Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) is known for its soft texture and rich umami (Japanese savory taste), a perfect balance that is highly regarded in the worldwide gourmet scene. If you are planning to go to Japan, particularly to Shinjuku in Tokyo, these 15 yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants may come in handy. They offer a variety of choices of meat, including premium Wagyu brands such as Kobe and Yamagata beef.
1. Yakiniku Niku En Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Branch
They offer a wide variety of dishes, but the absolute must-try is their [6 Kinds of Special Kuroge Wagyu], priced at 2,500 JPY! It includes carefully selected [Zabuton] (chuck flap), [Misuji] (top blade muscle), [Sirloin], [Loin], and two other cuts that vary every day. These are rare wagyu cuts that are not commonly offered elsewhere, so don't miss out!
Yakiniku Niku En Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Branch
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPY
Address: 1F, Kibo Kabuki-cho Bldg., 1-22-7, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
2. Grilled Aging Beef TOKYO Shinjuku-sanchome Branch
Try it by ordering [5 Kinds of First-class Aged Wagyu Beef] for 4,500 JPY. This set features 5 different cuts of dry-aged beef, so you can enjoy different tastes, textures, and flavors.
Grilled Aging Beef TOKYO Shinjuku-sanchome Branch
[Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (Food L.O. 10:30 pm; Drinks L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: 2nd Monday of the month ※If a national holiday falls on this day, the restaurant is closed the following Tuesday instead. No scheduled closing days for August and December
Average price: [Dinner] 6,200 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 601, Rainbow Village, 3-5-4, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, TokyoMore Details
Reservation
3. Beef-Professional private Shinjuku Main Branch
They also offer fully private rooms with an elegant atmosphere, so even families and groups of women can enjoy yakiniku with ease. One of the restaurant's highly recommended dishes is [Shin, Kiwami], priced at 3,800 JPY. It is an assortment of finest beef cuts, including special tan and Wagyu tomosankaku (a rare part found in the thigh). All cuts are well-marbled, so every bite fills your mouth with an irresistible taste.
Beef-Professional private Shinjuku Main Branch
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Chiyoda Bldg., 2-45-6, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, TokyoMore Details Reservation
4. Nikutei-Futago
They have a wide variety of items on their menu, but if you are into yakiniku, the one that you should not miss is their [Niku Bako Kokoroiki (230 grams of special select beef)] for 8,000 JPY. It is a beef platter that lets you experience the full deliciousness of Kuroge Wagyu. It has carefully selected cuts including harami (cut from internal organs), misuji, tan (beef tongue), as well as other carefully selected beef parts purchased on the same day. All these parts are premium cuts with good marbling, so they literally melt in your mouth.
Nikutei-Futago
Closed: None
Average price: 8,000 JPY
Address: 10F, WaMall Kabuki-cho, 1-18-9, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
5. Yakiniku Motoyama Shinjuku Branch
They offer dishes made from carefully selected A5-grade beef mainly from Kobe cattle, which is known to provide high-quality beef.
Despite that, they offer it at reasonable prices—as much as 40% cheaper than other high-end restaurants.
For 2,980 JPY, you can try their [Koyoi no Wagyu 3-sai], an affordable set that features three kinds of Kuroge Wagyu purchased on the same day, including, of course, Kobe beef. They also have [3 Kinds of Special Beef Cuts] for 2,880 JPY. This dish features 3 kinds of rare beef cuts.
Yakiniku Motoyama Shinjuku Branch
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station, west exit. 1 minute from Toei Oedo line, Nishi Shinjuku Station.
Address: 2F, Daihan buildense, 7-10-12 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details Reservation
6. Shinjuku Yakiniku USHIHACHI Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Branch
If you wish to try one of their delectable dishes, order their [3 Kinds of Specially Selected Wagyu] for 2,990 JPY. It features 3 carefully selected beef cuts that vary every day, so you can enjoy the exquisite umami, soft texture, and exceptional marbling that are unique to Wagyu.
Shinjuku Yakiniku USHIHACHI Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Branch
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 1F / 2F, 1-21-2, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
7. Yakiniku & Seafood Kaen Shinjuku East Exit Branch
They have a wide variety of rare, high-quality beef cuts, such as the classic [Special Galbi] for 1,922 JPY and [Special Loin] for 1,706 JPY, as well as the soft [Zabuton] that would melt in your mouth, and [Misuji], full of meaty umami. If you want to have good balance between excellent marbling and lean meat, try their [Rib Loin (with vegetables), 150 g] for 3,002 JPY.
