Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku east at Go Shinjuku

Buzzing basement izakaya in east Shinjuku famous for juicy sui-gyoza dumplings, lively service and great Chinese small plates.

Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku east is a high-energy, underground Chinese izakaya tucked beneath the Pandora Building in Shinjuku 3-chome, where the signature sui-gyoza dumplings are the star of the show. The dumplings are built around a chewy skin, deeply flavoured pork filling and a real hit of soup, and the kitchen also turns out excellent bite-sized fried dumplings, soup dumplings, chicken broth starters and a cucumber and jellyfish salad that sets up the meal perfectly.\n\nThe room is loud, packed and full of conversation, with small tables and attentive, friendly staff who take time to walk diners through the menu, including non-Japanese speakers. Beers are cold and frothy, the bill rarely climbs too high, and the atmosphere is closer to a Shinjuku party than a quiet dinner, which is exactly the point. A handful of stairs down to the basement means the venue is not stroller-friendly, but most diners consider it well worth the descent.\n\nFor an izakaya experience in east Shinjuku that combines excellent sui-gyoza with genuine warmth, Gyopao Gyoza is an easy pick. Come with friends, order a round of dumplings, and lean into the buzzy vibe.