Shinjuku, the bustling heart of Tokyo, is a paradise for shoppers—and a dream for food lovers too. Whether you're craving a hearty meal before or after your spree, or just a quick bite on the go, we’ve got you covered.

From all-you-can-eat BBQ and cozy izakayas to hot pots and ramen worth slurping, our list highlights must-try spots across the area. Best of all, many offer instant online reservations.

Main Image: KKDAY, PRTIMES (Yakitori Mikado / SUSHIEBISU / Saryou Okuman Hanare / Nikuya no Daidokoro))

Shinjuku is a haven for meat lovers, packed with restaurants specializing in hearty, meat-focused dishes.

Top yakiniku spots like Rokkasen, Jojoen, and Tokori serve premium wagyu and domestically raised Japanese beef, while hot pot favorites like Merino and Onyasai offer satisfying nabe experiences. You’ll also find crispy pork cutlets at popular chains like Tonkatsu Wako and Tonchinkan, plus iconic set meals like the fried beef cutlet at Motomura—perfect for satisfying any carnivorous craving.

Constantly buzzing with energy, Shinjuku is packed with dining spots offering all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink menus to suit every craving.

From yakiniku and shabu-shabu to izakayas, pizza, pasta, and desserts, there’s something for everyone. Many popular yakiniku restaurants serve premium wagyu in their all-you-can-eat plans—perfect for groups and budget-savvy travelers looking to indulge without limits.

When night falls in Shinjuku, there's no better place to gather than an izakaya. These casual Japanese pubs are everywhere, especially around Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Sanchome.

Familiar chains like Isomaru Suisan and Torikizoku are always popular, while Omoide Yokocho and Shinjuku Golden Gai offer a more intimate vibe with tiny, independently run bars lining their narrow alleys. These spots, full of nostalgic charm, are beloved by both locals and visitors looking to relax with drinks and conversation.

Shinjuku is a ramen lover’s paradise, home to many of Tokyo’s most renowned noodle shops. Iconic names like Menya Musashi and Ramen Nagi started here, along with Gonokami Seisakusho, known for its rich shrimp-flavored broth.

Hidden gems include Fuunji, SOBA HOUSE Konjiki-Hototogisu with its sea bream and clam ramen, and the light, salt-based ramen at Ramen Kaijin. Many shops stay open late—or even into the early morning—making them a favorite stop for both night owls and hungry workers after hours.

Shinjuku’s mix of busy offices and major department stores makes it an ideal place to find cafés and dessert shops perfect for a relaxing break.

Favorites include HARBS with its fruit-filled layered cakes, the New York breakfast haven Sarabeth's, traditional sweets at Oiwake Dango, and specialty coffee spots like Blue Bottle Coffee and Sarutahiko Coffee. These cafés offer not only a cozy escape for locals but also a delicious detour for tourists seeking a sweet or caffeinated pick-me-up.

JR Shinjuku Station is a paradise for both food lovers and shoppers. Surrounded by malls and department stores, it offers an endless variety of dining options—especially yakiniku spots like Jojoen and Tokori.

Craving ramen? Afuri’s citrusy yuzu ramen awaits on the B2 floor of LUMINE 1, while Gonokami Seisakusho and Fuunji serve up rich, flavorful dipping noodles just minutes away. You'll also find plenty of izakayas and newly opened trendy eateries nearby, making it easy to grab a great meal even if you're short on time.

Yakiniku Restaurants:

Izakayas and Ramen Shops:

Exquisite Japanese Shaved Ice at Saryou Okuman Hanare: Embracing the Concept of "Once in a Lifetime"

Saryou Okuman Hanare is a shaved ice shop created by Yasumasa Era, a well-known figure in the world of Japanese shaved ice. Each bowl is thoughtfully made to match individual preferences for texture, sweetness, and aroma.

The menu features flavors like roasted green tea, strawberry milk, Uji Kintoki (red bean and chestnut), and the signature "Okuman Matcha Sundae"—all as visually striking as they are delicious. The original Saryou Okuman opened in Shinjuku in June 2022, with Hanare following at the South East exit of Shinjuku Station on May 29, 2023.