Yakiniku & Seafood Kaen Shinjuku East Exit Branch
[Weekends, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 3,800 JPY
Address: 4F, Keystone Bldg., 3-28-7, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
8. Gyu no Tatsujin Private Nishi Shinjuku Branch
Gyu no Tatsujin Private Nishi Shinjuku Branch
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 2F, YS Bldg., 7-16-12, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, TokyoMore Details
9. Yakiniku Blackhole Shinjuku Central Road Branch
One of their best yakiniku options is [Thickly Sliced Special Tan] at 2,400 JPY; however, they only have enough to serve it to 3 customers per day, as only about 200 grams of this rare beef cut can be harvested from each cattle. It is loved by many for its soft texture that resembles fillet meat when quick-grilled. Another dish to try is their [Tsubo-zuke Ippon Galbi], where sauce is soaked into the meat, costing 1,500 JPY.
Yakiniku Blackhole Shinjuku Central Road Branch
[Weekends, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None ※Aside from beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Big Lemon Bldg., 1-15-5, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
10. Yakiyaki Tenryu
To get the most out of your experience at the restaurant, try their [Wagyu Set] that lets you taste various beef cuts without having to order them separately. The chefs themselves vouch for the quality of this dish. Another highly recommended dish is [Special Harami], costing 1,280 JPY. Despite technically being a part of an internal organ, this beef cut is loved across generations for its juiciness and delicious taste that leave you wanting more. Their [Special Tan Shio (1,080 JPY)] (thickly sliced salted gyutan (beef tongue)) is also a hit, even among female customers.
Yakiyaki Tenryu
[Friday - Sunday] 11:00 am - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, 1-22-7, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
11. Fresh Samgyeopsal and Korean BBQ Tomodachi X NEW Kyoen Shinjuku Branch
Feel free to help yourself to their great beef dishes, including [Specially Selected Galbi] (1,800 JPY per serving), known for its well-marbled and incredibly tender texture, and [Special Tan Shio] (salted gyutan, priced at 2,300 JPY per serving), its softness on par with that of tenderloin, to name a few. Also, do not miss their [Tsubo-zuke Galbi]. For only 1,800 JPY, you can taste this wonder that really highlights the taste of their secret sauce!
Fresh Samgyeopsal and Korean BBQ Tomodachi X NEW Kyoen Shinjuku Branch
Closed: None ※Closed only on January 1
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Kyoen Bldg., 1-28-3, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
12. Tokori Shinjuku NOWA Building Branch
Tokori Shinjuku NOWA Building Branch
[Weekends, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm ※4:00 pm - 11:30 pm on Saturday
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Address: 3-37-12, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
13. Yugentei Shinjuku
If you are after their wagyu selection, try their [3 Kinds of Wagyu Assortment] at 9,500 JPY. In one platter, you can enjoy 3 different succulent beef cuts with varying umami and marbling quality. They also offer a variety of dishes made from fresh beef, such as [Yukhoe] for 1,900 JPY and [Steamed Beef Tail] for 1,500 JPY.
Yugentei Shinjuku
[Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 3:00 am ※Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 10,001 JPY - 15,000 JPY
Address: Jojoen Bldg., 1-10-7, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
14. Shiro ka Kuro
Shiro ka Kuro
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 101, Nojima Bldg., 8-6-2, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
15. Choushunkan
For a reasonable price of 1,550 JPY, you can order their classic [Wagyu Galbi], an exquisite cut of carefully selected A4-grade Wagyu beef. Their [Special Wagyu Galbi (150 g)] for 3,700 JPY is also loved by many, as its meat quality is on par with that of a steak. If you want to further enjoy grilled Wagyu, you can also try their thickly sliced [Wagyu Tenderloin] (3,100 JPY) and [Special Wagyu Loin] (2,300 JPY) that you will surely love because of its rich umami filling your mouth.
Choushunkan
[Monday - Saturday] Until 1:00 am (L.O. 12:15 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Until 12:00 am (L.O. 11:15 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 3-8-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)
16. Niku no Tajima Ogibashi Main Branch
Niku no Tajima Ogibashi Main Branch
Closed: Monday (following weekday if it's a National Holiday), From 31 Dec to 4 Jan
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line/Oedo Line, 10-minute walk Sumiyoshi Station on Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line/Toei Shinjuku Line
Address: 1-4-1, Ogibashi, Koto-ku, Tokyo Map