One must-try experience for visitors to Japan is yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). The Shinjuku area, in particular, is home to some of Tokyo’s finest yakiniku restaurants. Known as a vibrant area packed with shopping, sightseeing, and entertainment, Shinjuku boasts a culinary diversity that’s one of its most delightful aspects. Here, we introduce three carefully selected restaurants offering the ultimate yakiniku experience in Shinjuku. Conveniently located, these restaurants make it easy to drop by for an exceptional meal between sightseeing or shopping. Let’s dive into each of these spots and see what makes their yakiniku offerings so special.
Yakiniku Kanau
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13276733/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
Located in Shinjuku’s lively Kabukicho district, “Yakiniku Kanau” is a luxurious restaurant with private rooms for all guests, providing a serene and intimate dining experience. The name “Kanau” means “to come true”, and the restaurant displays ema (Japanese wish plaques) as a nod to its theme of fulfilling wishes. This dedication to creating a memorable dining space makes this restaurant especially popular for special occasions, where guests can enjoy top-quality Japanese wagyu in a tranquil, private setting.
“Yakiniku Kanau” is known for its course meals featuring A5-ranked black wagyu beef. Carefully selected fresh meats, including delicacies like yukhoe (Korean-style raw beef) and beef sashimi, are served here, each meeting strict safety standards. “Yakiniku Kanau” also offers Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef, two of Japan’s most renowned wagyu brands, and even serves rare cuts like chateaubriand. With smokeless grills at every table, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about smoke or lingering odors. The restaurant’s modern, sophisticated design creates an ideal ambiance for anniversaries, business dinners, or date nights. Located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, it’s easily accessible by several transportation modes.
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Yakiniku Ushijirushi Shinjuku
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Just a stone’s throw from Shinjuku Station, “Yakiniku Ushijirushi Shinjuku” is an upscale yakiniku restaurant produced by the famous yakiniku chain, Toraji. Designed with a chic black theme, the interior features both table seating and private rooms, creating an elegant, almost dreamlike atmosphere perfect for adult diners looking for privacy and ambiance.
At “Yakiniku Ushijirushi Shinjuku”, the beef is sourced from Toraji Farm, ensuring a unique quality. All dishes are served with a full-attendant service, where a professional chef grills the meat tableside to the ideal doneness, bringing out the true flavor of each cut. Signature dishes include the chateaubriand sandwich, kuro-tan (black beef tongue), and thick-cut wagyu skirt steak. Additionally, seasonal ingredients are incorporated into special dishes, like matsutake mushroom dobin-mushi (steamed in a teapot) and clay-pot rice in the fall. The spacious seating and distinct ambiance create an upscale escape, making this restaurant feel like an exclusive hidden gem. Despite being centrally located in bustling Shinjuku, this restaurant offers a peaceful retreat for a refined dining experience.
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Shinikkan Shinjuku Main Store
(Source.1:https://r.gnavi.co.jp/a676200/photo/)
“Shinikkan Shinjuku Main Store” is a venerable yakiniku restaurant in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, with a history spanning over 50 years. Inspired by traditional Korean mansions, the interior features elegant, private rooms that can accommodate groups large or small. This setting allows diners to relax and enjoy a premium meal in a private, intimate space. Shinikkan serves high-quality Japanese wagyu, including the famed Matsusaka beef and Tokyo X pork, alongside traditional Korean dishes.
“Shinikkan Shinjuku Main Store” is dedicated to quality and uses A5-ranked Matsusaka beef sourced from specific regions. This careful sourcing allows the restaurant to offer a wide variety of cuts, including rare parts that boast a rich aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They also serve Tokyo X pork, which is prized for its natural sweetness and tender fat. The house-made sauces use no preservatives or artificial flavors, letting the natural flavors of each dish shine through. With both table and tatami-style private rooms available, accommodating anywhere from two to twenty people, this restaurant brings a taste of traditional Korea to Shinjuku. It’s the perfect choice for special occasions and quality time with loved ones.
(Source.2:https://r.gnavi.co.jp/a676200/menu7?sc_lid=r-menu_takeout_top)
(Source.3:https://r.gnavi.co.jp/a676200/equipment/koshitsu/)
Conclusion
Each of these three restaurants offers a unique and exceptional yakiniku experience in Shinjuku. From the elegant ambiance of private rooms to the finest A5 wagyu and rare pork cuts, their dishes embody the depth and quality of Japanese food culture. Conveniently located in central Shinjuku, they’re easy to access between shopping and sightseeing. Add a special yakiniku meal to your Japan travels, and experience the richness of Japanese cuisine in Shinjuku for an unforgettable dining memory.