Keio Department Store Shinjuku Food Market: 14 Popular Eateries Ready to Delight

Located in the basement of Keio Department Store Shinjuku, the food market underwent a full renovation and reopened on May 25, 2023.

The revamped space features standout shops like the renowned fruit cake specialist Ginza Sembikiya, the popular toast shop Ginza Nishikawa, and Paris-born dessert brand ANGELINA. Joining them are favorites like tendon specialty shop Kaneko Hannosuke, which opened in late April, and seafood sushi spot Hanayoshi—part of a total of 14 enticing eateries ready to satisfy every craving.

・New York-Inspired Café & Stylish Lifestyle Boutique: DEAN & Deluca Shinjuku NEWoMan Store

Located on the 2nd floor of Shinjuku NEWoMan, right by the South Exit ticket gates of Shinjuku Station, DEAN & Deluca brings a New York-inspired café experience to Tokyo.

Opened on June 12, 2023, it offers rich American-style coffee, made-to-order pulled pork sandwiches, and limited-time menu items in a stylish setting. With cozy seating and a curated selection of lifestyle goods, it’s an ideal stop for everything from breakfast to a late-night bite.

Hawaiian-Inspired Café: Pacific BAKE HOUSE at LUMINE EST Shinjuku

A sister shop to the ocean-view Pacific DRIVE-IN in Shonan Shichirigahama, Pacific BAKE HOUSE brings a tropical Hawaiian flair to the city with its relaxed vibe and creatively crafted menu.

Since its debut on March 23, 2023, it has become a weekend favorite among young locals. Highlights include their signature “Parfallo” milkshake in bold flavors like coffee & Australian walnut, blueberry & coconut cheesecake cookie, and banana & passion fruit.

Just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s East Exit brings you to the lively Kabukicho area, known for landmarks like Don Quijote, the Godzilla Head, and the izakaya-filled Shinjuku Golden Gai.

As a district that never sleeps, Kabukicho is packed with entertainment restaurants and performance venues. While the once-famous Robot Restaurant has closed, the area remains a hotspot for yakiniku and shabu-shabu dining. You’ll also find Ramen Nagi’s dry-style ramen hidden in one of Kabukicho’s narrow alleys.

Yakiniku Restaurants:

Sushi Restaurants:

Shabu-Shabu Restaurants:

Specialty Cuisine:

Uninterrupted Neon Food Street: Shinjuku Kabukicho Yokocho at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

Since opening in April 2023, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower has become a major draw in Shinjuku Kabukicho. Its second-floor dining zone, Shinjuku Kabuki Hall–Kabuki Yokocho, stands out with retro neon décor and immersive audiovisual performances.

The lively space features 10 eateries serving regional Japanese comfort foods—rice bowls, ramen, skewers, dumplings, and more—alongside alcoholic drinks. Open from 6 AM to 5 AM, it’s nearly a 24-hour food and entertainment hotspot.

Japanese Ingredients and International Cuisine Fusion: KABUKI BURGER & TACOS

This hamburger and taco spot opened on April 14 next to the entrance of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, offering a stylish, airy space with high ceilings and large windows.

Standout menu items include the "KABUKI Burger" with a 100% wagyu patty and vegetable tempura, and the "Miso-pickled Fish Taco," a fusion of Japanese flavors and Western vegetarian cuisine. The concept blends traditional Japanese elements with modern flair, perfectly matching the Kabuki theme in a fresh and intriguing way.

Stylish Seafood Sushi Izakaya: Kabukicho Sushinjuku

Kabukicho Sushinjuku opened on February 12, 2023, as a trendy izakaya specializing in creative, eye-catching sushi dishes.

Highlights include the “Ebi Caviar Battle,” a dramatic presentation of shrimp, crab, caviar, egg yolk, and salmon roe served in a crab shell, and the decadent “Thick-cut Seared Toro,” featuring richly fatty, perfectly seared tuna belly. These inventive creations offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that surprises with both flavor and flair.

Indulge in Exquisite Delights at Wagyu Yakiniku Yaku Niku Alley

Wagyu Yakiniku Yaku Niku Alley opened on July 1, 2023, offering a rare chance to savor premium Wagyu offal in Shinjuku.

