The most vibrant district of Tokyo, Shinjuku is known as the center of nightlife culture in Tokyo. It’s often called “the city never sleeps” and streets of Shinjuku gets brighter at night with flashy neon lights. Shinjuku has several famous drinking spots such as Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.

Shinjuku is home to thousands of eating establishment including restaurants, cafes and bars, and it’s one of the best districts to explore the Tokyo’s food culture. Food in Shinjuku is so diverse, and various kinds of dish and cuisine can be enjoyed at a wide price range.

Check out our picks of the best restaurants in Shinjuku area chosen by locals and tourists!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Sushi Zanmai

Sushi Zanmai (すしざんまい) is a great place to enjoy fresh and tasty sushi with reasonable price. The famous sushi chain has over 30 outlets in Tokyo and currently two of them are located in Shinjuku area. Both restaurant have counter and table seats. There are over 160 items on the menu including ala carte Nigiri sushi, set sushi meals, rolls, sashimi, donburi as well as seasonal items and daily specials. Fresh and well-selected seafood ingredients are delivered from Toyosu Market daily.

Sushi Zanmai Shinjuku Higashiguchi Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/MiSLEqJf6tid2Y2x9
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
Hours: 11:00~22:00

Sushi Zanmai Higashi Shinjuku Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/sTFG8UY7LeQz6Jq96
Access: 3 mins walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station
Hours: 11:00~5:00 next day

2. Ichiran

Ichiran (一蘭) is a Japanese ramen restaurant specialized in Tonkotsu ramen. The fame and popularity of Ichiran are not only big in Japan but also abroad, and there are over 80 branches across Japan and overseas. The signature ramen dish of Ichiran is a Hakata style Tonkotsu ramen served with rich and creamy pork broth soup and thin noodles. The bowl of ramen is completed with toppings of sliced pork chashu, chopped scallion and secret spicy red sauce.

Ichiran is also known for their unique order system and ramen booth seats. The order tickets are sold at the vending machine and there are order sheets that you can fill up to customize your ramen by choosing hardness of noodles, richness of soup, an amount of oil or garlic, etc. Ichiran only has counter seats that are divided individually for customers to focus on the taste of the ramen.

There are currently three Ichiran stores in Shinjuku area.

-Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/CjUaixmSx3WXquja6
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 10:00~6:00 next morning

-Ichiran Kabukicho Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/zic1QfWuZRPwYifN6
Access: 5 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 24 hours

-Ichiran Nishi Shinjuku Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZSmTVScEEfM4ZSSS6
Access: 5 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 10:00~22:30

Related article: ICHIRAN: the Best Classic Tonkotsu Ramen in Shinjuku, Tokyo

3. Rokkasen

Paradise for beef lovers! Rokkasen (六歌仙) is a Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in Shinjuku area, highly popular among both locals and foreign visitors. Rokkasen serves fine-quality Japanese Wagyu beef including Matsuzaka Beef and Kobe Beef cooked in three different styles: Yakuniku, Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot dishes). Besides a wide range of ala carte and regular course dishes, an all-you-can-eat course is available which you can enjoy the high-quality Japanaese beef as much as you like. The drink menu comes with a large selection of beverage that can be paired with the delicious meals. The cozy restaurant has various seating types including private rooms.

▶ Book your table at ROKKASEN here!

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4BSeXZKssBn8An7N8
Access: 2 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: Lunch 11:00~16:00/Dinner 16:00~23:00
Budget: 8,000 JPY~
Genre: Yakiniku, Shabu Shabu
Website: http://www.rokkasen.co.jp/en/index.html

Related article: Rokkasen: the Best Wagyu Restaurant in Shinjuku Tokyo

4. Menya Musashi

Menya Musashi (麺屋武蔵) is a popular ramen restaurant opened its first store in Shinjuku area in 1996 and now has over 10 outlets in Tokyo. The signature ramen of Menya Musashi is made with a flavourful “double soup” combining animal broth (chicken and pork) and seafood broth and topped with a generous amount of toppings such as chunks of pork belly and a soft-boiled egg. Besides the regular ramen, each store of Menya Musashi has a signature ramen dish with a different concept. At the Shinjuku store, you can enjoy Tsukemen (dipping noodles).

