Best Japanese Restaurants & Izakaya in Shinjuku — Top Spots for Lunch and Dinner

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most vibrant districts, offering everything from casual lunch spots to high-end restaurants with breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese cuisine, a cozy izakaya, or an elegant dinner with a skyline view, Shinjuku has something for every traveler.
In this guide, we introduce some of the best Japanese restaurants and izakaya in Shinjuku—perfect for lunch breaks, evening meals, or special occasions during your Tokyo trip.

Hoshizora no Naka e (Nishi-Shinjuku)

Hoshizora no Naka e (Nishi-Shinjuku)
Address: 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Nomura Building 50F, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
Hours: 11:30–14:00 / 17:00–23:00
Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/hosizoranonakahe/shinjyuku
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13098329/

Located 200 meters above ground on the 50th floor, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Shinjuku skyline.
For lunch, visitors can enjoy reasonably priced Japanese dishes such as shrimp & vegetable tempura bowls, “una-tama” eel & egg set meals, and colorful seafood rice boxes.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more refined, with seasonal Japanese cuisine served alongside panoramic night views of Tokyo.

Gyoen Chaya ZUZU (Shinjuku Gyoenmae)

Address: 1-1-1 Shinjuku, Wako Gyoen Building 102, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 4 minutes on foot from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (Exit 2), 9 minutes from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station
Hours:
Tue 11:30–15:30 (L.O. 14:45)
Wed–Fri & Day before Holidays 11:30–15:30 / 17:30–21:00 (L.O. 20:15)
Sat 11:00–21:00 (L.O. 20:15)
Sun & Holidays 11:00–20:30 (L.O. 19:45)
Closed: Monday
Website: https://gyoenchaya-zuzu.com/
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130402/13272123/dtlrvwlst/

Famous for its fragrant kama-meshi (traditional Japanese clay-pot rice), this restaurant offers comforting flavors with a modern touch.
Popular lunch options include sea bream kama-meshi with yuzu and salmon & ikura kama-meshi served as a Japanese-style ochazuke.
For dinner, guests can enjoy additional small plates and carefully selected sake.
The rice is premium “Tsuyahime” from Yamagata, polished using the special Kinmemai method.

Oden to Sakana Ninoya (Shinjuku West Exit)

Address: 1-4-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Daisan Kato Building 1F, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 1 minute on foot from Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 16:00–23:00
Sat, Sun & Holidays 15:00–23:00
Website: https://ikkadining.co.jp/dining/ninoya/index.html
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13248229/

A cozy izakaya specializing in oden made with flavorful roasted flying-fish broth.
In addition to classic oden items, the menu includes dishes like beef-tongue daikon, clam oden, sashimi platters, and oyster gratin—offered at very reasonable prices.
The shop features both standing counters and table seating, making it ideal for a quick drink or a full Japanese-style dinner.

Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto (Shinjuku East Exit)

Address: 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Peace Building 5F, Tokyo
Access: 3 minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station (Central East Exit), 3 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
Hours:
11:30–15:00 (L.O. 14:30)
17:00–22:30 (Food L.O. 21:45 / Drinks L.O. 22:00)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13302759/

This restaurant offers melt-in-your-mouth Kuroge Wagyu sukiyaki at very affordable prices.
Lunch is especially budget-friendly, while dinner features a wide selection of side dishes and craft beers.
A great choice for travelers who want to experience one of Japan’s most beloved traditional meals without the high cost.

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (Shinjuku Sanchome)

Address: 3-32-5 Shinjuku, Nibara Building B1F, Tokyo
Access: 3 minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station (South/East Exit), 2 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (Exit A1)
Hours:
Tue–Sat 11:30–14:00 / 17:30–21:00
Closed: Monday, Sunday, Holidays
Website: http://www.shinjyuku-nakajima.com/
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13000959/

A renowned Michelin one-star Japanese restaurant offering refined kappo cuisine.
Seasonal ingredients are carefully prepared using both traditional and innovative techniques.
The lunch menu—featuring sashimi sets, fried fish sets, and simmered fish sets—is surprisingly affordable, making it an excellent way to experience fine Japanese cuisine.

Summary

Shinjuku offers an incredible variety of Japanese dining—from scenic high-rise restaurants to cozy izakaya and Michelin-rated kappo dining.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a relaxed evening meal, or a special dining experience during your Tokyo trip, you’ll find the perfect spot in Shinjuku.
Enjoy exploring the rich world of Japanese cuisine in one of Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhoods.