The area around Shinjuku Station, which boasts the world’s highest passenger traffic, is one of Tokyo’s most competitive districts for restaurants. Among the diverse array of establishments, “TAKAMARU FRESH FISH SHOP” is consistently recommended by locals as the place to indulge in fresh seafood to your heart’s content.
Jewel-like sashimi sourced daily from Japan’s largest fish market Toyosu Market
The restaurant is a Japanese tavern directly operated by a fresh fish retailer.
They can offer exceptional fish because they source directly from Toyosu Market, Japan’s world-renowned fish market. The owner personally selects over 30 types of quality seafood, offering them at quite reasonable prices.
The most popular dish is the “Assorted sashimi hamori.” The selection of fish in this sashimi platter varies daily, with 8 to 10 different types served.
Prices vary by portion size, with the Assorted sashimi hamori (for two-three people) containing about twenty slices. All fish served is seasonal, based on market availability. During our October 2024 visit, they were serving horse mackerel from Ehime Prefecture, bonito from Miyagi Prefecture, and yellowtail from Hokkaido.
“刺身盛り合わせ 羽盛,” Assorted sashimi hamori 2,980 JPY (tax included)
What’s surprising is the thickness of the slices. Each piece is more than twice the size of typical sashimi, reflecting the owner’s desire for customers to enjoy plenty of delicious fish. You’ll experience a refreshing umami from the sea bream, sweetness from the scallops with each bite, and a rich flavor from the tuna.
The varied tastes of different seafoods really showcase the diversity of Japanese fish cuisine.
When eating, it’s recommended to start with the lighter white fish, as darker-colored fish tends to have a richer taste.
Also, avoid using too much soy sauce, as it can overpower the taste of the fish. Dip the sashimi up to about halfway, and add wasabi to your preference.
The soy sauce that enhances the sashimi’s taste is also carefully selected. The types available on each table are not mass-produced but naturally brewed in Chiba Prefecture.
Three different kinds are offered, varying in concentration and flavor, allowing you to enjoy sashimi without tiring of the taste!
You’re free to use three types of soy sauce
The famous “Three types of tub set” lets you enjoy many luxurious ingredients
Alongside the sashimi platter, the “Three types of tub set” is another popular specialty.
It includes the “Tuna Bowl,” the “Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Bowl,” and the “Crab and Scallop Bowl.” While each can be ordered separately, the set offers better value.
“三桶盛りセット,” Three types of tub set 2,980 JPY (tax included)
The ruby-like tuna comes in about 10 large slices of lean meat. They source the best tuna from both Japan and worldwide, depending on the season. Its rich, fatty flavor is the main attraction.
“マグロの桶盛り,” Tuna Bowl individual price: 1,780 JPY (tax included)
The Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Bowl overflows with sea urchin and salmon roe – the most premium sushi toppings – atop rolled sushi.
First, try the high-quality sea urchin without soy sauce to appreciate its natural flavor.
“ウニとイクラの桶盛り,” The Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Bowl individual price 1,980 JPY (tax included)
The Crab and Scallop Bowl offers shredded crab meat and sweet, springy scallops in a salad style. Being able to enjoy crab without getting your hands messy is a plus. Eating the meat along with the rich crab miso in the center pairs excellently with alcohol.
“カニとホタテの桶盛り,” The Crab and Scallop Bowl individual price: 880 JPY (tax included)
Don’t miss the satisfying fried menu items!
TAKAMARU FRESH FISH SHOP offers more than just sashimi. The standard menu alone includes over 50 diverse items like sushi, rice bowls, grilled dishes, fried foods, and salads.
Among them, the “Extra large fried shrimp” has become a hit on social media.
“特大エビフライ,” Extra large fried shrimp 1,380 JPY (tax included)
They use carefully selected black tiger prawns weighing over 150g each. The crispy-fried shrimp is so hefty it’s challenging to hold with chopsticks!
Grab it with both hands, remove the head, and dip it in homemade tartar sauce for a pop of juicy flavor. The natural sweetness and umami of the shrimp will spread across your palate. Try it with Worcestershire sauce as well as tartar sauce to enhance the sweetness.
The “Fried crab gratin,” each the size of a baseball, is another must-try specialty. Everything, beginning with the crab gratin sauce inside, is homemade. It’s popular for its smooth texture and balanced flavor.
“カニクリームコロッケ,” Fried crab gratin 420 JPY per piece (tax included)
While delicious on its own, the dish takes on a different flavor with sauce. When ordering two or more, you might get crab legs depending on the day’s stock. Try ordering multiple pieces to experience different ways of eating them.
Rich selection of sake ranging from standard to rare varieties
Sake is the perfect pairing for seafood dishes. TAKAMARU FRESH FISH SHOP offers over twenty-five types of sake, including dry and aromatic types, pure rice sake full of rice umami, rare brands, and seasonal selections.
Try comparing all these different varieties!
The popular “barrel sake,” as the name hints, is served directly from sake barrels. They also offer uniquely Japanese drinks like shochu sours, whiskey highballs, fruit liquors, and wine.
Staff can recommend drinks that pair well with your food, so feel free to ask when ordering.
“たる酒,” barrel sake 480 JPY (tax included) per glass
Popular among international diners with a foreign language menu
The restaurant attracts visitors from around the world, as well as Japan. Photo menus in English, Chinese, and Korean make ordering easy for non-Japanese speakers.
Besides regular menu items, they also offer daily specials. Look for the yellow cards posted inside the shop listing the day’s special dishes.
Daily specials might include tuna, salmon, eel, and other items
For those who don’t drink alcohol, there are daily set meals including rice, a main dish, and miso soup.
What’s more, the restaurant is open continuously from lunchtime through to the evening, allowing you to enjoy fresh seafood at any time. It’s suitable for various occasions.
Even on weekdays, it gets crowded after 6:00 PM, so reservations are recommended!
Information
| Store name | タカマル鮮魚店 本館 TAKAMARU FRESH FISH SHOP |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-15-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Appalite Building 1F
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| Access |
Nishi-Shinjuku Station 3-minute walk from Exit D5
Seibu-Shinjuku Station 6-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station South Exit
Shinjuku Station（SJK） 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-5937-5969 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog |
| Payment |
|
| Hours | 11:00-23:00（last order 22:30） |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 50 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.takamaru-inc.com |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2024.
