Exploring the culinary landscape of Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo, unveils a plethora of gastronomic delights that cater to a diverse range of palates. Among the myriad dining options, the spotlight falls on the exquisite world of tonkatsu, a beloved Japanese dish renowned for its crispy breaded exterior and succulent interior. This post aims to present a selection of standout tonkatsu restaurants nestled within the vibrant streets of Shinjuku, where discerning food enthusiasts can indulge in the mastery of this culinary art form. In the heart of Tokyo, these restaurants in Shinjuku stand as definitive destinations for savoring authentic tonkatsu, making for a truly satisfying gastronomic 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. Tonkatsu Wako Takuan Isetan Shinjuku
Address: 3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan, Inside Isetan Shinjuku Store 7F
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Google Rating: 4.3(463)
This specialized tonkatsu restaurant is situated within the dining area of Takashimaya department store.
Renowned throughout Japan for its widely acclaimed high-end tonkatsu offerings, this establishment stands out as a prime destination for enthusiasts of this crispy pork dish.
The restaurant offers not only delectable tonkatsu but also exceptional service, all at a remarkably reasonable price point. The elegant tables and the option to sit at the kitchen counter, where you can observe the culinary preparations, enhance the overall dining experience.
2. Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya
Address: 14F Takashimaya Times Square Building, 5 Chome-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Google Rating: 4.5 (1,081)
Situated in the Takashimaya department store dining area, this is a dedicated tonkatsu restaurant.
Overall, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the tonkatsu was satisfying.
It holds its place among the select few in Japan known for their widely acclaimed high-end tonkatsu, revered across the country.
The cost of this premium tonkatsu hovers around 25 USD. Considering the exquisite taste, it doesn’t feel overly pricey.
3. Shinjuku acacia
Address: 3 Chome-22-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Google Rating: 4.1 (2,360)
This renowned establishment is celebrated for its distinctive Japanese-style Western cuisine, notably its cabbage roll stew.
Opted for the tenderloin option, and it did not disappoint. The meat was juicy and tender, enveloped in a light and crispy batter. The interactive element of grinding sesame seeds provided an intriguing touch. While the combination of tonkatsu sauce and sesame seeds wasn’t to my preference, I found the tonkatsu more enjoyable with just salt and sauce.
The standout, however, was the soup. Arriving around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday, the wait wasn’t too long—maybe around 10 to 20 minutes. However, by the time we left at 7:30 pm, the queue had tripled in length. Despite the higher price point, the experience is worth trying, though I would hesitate if a wait of over an hour were required.
The cost per person ranges from ¥3,000 to ¥4,000.
4. Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi
Address: B1F Motobuilding, 3 Chome-32-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Menu: Gyukatsu (Beef Cutlet)
Google Rating: 4.5 (4,738)
This establishment stands out as one of the most renowned gyukatsu (beef cutlet) franchises in Japan.
Interestingly, it has gained even more popularity among Koreans than among locals in Japan.
The flavors were exceptional! The meat was of remarkable quality!
Service was impressively swift.
One of the highlights is the interactive experience of grilling the meat yourself. Arriving at your table rare and ready to eat, the beef takes on a splendid grilled taste, complemented by a choice of two dipping sauces and wasabi. A complimentary extra serving of rice is available and is highly recommended.
The quality of a restaurant shines through when they focus on perfecting one dish and vary only in terms of accompanying drink options.