10 places to eat in Shinjuku & Shibuya for the ultimate foodie adventure
If you’re anything like me, your travel plans always revolve around the next meal. With the yen currently weak, there’s no better time for us Singaporeans to flock to Japan and finally visit all our saved places to eat in Shinjuku & Shibuya!
Albeit crowded, Shinjuku and Shibuya have always been my locations of choice whenever I visit Tokyo. Something about it exudes an electrifying blend of traditional and modern. Not to mention, the area offers an endless array of delicious dining options perfect for solo diners, couples, and groups.
From hidden sushi bars to bustling ramen joints, the food scene here is nothing short of spectacular. If you’re planning your meal itinerary around your accommodation in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or simply visiting the CBD hotspot for a day, check out these 10 places to eat in Shinjuku & Shibuya for the ultimate foodie adventure.
— Shinjuku —
1. Udon Shin
The famous Udon Shin needs no introduction. Whether you’ve avoided this place because of the horrendously long queue, an udon lover or have this place on your eat list – I’m here to convince you why you should absolutely visit during your next trip.
With the new virtual queue system, you must plan properly so you don’t waste time! A quick breakdown:
They open at 11am but you can take a queue number from as early as 8am. You must visit the store physically to take a number from the machine outside the store.
When I visited, we arrived at 10.36am and were 29th in the virtual queue. Our expected waiting time was 94 minutes but we planned for this wait and went to walk around Shinjuku!
We got called back via the online queue system at 12.15pm. Do note that this does not mean your seat is ready as you have to head back to join the physical queue and prepare to enter.
We joined the physical queue for another 45 minutes. There is an usher outside arranging diners according to the queue numbers.
We ordered when we were in the queue and our food was served the minute we were seated.
I kid you not when I say this was the best udon I’ve had in my life. The No. 9 (¥1790) hot udon came with butter, pepper, soft-boiled egg and beef. Sounds simple right?
Their noodles were the star of the show—thick, chewy, and made fresh daily. The wheat-based noodles were irresistibly chewy and full of texture, their fresh quality astonishing. The soft, wobbly egg melted seamlessly into the noodles, blending joyfully with the hot soy, butter, and zesty pepper, coating each strand of udon with a delightful embrace.
This itself made up for the wait.
Additionally, we ordered No. 23 (¥1580), a bowl of hot udon came with hot soy sauce, butter, pepper, tsumande goran egg and sweet potato tempura. Even the tempura was world-class!
Previously, Udon Shin had no virtual queue system and that meant hours of waiting in a physical queue. With this new system, it’s one worth waiting if you plan ahead however, I wouldn’t recommend groups above 4 people to come though as the space only has 5 counter seats and 6 seats at tables.
〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−20−16 相馬ビル １F, Japan
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Hakata Furyu
If you still think Ichiran Ramen is the best in Japan – think again! Hakata Furyu was recommended to me by a local Japanese friend of mine and albeit less outlets than the famous tourist trap, the ramen certainly makes every trip worth it.
This place specializes in Hakata-style ramen, known for its creamy, rich tonkotsu broth. The noodles are perfectly cooked to maintain a delightful chew, and the chashu pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Personally, I always order the Recommended Garlic Oil Ramen (¥1050) which comes with a ramen egg.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere of Hakata Furyu makes it an ideal spot for a quick yet fulfilling meal. Lines do pile up during peak dining hours and the space is pretty small (like most ramen shops). Above all, I guarantee a delicious bowl of ramen that’ll leave you wanting more. Solo diners, you simply must visit if you’re exploring Shinjuku and Shibuya.
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−21−2 ナナエビル １F, Japan
+81 333529304
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 8pm
Facebook | Website
3. Gyukatsu Motomura
Now now, Gyukatsu Motomura should be no stranger to us by now. As if we haven’t seen the countless Instagram stories posted by our friends in Japan about this grill-it-yourself fried beef cutlet restaurant…
I had to check out the hype myself and one bite was all it took for me to understand why. ‘She’s so dramatic,’ you might think, to which I always reply, ‘I guess that’s one less person in the queue now’!