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/y8Q3hzALb2L79Dvb7
Access: 4 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 11:00~22:30
Budget: 1,000 JPY~
Genre: Ramen, Tsukemen

5. New York Grill

New York Grill is located on the 52 floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo one of the most upscale hotels in Tokyo. New York Grill is a Western style steakhouse, serving fine and creative dishes including steak and seafood with an astonishing view of Tokyo skyline. The restaurant also offers an abundance of wine selection (the largest selection of US wines in Japan).

Park Hyatt Tokyo is known for the filming location of the film: Lost in Translation. New York Grill restaurant is adjacent to New York Bar, the featured bar where Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) and Bob Harris (Bill Murray) met for the first time. Delicious and creative cocktails can be enjoyed with live jazz music and the views over the sparkling city of Tokyo.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/TKiFZ9VREA6w6c49A
Access: 15 min walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: lunch 11:30~14:30, dinner 17:30~22:00
Budget: lunch 10,000 JPY~, dinner 20,000 JPY~
Genre: Steak, Western Cuisine

6. Ushigoro

Ushigoro (うしごろ) is a franchised Yakiniku restaurant that currently has 6 branches in Tokyo and its Shinjuku branch is located near Shinjuku Station. Ushigoro is one of the best places to taste wagyu beef in Tokyo as it serves only the highest quality A5 rank black-haired Wagyu beef. The restaurant provides the fine quality ingredients, relaxing dining space and excellent customer service. Various parts of wagyu meat are on the menu including marble, red meat and tongue. They also provides course meals which include side dishes and desserts.

▶ Make a reservation at Ushigoro

Map:https://goo.gl/maps/AR9RqeRKHK9eKX666
Access: 4 mins walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
Hours: Mon&Tue 17:00~23:30/ Wed to Fri lunch 11:30~15:00, dinner 17:00~23:30/Sat, Sun and Holiday 11:30~23:30
Budget: 10,000 JPY~
Genre: Yakiniku

7. Gyoza no Fukuho

Gyoza no Fukuho (餃子の福包) is an affordable and delicious gyoza franchise that has currently 4 outlets in Tokyo and their Shinjuku branch is situated in a short walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station. Gyoza no Fukuho serves gyoza cooked with three different methods: pan-fried, boiled and deep-fried, which can be enjoyed together with rice or as a snack along with beer. 6 pieces of gyoza costs only arounf 300 yen. The gyoza is made with a lot of vegetables which is healthy and nutritious.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/DoRsiTiqqotE512S8
Access: 2 mins walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
Hours:Weekdays lunch 11:30～15:30, dinner 17:00～23:00/Sat, Sun and Holiday 11:30~23:00
Budget: 1,000 JPY~
Genre: Gyoza

8. Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi (天ぷら 新宿つな八) is a long-established Tempura restaurant since 1924, serving authentic tempura dishes with excellent service. Tsunahachi has over 20 outlets across Japan and its main branch is located in Shinjuku area. The tempura dishes in Tsunahachi are made with carefully selected ingredients cooked with the perfect temperature and traditional techniqies to maximise the taste of the ingredients and to be light and crispy. Comparing to many other fine tempura restaurants in Tokyo, Tsunahachi is pretty reasonable, especially in lunch time.

▶ Book your table at Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Y7UihFk8KRFJBZHM8
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 11:00〜22:00 (lunch menu until 15:00)
Budget: 2,000 JPY~
Genre: Tempura

9. NABEZO

Nabezo (鍋ぞう) is a franchised Nabe (Japanese hotpot dish) restaurant that has several outlets in and around Tokyo and two of them are located in Shinjuku area. Nebezo serves two types of popular Japanese hotpot dishes, shabu shabu and sukiyaki with a 100-minute all-you-can-eat course. Dishes are served with selected ingredients such as domestic beef, pork and fresh vegetables. There are a variety of sauce and soup that you can customize the dish with various tastes. If you are not sure how to eat shabu shabu or sukiyaki, the friendly staffs would help you and show how to enjoy the dishes.

