Enjoying Solo Dining in Shinjuku

Even in bustling Shinjuku, there are numerous restaurants where you can comfortably enjoy a meal alone. We'll introduce establishments where you can truly value your personal time, whether it's a pleasant hour at a counter seat or soaking in the warm ambiance of a long-standing eatery.

A Hidden Gem Izakaya in Shinjuku West Exit

Hiroki Club Meshiya Shinjuku

★ 4.6(186 reviews)

Status

"❤︎ : Hiroki Club : Shinjuku Nishiguchi, Tokyo : Tabelog 3.55 : ¥5,000 - I've been wanting to go to this place for a long time and had it saved! I tried calling to make a reservation several times, but it was always fully booked... It was a dream come true! I went on a Sunday at 6:00 PM, but it was still full, so reservations are a must at this place! I recommend the "Serious" Horse Mackerel Fry, Potato Salad (with smoked burdock!), and Yukke. The horse mackerel fry was cooked medium-rare and was incredibly delicious with the salt and ginger seasonings. The potato salad was made with oden broth and had smoked burdock in it, which was delicious! (I was torn between smoked burdock and sansho pepper...) The Yukke was also amazing! Personally, I recommend the Shrimp Miso Crab Cream Croquette! It was so rich and crispy, it was delicious... A must-try for cream croquette lovers! Then there's the Eggplant with Anchovy Butter! The anchovy butter seasoning was so flavorful... Another must-try is the Thick-Cut Tongue! I ordered it well-done, but it's delicious whether it's rare or well-done. The thick-cut tongue was amazing! ♡ They have a wide variety of drinks, and although I had a non-alcoholic drink, they have a lot of options for non-alcoholic drinkers, like cold-brewed yuzu green tea and firewood roasted tea. If I had room in my stomach, I would have definitely ordered the pudding for dessert...!!! I'll definitely get it next time! ♡ They have counter seats, table seats, and one private room. It has a hidden izakaya vibe, which I loved! The lively counter is recommended! If you come here on a date, you'll be impressed by your good taste!!! Also, the incense in the restroom smelled so good... I wanted to stay there (but I didn't, lol). The restroom was also nice!♩ #Tokyo #TokyoFoodie #ShinjukuFoodie #ShinjukuNishiguchiFoodie #Tabelog3.5andAbove #HirokiClub #ShinjukuIzakaya #ShinjukuNishiguchiIzakaya #Izakaya #HiddenIzakaya #TabelogTokyo #TabelogHighlyRated #LikeForLike"

barjapaneseizakaya

This izakaya, tucked away a short walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit, boasts a hidden-gem atmosphere. With its Japanese-style interior featuring natural wood, the counter seats surrounding the kitchen are perfect for solo diners. A delightful touch is being able to choose your favorite chopstick rest from a wide selection when you're seated. The menu, which changes monthly to feature seasonal ingredients, promises new culinary discoveries with every visit. Their famous "Honki no Ajifry" (Serious Fried Horse Mackerel) is a masterpiece: fresh horse mackerel, suitable for sashimi, is perfectly fried to be rare inside and crispy outside. Dishes like potato salad made with potatoes simmered in oden broth, Wagyu Yukke, and beef tongue all showcase exceptional culinary skill and flavor. The live, dynamic atmosphere at the counter makes it a charming spot where solo diners can feel completely at ease.

