Best Shinjuku’s Izakaya for Foreighners

shinjuku

Shinjuku, the center of Tokyo’s nightlife, offers a wide variety of izakayas.

From cheap izakayas perfect for young students to romantic izakayas for couples, and even Michelin-recommended hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.

This guide will introduce you to the best izakayas in Shinjuku that are popular with foreigners.

Experience the atmosphere of an authentic Japanese izakaya.

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8 Best Izakaya in Shinjuku

Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku

seafood of Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku
Yonpachi Gyojou official website

Yonpachi Gyojou Nishi-Shinjuku is one of Shinjuku’s best seafood izakayas in Shinjuku.

Their specialty is that they purchase fresh seafood from the local market every day, so you can enjoy fresh Japanese seafood right in the middle of Shinjuku.

They keep the fish alive in a tank until an order is placed, a practice known as “Iki Kokeshi,” which allows them to keep the taste as fresh as possible.

This is recommended for those who want to enjoy authentic Japanese seafood in Shinjuku.

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AddressShinjuku Misuzu Building 1F, 7-8-3 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
OpenMon – Fri : 5pm – 11pm
Sat,Sun : 4pm – 11pm
Websitehttps://shop.ap-holdings.jp/48gyojyou/detail/83/

Kisaiya Hide

Earning a coveted Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin, Kisaiya Hide represents the sophisticated side of Shinjuku’s izakaya culture.

The chef is originally from Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, and has experience working in high-end restaurants in his hometown, seasonal ingredients directly from his hometown.

You can enjoy pairing the delivered seasonal ingredients with sake.

The food is beautifully presented, and the restaurant is modern and clean, making it the perfect place for a special dinner.

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Address6-23 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Open5:30pm – 10:30pm
Websitehttps://kisaiyahide.gorp.jp/

Niku Baru Amore Shinjuku

seat of Niku Baru Amore Shinjuku
Niku Baru Amore Shinjuku official website

Niku Baru Amore Shinjuku is an izakaya where you can enjoy high-quality wagyu beef at reasonable prices.

Their signature dish, A4 wagyu beef sushi, is lightly seared to perfection, letting you savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture of premium beef.

They also serve Western dishes such as cheese and pizza, so it can meet a wide range of needs.

Be sure to visit and indulge in this culinary fusion in the heart of Shinjuku!

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AddressTokyo Building No.31 B2F, 3-34-3 Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Open11am – 12pm
Websitehttps://nikubaruamore.owst.jp/

Yorozuya Okagesan

Interior of Yorozuya Okagesan
Yorozuya Okagesan official website

Yorozuya Okagesan has secured a Michelin star and specializes in seasonal vegetables and local sake.

Their omakase course features the chef’s innovative sashimi creations, such as straw-smoked young tuna and mullet roe-crusted alfonsino, offering a truly unique dining experience.

The owner-chef is very friendly and the izakaya has a warm atmosphere despite being small.

If you’re looking for an intimate izakaya experience in Shinjuku, Yorozuya Okagesan is the place to go.

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AddressMatsumoto Building B1F, 2-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo
Open6~7pm –
Websitehttps://www.okagesan.net/

Jibundoki

seat of Jibundoki
Jibundoki official website

Located at the east exit of Shinjuku Station, Jibundoki offers a private izakaya experience with all seating in private rooms.

They have a wide variety of meals to choose from, with an eclectic Japanese-Western menu that combines traditional Kyoto cuisine with Western ingredients.

They also have a wide selection of sake and cocktails to go with the dishes.

Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or a partner, Jibundoki provides a serene and intimate space for any occasion.

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AddressMiraza Shinjuku 5F, 3-36-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo
Open5pm – 11:30pm
Websitehttps://jibundoki.dkdining.com/shinjuku/

Nishiguchi Sakaba Homerun

Nishiguchi Sakaba Homerun is a retro pop-themed izakaya.

It has a lot of original menu items that are perfect for Instagram, making it very entertaining.

They also have a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm where drinks are half price, so it’s a good idea to come early.

If you want to experience a new style of Japanese izakaya that looks great on social media, why not visit?

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AddressEdokin Building B1F, 7-9-14 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Open11am~3pm – 2~4pm
Websitehttps://homerunsakaba.foodre.jp/

Yoyogi Umidori

Located in Shinjuku Hobo Noren-gai, a street packed with restaurants, Yoyogi Umidori focuses on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.

The popular 7 kinds of tuna sashimi plate features various parts of the tuna.

Apart from seafood, there are also chicken dishes and small a la carte dishes, perfect for sharing.

If you want an izakaya experience in a unique establishment in Shinjuku, this is the place to go.

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Address5-20-10 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
OpenMon – Fri : 4pm – 11:30pm
Sat,Sun : 1pm – 11~11:30pm
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/yoyogi.umidori/

Nishi-Shinjuku Ouen-dan Oita Karaage and Teppanyaki Katsuo

If you want to enjoy a reasonably priced izakaya in Shinjuku, we recommend Nishi-Shinjuku Ouen-dan Oita Karaage and Teppanyaki Katsuo.

Drinks start as low as $1, making it an ideal spot for enjoying affordable alcohol, and the food is filling but reasonably priced.

They serve fried chicken that has been recognized by a famous fried chicken restaurant, and is loved by locals.

Whether you’re with friends or just exploring the nightlife, this izakaya offers an authentic Shinjuku experience without breaking the bank.

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Address1-12-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
OpenMon – Fri : 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 12pm
Sat,Sun : 11;30am – 12pm
Instagramhttps://ghcm900.gorp.jp/

Summary

Shinjuku’s izakaya scene offers an incredible variety of Japanese dining experiences, from Michelin-starred establishments to local favorites. These 10 best izakaya showcase the district’s diverse culinary landscape, featuring everything from traditional Japanese taverns to modern fusion restaurants.

For the best izakaya experience in Shinjuku, we recommend making reservations in advance, especially during peak evening hours. Each establishment brings its own unique flavor to Japanese dining culture, ensuring an unforgettable night out in Tokyo’s entertainment heart.

Author of this article

Tokyo Nightlife is operated by the editorial team of Emotional-Link LLC.
Our team is made up of members who are well-versed in the dynamic nightlife of Tokyo and are based in Tokyo.
With extensive experience in both the tourism industry and living abroad, we strive to provide reliable information that truly meets the needs of international travelers visiting Japan.

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