▶ Book your table at Nabezo Shinjuku

-Nabezo Shinjuku 3-chome Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/dMgB1j4HpwRkyaWH7
Access: 1 min walk from Shinjuku 3 Chome Station
Hours: lunch 11:30~15:00, dinner 17:00~22:30

-Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji-dori Store
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/XV38xLeHHDA1UTce9
Access: 1 min walk from Shinjuku 3 Chome Station, E4 exit
Hours: lunch 11:30~15:00, dinner 17:00~22:30

Budget: 3,000~5,000 JPY
Genre: Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki

10. Fuunji

Fuunji (風雲児) is a highly popular Tsukemen restaurant that attracts ramen fans from all over Japan and there is always a waiting queue outside. The signature dish in Fuunji is Tsukemen (dipping noodles), which is a type of ramen dish with noodles and soup served separately and eaten by dipping noodles into the soup.  Fuunji currently has three branches in Tokyo and its main store is located in Shinjuku area. The delicious Tsukemen is served with medium thick noodles and the rich and aromatic soup made of a perfectly blended broth from selected ingredients including domestic chicken and dried fish. Besides the Tsukemen, a regular type of ramen is also available on the menu.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LZ2WkVVNBdCg6h7x6
Access: 5 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: lunch 11:00~15:00, dinner 17:00~21:00
Budget: 1,000 JPY~
Genre: Ramen, Tsukemen

11. Kobe Beef Ikuta

Kobe Beef Ikuta (神戸牛炭火焼肉 いく田) is an upscale Yakiniku restaurant where you can relax and enjoy delicious wagyu beef away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku area, Tokyo. Ikuta serves only the high grade, rare type of Kobe Beef that is purchased directly from the supplier. The restaurant offers a range of course menu which can be chosen according to your budget. The ala carte menu is also available. Enjoy the umami and sweetness of the fat of the premium Kobe Beef that has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mto3XxHkB5ewjRQz8
Access: 2 mins walk from Yoyogi Station
Hours: Lunch 11:30~14:00 (weekday only)/Dinner 17:00~23:00
Budget: Lunch 2,000 JPY ~/Dinner 10,000 JPY~
Genre: Yakiniku, Wagyu

Related article: Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta: Wagyu BBQ in Shinjuku, Tokyo

12. Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (新宿割烹 中嶋) is a traditional Japanese cusine restaurant that earned one michelin star in 2008. The chef Nakajima offers authentic yet innovative Japanese Kappo cuisine with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. The dishes in Nakajima is based on the traditional culinary art from Kansai region (Western Japan) that’s where he is from. Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima is also known as one of the cheapest michelin starred restaurants in Tokyo, offering affordable lunch set meals with less than 1,000 yen.

▶ Make a reservation at Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Map: http://bit.ly/2I1NO09
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: lunch 11:30～14:00, dinner 17:30～21:00
Closed: Sunday and Holiday
Budget: lunch 1,000 JPY, dinner 10,000 JPY~
Genre: Japanese Cuisine

13. Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu

Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu (Sobahouse 金色不如帰)  is an award-winning ramen restaurant in Shinjuku area. The restaurant won a michelin star in 2018, becoming the third michelin starred ramen restaurant in Tokyo. Over 60 selected ingredients are used for the ramen without using artificial ingredients. Three types of ramen are on the menu at the restaurant: Shio Soba (salt base soup), Soba (soy sauce base soup) and Tsukesoba (dipping noodle) which can be enjoyed with a choice of toppings.  Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu is an extremely popular and waiting time could be around 1 hour during the peak time, but it’s totally worth waiting!

Map: http://bit.ly/2WKax40
Access: 2 mins walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
Hours: lunch 11:00~15:00, dinner 18:30~21:00
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Budget: 1,000 JPY~
Genre: Ramen

14. Nikutei Futago Shinjuku

Nikutei Futago Shinjuku (肉亭ふたご 新宿) is a highend Yakiniku restaurant in Shinjuku area.  With the finest quality ingredients, excellent service and the traditional and stylish ambiance, the restaurant offers an outstanding dining experience. The meat served at Nikutei Futago is the best of high-ranked wagyu beef including Ota wagyu beef from Hyogo Prefecture and Sendai wagyu beef from Miyagi Prefecture and they can be indulged with various styles as there are over 80 items on the menu. The pot-cooked Fukubo Shoten rice which is commnly selected by michelin starred restaurants is served along with the high-quality wagyu beef. There are private and semi-private dining options or cozy table seating.

