This Shinjuku yakiniku spot is a haven for Korean speakers, offering a warm welcome from its Korean owner and staff. Diners love the high-quality, tender meat and authentic Korean side dishes, finding it a delicious and comfortable alternative to more crowded, expensive establishments.
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“The owner, who speaks Korean, kindly recommended it to me. The service from all the staff was excellent.”
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“The owner is Korean, and he was very friendly and the meat was delicious.”
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“The meat quality was outstanding, especially the beef tongue and sirloin.”
This stylish Korean restaurant offers a chic, cafe-like atmosphere that feels like a favorite compared to the bustle of Shin-Okubo. It's known for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and remarkably friendly owner, making it a great spot for both casual meals and group gatherings.
🍽️90Food
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“The owner provided excellent service, and the restaurant was very clean and tidy, making me feel right at home.”
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“The bibimbap is really delicious and the naengmyeon is really ㅠㅠㅠ I ate naengmyeon every month in Korea and the taste is similar and delicious ㅠㅠ”
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“This is a very stylish and beautiful Korean restaurant located on Takadanobaba Sakae-dori.”
This Kabukicho izakaya makes shumai the star, offering a dizzying variety of these steamed dumplings alongside creative Chinese and Japanese small plates. It's a lively spot with a casual vibe, perfect for groups or solo diners looking for a flavorful and affordable night out.
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“All items under ¥1,000!!! Amazing value!!! It's great to be able to order what you want without having to worry about your wallet!”
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“Great value for money! The course includes all-you-can-drink!! The shumai are delicious and there's a wide variety of drinks.”
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“The interior is clean and decorated with cute neon lights, making it perfect for Instagram.”
This family-run sushi institution, established in 1910, offers an authentic taste of Tokyo with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Generations of chefs craft each piece with care, making it a memorable stop for both solo diners and groups.
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“The ingredients were all large and delicious. I particularly liked the conger eel, lean fish, flounder with kelp, and gizzard shad.”
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“The staff were incredibly kind and patient. Definitely recommend this family restaurant, if you want to try an authentic family sushi restaurant.”
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“This is a favorite in Tokyo, the sushi is excellent for an unbeatable price: 2,400 yen for 8 sushi, 4 maki, miso soup, and small sides.”
This casual Italian bar in Shinjuku is a go-to for its incredibly affordable, thin-crust pizzas and extensive wine selection. It buzzes with a lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for dates and group gatherings, though reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.
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“All of the dishes were great value for money, and the high quality of the pizza and pasta was particularly impressive.”
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“Nestled in a beautiful alley, Cona Pizzaria offers a cozy ambiance where you can watch expert chefs meticulously craft delicious pizzas.”
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“We tried three types of pizza: Margherita Quattro Formaggi Genovese The pizzas were so delicious they didn't even come close to being 500 yen!”
This Kagurazaka teppanyaki spot offers a lively, casual atmosphere where chefs cook dishes right before your eyes. It's a great option for groups, with private rooms available, and a full bar to complement the meal.
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“The vegetables are sweet and delicious. And the okonomiyaki at the end of the meal was so fluffy and delicious!”
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“The chef paid close attention to our reactions and subtle movements, responding immediately to ensure we had a wonderful and enjoyable evening.”
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“The course meal, which was delicious with a wide variety of dishes and each one was large enough that I wouldn't get bored of it.”
This Kagurazaka meat kaiseki restaurant offers a tranquil escape in its private rooms, set within a converted old house. It's a place where carefully prepared beef dishes are served with attentive, friendly service, making it ideal for intimate gatherings or special occasions.
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“If you're looking for a private room with a nice atmosphere in Kagurazaka, I recommend this restaurant.”
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“I recently returned because the hostesses were very friendly and the food was delicious, but it's no longer here.”
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“We had a private room so we could talk at length, and the food was delicious.”
This Takadanobaba spot serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, with generous portions and bold flavors that transport diners straight to China. It's a lively, casual place where many dishes, like the spicy chicken and braised pork belly, are designed to be shared and pair perfectly with rice.
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“The mapo tofu was spicy, numbing, and delicious. I couldn't speak the language of the waiter, but I could somehow understand.”
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“This semi-basement restaurant is a three-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station, just around the corner from the 13:00 Hall.”
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“The waiter explained that it was taking a while to serve my food because it was so busy, so he gave me a complimentary bottle of Asahi Super Dry.”
Ideal for
Authentic Sichuan cuisine loversCasual group diningFamilies with kids
This cozy Italian bistro near Shinjuku Gyoen offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for dates or casual meals. The lunch course menu provides a luxurious midday treat with attentive service and knowledgeable staff, especially regarding wine pairings.
