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Best Restaurants in Shinagawa

Best Restaurants in Shinagawa

Shinagawa Ehime, Japan Travel Guide

Shinagawa’s Culinary Overview

Flavors & Traditions

Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, seasonal produce, and meticulous presentation. Chefs often focus on enhancing natural flavors.

Staple ingredients include rice, a wide variety of seafood, soy sauce, miso, and dashi. Flavors often lean savory (umami), sweet, or salty.

Dining Etiquette

  • Say "Itadakimasu" before eating to express gratitude.
  • After your meal, say "Gochisousama deshita" to thank staff.
  • Slurping noodles (ramen/soba) is acceptable and a sign of enjoyment.
  • Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl or passing food directly. Tipping is not customary.

Typical Meal Schedules

Breakfast

Often light, with Western-style hotel options or traditional Japanese (rice, miso soup, fish).

Lunch 12:00-14:00

Features convenient set menus (teishoku) or quick meals, offering good value.

Dinner 18:00-21:00

Can be a more elaborate affair. Izakayas (Japanese pubs) are popular for evening meals and drinks, usually open late.

Local Lunch Tip

  • Try a lunch set (teishoku) at a local restaurant.
  • These offer excellent value.
  • A chance to sample multiple dishes.
  • Look for specialty lunch menus during weekdays.

Must-Try Dishes in Shinagawa

Signature Japanese Cuisine

Sushi & Sashimi

Fresh seafood is a hallmark. Seek specialized sushi restaurants (sushiya).

Tsukiji Outer Market or Toyosu Market are prime locations for exceptional quality.

Ramen & Noodles

Popular noodle soup with various broths (shoyu, miso, tonkotsu) and toppings. Udon and Soba are also comforting options.

Shinagawa has numerous ramen shops, each with its unique style. Udon/Soba offer versatile meals.

Tempura & Tonkatsu

Tempura has battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Tonkatsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet, a satisfying and hearty meal.

Enjoy at specialty restaurants or as part of an izakaya meal.

Street Food & Beverages

  • Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry) are delightful.
  • Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) offers a rapid and savory bite.
  • Sake (rice wine), Shochu (distilled spirit), and popular Japanese beers (Kirin, Asahi) are traditional beverages.
  • Green Tea (Matcha, Sencha) provides a traditional and widely consumed option; Ramune is a fun carbonated soft drink.

Iconic Snacks & Desserts

Mochi & Dango

Soft, chewy rice cakes and sweet rice dumplings on a skewer.

Convenience Store Delights

Onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and various sweets offer quick and tasty options. Look for unique Kit Kat flavors!

Dining Options in Shinagawa

Fine Dining

Many Michelin-starred restaurants exist across Tokyo, accessible from Shinagawa. Find high-end dining within Shinagawa's luxury hotels or in nearby upscale areas like Ginza and Roppongi.

  • Exquisite Japanese and international cuisines.
  • Look within luxury hotels or nearby districts.
  • Consider booking through GetYourGuide for culinary experiences.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Abundant throughout Shinagawa, especially around the station and within shopping complexes. These restaurants offer a wide variety of Japanese and international options.

  • Sushi, tempura, izakaya fare are common.
  • Excellent quality at reasonable prices.
  • Found within Shinagawa Station building and surrounding areas.

Budget Eateries & Street Food

For inexpensive food, look for ramen shops, udon/soba stands, and "gyudon" (beef bowl) chains like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya.

  • Convenience stores offer excellent, ready-to-eat meals.
  • Food courts within shopping centers provide diverse, inexpensive choices.
  • Less traditional "street food" culture but look for stalls at festivals.

Markets & Food Halls

Shinagawa Intercity Shops

This complex contains many restaurants and cafes, perfect for a quick bite or casual meal.

Offers convenience and variety in a modern setting.

Tsukiji Outer Market / Toyosu Market

Easily accessible from Shinagawa, these markets offer fresh seafood, produce, and numerous market-style eateries.

