Looking for the best restaurants in Omoide Yokocho? This guide highlights where and what to eat in Shinjuku’s famous narrow alley.
Omoide Yokocho is a maze of narrow alleyways on the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. Over the years, it’s become popular for its unique atmosphere, which is in stark contrast to modern Shinjuku.
Also known as Memory Lane, Omoide Yokocho is packed with historic eateries and buzzing with energy. These restaurants are tiny, fitting just a handful of people at a counter or small tables. This creates a cozy and personal feel, perfect for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Omoide Yokocho offers a wide range of Japanese cuisine. Many places serve classic yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) alongside fresh sushi. Some restaurants specialize in offal (grilled organ meats) for the adventurous eater.
Here are our top picks:
1. Okonomiyaki at Teppan Baby
For your okonomiyaki cravings, one of the first okonomiyaki restaurants to visit on Omoide Yokocho is Teppan Baby. This popular okonomiyaki chain serves a selection of Japan’s famous savory pancakes. One of the best things about Teppan Baby is its affordable yet generous servings.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 5 PM - 5 AM (Monday to Saturday) | 5 PM - 12 MN (Sunday)
Contact: +81 3-3204-1333
Address: 1 Chome−17−4, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
2. Yakiniku at Rokkasen
For your grilled meat cravings, head over to Rokkasen, one of the most popular yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo. Try their all-you-can-eat yuki course, which offers beef, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables, and more.
Price: From 10,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 3-3348-8676
Address: 1 Chome−3−1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
ALSO READ: THINGS TO DO IN KABUKICHO, TOKYO
3. Tonkatsu at Gyukatsu Motomura
This tonkatsu restaurant is much hyped. But don’t be daunted—it lives up to the hype, serving diners some of the best tonkatsu you will ever taste. Before that, you might have to wait for the long lines.
Price: From 2,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 3-6279-2899
Address: 7 Chome−1−2, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
4. Soba noodles at Kameya
One of the most affordable standup food stalls on Omoide Yokocho is Kameya. Their bestselling soba noodles soup is something you should try, especially the chilled tentama soba (original). Their rice balls and inari sushi are also quite popular.
Price: From 500 yen
Hours: 24 hours (Daily)
Contact: +81 3-3344-3820
Address: 1 Chome-2-10 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
ALSO READ: BEST HALAL RESTAURANTS IN TOKYO
5. Chinese food at Gifuya
If you’re looking for Chinese food in Shinjuku, one of the well-established names is Gifuya. From fried rice to stir-fried veggies, your cuisine staples are on the menu!
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 9 AM - 1 AM (Daily)
Contact: +81 3-3342-6858
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Curious about how sushi is made? Join us at our Tuna Cutting Show Tour where you can see the traditional method of cutting tuna and learn more about it. This tour includes all-you-can-eat sushi, sashimi, and a variety of tuna dishes!
Book your slot today! LIMITED SLOTS ONLY.
