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Shinjuku Izakaya Guide: 5 Must-Visit Spots to Satisfy Your Cravings

April 13, 2024

Shinjuku is one of Japan's most popular downtown areas, there are many izakaya where you can enjoy Japanese dishes such as sushi, yakitori, tempura, and sashimi that are popular with adults and children alike.

Izakaya in Shinjuku are casual, lively, and reasonably priced, and you are sure to find your favorite izakaya during your trip!

 

TONTON 新宿店 / TONTON Shinjuku

“TONTON 新宿店 / TONTON Shinjuku” is a grilled pork specialty restaurant located near to Shinjuku station,where you can enjoy grilled pork for less than 100 yen per skewer.

The variety meat is the most popular grilled pork skewer, sweet offal skewer, special samgyeopsal, teppanyaki, and other hearty rice dishes that will satisfy you.

 

  • Local Guide’s Point of View

    The homemade sour that goes well with juicy and tender grilled pork is a must try!

    The restaurant's interior shines with 70's pink neon lights and is popular among young people who want to post photos on social media.

     

  • Popular Dishes
  1. Banquet Course with All-You-Can-Drink for 2 hours

    The most popular course is a great value which includes 5 kinds of dishes such as charcoal-grilled pork, yakitori, samgyeopsal, collagen-rich pig's feet with vinegared miso, and pork hotpot.

    Have a very satisfying meal with all-you-can-drink for 2 hours!

     

  2. Charcoal Grilled Pork

    You can order from 1 piece of charcoal-grilled pork or yakitori on the a la carte menu.

    The charcoal-grilled pork and our homemade sour are a perfect match!

    Try the rare hormone skewers!

     

  • Facilities & Services

    The restaurant is lit up with retro neon lights and light bulbs.

    Fully or half private rooms are available for 4 to 30 people.

    Enjoy a fun variety of meats with your friends!

 

ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome

Located in a convenient location directly connected to Shinjuku 3-chome Station, “ハレツバメ 新宿三丁目店 / Haretsubame Shinjuku 3-chome” is a Washoku izakaya that offers a wide variety of popular Japanese dishes such as charcoal-grilled chicken, skewers, Wagyu beef, and obanzai.

Enjoy a special Japanese set meal for dinner for a 2-hour all-you-can-drink course with seasonal ingredients and refreshing Japanese craft gin.

 

  • Local Guide’s Point of View

    Reservations are required for counter seats by the window, where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine while gazing at the glittering night view of Shinjuku.

    It's sure to be the perfect dinner with exquisite charcoal-grilled chicken and cocktails.

     

  • Popular Dishes
  1. Charcoal Grilled Skewers with Special Sansho Sauce

    The charcoal-grilled skewers of chicken marinated in a special Japanese pepper sauce are a must-order!

    The juicy chicken meatballs and chicken onion skewers are deliciously plump and soft, and you can enjoy a different texture by dipping them in the egg yolk sauce.

     

  2. Charcoal Grilled Skewers & Thick Duck Broth Seiro Set

    This is a great value set that includes the famous charcoal-grilled chicken, seasonal obanzai, and "Thick Kamo Dashi Seiro" (buckwheat noodle soup).

    They use “nihachi soba” made from domestically produced buckwheat flour and you can enjoy the high-quality sweetness and aroma.

 

  • Facilities & Services

    If you are a small group and want to enjoy various kinds of Japanese cuisine in a relaxed private space, then this Shinjuku izakaya is sure to satisfy you.

    The counter seats are limited to 2 seats, and the half private room can accommodate up to 4 people.

 

芋蔵 新宿西口店 / Imozo Shinjuku West Gate 

“芋蔵 新宿西口店 / Imozo Shinjuku West Gate” is a Japanese izakaya in Shinjuku where you can enjoy authentic Kyushu cuisine and 100 varieties of shochu imported from all over Japan.

They serve traditional Kyushu home-cooked dishes such as Mots nabe, horse sashimi, grilled chicken and Gyoza dumpling.

 

  • Local Guide’s Point of View

    This izakaya has a good reputation for its selection of shochu, and the cellar has more than 100 varieties!

    Choose the all-you-can-drink course and find your favorite drink!

