🍷 For Dates and Girls' Night: 4 Stylish Yakitori Spots in Shinjuku

1. Yakitori HARETSUBAME (Shinjuku East Exit)

This trendy spot is known for its expertly grilled charcoal skewers and seasonal obanzai side dishes. The star dishes include the juicy duck tsukune and duck-and-negi skewer, grilled slowly for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Their seasonal obanzai dishes blend Japanese and Western cooking styles, offering a feast that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

• Address: B2F Shinjuku Miyuki Building, 3-27-4 Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Hours: Lunch 11:30–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Grilled Duck Skewer – ¥275
  • Raw Duck Tsukune – ¥319
  • 5 Kinds of Cold Dishes – ¥1,628
• Seating: Table, counter, private, and horigotatsu seating
• Access: 2 min from JR Shinjuku East Exit
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0

2. Motsuyaki★Captain (Shinjuku West Exit)

Specializing in meat sashimi and hearty motsuyaki, this restaurant takes pride in using fresh whole pig offal, butchered in-house daily. You’ll find rare sashimi cuts like tongue, heart, and even cartilage.

Their binchotan charcoal grilling brings out deep, smoky flavors, and popular cuts can sell out fast — early arrival is recommended!

• Address: 1F Kodama Building, 7-19-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Hours: 17:00–23:30
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Premium Tongue Sashimi – ¥880
  • Meat Sashimi Sampler – ¥1,155
  • Grilled Liver – ¥198
• Seating: Table and counter
• Access: 3–5 min walk from multiple stations
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0

3. Hakata Kushiyaki & Veggie-Wrapped Skewers 358 (Shinjuku South Exit)

A favorite for fans of vegetable-wrapped skewers, 358 specializes in Hakata-style yakitori, offering unique bites like lettuce rolls and Hakata green onion rolls. They also serve hot pot dishes like mentaiko-filled gyoza and motsunabe.

Private rooms and loft spaces make it great for parties or intimate dinners.

• Address: 5-33-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
• Hours: Weekdays 16:00–23:30 / Weekends 15:00–23:00 (Closed Sunday)
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Lettuce Roll Skewer – ¥500
  • Hakata Onion Roll – ¥350
  • Course Menu with All-You-Can-Drink – ¥5,000
• Seating: Counter, table, private rooms
• Access: 5 min from JR Shinjuku
• Google Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.9

4. KOBE YAKITORI STAND Nonotori (Shinjuku East Exit)

This stand-style yakitori joint uses Hyogo premium chicken, grilled over high-grade Kishu binchotan charcoal and finished with a secret sauce that’s been perfected over 30 years.Their dual-style chicken tataki sampler is a standout, and they offer an extensive drink menu featuring wines and highballs.

• Address: 3-20-8 Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Hours: 11:00–15:00 / 17:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Banshu Egg Tsukune – ¥495
  • 5 Skewer Set – ¥3,300
  • Chicken Tataki Sampler – ¥1,320
• Seating: Counter and table
• Access: 2 min from JR & Metro stations
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3

💸 Budget-Friendly Yet Delicious: 4 Yakitori Gems for Great Value

5. Yakitori-ya Sumire Shinjuku O-Guard Branch (Shinjuku West Exit)

Sumire focuses on Oyama chicken, offering high-quality yakitori in a casual and welcoming setting. Their concept is all about making great yakitori accessible to everyone — from families to first-timers.

• Address: 5F Sunflower Building, 1-3-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
• Hours: Weekdays 17:00–23:30 / Weekends 16:00–23:30
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • King’s Liver – ¥328
  • Hina-Toro Skewer – ¥273
  • Oyama Chicken Salt Skewer Platter – ¥548
• Seating: Table, counter, semi-private rooms
• Access: 2 min from Shinjuku Station
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.1

6. Kyushu Yoshiki Shinjuku East Exit Branch (Shinjuku East Exit)

Handcrafted veggie-wrapped skewers using only organic vegetables, carefully rolled by the owner. These skewers balance the umami of pork with the sweetness of fresh veggies.The upscale, minimalist decor makes it a stylish yet affordable spot, with private rooms for parties up to 80 people.

• Address: B1F Pegasus Building, 3-31-5 Shinjuku
• Hours: 17:00–00:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • 5 Skewer Assortment – ¥880
  • 7 Veggie-Wrapped Skewers – ¥1,309
  • All-You-Can-Eat + Drinks – ¥4,000
• Seating: Table and private rooms
• Access: 2 min from JR Shinjuku
• Google Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.1

7. Teketeke Shinjuku Main Branch (Shinjuku West Exit)

Known for its salted tsukune, this izakaya also offers rich chicken collagen hotpot and sizzling chicken dumplings. Their house-made "Teke Lemon Sour" is the perfect match for grilled dishes.

