-6 Kabukicho , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. KIBORI Hokkaido Restaurant

In the nostalgic era of Hokkaido trips, wooden bear carvings were treasured souvenirs found in every household. Over time, however, these bears lost their prominence, only to return to their birthplace, Hokkaido. Today, these bears have transformed into food aficionados, delighting in the irresistible charms of Hokkaido's culinary delights. Eager to share the delectable flavors of Hokkaido cuisine with Japan and the world, they have convened in Shinjuku, a bustling hub that bridges Tokyo to the global stage. This Hokkaido restaurant, guided by the playful spirits of the bears, brims with an abundance of mouthwatering offerings, including succulent meats, delectable cheeses, crisp vegetables, and bountiful seafood. Indulge in an authentic Hokkaido experience that allows you to escape from the monotony of everyday life, enveloped in the allure of flavors that captivate the senses.

KIBORI Hokkaido Restaurant

Open: Breakfast 8:00 am - 11:00 am (Closed from December 31 to January 5) / Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Closed from December 31 to January 5) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: Next to Don Quixote, located in the building which has Komeda Coffee in its 2nd floor
Address: 6/7F, Ceresa Yoei Shinjuku Bldg., 1-16-3, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map

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5. Kan Agari

At Kan Agari, meaning "flavor intensified," they carefully select delicious sakes from across Japan to complement their fireside-cooked dishes. A must-try is the Grilled Fresh Fish of the Day, sourced directly from local fishing ports and cooked over premium binchotan charcoal. The fluffy, savory fish pairs exquisitely with the sake. Seasonal ingredients, like the whole simmered fish, are thoughtfully prepared to match the sake's flavors. Experience the perfect harmony of exceptional food and sake at Kan Agari, a delightful escape from the ordinary.

Kan Agari

Open: [Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk after getting off at Shinjuku Station
Address: 3F, Shinjuku YS Bldg., 7-16-12, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku

3. [Robatayaki] Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku

Robatayaki is a style of cooking wherein ingredients such as seafood and vegetables are grilled over a fire in an irori (indoor sunken hearth). At Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku, you can enjoy a range of seasonal ingredients, including meat and vegetables, cooked over a charcoal fire robatayaki-style in a warm and cozy atmosphere. You’ll be amazed at the stunning-looking dishes, especially the Famous Donko Shiitake Sourced From Tsukino, Gunma (280 JPY), the Whole Grilled Onion (580 JPY), and the Shio-Musubi Rice Balls with Lots of Salmon Roe (580 JPY). Don't know what to order from the varied menu? Go for the restaurant's recommended Zekkocho Teppen's Robatayaki Course with All-You-Can-Drink (5,000 JPY). As it comes with an all-you-can-drink option, you can enjoy as much Japanese alcohol as you like, including sake, shochu, and umeshu!

Robatayaki Zekkocho Teppen Shinjuku

Open: 3:00 pm - 0:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A five minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's Central East Exit, the building before you come to Golden Gai on Kuyakusho Street
Address: 9F Sankei 55 Bldg., 1-2-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

7. AMANOGAWA Shinjuku-nishiguchi branch

Amanogawa Shinjuku Nishiguchi is situated on the 2nd floor of Hotel Mystays, just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit. This remarkable dining establishment offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring homemade cheese fondue, churrasco, and roast beef in an enchanting ambiance. As an added bonus, personalized dessert plates with heartfelt messages are provided as a complimentary service, making it an ideal destination for birthdays and special celebrations. Prepare to be amazed by the unforgettable surprises that await you at Amanogawa!

AMANOGAWA Shinjuku-nishiguchi branch

Open: [Weekdays, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)/ Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Open only for dinner on Saturdays
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines.
Address: 2F, 7-14-14 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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8. Wakasaya Kabukicho Store

Located approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's East Exit, amidst the lively Kabukicho district, Wakasaya Kabukicho stands out with its numerous photographs of delectable seafood bowls displayed at the storefront. This establishment is renowned for its seafood bowls, which feature an abundance of fresh, locally sourced seafood. On the ground floor (1F), guests can swiftly savor the luxurious yet affordable seafood bowls. It's an ideal spot to enjoy delicious seafood in a casual and relaxed manner. On the second floor (2F), guests can indulge in a leisurely feast of snow crab hot pot. Whether it's a splendid seafood bowl lunch at the counter on the first floor during the day or a lively gathering with friends around a snow crab hot pot in the evening, Wakasaya Kabukicho offers a variety of options to suit different occasions.

Wakasaya Kabukicho Store

Open: [Weekdays]10:00 am - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:45 am) / 2nd floor 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

[Saturday, Sunday] 7:00 am - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:45 am) / 2nd floor 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines.
Address: 1-15-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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9. Niku Bistro Akari

At "Niku Bistro Akari," guests can indulge in a rich menu featuring seared lean meat and hearty bone-in cuts, perfectly paired with a selection of wines. The restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere with an open kitchen, creating an inviting ambiance filled with tempting aromas. With a focus on seasonal and high-quality meats, sourced from both domestic and international suppliers, each dish is elevated by the natural sun-dried salt, "Mineral Harvest." Additionally, the restaurant boasts an impressive "Wine Cellar" stocked with over 120 varieties, perfect for special occasions. Whether you prefer counter seating, private rooms, or cozy sofas, "Niku Bistro Akari" provides a versatile dining experience for every occasion.

Niku Bistro Akari

Open: [Monday ~ Thursday,Sunday,Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)

[Friday,Saturday] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines.
Address: No. 18 Fuji Bldg. 2F, 7-16-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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10. Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiba Shinjuku Main Store

9. Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiba Shinjuku Main Store

At the conveniently located establishment, just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, guests can enjoy the "Seasonal Meat Course" prepared through low-temperature cooking, now accompanied by complimentary drinks. The restaurant offers a spacious and tranquil Japanese-modern ambiance, providing the perfect setting to savor the highest quality A5-grade wagyu beef and fresh locally sourced seafood, obtained in the morning. For various gatherings, the recommended choice is the "Yahama Manpuku Course" priced at 5,000 yen, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of nine dishes, including highlights such as "Fresh Yuba and Uni with Salmon Roe," "A5-grade Wagyu Beef Steak," and "Red Snapper Simmered Rice."

Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiba Shinjuku Main Store

Open: 12:00 pm - 4:00 am (last order 3:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines.
Address: B1F, 1-12-3, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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11. Uomamire SHINKICHI Yoyogi-Hachiman branch

10. Uomamire SHINKICHI Yoyogi-Hachiman branch

Experience the "to-die-for" seafood, including exquisite sashimi, at "Uomamire Magokichi Yoyogi-Yawata Store." The restaurant boasts a tranquil atmosphere with options for counter or table seating, catering to various occasions. Chef Saito, a seasoned chef with expertise in Japanese cuisine and sake, curates a diverse menu featuring standout dishes like the value-packed "Funamori" (boat platter) and flavorful "Kabuto-ni" (simmered dish). The restaurant also offers weekday lunch specials for nearby office workers. Whether it's a business gathering or a family meal, this place comes highly recommended.

Uomamire SHINKICHI Yoyogi-Hachiman branch

Open: [Weekday,Saturday] Dinner 17:00 - 00:00[Sunday,Holidays] Dinner 16:00 - 00:00
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Yoyogi-hachiman Station on the Odakyu Line.
Address: B1F-A, Takamatsu DC Bldg, 1-2-13 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.