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“Close to a beautiful park, it's highly recommended if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.”
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“The appetizers were à la carte, and each one was carefully prepared and delicious.”
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“The food was delicious and comes with a variety of creative ideas.”
This long-established Arakicho bar offers a surprisingly spacious interior with a warm, retro atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era. Beyond drinks, they serve proper meals, with the Neapolitan pasta and potato salad earning particular recognition for their nostalgic flavors.
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“Delicious spaghetti It had a nostalgic coffee shop flavor, and before I knew it, I'd finished it all! …”
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“The food here is delicious! Although it's a bar, they also serve proper meals, …”
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“I've known him since the time of the late old master. His son is taking care of the shop and making it a thriving business.”
This Burmese spot is tucked away in a Takadanobaba alley, offering a rustic vibe and a menu that shines with its roasted duck. It's a place where locals gather, serving up authentic flavors that are both delicious and surprisingly affordable.
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“For my first Burmese food, I had tea leaf salad and mohinga. Both were delicious and I was impressed.”
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“This restaurant is more rustic than Thai food and not as spicy, and is famous for its roasted duck.”
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“This Burmese restaurant in Takadanobaba is located in an alleyway and has an intimidating atmosphere”
This ochazuke specialist offers a comforting and customizable meal, perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying breakfast. Diners can enjoy their rice bowls as is, or transform them into a flavorful ochazuke by adding dashi broth and a variety of table-provided condiments.
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“Fantastic. Great food, reasonably priced, lovely and welcoming staff, English menu available, very clean. 10/10.”
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“It was delicious, but I was surprised that the amount of ingredients was quite different from what was shown in the photo.”
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“It gets crowded at lunchtime, but the food is served quickly, making it the perfect place for a work break.”
This Korean BBQ spot in Shin-Okubo leans into its retro-pop aesthetic, serving up a wide variety of grilled meats and its signature Minari Yukhoe. While the lively atmosphere and authentic flavors draw crowds, be prepared for potential waits and a bustling, sometimes loud, environment.
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“The Tawara Kalbi in particular was the perfect combination of the fresh vegetables and juicy meat.”
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“The food is delicious, but the toilets smell unbelievable. They smell like old public toilets.”
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“The food was consistently delicious, with the meat and fresh soup being authentically Korean.”
This intimate French restaurant, a sister to the renowned Latras, offers a surprisingly generous and satisfying meal for its price point. The chef's dedication shines through in every meticulously prepared dish, from appetizers to desserts, making it a delightful choice for both casual drop-ins and special occasions.
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“The potato and truffle specialty is worth trying. The red shrimp I had the other day was amazing.”
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“All the dishes served, from appetizers to fish, meat, and desserts, are impeccable, and the floor service staff are unobtrusive yet perfectly attentive.”
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“It's a small restaurant with a chic interior, and is said to be a sister restaurant of the famous Kagurazaka restaurant, Latras.”
This Korean restaurant specializes in bossam and pig's trotters, with many finding the warm, tender meat a standout. While the core dishes are celebrated, some side dishes and other menu items receive mixed reception. The staff, often noted as being from various international backgrounds, are consistently described as friendly and polite, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
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“The price is reasonable, the food is delicious, and the service is great, so I'll definitely come back.”
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“The bossam was delicious! The waitress's service was also very polite!”
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“The owner was so friendly and the service was so good, I plan to be a regular here from now.”
Himawari is a neighborhood staple serving hearty, home-style Japanese set meals, with its signature Nikujaga (meat and potato stew) being a consistent draw. Portions are generous, making it a satisfying and affordable option for locals and students alike.
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“The Nikujaga set meal is the best. It's delicious and the portions are perfect.”
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“Located along Meiji Dori, the delicious but slightly pricey eggplant miso stir-fry set meal is 900 yen”
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“The signature dish is the Nikujaga Minced Meat Cutlet Set Meal, with large potatoes for the Nikujaga and two minced meat cutlets for a substantial portion.”
This izakaya in Shinjuku 3-chome is a lively spot known for its extensive selection of lemon sours and fresh seafood. It's a casual place that stays open late, making it a good option for late-night eats. The atmosphere can be quite boisterous, especially during happy hour.
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“Sae's customer service was excellent! The food was also delicious, so I'm definitely looking forward to coming back!”
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“The staff were kind and guided us in a pleasant manner! The marinated mackerel was delicious!”
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“The sashimi was delicious! The staff were also very friendly!! Thank you very much!!”
Daruma is a Shinjuku institution serving up classic Chinese comfort food with a Japanese twist. It's a bustling spot perfect for a quick solo lunch or a lively group dinner, offering generous portions at prices that feel like a steal in this neighborhood.
