10 Best Restaurants in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho is a dining district that retains the atmosphere of post-war Japan, offering visitors the experience of stepping back into the Showa era.

Many of the restaurants in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are small, which creates a cozy environment where customers naturally strike up conversations. This friendly atmosphere is particularly appealing to foreign tourists visiting for the first time.

In this article, we will introduce 10 must-visit restaurants in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho. Please use this guide as a reference when you visit.

Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho is a historic shopping district that traces its roots back to a black market formed shortly after World War II. The narrow alleyways are lined with traditional izakayas, including motsuyaki and yakitori restaurants.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, these small bars continue to operate while preserving their old-fashioned charm.

However, there are also some “inconveniences” that reflect the Showa-era atmosphere. For example, many establishments do not have their own restrooms, so customers need to use shared facilities.Additionally, cash-only payments are common, so it’s advisable to bring cash beforehand to ensure a smooth visit.

The history of Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho dates back to the post-war reconstruction period. Around 1946, in the burnt-out area near Shinjuku’s West Exit, street stalls and food carts started to appear, offering daily necessities and simple meals. This led to the formation of the black market known as “Lucky Street,” which eventually became what we now know as Omoide Yokocho.

During the chaotic post-war period, businesses faced strict regulations on controlled goods, making it difficult to operate. However, motsuyaki stalls that used ingredients sourced from the occupying forces became popular, and this dish remains a specialty of the area today.

In the 1950s, unique establishments such as “yakitori cabarets” also emerged, reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of the Showa era. However, redevelopment in 1959 forced many of the shops to relocate, leaving only a handful in their original spots. Despite this, Omoide Yokocho has continued to retain the warmth and flavor of the Showa period, and it remains beloved by many to this day.

Here, we introduce 10 must-visit izakayas in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho. Many of the places mentioned are reasonably priced and perfect for tourists, so be sure to check them out during your visit.

Daini Horaiya is a long-established restaurant in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, known for consistently serving the same flavors since its founding. As the first motsuyaki (grilled offal) restaurant in Omoide Yokocho, it prides itself on its fragrant grilled skewers cooked over Binchotan charcoal and fresh offal sashimi. Their secret sauce, which has been carefully replenished over the years, enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a rich, appetizing taste.

Their “kobukuro sashimi” features chewy slices of calf uterus, offering a texture only fresh offal can provide. Another specialty, grilled beef heart, differs from liver sashimi and offers a concentrated umami flavor that is highly recommended.

Motsuyaki Ucchan is a popular spot where you can enjoy traditional Tokyo flavors in a setting that retains the charm of the Showa era.Their motsuyaki (grilled offal) and stew, made from fresh offal, are particularly outstanding.

The grilled offal is carefully cooked, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with no unpleasant odors, allowing you to savor the full flavor of the ingredients.

Their stew, slow-cooked to perfection, is melt-in-your-mouth tender and pairs excellently with drinks.

In addition to motsuyaki, the menu features yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and various side dishes that complement drinks perfectly.

Unagi Kabuto, founded in 1948, is a traditional eel restaurant. The restaurant offers skewers of various eel parts, from head to tail, grilled over Binchotan charcoal. Here, you can enjoy the authentic taste of eel cultivated through years of history and tradition.

The restaurant’s signature dish, kabayaki (grilled eel with sauce), features tender meat with a savory sauce that stimulates the appetite. Their “hire-yaki” offers the unique crunchy texture of grilled eel fin, while the rich flavor of grilled eel liver is a must-try for liver lovers.

Kameya is a soba restaurant open 24 hours, making it a convenient stop any time of day.

Their most popular dish is the “Tama-ten Soba,” which comes topped with freshly fried tempura and a soft-boiled egg. This affordable dish allows you to enjoy both the true taste of soba and the rich flavor of tempura. The simple combination of freshly fried tempura and soba is truly exceptional.

Their tempura soba also comes with various types of tempura, and the crispy texture of the freshly fried tempura adds to the overall satisfaction.

Torien is a lively izakaya that stands out for its wide range of over 120 menu items, featuring fresh seafood and vegetables sourced directly from farms. The restaurant offers everything from classic yakitori to seasonal dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Their most popular dish is “Shamoji Tsukune” (grilled chicken meatballs), a perfectly balanced mix of meat that can be enjoyed with various toppings such as raw egg yolk or grated daikon in ponzu sauce. The crispy, deep-fried chicken wings, available in three flavor options, are also highly recommended and pair wonderfully with beer.

Tacchan is an izakaya that offers a wide variety of dishes including yakitori, motsuyaki, motsu stew, oysters, and eel. Their fresh seafood, sourced daily, is particularly outstanding.

The most popular dish is the “Tacchan Special Tsukune” (chicken meatballs), known for its juicy texture. Many regulars visit just for this dish, with its unforgettable meat juices bursting with flavor.

Gifuya is a long-established Chinese restaurant with over 70 years of history. The menu features homemade ramen and hearty stir-fried dishes, all offered at reasonable prices.

Their homemade noodles, made using traditional methods, have a firm texture and pair perfectly with the soup. Another recommended dish is the wood ear mushroom and egg stir-fry, a staple of classic Chinese cuisine, offering a fun contrast in textures.

Portions are generous, making this an ideal spot for those with a big appetite, and the affordable prices are sure to please tourists.

Asadachi offers not only typical izakaya fare but also a range of exotic delicacies such as frog, loach, and soft-shelled turtle.

One example is the whale tartare, made with rich, flavorful whale meat. The salmon yukhoe, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the thick, simple grilled tofu are also popular choices among customers.

Sushitatsu is a traditional sushi restaurant that has been beloved by locals for over 60 years. They take great care in selecting ingredients, and their homemade thick omelet is just one example of the authentic sushi you can enjoy here. As the only sushi restaurant in Omoide Yokocho, it’s a must-visit for sushi lovers.

The “Omakase Sushi” is highly recommended, featuring freshly made pieces with seasonal ingredients. Their tuna sashimi and seasonal seafood are also popular.

Tsukiji Sandai Oyster Bar is run by a wholesaler from Toyosu Market. Here, you can enjoy fresh oysters handpicked from the market every day, available year-round at reasonable prices.

What sets this place apart is the ability to compare oysters from different regions, allowing you to discover your favorite varieties. Another highly recommended dish is the baked oyster gratin, where rich cheese complements the savory oysters.

Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho offers a glimpse into Japan’s Showa era amidst modern-day Shinjuku. While some aspects of the area might feel inconvenient to some, these quirks are part of its charm, allowing foreign tourists to experience a nostalgic atmosphere and make memorable experiences.

Some restaurants in Omoide Yokocho may have unique rules. For example, some places only serve course meals, and there may be limits on how many drinks can be ordered, such as a maximum of three drinks. These rules are in place to ensure that more guests can enjoy the dining experience, especially during busy times. This commitment to maintaining a pleasant dining atmosphere is another of Omoide Yokocho’s many charms.

*This article is based on information available as of October 2024.