Top 5 Izakaya in Shinjuku – Enjoy the Best of Japanese Seafood and Wagyu Beef

Shinjuku is home to a wide range of izakaya — from lively, casual pubs serving fresh seafood to refined meat-focused dining spots perfect for adults.
Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s nightlife, finishing a workday, or simply looking for a place to relax with great food and drinks, these five izakaya capture the very best of Shinjuku’s dining culture.
Here’s our curated guide to the top izakaya in Shinjuku, where you can enjoy delicious Japanese fish, beef, and sake in a variety of styles and atmospheres.

Asobare Shinjuku

Address: 5F Royal Prince Building, 3-35-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (Southeast Exit) / 2 min from Shinjuku-sanchome Station / 4 min from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (about 206m)
Hours: Mon–Sun 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:30 PM)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13176633/

Supervised by a chef with a luxury hotel background, Asobare specializes in wagyu and gyutan (beef tongue) dishes.
The thick-cut charcoal-grilled beef tongue is tender yet satisfyingly chewy, bursting with rich flavor.
You can also enjoy yukhoe (Korean-style tartare), spare ribs, and gyutan rice bowls in a cozy, wood-accented interior with semi-private tables.
Perfect for small groups or couples who want to experience refined Japanese meat cuisine in a lively yet elegant atmosphere.

48 Gyojyou Nishi-Shinjuku

Address: 1F Shinjuku Misuzu Building, 7-8-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (West Exit) / 3 min from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (about 214m)
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM) / Sat–Sun & Holidays 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13146549/

A seafood-focused izakaya directly connected to fishermen across Japan.
Their signature dishes include the “Honki Sashimi Platter” featuring ultra-fresh fish, and the dynamic “Shellfish Hot Pot” made with assorted clams.
Other highlights include charcoal-grilled seasonal seafood and katsuo warayaki (bonito seared over burning straw) — a specialty you can only find at this branch.
Enjoy the exciting live atmosphere from the counter, where chefs grill and plate dishes right before your eyes.

Takigen

Address: 1-23-7 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from JR Okubo Station (South Exit, about 154m)
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (L.O. 9:30 PM)
Closed: Sat, Sun & Holidays
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130404/13078842/

Founded in 1970, Takigen is a beloved sakana izakaya (fish-focused pub) known for its fresh seafood straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
Regulars rave about the fried hatahata (sandfish), tara tofu (cod and tofu hotpot), and grilled hon-maguro (bluefin tuna jaw).
The nostalgic, old-school interior adds to the charm, making it a favorite among locals seeking traditional Japanese comfort food and sake.
A perfect stop for travelers wanting to experience Tokyo’s down-to-earth izakaya culture.

Hakata Robata Marufuku

Address: B1F Shimada Building, 1-15-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from JR & Metro Shinjuku Station (about 262m)
Hours:
Mon–Thu 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Fri 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sat 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sun & Holidays 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13296743/

A Kyushu-style robata (charcoal grill) izakaya hidden in the backstreets of Nishi-Shinjuku.
Signature dishes include goma buri (amberjack sashimi with sesame sauce) and a trio of premium horsemeat sashimi.
Every dish is carefully prepared with seasonal ingredients from Kyushu, paired beautifully with sake or shochu.
The cozy, dimly lit interior makes it an ideal spot for a quiet evening — casual yet refined, and full of regional flavor.

Nakizakana Shinjuku

Address: B1F Royal Prince Building, 3-35-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (Southeast Exit) / Toei & Keio Lines (A8 Exit) (about 206m)
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM) / Sat–Sun & Holidays 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13035698/

A refined seafood izakaya serving fish sourced daily from fishermen across Japan.
Beyond classic tuna and sea bream, Nakizakana offers rare seasonal catches that never make it to Tokyo’s wholesale markets — thanks to its exclusive supply routes.
Chefs work closely with fishers to ensure each ingredient is handled with care, resulting in pristine flavor and texture.
Pair their beautifully plated sashimi or grilled fish with premium Japanese sake for a truly satisfying dining experience.

Summary

From rustic seafood pubs to wagyu-focused dining and Kyushu-style robata grills, Shinjuku’s izakaya scene captures the full range of Japan’s culinary soul.
Each spot offers a different mood — casual, romantic, or lively — but all share the same dedication to great food and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re craving fresh sashimi or perfectly grilled beef tongue, discover your favorite local izakaya in the heart of Shinjuku.