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“The dandan noodles were delicious! It's been a while since I've had such good dandan noodles at a local Chinese restaurant!”
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“The Twice Cooked Pork Set Meal was the most delicious I've ever had.”
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“The Twice Cooked Pork was also exquisitely delicious the second time around.”
This long-standing Takadanobaba yakitori spot offers incredibly affordable skewers, a draw for students and locals alike. The retro atmosphere and extensive drink selection complement the grilled offerings, though service can be inconsistent and the small space can get loud.
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“This yakitori restaurant is perfect for me! . But the delicious food, the atmosphere, and the lively customers more than make up for it!”
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“Freshly grilled and juicy, the aroma of the sauce is amazing, and the highball goes down in seconds”
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“It's great to be able to eat delicious yakitori at such a price these days.”
Ideal for
Solo diningCasual group dinnersBudget-friendly meals
This Shinjuku spot is known for its namesake xiaolongbao, which are known for their flavorful soup and chewy skin. Beyond dumplings, the menu offers a wide range of satisfying Chinese dishes, with generous portions making it a great value, especially for lunch.
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“As the name of the restaurant suggests, the Xiaolongbao are very delicious.”
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“It's not a fancy place, but it's perfect for a party that takes you back to your days as a student”
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“The food is delicious, the service is fast, and it's relatively cheap, so it's good value for money.”
Ideal for
Group diningSolo diningCasual lunch
#21Group Dining
鳥道酒場 新宿2号店(Torimichi Sakaba Shinjuku Second Store)
This 24-hour izakaya in Kabukicho offers a lively, casual atmosphere popular with locals. It's known for its incredibly affordable yakitori, with skewers starting at just 100 yen, and a wide variety of other dishes and drinks.
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“I can confidently recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to enjoy delicious food to their heart's content in Kabukicho without worrying about their wallet!”
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“The interior is a lively, Japanese-style space with eye-catching mural art. ✨ The table seating is great for fun and social gatherings, perfect for gatherings with friends!”
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“The seats and even the restrooms were spotlessly clean, allowing us to enjoy a truly enjoyable time with friends and loved ones.”
This long-standing Shinjuku spot offers a taste of Taiwanese cuisine, with many regulars celebrating its authentic flavors and reasonable prices. While the aroma of star anise might greet you in the elevator, the dishes themselves are often described as having a mild, approachable seasoning that suits Japanese palates.
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“The braised pork rice was delicious, but the star anise was a little weak, perhaps because it's aimed at Japanese people.”
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“The restaurant is small, but the food is authentic and delicious Taiwanese cuisine.”
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“The food is delicious, the portions are a little small for my taste, and the restaurant is small.”
This is a neighborhood yakiniku spot that has seen a significant shift in ownership and atmosphere. After a period of decline, the original owners have returned, bringing back the beloved pro-wrestling-themed decor. More importantly, the quality of meat and familiar flavors that locals cherished for decades.
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“The owner and staff are very friendly, and I've always enjoyed delicious meat.”
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“It's a completely different experience from the previous delicious yakiniku restaurant in a warm atmosphere filled with pro wrestling.”
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“The two of us had beer and three glasses of oolong highball, and the total came to about 10,000 yen, so value for money was also great.”
This South Indian restaurant offers a unique fusion of flavors, blending traditional spices with unexpected Italian influences like pumpkin gnocchi. While the food is meticulously prepared and often surprising, the solo operator can lead to a tense atmosphere and slow service.
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“I think 1,500 yen, including curry, is a steal. As with any delicious spicy food, you'll want to eat it again after you've finished it!”
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“Getting there is a challenge for those travelling by train. We recommend either cycling or taking the route through the residential area from the Toden Omokagebashi stop.”
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“The biryani contained a whole sanma (Pacific saury). The Kerala chicken curry was coconut-based. The rasam had just the right amount of spiciness and sourness.”
This Kagurazaka spot offers authentic Cantonese cuisine with a focus on carefully prepared dim sum and flavorful main dishes. While the food is generally known for its quality and taste, the service can be inconsistent, with some diners experiencing rushed meals or inattentive staff. The multi-floor space provides a comfortable atmosphere suitable for various group sizes.
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“The atmosphere is more like a local Chinese restaurant, or even a high-end Chinese restaurant, so it's perfect for lunch with mom friends or a date night.”
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“Overall, it was delicious. I love the steamed spare ribs with black bean paste, and I had the one here, and it was just as good.”
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“It's a bit pricey, but if you're looking for delicious fried rice, this is the place to go.”