Long-Established Motsuyaki in Omoide Yokocho

Shinjuku Sasamoto

★ 4.8(66 reviews)

Status

"Yayolog (つ∀｀*) A legendary establishment in Omoide Yokocho, founded in 1947. ◼️The large pot of miso-flavored simmered offal and the fresh offal lined up next to the ice blocks are a feast for the eyes. There are many unspoken rules, and the shop has no signboard or menu. (Smoking is allowed at all seats) ◆Simmered Offal Soft and flavorful, with a distinct offal aroma, perfect for drinking. ◆Omakase (Chef's Choice) Three Skewers ♦️Liver Boiled, absolutely delicious! ♦️ハラミ (Beef Skirt Steak) Also excellent. ♦️Tongue Served with miso paste. Chewy and delicious. ◆Another skewer, I can't remember what it was. ◆Red Wine Tokachi Wine, Tokappa Red Overflowing wine!! ◼️About the Shop◼️ Cash only. ・No chopsticks. ・No entry for those who have already been drinking. ・No women allowed. ・Shochu is limited to 3 glasses. etc. The restroom is shared with Omoide Yokocho. Founded in 1947. Currently run by the third generation. (From Google Search) ◼️◼️ Visited on a weekday afternoon around 5:30 pm. Almost full, but one seat was available. I ordered the simmered offal and the omakase. The owner was taciturn but kind to first-timers. A popular shop in Omoide Yokocho (a remnant of the black market, also known as Shonben Yokocho). 2020.2"

yakitoriyakiniku

Established in 1947, this venerable motsuyaki (grilled offal) restaurant is a cornerstone of Omoide Yokocho. It's a feast for the eyes, with motsu stew simmering gently in a large pot and fresh offal lined up next to blocks of ice. The space is incredibly narrow, with counter seating only, but that very atmosphere is its greatest charm. The melt-in-your-mouth stew has no unpleasant odor and condenses the unique umami of offal. All the grilled skewers are cooked to perfection—whether you order liver, shiro (large intestine), hatsu (heart), or tan (tongue), you can't go wrong. There's no menu; you simply entrust your order to the staff. It’s a precious establishment, preserving a 昭和 (Showa-era) atmosphere, where you can quickly enjoy your meal and depart within about an hour. It's a hidden gem in Shinjuku, perfect for a solo visit.

Spice Curry in an Alleyway

Spice Bazaar Achakana

★ 4.5(227 reviews)

Status⋅¥¥

"A hidden gem tucked away in the back alleys of Shinjuku West Exit. You can enjoy curries with varying levels of spiciness and cheese kulcha (a type of flatbread made with naan dough). The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. It's located on the 3rd floor, up the stairs after passing through a shuttered entrance. The interior is larger than its exterior suggests, with 15 seats, and first-time visitors are often surprised by its spaciousness. This time, I ordered the "Two Curry Set (¥1,200)" with a cheese kulcha and mini rice (+¥300). The curries change daily, and today's options were "Spicy: Chicken Curry" and "Mild: Masoor Dal and Spinach." The chicken curry was absolutely fantastic. The thickness, flavor, and spice blend were all perfect. In contrast, the lentil and spinach curry had a gentle flavor and was very healthy. It was also delicious. I highly recommend the cheese kulcha. It's filled with plenty of cheese inside the dough, making it incredibly gooey and delicious. I definitely want to visit again and try the other curries.⭐︎"

indianbar

This specialty spice curry shop quietly resides on the 3rd floor, hidden up a staircase behind a shutter in an alleyway near Shinjuku West Exit. Contrary to its unassuming exterior, the interior is surprisingly spacious and features counter seating, making it welcoming for solo diners. You can enjoy two daily changing curries with different levels of spiciness, and the combination with cheese kulcha (naan filled with cheese) is exquisite. Each curry is meticulously prepared, from the chicken curry with its superb balance of richness, umami, and spices, to the gently flavored masoor dal and spinach curry. The cheese kulcha, generously stuffed with gooey cheese, is addictively delicious. This place comes highly recommended for those who want to savor spice curry leisurely on their own.

Enjoying Comfortable Solo Time in Shinjuku

Whether it's the counter of a hidden izakaya, the warm ambiance of a long-established motsuyaki spot, or a spice curry shop tucked away in an alleyway, Shinjuku offers a plethora of establishments where you can comfortably spend time alone. Why not treat yourself to such a luxurious solo experience, savoring delicious food and drinks at your own pace?