When it comes to experiencing the vibrant culinary scene of Tokyo, few places offer as much diversity and excitement as the Shinjuku area.
Nestled within this bustling district are numerous izakaya, a uniquely Japanese establishment serving hearty food and drinks in a pub-like setting.
Izakaya are known for their casual and lively atmosphere, where friends and family gather to enjoy good food, drinks, and memorable moments together.
While izakaya can be found throughout Japan, Shinjuku's stand out for their exceptional offerings that add a twist to the traditional pub experience.
From specialized cuisines to innovative menus, these establishments showcase the culinary prowess and creativity that Tokyo is known for.
ぞんぶん 新宿三丁目店 / Zonbun Shinjuku 3-chome
A hidden gem in the heart of Shinjuku, "ぞんぶん 新宿三丁目店 / Zonbun Shinjuku 3-chome" is an izakaya that specializes in a certain fish: the splendid alfonsino.
Located within an otherwise inconspicuous house, it is marked by a bright gold and white signboard above the stairs leading down to the establishment.
Once inside, guests are greeted by a relaxing atmosphere that sets the stage for fantastic dining.
At "ぞんぶん 新宿三丁目店 / Zonbun Shinjuku 3-chome", the focus is on high-quality fish sourced directly from the renowned Toyosu Fish Market.
The menu boasts thin slices of splendid alfonsino served as shabu-shabu, a traditional hot pot dish.
This creative preparation allows diners to swish the delicate fish slices with their chopsticks in a mild broth, lightly cooking them before savoring each bite.
For meat enthusiasts, Kuroge Wagyu rare steak is a tantalizing option.
The restaurant also takes pride in serving organic vegetables sourced straight from local farms.
To complement the flavors, "ぞんぶん 新宿三丁目店 / Zonbun Shinjuku 3-chome" offers a carefully curated selection of over a dozen sake brews, exhibiting the diversity and richness of Japan's traditional rice wine.
"ぞんぶん 新宿三丁目店 / Zonbun Shinjuku 3-chome"'s variety of courses, including fish, meat, and vegetables, along with their all-you-can-drink menus, make it an ideal choice for groups looking to indulge in a memorable meal in Shinjuku.
餃包 新宿店 / Gyopao Shinjuku
Situated amidst the lively streets of Shinjuku, "餃包 新宿店 / Gyopao Shinjuku" stands out as an izakaya that delivers a fantastic fusion of Japanese-style pub ambiance and Taiwanese/Chinese cuisine.
As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy and welcoming interior, reminiscent of a local neighborhood hangout.
"餃包 新宿店 / Gyopao Shinjuku" is open for both lunch and dinner.
At the heart of "餃包 新宿店 / Gyopao Shinjuku"'s menu are their renowned Explosive Soup Dumplings, which some reviewers describe as "ginormous".
They are filled with delectable ingredients and served with a variety of soup options, including a comforting chicken broth and a spicy Chinese soup.
In addition to the dumplings, guests can enjoy bite-sized dim sum offerings and the so-called Addictive French Fries.
The menu boasts an extensive range of affordable options, such as spicy chicken and Taiwanese noodles, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.
For those seeking a culinary adventure, Gyopao Gyoza presents the Jellyfish & Cucumber, a dish that offering an extraordinary combination of flavors and textures.
To round off the meal, indulge in the Dekopon(sweet orange with a lump at the top) Gelato, a refreshing dessert that perfectly complements the savory dishes.
The all-you-can-drink menu includes draft beer, a variety of cocktails and liqueurs, shochu, and soft drinks.
Don't miss the opportunity to try the Dragon Beer, a blend of Chinese rice wine and beer, offering a delightful twist.
"餃包 新宿店 / Gyopao Shinjuku"'s seamless integration of Japanese and Taiwanese/Chinese cuisines makes it an exciting and inviting izakaya for locals and tourists alike, offering unforgettable dining in the heart of Shinjuku.
ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome
For aficionados of yakitori, the art of grilling skewered chicken meat and other food, "ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome" is a must-visit izakaya in Shinjuku.
Upon entering, you'll find a cozy and intimate setting, with small and large private rooms available to accommodate groups of up to 34 people.
"ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome" offers a variety of dining options, including a two-hour all-you-can-drink menu and a one-hour all-you-can-eat option.