Sourcing whole cows directly from the award-winning Kagoshima Black Beef—the top-rated Wagyu brand of 2022—the restaurant serves specialties like the prized “Thick-cut Wagyu Diaphragm.” With its exceptional quality and bold flavors, this spot has quickly become a favorite among locals seeking a truly unique Wagyu experience.

Just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, the Nishi-Shinjuku area is a bustling office district served by both the Toei Oedo Line and Tokyo Metro.

In addition to well-known yakiniku spots like Rokkasen, the area offers a wide selection of izakayas and ramen joints. Highlights include Menya Sho, famed for its rich chicken-based broth, and the popular izakaya chain Isomaru Suisan.

Yakiniku Restaurants

Sushi and Other Japanese Cuisine

Izakayas and Ramen Shops

Popular and Trendy Affordable Sushi Restaurant Nishi-Shinjuku SUSHIEBISU

SUSHIEBISU is a stylish yet budget-friendly sushi brand offering a wide range of affordable options. You can enjoy three pieces of nigiri with black vinegar for just 299 yen, and even their chef-crafted “Premium Sushi” starts at the same price per piece.

They also serve eye-catching and flavorful creations like layered sushi topped with salmon roe, sea urchin, and premium raw beef for just 980 yen (tax excluded). The West Shinjuku branch opened its doors on January 11, 2023.

The Hottest Trend in Japanese Culinary Scene! Korean Pub Lucky Soul Nishi-Shinjuku

Korean cuisine has surged in popularity among Japan’s younger crowd, and Lucky Soul is riding the wave. After a year of preparation, this Shinbashi favorite opened its second branch in Nishi-Shinjuku on April 20, 2023.

The menu features authentic Korean-style grilled pork belly, cheese and flying fish roe bibimbap, shrimp and cheese-topped pork belly, Korean pancakes, and rice rolls—all served in a stylish, modern setting that feels like a mini getaway to Korea.

The Shinjuku Gyoen area, just a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, offers a quieter contrast to the city's bustling core. It's also easily accessible via Shinjuku-gyoemmae and Shinjuku Sanchome Stations.

Here, you'll mostly find non-chain eateries, including yakiniku and hot pot restaurants. Notably, the Michelin-starred ramen shop SOBA HOUSE Konjiki-Hototogisui and the shrimp-flavored ramen specialist Tsukemen Goshin Seisakujo draw crowds, with lines often forming during peak hours.

Recommended Restaurants in This Area

Minami-Shinjuku, located southwest of Shinjuku Station, is easily accessible from the Central West and New South Exits.

Once quieter than Shinjuku’s East and West sides, the area has grown more vibrant over the past decade thanks to major redevelopment. The opening of the Shinjuku Bus Terminal “Busta” at the New South Exit helped accelerate this transformation. Attached to it is the stylish shopping complex NEWoMan, which offers a wide range of dining options—perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals.

Alongside popular spots like Blue Bottle Coffee, New York’s SHAKE SHACK, and the famed dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, a growing number of well-known eateries have opened near Shinjuku Station’s New South Exit.

These additions have enhanced the dining scene in Minami-Shinjuku, attracting both locals and tourists. With more new arrivals expected, the area continues to evolve as a vibrant food and gathering destination.

Just one stop from JR Shinjuku Station, Shin-Okubo is Tokyo’s go-to hub for Korean pop culture. It's packed with Korean eateries loved by the younger crowd, serving up everything from thick-cut pork belly BBQ to cheesy dak-galbi and string cheese hot dogs—offering a taste of Korea right in Tokyo.

In the other direction, Yoyogi Station offers a peaceful escape near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji Shrine. The area’s calm, refined atmosphere contrasts with the city buzz, and it’s home to uniquely Japanese spots like Ohitsuzen Tanbo for set meals, the retro and nostalgic Hobo Shinjuku Norengai, and Osaka’s popular crab specialist Ikanimo.

Recommended Restaurants in This Area

In Shinjuku, you'll never have to worry about going hungry—this vibrant area is packed with culinary options to suit every craving. From famous Japanese barbecue spots to beloved ramen joints and budget-friendly sushi restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

Many of the featured restaurants offer online reservations, so booking ahead is a smart way to skip the wait and enjoy a smoother dining experience.