Top 5 Japanese Restaurants and Izakaya in Shinjuku – Where to Enjoy Authentic Washoku and Seasonal Flavors

Shinjuku is filled with restaurants where you can enjoy everything from local-style set meals to refined Japanese cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re sightseeing, finishing a workday, or exploring Tokyo’s nightlife, these five restaurants offer a perfect balance of quality, atmosphere, and value.
From casual local eateries to sophisticated dining spots with modern flair, discover the best places in Shinjuku to experience the art of washoku — Japan’s traditional cuisine.

Imagawashokudo Nishi-Shinjuku

Address: 2F Daikan Plaza Business Kiyota Building, 7-9-15 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from JR or Seibu-Shinjuku Station / 3 min from Nishi-Shinjuku Station (154m from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13285727/

With the concept of “EAT LOCAL – Enjoy the Taste of the Season,” this popular restaurant sources fresh fish directly from Miura Peninsula without going through the market, offering high-quality seafood at reasonable prices.
Everything from sauces to side dishes is homemade for healthy, well-balanced meals.
Their signature Goma Saba Bowl (sesame-marinated mackerel on rice) is a must-try, along with Namero Bowl (minced fish seasoned with miso) and Shonan Whitebait Bowl topped with fragrant shiso.
If you love tuna, try the Negitoro Bowl made with large chunks of Misaki maguro — a satisfying mix of flavor and texture.

Shinjuku Roku

Address: M1F Cosmos Shinjuku 18 Building, 6-4-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7, about 541m)
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM) / 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM)
Sat, Sun & Holidays 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM)
Closed: New Year holidays
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13241839/

Located away from the bustle of central Shinjuku, Shinjuku Roku is a stylish izakaya offering creative Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.
Every dish, from appetizers to mains, is beautifully presented and full of flavor.
Popular dishes include motsu-nabe (offal hotpot), handmade dumplings, motsu-ni (slow-cooked beef tripe), and their famous mentaiko omelet.
The calm, modern interior makes it ideal for a relaxed dinner with friends or a cozy date night.

Tori Dining & Bar Goto

Address: B1F Fujino Building, 7-4-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (West Exit) / 2 min from Oedo Line Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station (155m from Seibu-Shinjuku Station)
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (L.O. 2:00 PM) / 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (L.O. 9:45 PM)
Sat 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (L.O. 9:45 PM)
Closed: Sun & Holidays
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13114279/

This hidden yakitori dining bar specializes in premium chicken dishes made with Suigo Akadori, a prized breed from Chiba Prefecture.
Their “Ultimate Oyako-don” — grilled chicken glazed with soy sauce and topped with silky eggs — is truly unforgettable.
From juicy fried chicken to char-grilled skewers, every dish pairs perfectly with their curated selection of sake, shochu, and wine.
An excellent choice for those who want to enjoy authentic Japanese chicken cuisine in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Marudori Ruisuke

Address: 1F Daini Takahashi Building, 7-14-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 8 min walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station / 10 min from JR Shinjuku Station (263m from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station)
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (L.O. 10:30 PM)
Closed: Dec 31 – Jan 4
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13117734/

A specialty restaurant focused on chicken and seasonal vegetables, Marudori Ruisuke is one of Shinjuku’s local favorites.
Their signature whole fried chicken is crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, locking in all the flavor.
They use Daisen chicken from Tottori Prefecture and fresh morning-picked vegetables from the Miura Peninsula.
The menu pairs beautifully with a wide range of sake and shochu, making it a great spot for groups or casual dinners.

Shokudo Wata

Address: 1F Kusama Building, 1-19-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station (221m)
Hours: Mon & Thu 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM / Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Sunday
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130402/13301720/

Run by a chef trained at one of Japan’s top restaurants, Wata offers refined yet casual Japanese dining in the quiet Shinjuku-Gyoen area.
The menu features charcoal-grilled fish, crispy fried dishes, and creative small plates using seasonal ingredients.
Lunch offers hearty and affordable set meals, while dinner time brings a calm atmosphere perfect for enjoying sake with delicately prepared dishes.
It’s a hidden gem for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of Japanese home-style cooking with a touch of elegance.

Summary

Shinjuku offers an incredible range of Japanese dining experiences — from creative washoku and fresh seafood bowls to expertly grilled chicken and comforting set meals.
All these spots are within easy walking distance from major stations and provide a welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers, groups, and couples alike.
If you’re looking to taste the heart of Japanese comfort food culture, these five restaurants capture the authentic flavors of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.