Shibuya: Hidden Gems Loved by Locals

While Shibuya thrives as a lively hub for young people, venture a little deeper and you'll discover tranquil, renowned eateries where locals go about their daily lives. Let's explore these establishments, cherished by adults who know the true Shibuya, far from the hustle and bustle of the commercial district.

Innovative Japanese Cuisine Woven with Fermentation and Wood-Fired Cooking

Nature

★ 4.9(23 reviews)

Status

"It was a hidden gem tucked away in a mixed-use building. While not spacious, it had a simple yet clean feel. The dim lighting and quiet atmosphere created a sense of calm without being intimidating. The food was meticulously prepared with a focus on details that would be difficult to replicate at home. Delicious! The staff was consistently kind and efficient, with the food arriving at just the right pace. It was a truly relaxing experience."

japanese

Tucked away in a multi-tenant building behind Shibuya Police Station, this innovative Japanese restaurant was hailed as one of Tokyo's best in 2023. Chef Kunii, a mere 27 years old, showcases incredible spirit and flair, challenging traditional fermentation techniques and wood-fired cooking. The masterful plasterwork on the counter and walls, combined with the flickering flames of the wood fire, creates an otherworldly ambiance. You'll be impressed by his creativity, like describing his homemade cypress leaf pepper as a "forest bath," and above all, by the robust flavors and exceptional cooking techniques and flavor combinations that set it apart. It's truly astonishing how such a refined space has been crafted amidst the vibrant chaos of Shibuya.

A Legendary Yakitori Spot Founded in 1932, Visited Even by Prime Ministers

Torifuku

★ 4.8(23 reviews)

Status

"A two-story, narrow shop with a counter that seats about five people on each floor. I called an hour before closing and luckily got a seat. I was dining alone. Reservations are highly recommended. I enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. Some might find the cramped space a drawback. I had one bottle of beer, two glasses of sake, and about ten skewers, which came to around 10,000 yen with a little change."

yakitori

Nestled in a residential area of Shibuya, this venerable yakitori restaurant was established in 1932. Starting as a humble stall, this tiny two-story, two-tsubo (approx. 6.6 sq m) shop is now steeped in dreams and history, even secretly frequented by prime ministers. They serve delicious, traditional yakitori, cooked perfectly to maximize the savory umami of the chicken. The sauce is a classic, with a pleasant sweetness and a hint of alcohol; the chicken skin is particularly recommended with it. While reservations are a must for this popular spot, calling at 11 AM might sometimes secure a same-day table. Both the exterior and interior exude the charm of a bygone era's yakitori joint, and the ability to enjoy a satisfying meal in around 40 minutes is another draw.

A Hidden Yakitori Gem in Oku-Shibuya (Deep Shibuya)

Tori Cha Taro

★ 4.6(178 reviews)

Status⋅¥¥

"This is a yakitori restaurant with the best food. It's a famous place tucked away in the depths of Shibuya. Each skewer, made with four types of local chicken, is delicious. The fresh chicken liver, especially, was cooked lightly and had a rich flavor, making it the best dish. I was very satisfied with my stomach after eating seasonal summer vegetables like tomatoes and zucchini. The chicken ramen for the finale was light, but the chicken broth was rich and flavorful, good enough to stand on its own as a ramen shop. As other reviewers have mentioned, the portions are quite large, so you need to be prepared to eat a lot."

yakitori

About a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station, tucked away in a residential area, lies this elusive yakitori restaurant where reservations are notoriously difficult to secure. Each skewer, crafted from four varieties of local chicken, boasts top-class freshness and flavor. The fresh chicken liver, in particular, is served lightly grilled with a rich, intense taste. Share a recommended bottle of wine from the quiet and kind owner as you savor each skewer, served at a perfect pace. The pleasant service, the owner's movements, and the quality of every skewer are undeniably excellent, and the L-shaped counter creates a unique atmosphere conducive to conversation. Even the final dish, chicken soba, will impress you with its clear soup and rich chicken broth, truly justifying its reputation as a difficult-to-book masterpiece.

Local Italian in Sakuragaoka-cho

CUJORL

★ 4.6(168 reviews)

Status⋅¥¥

"Tucked away in the backstreets of Shibuya, specifically in Sakuragaoka-cho, lies the Italian restaurant "CUJORL." It's located a short distance west of the intersection in front of Sakuragaoka Post Office. While slightly removed from the station, the area is known for its high-quality restaurants and offers a delightful stroll. CUJORL's lunch menu features four options: A - Salad Lunch (¥1,200), B - Pasta Lunch (¥1,600), C - Main Dish Lunch (¥2,700), and D - Full Course (¥3,500). The enticing selection of appetizers led me to choose the B Lunch. The appetizer selection allows you to choose one from five options, primarily featuring seafood but also including prosciutto and pork. I opted for the "Marinated Miyagi Saba (Mackerel) with Water Eggplant and Myoga (Japanese Ginger)." For the pasta, I chose the "Salmon and Shimeji Mushroom Cream Sauce w/ Spaghetti" from four options. The interior has an interesting layout, with an L-shaped counter and a few tables. It's quite a popular spot, and when I visited, it was nearly full. I managed to squeeze into a seat at the end of the counter. Perhaps due to the location, the clientele exuded a calm atmosphere, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable ambiance throughout the restaurant. The marinated Saba arrived, along with bread. Despite being marinated, it was surprisingly light and easy to eat. The combination with water eggplant was refreshing, and the Myoga provided a pleasant accent. Next came the pasta. For an additional ¥100, you could have a large portion, but even the regular size was quite substantial. Although listed as spaghetti, the noodles were more like spaghetti alla chitarra or even fettuccine. They had a slight bite and were cooked to perfection. The salt balance was excellent, and I devoured it quickly. I used the remaining bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The lunch course allows you to add a drink like coffee for an additional ¥100, so I ordered a cup. After lingering a bit, I finished my meal. I had heard good things about this place, and it lived up to the hype. Highly recommended!"

italianbarfrench

A short walk from Shibuya Station, in Sakuragaoka-cho, you'll find this Italian bistro beloved by locals. Situated in a quiet area away from the station, it offers a relaxed atmosphere for dining. With both an L-shaped counter and table seating, the space is comfortable and inviting. Lunch starts from an affordable 1,200 yen, and the dishes, which highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, are both profound and impressive. Everything on the menu is delicious, with the pasta's al dente texture and the balance of saltiness being particularly exquisite. This high-quality establishment is also recommended for a casual date.

Exploring Shibuya's True Face: A Tour of Esteemed Establishments for Adults

From long-standing establishments with over 90 years of history to innovative restaurants led by young chefs, Shibuya is home to numerous esteemed places cherished by locals, often unknown to tourists. By stepping away from the commercial district's clamor and visiting these tranquil hidden gems, you can truly discover the authentic side of Shibuya.