▶ Make a reservation at Nikutei Futago Shinjuku

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tMb9QL1TYiiFWxwn6
Access: 5 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 17:00~23:00
Budget: 10,000 JPY~
Genre: Yakiniku

15. Shin Udon

Shin Udon (慎 うどん) is a small and cozy restaurant serving one of the best udon dishes in Tokyo.  The restaurant serves homemade udon noodles cut and cooked freshly by order. Their hand-kneaded udon noodles are made with carefully selected wheat flour and have a chewy and firm texture. Udon dishes are available hot or cold, and served with dashi sauce/soup and a variety of toppings including scallions, seaweed, egg and a range of tempura.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/A4uWrre13qY8BBEC6
Access: 6 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 11:00～22:00
Budget: 1,000JPY~
Genre: Udon

16. Zen

Zen (善) is a popular Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) restaurant near Shinjuku Station. Zen offers a variety of flavour for Okonomiyaki from classic to unique ones. There are several Zen special dishes such as Cheese Okonomiyaki, Tomato Okonomiyaki and Zen Special. Besides the classic Osaka style Okonomiyaki, they also serves Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki. Various Teppanyaki (iron griddle cooking) dishes are on the menu, too, such as Monjayaki, Negi Yaki, oysters and scallop. Table, low table and counter seats are available.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/UAVQdrDfCy7UyKUTA
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku 3-chome Station
Hours: 17:00～23:00
Budget: 3,000 JPY~
Genre: Okonomiyaki

17. Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku

Ain Soph. is a healthy and yummy vegan cafe/restaurant that has several branches in Tokyo and Kyoto. Their Shinjuku branch, Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku (アインソフ　ジャーニー 新宿店) is a cozy and charming restaurant situated near Shinjuku Station. The vegan restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming ambience while being on the bustling street of Shinjuku. There is a wide variety of plant-based food, drinks and desserts on the menu made with selected seasonal ingredients, with no animal ingredients such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Gluten free and oriental vegan options are also available.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GcFLASaSHHpXkwGh7
Access: 7 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: lunch 11:30~16:00, dinner 18:00~21:00
Budget: 2,000 JPY~
Genre: Vegan, Cafe

18. Okinawa Paradise

Okinawa Paradise (沖縄パラダイス) is a restaurant/Izakaya (Japanese style gastropub) where you can take a little escape to Okinawa, Japan’s southern tropical island. Okinawa has an unique and distinctive food culture like no other Japanese regions, and there are various regional specialtues. At the restaurant, you can savor delcious and authentic Okinawa’s signatures such as Goya Champuru and Okinawan fried noodles made with local ingredients. The restaurant offers chilled and relaxed island atmosphere hyped by the nightly live performance of traditional Okinawan music and dance.

▶ Make a reservation at Okinawa Paradise

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/yJ4PQxtehYwWjjp6A
Access: 5 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 17:00~24:00
Budget: 3,000 JPY~
Genre: Izakaya

19. Robatasho

Robatasho (ろばた翔) is a modern and tranquil Robatayaki restaurant situated only a few minutes away from Shinjuku Station. Robatayaki is a traditional Japanese style barbecue, in which ingredients are usually grilled over charcoal. Robatasho serves Robatayaki dishes with selected ingredients such as seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood cooked over the charcoal grill in front of customers. There are over 30 kinds of sake on the list which go perfectly with the dishes.  The restaurant changes items on the menu depending on what seasonal ingredients are purchased from suppliers to offer the best sasonal dishes to guests. Both ala carte and course meals are available on the menu.

▶ Book your table at Robatasho, Shinjuku

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hD2ozkMNM51TMjFaA
Access: 2 mins walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 17:00~24:00 (15:00~ Saturday, Sunday and Holiday)
Budget: 5,000 JPY~
Genre: Robatayaki, Japanese

20. Kani Doraku

Kani Doraku (かに道楽) is a popular franchise in Japan specialized in crab cuisine. There are over 30 outlets across the country and some of them have the famous exterior display of the crab statue. Their Shinjuku branch is situated 3 minutes away from Shinjuku 3-chome Station and you can spot the gigantic crab display outside of the building. A wide range of crab dishes are served at the restaurant including boiled, sashimi, freid and grilled. To savor crab in various styles, course meales are highly recommended as they consist of various mouthwatering crab dishes. There are nearly 400 seats and 12 private rooms.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/5gbMZeRbovBDbMqy5
Access: 3 mins walk from Shinjuku 3-chome Station
Hours: 11:30~22:00
Budget: 5,000 JPY~
Genre: Crab

+ Tokyo Classic Food Tour in Shinjuku

Try all the “must-try Japanese dishes” in Shinjuku area with a local guide! Tokyo Classic Food Tour in Shinjuku by Magical Trip is one of the best food tours in Tokyo. The fun and experienced guide takes you to explore the hidden food and drink culture of Shinjuku district in one night! Check the link below for more details 🙂

Thanks for reading! Check out my other articles introducing more restaurants in Shinjuku area. Find the best food in Shinjuku!

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