     

  • Popular Dishes
  1. Wagyu Motsunabe

    The most popular dish is the "Wagyu Motsu Nabe” which is made with fresh, high-quality beef entrails and has a rich, elastic texture.

    The unique rich flavor dissolves into the soup, and the vegetables soaked in the soup stock that condenses the flavor will satisfy your stomach and heart.

     

  2. Hakata Jidori Chicken Grilled on Lava Rocks

    Kyushu cuisine is also popular for its grilled chicken dishes.

    This dish of local chicken from Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, grilled on a lava iron plate, you’ll enjoy the juicy and tender flavor of the chicken.

    Gyoza dumpling is also recommended.

     

  • Facilities & Services

    A popular Japanese izakaya in Shinjuku where you can enjoy a variety of shochu and Kyushu cuisine.

    The fully private rooms can accommodate from 4 to 35 people.

    Don't forget to order Hakata Ramen at the end of your meal!

 

だしや 西新宿店 / Dashiya Nishi Shinjuku

“だしや 西新宿店 / Dashiya Nishi Shinjuku” is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy monjayaki and yakitori grilled on a teppan.

Monjayaki is a popular dish made by mixing ingredients such as cabbage, seafood, meat, and vegetables into batter and grilling it on a hot plate.

Various toppings for a fun dining experience!

 

  • Local Guide’s Point of View

    Just a 2-minute walk from the Lumine exit of Shinjuku Station.

    “Imabari Yakitori” is one of the most famous yakitori in Japan.

    It’s grilled style on a teppan (iron plate) instead of on a skewer.

     

  • Popular Dishes
  1. Mentaiko Mochi Monja

    There are more than 25 kinds of monjayaki, and the most popular one is “Mentaiko and Mochi”.

    Excellent compatibility with lemon sour and draft beer.

    If it's your first time, don't worry!

    The staff will cook monjayaki for you!

     

  2. Peperoncino Monja with Plenty of Shrimp

    "Peperoncino monja" is a dish that is ideal for those who love seafood, and is richly filled with resilient prawns.

    There are over 40 toppings to choose from, and the baby star is addictive!

     

  • Facilities & Services

    The restaurant's spacious wood-grained interior creates a sense of openness, and the monjayaki, okonomiyaki, and yakitori grilled on the teppan while chatting with your friends will liven up the party mood!

 

新宿宮川 昭和ビル店 / Shinjuku Miyagawa Showa Bldg.

The Japanese restaurant and izakaya “新宿宮川 昭和ビル店 / Shinjuku Miyagawa Showa Bldg.” attract your attention with its atmospheric gateway as if you were visiting a ryokan (Japanese inn).

Enjoy Japanese cuisine such as seafood dished yakitori and sashimi prepared with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, along with Japanese sake and shochu.

 

  • Local Guide’s Point of View

    They offer a large selection of sake, mainly local sake from Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, with a gorgeous aroma and rich rice flavor that complements the flavor of seafood dishes.

     

  • Popular Dishes
  1. Authentic Japanese Course | All-you-can-drink for 2 hours

    This course that you can fully enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine such as seasonal seafood directly shipped from the region and yakitori made from domestic chicken with sake.

    Choose the 2-hour all-you-can-drink option, you can compare local sake!

     

  2. Seafood Yuzu Shabu Hot Pot

    Can't miss hot pot dishes!

    “Seafood Yuzu Shabu Hot Pot” recommended by the head chef.

    You can taste “tsukune” which is Japanese chicken balls and seafood at the same time.

     

  • Facilities & Services

    The restaurant has 180 seats in private rooms of various sizes, each with kotatsu to protect your privacy, and is ideal for families, groups, and couples.

    You will be able to find local sake and shochu from all over Japan to match the seasonal dishes.

     

Features of Izakaya in Shinjuku

Some Shinjuku izakaya have a system called Otoshi (table charge), which automatically serves appetizers and dished when you take your seat.

It is usually added to your bill.

 

Written by Milani

Originally from Los Angeles

Lived in Japan for 11 years

I work at a staffing agency as a human resources specialist.

Hobbies: Yoga, Calligraphy, Travel to Asia

Introducing popular Japanese restaurants and izakaya in Shinjuku.