There’s only one item on the menu – Beef Cutlet Set Menu (¥1930 for 1 cutlet, ¥2600 for 1.5 cutlets, ¥3060 for 2 cutlets). The beef is perfectly crispy on the outside and intentionally served raw on the inside. Every diner is given their own personal grill to fire up the deep-fried beef cutlet slices to one’s ideal doneness.
Each set is served with a variety of dipping sauces, rice, miso soup, and free-flow fresh cabbage salad, serving a hearty meal that will have you planning your next visit. However, I don’t think the lines are ever going to be shorter, so plan well and save all the outlets across Shinjuku and Shibuya as options!
〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−1−2 川安ビル B1F, Japan
+81 362792899
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Ramen Takahashi Shinjuku Main Store
Upon first look, Ramen Takahashi (Shinjuku Main Store) may look like any other ramen store. Yet, beneath its ordinary exterior lies some of the best ramen you’ll find in Tokyo. Of course, as expected when dining in Japan, there will be a queue outside that will most certainly pique your interest.
The broth here is a work of art—rich, flavorful, and packed with umami. Their signature “YAKIAGO” Salty Ramen (¥950) is topped with perfectly cooked chashu, bamboo shoots, and a soft-boiled egg (+¥150). Checks all the boxes for me!
Ordering is via the vending machine outside and fret not about the language barrier as the menu comes with English translations. Ramen Takahashi has outlets in both Shinjuku and Shibuya too.
〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−27−3 KKビル １階, Japan
+81 364573328
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3am
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3am
Website
5. Katsukara Shinjuku Takashimaya
For a taste of high-quality tonkatsu in a cosy setting, add Katsukara Shinjuku Takashimaya to your list.
Situated in the prestigious Takashimaya department store, this restaurant is known for its perfectly fried pork cutlets. The tonkatsu here is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and comes with an array of delicious sides including miso soup, rice, and a refreshing cabbage salad. For the ultimate platter, order the Oebi and Kinkaton Hire Katsu (¥3600).
The elegant yet cosy setting of Katsukara makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner, in between all the shopping.
〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−24−2, Times Square Building, 14F 高島屋, Japan
+81 353611878
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Fūunji
A pilgrimage for tsukemen (dipping noodles) lovers, Fūunji in Shinjuku is what some call the master of it all.
The lines are really long but the reward is a bowl of the most umami-laden dipping broth you can imagine.
Note: The space is small and dining here can be a tad stressful as customers queue directly behind your seat. It’s an ‘eat-and-go’ establishment that comes with a wait, so I wouldn’t recommend groups with children, hungry groups, or groups looking to sit and chat while eating.
Their Tsukemen (¥950) features thick, chewy noodles served separately from a rich, savoury broth made from chicken and fish. Each bite is an explosion of flavour, and the joy of dipping the noodles into the broth is an experience in itself.
The minimalist decor keeps the focus firmly on the food, and once you’ve tasted Fūunji’s offerings, you’ll understand why this place is so revered. After all, they’ve garnered a large following from all over the world who are willing to queue hours for this bowl!
〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−14−3 北斗第一ビル １F , Japan
Daily: 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm
Website
— Shibuya —
7. Hikiniku To Come
Indeed, there are plenty of places to eat In Shinjuku & Shibuya. When I found out I could reserve a table at the TikTok viral Hikiniku To Come, you bet I made sure I got a slot!
Reservations only open a week in advance and I was stoked to be able to skip the queue. Upon arriving, I was immediately seated, bypassing the usual wait—a rare luxury in Tokyo’s bustling food scene.
This hidden gem is tucked away in a random alley in Shibuya, and finding it requires a keen eye for detail. Look for the hidden staircase leading up to the third level and be guided by tiny directional signs along the way.
