Best Shimbashi Restaurant Guide: Top 5 Places to Eat and Drink Like a Tokyo Local

When you think of what makes Tokyo unique, which area comes to mind?

Some might picture Ginza, a shopping district lined with world-famous luxury brands, while others think of Shibuya, a hotspot for the latest trends. Everyone has their own image of Tokyo.

But when it comes to food, no conversation about Tokyo’s culinary scene is complete without mentioning Shimbashi.

Even today, you’ll find salarymen in suits loosening their ties as they stop by izakaya gastropubs lit by the warm glow of red lanterns. In Shimbashi, Tokyo’s authentic pub culture is still very much alive.

In this article, we’ll introduce must-try dishes and must-visit spots in Shimbashi. Each one offers great value and guaranteed satisfaction!

Izakaya culture in Shimbashi: Tokyo’s true pub scene

Head out of the Karasumori Exit of JR Shimbashi Station and turn left. As you cross the street and step into the alley lined with eateries, you’re greeted by the savory aroma of grilled yakitori wafting through the air.

The restaurants here are all small in scale, with just a few counter seats and closely packed tables that create a casual, cozy atmosphere.

The tight quarters naturally spark conversations with neighboring patrons, and before long, even the owner might join in, turning the space into a lively exchange.

That unpretentious vibe—where the drinks flow freely and social barriers melt away—is the essence of Shimbashi’s izakaya culture.

Bang for your buck: how to enjoy Shimbashi on a budget

“Cheap and delicious” is a given in Shimbashi. The area is packed with restaurants that are easy on the wallet yet never compromise on flavor.

The five spots introduced here each have their own unique charm—and all offer an exceptional balance of quality and value, with most meals easily enjoyed for under 5,000 JPY per person.

Tachinomi Kuri: savor Japanese sake at a standing bar

“Tachinomi Kuri” is a hidden gem for Japanese sake lovers. It’s a casual tachinomiya (standing bar) where even solo visitors can drop by comfortably and enjoy a drink.

The sake selection features rare and premium labels, yet most are surprisingly affordable—around 150 JPY per glass (40 ml / approx. 1.35 fl oz). Some varieties are served in larger pours—80 ml (approx. 2.7 fl oz) for 500 JPY (tax included)—but even these remain budget-friendly.

The food menu includes carefully prepared small plates such as “Macaroni Potato Salad,” “Pickled Vegetables,” and “New Potato Fries.” Each dish is crafted to pair well with sake.

Portions are intentionally small, with prices ranging from just 100 to 300 JPY (tax included)—a true bargain. You’ll also find regional specialties and fermented foods, offering a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.

While the sake selection is impressive, the true charm of Tachinomi Kuri lies in the warm personalities of the proprietress and her daughter.

Their friendly, welcoming service—treating both regulars and first-time visitors with the same kindness—makes it easy to lose track of time and stay longer than you planned.

Kani Jigoku: must-try Hokkaidō crab at reasonable prices

Despite its striking name, “Kani Jigoku” (“Crab Hell” in Japanese) offers high-quality crab dishes made with fresh crab shipped directly from Hokkaidō—all at affordable prices.

The signature “Crab Fisherman’s Hot Pot” is a hearty dish packed with delicious ingredients, featuring a generous portion of bright beni zuwaigani (red snow crab) and sweet, delicate hon zuwaigani (red snow crab) as the stars of the show.

Since it’s sized for two to three people, it’s best enjoyed shared with friends or family.

The rich flavor created by the crab juices, savory broth, and umami-packed vegetables is simply outstanding.

A perfect pairing with this hot pot is the “Grilled Kanimiso in the Shell.”

Savoring the rich, aromatic kanimiso (crab tomalley) with meat from the hot pot offers a truly indulgent experience.

Nibbling on grilled crab tomalley while sipping sake is another stylish way to enjoy it.

The cost-effectiveness of being able to so casually enjoy a luxury ingredient like crab at this restaurant might just be the best in all of Shimbashi!!

Butaya Toriyama: a different restaurant by day and night

Some places in Shimbashi switch gears between day and night, and “Butaya Toriyama” does this masterfully.

The star of the lunch menu is the “Pork Teishoku,” a pork set meal featuring a thick-cut Tokyo-born brand of pork known as “TOKYO X.”

Weighing in at 300 grams (about 10.6 ounces), its sheer volume is impressive—but what’s even more surprising is the texture.

The outside is seared to a crisp, golden finish, while the inside remains juicy and tender—one bite is enough to change everything you thought you knew about pork.

At “Butaya Toriyama,” a unique menu item called the “Senbero Set” appears starting at 3:00 PM.

“Senbero” is a slang term that combines sen-en (1,000 JPY) and bero-bero (a slang word for being drunk), referring to places where you can enjoy drinks and snacks at prices reasonable enough to get tipsy for just 1,000 JPY.

For just 1,100 JPY, you’ll receive three tokens that can be exchanged for drinks or small dishes, along with one appetizer served automatically.

Among the small dishes, options range from “Fried Mussels” (1 token) to “Shrimp Fritters” and “Tender Chicken Liver” (2 tokens), offering plenty of variety.

Butaya Toriyama in Shimbashi strikes the perfect balance between the satisfaction of a proper meal and the casual vibe of a drinking spot.

Bistro Cafe Momotenashiya: a rare taste of Tottori and Okayama cuisine in Tokyo

If you’re looking to discover hidden gems from Japan, we recommend a visit to “Bistro Cafe Momotenashiya.”

This restaurant specializes in regional cuisine and local sake from Tottori Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture. Be sure to try two standout items: the “Sake Tasting Set” and the “Tottori & Okayama 10-Item Assorted Platter.”

The Sake Tasting Set features three kinds of sake from Tottori and three from Okayama, carefully selected by the restaurant.

Sake from Tottori tends to have rich umami from the rice and a clean, crisp finish, while sake from Okayama is known for its smooth mouthfeel and fruity notes—each offering distinct regional charm.

You can pair it with the Tottori & Okayama 10-Item Assorted Platter, which includes five small dishes from both prefectures, all beloved local favorites.

From chītara (a type of fish paste) flavored with lemon to unique bites like flying fish chikuwa (a type of fish cake), and tofu chikuwa, the platter is full of rare and distinctive local dishes.This under-the-radar gem lets you feel like you’re traveling throughout Japan without ever leaving the city.

Kaku Masayoshi Misen: a must-visit for spicy ramen lovers

Spicy food lovers won’t want to miss the Taiwan Ramen (called “Taiwanese ramen” on the store menu) at “Kaku Masayoshi Misen.”

　

In this dish, garlic, chili peppers, and coarsely ground spicy meat miso come together in a fiery red broth brimming with heat and rich umami.

The bold, punchy flavor makes it impossible to stop eating—each bite brings a new burst of deliciousness, and before long, sweat starts to bead on your forehead.

The intensely spicy heat is enough to make your tongue tingle, but that’s exactly what makes Taiwan Ramen so appealing.

By the time you finish, you’ll feel refreshed and energized. The addictive quality of this spicy bowl of noodles at Kaku Masayoshi Misen will have you coming back for more.

Shimbashi at night feels nostalgic, yet full of new energy. It may not be overly glamorous, but that’s exactly what gives it its charm—it offers a glimpse of Tokyo’s authentic side.

A deep izakaya experience isn’t just about getting drunk—it’s about soaking in the flavors, the people, and the atmosphere. Shimbashi at night gently invites you into that experience.

So—which spot will you try first?

※Information in this article is current as of July 2025.