Excellent for a brunch or lunch, providing a lively atmosphere.

International Cuisine Options

Italian & French

Many establishments throughout the district.

Chinese & Korean

Diverse options reflecting global culinary trends.

Indian & Others

A wide array of global cuisines available.

Global Dining

Shinagawa offers a full range of global cuisine restaurants.

Special Dietary Considerations

Navigating Dietary Needs

  • Vegetarian and vegan options become more common, especially in central Tokyo.
  • Many traditional Japanese dishes use dashi (fish stock), so inquire carefully about ingredients.
  • Halal options are limited but increasing. Kosher options remain very rare.
  • Gluten-free dining is challenging; soy sauce is typically wheat-based.

Resources & Tips

Online Guides & Apps

Online guides plus specialized apps (e.g., HappyCow) become highly recommended for suitable places.

Communication Aids

Learning a few Japanese phrases related to your diet (e.g., "Watashi wa bejitarian desu" for "I am vegetarian") becomes helpful.

Translation apps or printed allergen cards also assist.

Cultural Food Experiences

Seasonal & Festival Foods
Oden (winter hot pot)
Kakigori (summer shaved ice)
Chirashi Sushi (Hina Matsuri)
Yakitori (grilled skewers)
Monjayaki (Tokyo specialty)
Izakaya culture (Japanese pubs)
Unique Dining Concepts

Experience the lively atmosphere of Japanese pubs. Robot A place to eat in Shinjuku offers an energetic show with dining.

  • Izakaya perfect for trying small dishes.
  • Themed cafes exist in areas like Shibuya/Shinjuku.
  • Robot Restaurant GetYourGuide Link
Hands-on Culinary Classes

Various cooking classes (sushi making, ramen preparation, wagashi sweets) are available across Tokyo, many accessible from Shinagawa.

Food tours often focus on specific neighborhoods or food types, like market tours at Tsukiji.

Explore More Culinary Tours

Farm & Producer Visits
  • Not directly in Shinagawa.
  • Day trips to rural areas outside Tokyo.
Food Festivals
  • Check local event calendars.
  • Seasonal food festivals occur across Tokyo.

Culinary Experiences in Shinagawa

Hands-on Culinary Adventures

Sushi Making Classes

Take a class on making traditional sushi with expert guidance.

Hands-on Cultural skill
Find classes
Ramen Preparation

Discover the secrets to making authentic Japanese ramen from scratch.

Interactive
Join a class
Wagashi Sweets Making

Learn the art of creating beautiful and delicious traditional Japanese sweets.

Artistic & tasty
Book now

Food Tours & Local Insights

  • Food tours usually concentrate on specific neighborhoods.
  • Explore markets like Tsukiji or Toyosu for fresh seafood and local eateries.
  • Check local event calendars for seasonal food festivals.
  • These festivals offer a chance to sample diverse foods and experience local culture.

Unique Dining Experiences

Izakaya Culture

Experience the lively atmosphere of Japanese pubs, perfect for trying various small dishes and drinks.

A quintessential Japanese dining experience.

Robot Restaurant Shinjuku

Offers an unique, high-energy entertainment and dining experience, accessible from Shinagawa.

Book in advance for this unforgettable show.

Local Dining Insights

Explore Off-Streets

Find various local izakayas and small eateries tucked away off the main streets, especially in Shinagawa-shuku or Gotanda.

Try Regional Dishes

While Shinagawa does not have its own distinct cuisine, it offers a gateway to Tokyo's overall culinary identity.

Sake Tastings

Look for traditional sake bars in Shinagawa-shuku for an authentic Japanese drinking experience.

Additional Culinary Tips

Exploring Tokyo's food scene goes beyond tasting; it embraces history and tradition.

  • Always try local specialties if available.
  • Be open to new flavors and interactive dining.
  • Remember, tapping is not customary inside Japan.