The modern industrial interior of Hikiniku To Come created an inviting atmosphere, with around 25 open countertop seats.
Again, there’s only 1 option on the menu, the Hikiniku To Come Set (¥1800). It comes with the signature grilled-to-order minced meat steak, perfectly seasoned and cooked right in front of your eyes. Each diner is treated to three separate hamburg patties, served one at a time to ensure optimal enjoyment.
The self-service egg station adds a fun, interactive element to your dining experience, while the free-flow rice and soup ensure you leave completely satisfied. Trust me, you’ll be snapping pictures and videos of the chefs in action, the different types of sauces, reactions and more.
In Singapore, perhaps the best alternative would be Hamburg Keisuke but nothing compares to this dining experience.
〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−28−1 椎津ビル ３F, Japan
+81 364552959
Thu to Tue: 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm
Closed on Wed
Instagram | Website
8. Kiwamiya
For a unique dining experience, head to Kiwamiya in Shibuya. This restaurant is famous for its wagyu hamburg steak, a Japanese twist on the classic hamburger.
As a solo diner, this was so fun to eat and experience! With the opening set at 11.30am and only 24 seats in the establishment, I rocked up half an hour early to secure my space in the first seating. Lady luck was not on my side and I found myself being the 25th diner, which prompted me to wait for the fastest person to eat. A quick 30 minutes later, I was ushered to my seat, bringing my total wait to an hour. Worthwhile or not, you decide.
The Kiwamiya Hamburg & Inari Beef Steak (¥2480 for small, ¥2850 for medium, ¥3190 for large) is the go-to set to order and you’re seated in front of a sizzling hot grill for you to cook your beef the way you like it.
The hamburg patty was beautifully seasoned and void of any gaminess which made the entire dining experience so enjoyable. Just add a bowl of rice, cook your meat and top it off with the free-flow sauces provided on the top of the table. I easily devoured this in 30 minutes.
Tip: I recommend going for the medium portion minimally, regardless of your appetite. Do note that the portion difference only accounts for the weight of the hamburg patty, not the steak.
〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 15−1 渋谷パルコ地下 1階, Japan
+81 354223122
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 7.30pm
Instagram | Website
9. Katsudon-ya Zuicho
Now, katsudon is one of my all time favourite Japanese dishes so it’s no surprise that Katsudon-ya Zuicho is on my list! They only serve one dish, Katsudon (¥1500) here so don’t expect a full-fledged menu of fried delights.
You will have to choose a portion size between small, medium and large but do note that this only means more rice, not meat. You also have the option to add another egg (+ ¥100).
This 8-seater eatery serves up some of the best katsudon in Tokyo, with perfectly fried pork cutlets simmered in a savoury-sweet sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. The no-frills, cosy atmosphere of Katsudon-ya Zuicho makes it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Be warned though – queues pile up early and quickly! I’d recommend visiting on a weekday, slightly before opening time so your wait won’t be a dreadful one.
41-26 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 6pm
Sat: 11.30am – 8pm
Closed on Sun
10. Oreryu Gyoza Sakaba
A trip to Japan is never complete without gyozas! Located in the heart of Shibuya, Oreyu Gyoza Sakaba is your go-to supper spot for mouthwatering dumplings.
The sheer sight of these irresistible crispy fried gems is enough for me to book a one-way ticket to Tokyo!
Pair your Gyoza (¥480 for 6, ¥950 for 12) with a selection of sake or beer, and you’ve got the perfect meal. The lively, casual atmosphere makes it a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a delicious feast.
If gyoza is your passion, Oreyu Gyoza Sakaba will be your new favourite haunt. I just wish they were open in the day though.
〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−23−1 小池ビル ２Ｆ, Japan
+81 337708080
Daily: 5.30pm – 5am
Instagram
The post 10 places to eat in Shinjuku & Shibuya for the ultimate foodie adventure appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
