Best Izakaya in Shinjuku　5 Top Spots for Yakitori, Robata Grill, and Japanese Oden

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest dining districts, filled with excellent izakaya, yakitori shops, seafood specialists, and traditional Japanese restaurants.
This guide highlights five highly rated izakaya in Shinjuku, Shinjuku-sanchome, and Nishi-Shinjuku, featuring must-try dishes, atmosphere, opening hours, and walking distance from the nearest stations.
If you’re looking for authentic Japanese food in Shinjuku, this list is a great place to start.

HINOTORI (Yakitori)

Address: 7-22-48 Castle Mansion Nishi-Shinjuku 101, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 10 min walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours:
Mon–Thu 17:00–23:00
Fri & Day Before Holidays 17:00–24:00
Sat 16:00–24:00
Sun & Holidays 16:00–23:00
Closed: Irregular
Website: https://hinotori-shinjuku.jp/
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13198082/

HINOTORI is a lively yakitori restaurant in Nishi-Shinjuku known for using fresh “Daisen chicken,” delivered the same morning.
Perfectly grilled skewers pair beautifully with their signature lemon sour cocktails.
Popular items include juicy tsukune, crispy tebasaki, and the melt-in-your-mouth ultra-creamy liver.

Side dishes like charcoal-seared heart with green onions and a “meat-and-egg potato salad” inspired by Japanese nikujaga add creativity to the menu.
End your meal with their famous chicken ramen, a satisfying and flavorful finish.

KAKIBI (Seafood & Robata Grill)

Address: Daiichi Sigma Building 1F/2F, 3-7-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 7 min walk from Shinjuku Station (South-East Exit)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 16:00–23:30 (L.O. 23:00)
Sat 15:00–24:00 (L.O. 23:30)
Sun & Holidays 15:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
Closed: Irregular
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13288570/

KAKIBI specializes in fresh seafood, oysters, and charcoal-grilled robata dishes—a must-visit for seafood lovers in Shinjuku.
Their signature Nodoguro seared sashimi (blackthroat seaperch) is rich, aromatic, and exceptionally buttery.

Oyster dishes are a highlight:
grilled oysters with miso
steamed oysters with ponzu
You can also enjoy thick-cut beef tongue, grilled seasonal vegetables, and premium cuts of wagyu and Daisen chicken cooked over charcoal.
With 25+ varieties of Japanese sake, it’s an ideal spot for travelers looking for high-quality Japanese seafood.

Robata YUI (Robata Grill & Seafood)

Address: Takara Building 1F, 1-4-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 15:00–23:30 (Food L.O. 22:30 / Drinks L.O. 23:00)
Sat, Sun & Holidays 13:00–23:30 (Food L.O. 22:30 / Drinks L.O. 23:00)
Closed: None (Irregular)
Website: https://robata-yui-shinjuku.com/
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13235982/

Robata YUI is one of the most popular robata grill restaurants in Shinjuku, offering premium fish, meat, and vegetables cooked over open flames.
The lively counter seating, with chefs grilling ingredients right in front of you, gives it a classic robata-yaki atmosphere.

Recommended dishes include:
charcoal-grilled Shirahime shrimp
whole grilled fish
soy-glazed grilled bamboo shoots
sake-steamed shellfish
grilled yellowtail with salt
Meat lovers will enjoy Arita beef tail and homemade tsukune.
It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking traditional Japanese grilling with a modern twist.

Kyousuke (Robata & Oden)

Address: Yamaguchi Building B1F, 3-6-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1 min walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, 10 min walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours:
Mon–Fri 16:00–23:15 (Food L.O. 22:30 / Drinks L.O. 22:45)
Sat, Sun & Holidays 15:00–23:15
Closed: Irregular
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13234372/

Known as the go-to “oden restaurant” in Shinjuku-Sanchome, Kyousuke serves delicate Kyoto-style broth with beautifully prepared ingredients.
The Oden Assortment is a must-order, featuring seasonal items steeped in a light yet flavorful dashi.

Beyond oden, their robata dishes are excellent:
grilled wagyu
charcoal-grilled seafood
seasonal vegetables
Their famous foie gras daikon is a luxurious and unique pairing.
The restaurant offers a curated list of sake—from dry to easy-drinking varieties—perfect for food pairing.
The open kitchen adds to the warm, inviting izakaya atmosphere.

Summary

Shinjuku is home to some of the best yakitori, robata grill, seafood izakaya, and Japanese oden restaurants in Tokyo.
Whether you’re looking for casual drinks, authentic Japanese comfort food, or premium charcoal-grilled dishes, these five spots offer unforgettable dining experiences for visitors from abroad.
If you’re exploring where to eat in Shinjuku, be sure to add these restaurants to your Tokyo food itinerary.