Their recommended banquet course features a delicious selection of dishes, such as steam pork ribs, cabbage, and kushiyaki (skewered grilled food).
The kushiyaki choices range from an array of chicken and duck options to vegetarian delights like avocado and mushrooms.
Beyond yakitori, the menu caters to diverse preferences, with offerings such as salads, noodles, tempura, and desserts.
Whether you're seeking a hearty meal or lighter fare, "ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome" has something for everyone.
In addition to dinner options, they also offer daytime party plans, featuring a three-hour all-you-can-drink option for celebrations getting off to an early start.
With its dedication to providing a comprehensive menu and accommodating private dining spaces, "ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome" guarantees an enjoyable meal for guests, whether for evening revelry or a daytime gathering.
響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower
"響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower" is a reputable izakaya in Shinjuku that specializes in authentic and premium Japanese cuisine.
This establishment offers guests the choice to sit at the bar or take a table in either the spacious common area or a private room, catering to various dining preferences.
For convenience, reservations can be made online through their English website.
The menu at "響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower" revolves around seasonal banquet courses fashioned through skillful preparation of meat, fish, and vegetables.
Guests can savor a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that are meticulously crafted.
An all-you-can-drink option is also available, ensuring a seamless pairing of beverages with the exquisite cuisine.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, an à la carte menu presents an array of choices to suit individual preferences.
Moreover, "響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower" is open during the day, offering the Luxurious Lunch Set for discerning diners.
The bar at "響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower" serves a delightful selection of exquisite snacks to accompany your drinks.
From Whiskey Marinated Red Shrimp to the mouthwatering Kuroge Wagyu Beef Cutlet Sandwich and the decadent Reverberant Salted Raw Chocolate, each bite is a symphony of flavors.
In addition to Suntory's distinguished Hibiki whiskey, guests can enjoy other Suntory whiskeys, craft gin, vodka, draft beer, sake, and a wide range of fine liquors.
For wine enthusiasts, the izakaya offers a selection of fine vintages from Suntory and other reputable makers.
"響 新宿サザンタワー店 /Hibiki Shinjuku Southern Tower"'s commitment to providing premium dining, both in terms of cuisine and ambiance, solidifies its position as an exceptional Shinjuku izakaya.
まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Shinjuku, "まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku" specializes in sashimi.
What sets this izakaya apart is a dedication to serving seafood prepared from live fish, guaranteeing the freshest flavors and a remarkable texture.
Upon entering, the wooden tables and smooth wood interior create a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for a delightful time.
"まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku"'s menu offerings vary daily, depending on the morning's catch at the fish market.
This ensures a constantly changing selection of sashimi, each enticing you with the freshest and most flavorful seafood available.
The lunch sets at "まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku" provide excellent value for the price, featuring hearty donburi consisting of a bowl of rice topped with an assortment of seafood.
For those seeking non-seafood options, dry-cured ham and fried chicken are also available.
During dinner, guests can treat themselves to various courses that offer a diverse array of sashimi, fried delicacies, and other tasty Japanese cuisine, all accompanied by the option of all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages.
"まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku"'s commitment to handling the fish with utmost care, slowing decomposition and preserving the natural flavors, results in an exceptional sashimi experience that you could probably only reproduce by catching and preparing a meal on the deck of a boat.
The chefs at "まづめ 西新宿店 / Madume Nishishinjuku" transform each piece of seafood into a work of art, tantalizing taste buds with the freshness and delicate balance of flavors.
Features of Izakaya in Shinjuku
Along the vibrant streets of Shinjuku, izakaya offer a multitude of flavors and settings for food enthusiasts.
Whether you're seeking filling fried foods, the bounty of the sea, fusion cuisine, or fine dining with classy drinks, these unique establishments exemplify the diversity and culinary excellence that Shinjuku's izakaya scene has to offer.
Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey filled with wonderful dishes, refreshing drinks, and marvelous memories to take back home.
Written by Farrell
American translator, writer, and photographer based in Kyoto for over 20 years.
Has traveled extensively across Japan and sampled a wide range of the country's cuisine, sukiyaki being his favorite so far.
Enjoys finding excellent yet affordable food in suburbs and other locales away from the popular sightseeing spots.
His photography focuses on the harmonious blend of modern and traditional in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan.
Avid baseball fan.
Go Hanshin Tigers!