• Address: B1F Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku, 7-10-5 Nishi-Shinjuku
• Hours: Weekdays 17:00–23:30 / Weekends 16:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Salt Tsukune – ¥319
  • Chicken Dumplings – ¥649
  • Hakata Mizutaki Hotpot – ¥1,199
• Seating: Table and floor seating
• Access: 3 min from Shinjuku West Exit Station
• Google Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.5

8. Torimichi Sakaba Shinjuku Kabukicho Branch (Shinjuku East Exit)

Open until 5 AM, this all-skewers ¥100 yakitori joint is a hit among night owls. Using premium chickens like Kyoto Benidori and Oyama-dori, it delivers unbeatable value.

From white liver and chicken sashimi to group-friendly private rooms, this is the go-to for late-night bites and big parties.

• Address: Kabukicho Y Building, 1-23-10 Kabukicho
• Hours: 5:00 AM – 5:00 AM (24h style!)
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Chicken Yukhoe – ¥539
  • 7 Skewer Assortment – ¥726
  • Water Pot Hotpot – ¥814 (2+ servings)
• Seating: Table and private rooms
• Access: 3 min from JR Shinjuku, 1 min from Seibu Shinjuku
• Google Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.4

🍶 For Business Meetings & Special Occasions: 4 Michelin-Level Yakitori Spots

9. Juni-so Dori Jidori Yakitoriya (Shinjuku South Exit)

This refined eatery serves Hinai chicken sourced directly from Akita. Their seasonal sake lineup is displayed in an in-store showcase, making it a paradise for sake lovers.Perfect for business meetings or relaxed family dinners in their cozy private rooms.

• Address: B1F St. Hills Nishi-Shinjuku, 3-7-27 Nishi-Shinjuku
• Hours: Weekdays 17:30–00:00 / Weekends 17:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Hinai Chicken Thigh – ¥500
  • White Liver – ¥750
  • Tsukune with Egg Yolk – ¥600
• Seating: Table, counter, and private rooms
• Access: 6–8 min from multiple stations
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.1

10. Akasaka Umaya Shinjuku (Shinjuku South Exit)

Just 3 minutes from the station, this elegant restaurant serves Mitsuse Chicken skewers and a variety of Kyushu specialties like Ika shumai and motsunabe.Private and counter seats make it perfect for everything from romantic dinners to formal gatherings.

• Address: 2F Daiichi Oscar Building, 1-2-16 Kabukicho
• Hours: Mon–Sat 18:00–4:00 / Sun 18:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Chicken Tender – ¥380
  • Aged Tsukune – ¥440
  • 6 Skewer Course – ¥4,000
• Seating: Counter, table, semi-private
• Access: 6–7 min walk from Shinjuku Station
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3

11. Yakitori Mikado (Shinjuku East Exit)

A hidden gem led by a seasoned yakitori chef, Mikado pairs premium domestic chicken with expertly selected wines and sake.

Their omakase courses are highly recommended, and both counter and private room seating make it ideal for any occasion — even solo dining.

• Address: 9F Daishin Dai-ni Building, 3-31-1 Shinjuku
• Hours: Lunch 12:00–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Omakase Course – ¥10,450
  • Anniversary Course – ¥13,000
  • Lunch Omakase – ¥5,500
• Seating: Counter, table, and private rooms
• Access: 1–3 min from Shinjuku Station
• Google Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.9

12. Yakitori Toribian Shinjuku (Shinjuku East Exit)

Located in the heart of Kabukicho, Toribian is an elegant yakitori restaurant perfect for business dinners, celebrations, or a refined night out. The chef, trained at renowned establishments, carefully grills each skewer using premium local chicken sourced from various regions of Japan.The restaurant takes pride in pairing its dishes with both carefully selected Japanese sake and sommelier-approved wines from around the world. Whether you’re coming alone to enjoy the peaceful counter space or hosting a special dinner in one of the cozy semi-private rooms, Toribian offers a calm and luxurious dining experience.

• Address: 2F Daiichi Oscar Building, 1-2-16 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 18:00–04:00 / Sunday 18:00–23:00
• Menu Highlights:
  
  • Chicken Tender Skewer – ¥380
  • Aged Tsukune – ¥440
  • 6 Skewer Course (with salad and appetizer) – ¥4,000
• Seating: Counter, table seating, and semi-private rooms
• Access: 7 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit) / 6 minutes from Shinjuku Sanchome Station
• Google Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3

🍢 Final Thoughts

There you have it — 12 of Shinjuku’s best yakitori restaurants, each with its own flair and flavor. Whether you're craving a casual bite, a stylish date night, or a refined omakase course, these spots are sure to satisfy.

Which one will you try first? Whatever you choose, you’re in for a deliciously smoky, skewered adventure right in the heart of Tokyo. Enjoy!

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