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

Update-date: Jun 13 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. Itamae Bar LIVE FISH MARKET Shinjuku Branch

"Itamae Bar LIVE・FISH・MARKET Shinjuku" offers seafood that has been transported from fishing ports around the country in great condition. The restaurant's feature is the "Self-Choice Order," which allows customers to choose their favorite fish from the in-house fish tank and have it prepared to their specifications. Fresh seafood may be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including sashimi and other kinds. They also provide a large range of suggested local sakes that go well with seasonal cuisine. Additionally, they can arrange all-you-can-drink courses for banquets. The exciting food performance by expert chefs taking place right in front of your eyes is very mesmerizing. It's a beautiful eatery in front of Shinjuku Station where you may leisurely enjoy the ambience.

Itamae Bar LIVE FISH MARKET Shinjuku Branch

Open: [Monday-Thursday] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm), [Friday] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:30 am), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on Toei Oedo Line / 3-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station on Seibu Shinjuku Line / 114m from Seibu Shinjuku Station
Address: 1F, Sanko Park Bldg., 7-3-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku Branch

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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3. 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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4. Nishiguchi Sakaba Homerun

Homerun, a Showa Neo izakaya with a retro-pop, baseball theme, is as photogenic as it is delicious. With eye-catching, tasteful dishes like the "Extra-large Out-of-park Fried Shrimp," served in a champagne glass, and authentically spicy "Sichuan Mmabo Tofu," the menu delights with baseball-inspired names. Offering extensive all-you-can-drink options and course meals, Homerun is perfect for surprise parties, providing memorable experiences with custom cakes, music, and lighting. The neon-lit ambiance adds to the allure, making it ideal for birthdays or anniversaries.

Nishiguchi Sakaba Homerun

Open: 11:30 am - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station, 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station on Oedo Line, 157 meters from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
Address: B1F, Edokin Bldg., 7-9-14, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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5. Taruichi Shinjuku Main Branch

Taruichi, a restaurant specializing in fresh whale and seafood, combines the words "Taru" (barrel, relating to sake) and "ichi" (beginning) in its name, symbolizing its commitment to continuous improvement. Celebrating over 50 years, it retains its popularity by maintaining high-quality flavors. The menu's highlight is whale cuisine, featuring fresh whales shipped from Miyagi, a Japanese whaling base. The restaurant pairs these dishes with a variety of "Urakasumi" sake, directly from the brewery, including rare original brands. Sake lovers are invited to unwind in a warm, wood-infused space at Taruichi.

Taruichi Shinjuku Main Branch

Open: [Monday-Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchome Station. B1F of Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo.
Address: B1F, 1-2-9, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Jibundoki Shinjuku Higashiguchi Ekimae Branch

Jibundoki offers authentic Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients in private rooms, echoing the elegance of the ancient capital. The menu, popular among women, includes creative dishes like unique tempura and pot rice, alongside hearty items for men. Each seating area, designed to replicate a Kyoto garden, provides complete privacy. Dining in Jibundoki's calming setting brings comfort to mind, body, and soul, making it a truly relaxing culinary experience.

Jibundoki Shinjuku Higashiguchi Ekimae Branch

Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
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7. Nishi-Shinjuku Ouen-dan Oita Karaage and Teppanyaki Katsuo

7. Nishi-Shinjuku cheering party Fried chicken and Teppanyaki Katsuo

"Nishi-Shinjuku Ouen-dan Oita Karaage and Teppanyaki Katsuo," just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, prioritizes affordability. Despite sourcing unique ingredients and operating at a loss, it offers extremely reasonable prices for food and drinks, including Premium Malts beer for 198 yen and highballs for 165 yen. The restaurant also provides an all-you-can-eat Karaage course, certified by "Bungoya," a renowned Karaage specialty shop in Nakatsu, Oita, the karaage capital. Feel free to indulge and enjoy; the friendly staff eagerly awaits your visit.

Nishi-Shinjuku Ouen-dan Oita Karaage and Teppanyaki Katsuo

Open: [Sunday,Saturday,Holidays] 11:30 am - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm)[Weekday,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm) / Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 2:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
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8. Yoyogi Umidori

Yoyogi Umidori, nestled in the warehouse annex of Shinjuku's Ren Street and just 30 seconds from Yoyogi Station, offers a variety of dishes. Highlights include a seven-variety maguro sashimi plate, showcasing different flavors and textures, and delicacies like innards. Alongside classic chicken dishes, they serve mountain bird dishes for a unique dining experience. Seasonal dishes featuring maguro-lover favorites are available. Enjoy these with their curated selection of sake and homemade sour drinks.

Yoyogi Umidori

Open: [Sunday] 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm)[Saturday] 1:00 pm - 11:30 pm (last order 10:30 pm)[Weekday,Day Before Holidays] 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (last order 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
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9. Izakaya Umi no Ie

Located just a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station, this lively izakaya offers a variety of deals, such as a 7-hour unlimited drink package for 1480 yen and a 2-hour unlimited drink package for 980 yen. They also provide a unique service where they offer free dumplings with each drink ordered. Their popular "Tsufu Hotpot," prepared with care to eliminate any unpleasant smell, is available this year as well. Perfect for spontaneous outings, this izakaya can accommodate small parties of two or large banquets.

Izakaya Umi no Ie

Open: [Weekday,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 5:00 am (last order 4:30 am)[Sunday,Saturday,Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 5:00 am (last order 4:30 am)
Closed: Open all year round !! For group reservations, we also accept lunch parties after hours.
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
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10. Maruyasu Suisan

"Maruyasu Suisan" is a seafood izakaya just a minute's walk from Shinjuku Station. Known for fresh seafood from Tsukiji and Toyosu and an extensive sake selection, it attracts a daily crowd. The menu features "Hamayaki" - a variety of grilled shellfish, and popular seafood pots using ingredients like cod milt and monkfish. Enjoy these with their all-you-can-drink course. The izakaya's atmospheric private rooms make it a perfect spot for a delightful dining experience.

Maruyasu Suisan

Open: [Friday,Saturday] 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (last order 1:00 am)[Sunday - Thursday] 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.