20 Best Restaurants in Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku Food Guide

Shinjuku at Night

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!


1. SUSHI ZANMAI (すしざんまい 東新宿店)

Enjoy fresh and tasty sushi with reasonable price! Sushi Zanmai is the most popular franchised Sushi restaurant in Tokyo. The Shinjuku branch is open for 24 hours everyday!

2. ICHIRAN RAMEN (一蘭 新宿中央東口店)

One of the most famous tonkotsu Ramen restaurants in Japan, Ichiran serves authentic creamy pork broth Ramen from Fukuoka City. The shops is also known for its unique counter seats and ordering system.

3. ROKKASEN (六歌仙)

Paradise for beef lovers! Rokkasen provides delicious and high quality Matsuzaka Beef cooked in various ways including Yakiniku (BBQ), Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki.

Book your seat at ROKKASEN here!

4. Menyamusashi (麺屋武蔵)

Delicious Ramen which you shouldn’t miss! Try their signature Ramen or Tsukemen with rich and aromatic soup blended by their secret recipe!

5. New York Grill and Bar

Indulge with the fine dining dishes and top-notch cocktail with the gorgeous Tokyo view. New York Grill and Bar is known as the shooting location of the movie, Lost in Translation.

6. Himawari Sushi (ひまわり寿司 新都心店)

Try delicious and fresh Sushi at reasonable price at Himawari Sushi, the popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the heart of Tokyo.

7. Tempura Tsunahachi (天ぷら 新宿つな八)

The long-established Tempura restaurant, Tsunahachi serves delightful Tampura dishes cooked to perfection.

8. Tonkatsu Hamakutsu (とんかつ濵かつ)

Born in Kyushu Region, Hamakatsu is a well-established Tonkatsu restaurant offering a variety of Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet) and fried dishes at affordable prices.

9. TERAUMA (てら旨)

Mouthwatering Okonomiyaki dishes with various classic and unique flavours/toppings.

10. NABEZO (鍋ぞう)

Nabezo offers delicious “All-You-Can-Eat” hot pot dishes (Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki) with selected ingredients at very affordable price.

11. Fuunji

One of the most popular Ramen shops in Tokyo, Fuunji offers Rich and aromatic Ramen dishes. Try their signature, Tsukemen (dipping style Ramen).

Fuunji : Best Tsukemen Style Ramen Restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo!

12. Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta

One of the best places to try Kobe Beef in Tokyo. Serving only selected, high ranked Kobe Beef cooked simply on charcoal grill.

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

13. Watering Hole

Real oasis in the city with over 20 kinds of international craft beer straight from tap. Delicious bar snacks are available on the menu.

Shinjuku Restaurant Guide-vol.13: Watering Hole

14. Shin Udon

Meet the perfection for Udon noodle at Shin Udon, Shinjuku. Freshly cut and boiled Udon noodles are served with delicious dashi sauce/soup and freshly cooked Tempura toppings.

Shinjuku Restaurant Guide-vol.14: Shin Udon

15. Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka

The favourite gem of international travellers! The Muslim & Vegan friendly Ramen restaurant near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. There are English speaking staff and English menu available.

Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka : Best Halal/Vegan Restaurant in Shinjuku

16. Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Tokyo’s most affordable Michelin starred dish can be enjoyed at Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima. The lunch meal is served for only 1,000 yen that comes with a main dish, rice and miso soup.

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima: Michelin-Star Restaurant in Shinjuku

17. Ain Soph Ripple

Healthy & yummy 100% Vegan cafe in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. The cozy and casual cafe serves a huge variety of Vegan dishes including burger, salad, burritos and more.

Shinjuku Restaurant Guide-vol.17: Ain Soph Ripple

18. Metropolitan Grill

Fine quality American style steakhouse at Hilton Tokyo. The selection of Wagyu, domestic and imported meat is grilled with real firewood in the restaurant.

Metropolitan Grill: Authentic Steakhouse in Shinjuku, Tokyo

19. Kani Doraku

Kani Doraku is a franchised restaurant that specialises in crab. The restaurant is famous for the exterior display of gigantic moving red crab. All kinds of crab dishes can be enjoyed at Kani Doraku.

Shinjuku Restaurant Guide-vol.19: Kani Doraku

20. Mizutaki Genkai

A long-established traditional Japanese restaurant since 1928 dedicated to Mizutaki (hot pot dish). Try their healthy and flavourful creamy soup from chicken and vegetable stock.

Shinjuku Restaurant Guide-vol.20:Mizutaki Genkai


+ 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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