Top 10 Best Restaurants Shinjuku: Must-Try Eateries

Known as Tokyo’s busiest district, both a business and entertainment hub, Shinjuku sees about 3.5 million people pass through its famous train station every day.

Both locals and tourists flock to this neon-lit district, streets are filled with unique boutiques and brand names, and, of course, mouth-watering dishes, including delectable sushi, await in Shinjuku restaurants that are tucked away, just out of sight.

With an eclectic blend of culinary delights, Shinjuku caters to every palate, offering everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to innovative fusion dishes. Amidst the bustling energy of this vibrant district, diners can find intimate izakayas, sophisticated sushi bars, and avant-garde gastronomic experiences.

Embark on a culinary journey through Shinjuku's finest as we uncover the top 10 best restaurants that promise unforgettable dining adventures.

ByFood host Shizuka wanders through Shinjuku's Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho neighborhoods.

Watch the full video over on the byFood YouTube channel.

Sushi Mitsuyoshi is an intimate sushi spot in Shinjuku, offering a refined Edomae omakase experience with seasonal ingredients. The chef crafts traditional sushi courses, complemented by a range of simmered and grilled dishes. Patrons can enjoy a selection of premium sake, shochu, and even champagne, including rare domestic options. The restaurant’s hidden location and blend of modern and traditional interiors make it a popular choice for special occasions. Lunch and dinner omakase courses are available, including a short course for those short on time.

Yakitori Ruike in Nishi-Shinjuku offers a refined dining experience, serving high-quality yakitori made from premium Daisen and Date chicken. 

The restaurant’s tranquil atmosphere contrasts with the lively Shinjuku izakaya scene, providing a perfect spot to enjoy their signature dishes like melt-in-your-mouth liver and ramen or tamago kake gohan (colloquially known as TKG) to finish. With its modern Japanese interior and exceptional food, Yakitori Ruike stands out as a must-visit.

Tenkane in Shinjuku is a tempura haven that transports diners to bygone times with its traditional atmosphere and meticulous preparation. Established in 1903, this historic restaurant offers an intimate dining experience where guests can watch skilled chefs craft each crispy piece of tempura from the freshest ingredients sourced daily from Toyosu Market.

Adorned with artworks by Sotaro Yasui, Tenkane combines nostalgia with culinary excellence, featuring not only tempura but also sashimi and delightful desserts.

Kyourakutei is an affordable one-star Michelin soba restaurant in Shinjuku that specializes in making hand-cut soba noodles. The grain is milled, the dough is kneaded, and the noodles are cooked fresh daily. You can even watch the chef make the noodles right before your eyes as you enter the restaurant. Sitting at the counter seats gives you the best view of the open kitchen, where you will see how your bowl of noodles is made.

Aside from their signature soba dishes, you can also find other dishes such as jumbo Japanese tiger shrimp and conger eel, dipped into a thin layer of tempura batter and fried until golden brown. It’s a comfortable restaurant where you can dine, relax, and be at ease with your family and friends, and for a Michelin-starred restaurant, it is quite affordable.

Nothing beats a big bowl of ramen to end the busy day. In Shinjuku, one go-to ramen shop is Menya Syo. This ramen-ya is popular for serving delicious bowls of ramen at cheap prices.

Shio ramen, also known as salt-flavored ramen, is their specialty dish. This light but filling bowl of ramen has that clear taste of chicken broth and addictive saltiness that stimulates the appetite even more and keeps you salivating! It’s heaven in a bowl, and won’t leave you feeling too heavy afterward, unlike some other types of ramen like tonkotsu. No wonder people line up for this simple dish.

Kohaku, nestled in Shinjuku, offers an exquisite kaiseki dining experience crafted by Koji Koizumi, Japan’s youngest three-star Michelin chef. Known for blending traditional Japanese cuisine with innovative ingredients like foie gras and truffles, Kohaku provides a masterful and artful culinary journey.

The restaurant’s elegant setting, adorned with beautiful wall hangings and floral displays, enhances the refined atmosphere, making it a true gastronomic haven.

Dive into the rich flavors of Shabushabu Okaka Shinjuku. This restaurant is renowned for its shabu-shabu, featuring Satsuma black pork simmered in a unique bonito-based broth.

Witness the art of oigatsuo, where paper-thin bonito flakes are added to the broth, creating a burst of flavor. The culinary expertise and theatrical presentation make dining here a memorable experience, perfect for lovers of Japanese hotpot.

Eating at Udon Shin requires patience, but give this Shinjuku restaurant a shot and you’ll appreciate their made-to-order system and the attention to their craft. Udon Shin’s handmade noodles are cut and boiled upon receiving your order, ensuring the freshest possible noodles. Their menu includes 26 styles of udon, both traditional and unique dishes.

One of the bestsellers is their cold udon served with delicate chashu (braised pork) slices and shrimp and veggie tempura. But if you prefer your noodles hot, they also have a wide selection of dishes. Try their Kamatama Udon with parmesan cheese, butter, bacon, and pepper. For something simpler, they also have the classic Tenkake Udon, with 2 pieces of shrimp tempura alongside other vegetables.

Kagurazaka Ishikawa is a 3-star Michelin restaurant in Shinjuku unlike any other. Located in the traditional, former geisha district of Kagurazaka, the tone for your meal is set before you even set foot inside the kaiseki restaurant. Once you have arrived, you will instantly feel the hospitality and aesthetics of Japan. The easygoing chef-owner, Hideki Ishikawa, will greet you with a warm smile and conversation. Every dish is prepared deliberately, with delicate precision.

Chef Hideki sources all of his ingredients locally and uses familiar ingredients that you can find anywhere in Japan, but he puts his special twist on his dishes, which are ultra-seasonal, in true kaiseki style. Imagine wild spring veggies and wagyu served in a personal hot pot, conger eel with matsutake mushrooms in the fall, or maybe grilled ayu sweetfish in the summer. Through simplicity and elegance, Chef Hideki pours his heart into each dish, and even the setting and tableware enhance the kaiseki experience.

Yakiniku Ushi Jirushi Shinjuku offers a premium yakiniku experience where expert grillers cook Toraji’s brand of Kuroge wagyu beef to perfection. This chic establishment ensures each cut, sourced from their award-winning Toraji Ranch, is grilled for optimal flavor and texture. 

Guests can also enjoy a curated selection of wines, teas, and sakes, making every meal a gourmet delight. Located conveniently near Shinjuku Station, it's an ideal spot for meat lovers seeking an elevated dining experience.

Each of these eateries stands out for its distinctive approach to cuisine and its dedication to providing an exceptional culinary experience. The top 10 best restaurants in Shinjuku showcase an array of flavors and dining styles, from the comforting familiarity of Udon Shin's handmade noodles to the sophisticated elegance of Kagurazaka Ishikawa's kaiseki artistry.

Embarking on this gastronomic journey through the best restaurants Shinjuku has to offer invites a deeper appreciation of both the art of Japanese cuisine and the vibrant energy of this iconic district. So, set forth with an open heart and a curious palate — Shinjuku's culinary treasures are ready to delight and inspire.

Check out our other food and travel guides for Tokyo's busiest neighborhood.

• Best Food Tours in Shinjuku
• Best Cooking Classes in Shinjuku
• Best Things To Do in Shinjuku
• Best Ramen Joints in Shinjuku
• Best Breakfast & Cafes in Shinjuku

This blog post was originally written by Catherine Flores. It was updated by byFood staff in August 2024.