Nestled within Shinjuku, Tokyo’s dynamic landscape, a culinary journey awaits for aficionados of noodle cuisine, encompassing tsukemen, udon, and soba. Amid the array of dining establishments, the focus turns to the realm of exceptional eateries dedicated to these iconic noodle dishes. As we delve into Tokyo’s dining scene, these establishments stand as testament to the artistry and flavors that define tsukemen, udon, and soba, promising an authentic and unforgettable gustatory experience.
Please refer to the links below for a brief description and location of each singdang shown on the map.
Complete Guide for Restaurants in Shinjuku, Tokyo
1. Yasubee Shinjuku
Address: 2 Chome-11-19 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Until 10:00 PM on Sundays)
Menu: Ramen (tsukemen)
Google Rating: 4.0 (1,538)
This restaurant is renowned for its flavorful spicy tsukemen, a dish consisting of dipping noodles. The foundation of this dish is composed of cold noodles, although they can also be served warm upon request. The cold noodles possess a delightful chewy texture that appeals to the palate. It’s worth noting that despite the generous serving of noodles, the price remains consistent, allowing customers to enjoy to their preferences.
The broth’s seasoning is milder than conventional standards, making it suitable for those seeking a less intense flavor. Remarkably, this establishment holds a position among the top 3 dining experiences I’ve had in Tokyo.
For those visiting, be aware that arriving after 9 PM might entail a slight waiting period. The menu offers two distinct sauce options, both of which are equally delectable. Notably, the portion size of the noodles can be adjusted to one’s preference. Customers can conveniently select their desired items using the menu numbers provided.
2. Fūunji
Address: 1F Hokuto Daiichi Building, 2 Chome-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Menu: Tsukemen
Google Rating: 4.3 (3,939)
This restaurant, alongside Menya Musashi, is among Shinjuku’s top tsukemen (dipping noodles) spots.
Expect waits during busy hours. A 20-minute walk from my hotel led me here, but even arriving early, I waited around 45 minutes from queuing to seating. After passing the blue entrance banner, further seating waits as guests leave.
Seat availability depends on group size. Larger groups might be split into subgroups for quicker seating.
Inside, at the ordering machine, pay before choosing your ramen. Once seated, enjoy a great bowl of tsukemen. The chef asks for noodle portion preference (regular/large), with no extra charge for large.
The soup is salty; be mindful if salt-sensitive. The dipping noodle includes pork, so beware of ordering extras. I ended up with too much food.
Despite a satisfying taste, overeating affected my experience. Consider portion sizes, especially if you eat less.
Arrive early to avoid long lines on exit.
3. Tokyo Abura Soba
Address: 1F Nishishinjuku Building, 1 Chome-13-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM (Until 9:00 PM on Sundays)
Menu: Abura Soba
Google Rating: 4.2 (893)
This renowned eatery is famed for its abura soba, a variant of soba noodles blended with oil for a distinctive taste.
Abura soba comes in two flavor options: spicy or non-spicy. Toppings can be tailored to individual preferences.
Locals flock to this spot, leading to wait times during peak hours. They offer a unique “special oil soba,” made from specially crafted flour with high nutritional content, rich in vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, maintaining wheat’s delightful aroma. ***Highly recommended. The enjoyable experience of using the ordering machine adds to the charm. Remember to mix the sauce under the noodles before consuming.
For those desiring both spicy and miso flavors, the bibim ramen is an option. Resembling mazesoba but with subtle differences, its spiciness might prove challenging for those averse to heat.
The staff is friendly, and the ability to choose desired quantities at the same price point is a great feature.
Both the miso and spicy flavors of the ramen are delicious!!
4. Teppan Baby
Address: B1F POCKET Building, 1 Chome-17-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 5:00 AM (Until midnight on Thursdays and Sundays)
Menu: Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba
Google Rating: 4.3 (711)
This specialized eatery focuses on okonomiyaki and yakisoba, while also offering a variety of other menu options.
Renowned for their consistent and delightful flavors, both okonomiyaki and yakisoba are well-regarded dishes in Japan. The restaurant is praised for its cleanliness, pleasant atmosphere, and attentive service.
Comprehensive excellence across taste, ambiance, and performance.
Visiting without a reservation might entail a substantial wait due to high demand and limited seating. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance for a stable experience. On a Saturday evening after 8 PM, my party of two waited behind one group for about 20 minutes before being seated. However, groups of three or more arriving after us had to leave due to lack of available seating.
5. Udon Shin
Address: 1F Soma Building, 2 Chome-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Menu: Udon
Google Rating: 4.2 (3,441)
This udon specialty restaurant is acclaimed for its freshly crafted noodles, highly regarded for their quality.
A standout on their menu is the “zaru udon,” cold udon served on a bamboo mat. Its chewy texture has earned it praise. This dish involves dipping the noodles into soy sauce before consumption.
While recognized among locals, it enjoys even more popularity among tourists.
From my experience as a noodle enthusiast, I can confidently say that I haven’t encountered better noodles elsewhere. Criticisms about the broth being ordinary perplex me; it’s a testament to their discerning palate. Whenever I’m in Tokyo, I exclusively dine on udon here. Over three weeks, I visited five times, trying different noodle dishes each visit. The zaru udon stands out, whether eaten dry, with a bit of dipping sauce, or soaked in broth. The tempura options, particularly the shrimp and fish cake, come highly recommended. Oh, the waiting time? Well, it’s a bit of an inconvenience, but I find it manageable, especially with the nearby Sunroute Plaza. Shin-udon line takes 3 minutes, Geio-Shin-Sen line takes 5 minutes, and so on.
Though the sake selection isn’t extensive, their whiskey collection is a curated delight.
As someone who wasn’t initially fond of zaru soba, I must admit their zaru udon is likely to be equally impressive.