Isuzu at Go Shinjuku
Location: 1 Chome-2-7 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Isuzu is a long-standing yakitori and motsuyaki stall in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the narrow lane of wartime-era eateries west of the station.
Isuzu is a long-standing yakitori and motsuyaki stall in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the narrow lane of wartime-era eateries west of the station.
Isuzu is a venerable yakitori stall tucked inside Omoide Yokocho, the photogenic alleyway of tiny bars and grill houses that runs parallel to the JR tracks on the west side of Shinjuku Station. The lane, whose name translates to Memory Lane, evolved from the black-market stalls that sprang up after the Second World War, and Isuzu has been part of that tradition for over seven decades. Its address at 1-2-7 Nishi-Shinjuku places it a short walk from Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station and within easy reach of the JR west exit.The menu centres on charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, broiled offal (motsuyaki) and a slow-simmered offal stew (motsunikomi), all brushed with a tare sauce whose recipe dates back to the shop's founding. Grilled oysters and eel also appear, and the stall works in partnership with its neighbour Komatsu, sharing the convivial atmosphere that defines the alley. Diners sit shoulder to shoulder at the counter, watching the chef work the grill over glowing binchotan charcoal.
Isuzu opens from 17:00 to 24:00, making it a reliable choice for an early-evening drink or a late supper after the last train approaches. Seats are limited and the alley fills quickly on weekend nights, so arriving before 19:00 gives the best chance of a spot. Cash is preferred, though some neighbouring stalls now accept electronic payment, so carrying both is advisable.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 44 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
No negative reviews yet.
Positive Reviews
T F
We liked the place and the food, service is nice. There is not much time to do small talk, because they are busy, but the locals at the bar had. When we entered the bar, I hesitated a little bit with the meat outside at display. And the …
D W
great chicken yakitori with beer/sake, amazing service, would highly recommend
D W
I disagree with some of the other reviews on here talking about long wait times for food. Even though it was packed downstairs and upstairs our party of 4 got served by one waitress who serviced most of the restaurant. Given the …
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Photo Gallery
Isuzu
Omoide Yokochō Entrance
Night view of the Omoide Yokochō entrance in Shinjuku, Tokyo. A bright green illuminated sign displays 'Omoide Yokochō' and Japanese characters including '新宿' (Shinjuku) and '西口' (Nishi-guchi). Decorative autumn-colored paper leaves hang from the awning above lanterns. Utility boxes and wires are visible on the right side.
Omoide Yokocho Entrance
Street-level view of Omoide Yokocho entrance with illuminated signage, orange lanterns, and autumn decorations. Visible signs include 'Omoide Yokocho', 'Shinagawa', and adjacent shop fronts like 'GOLD JEWELRY' and 'Tema'.
Omoide Yokochō Entrance
Night view of Omoide Yokochō entrance in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Bright green illuminated sign with Japanese characters and English text 'OMOIDE YOKOCHO'. Decorative autumn leaves hang above the entrance. Surrounding signs include vertical banners for restaurants and shops, such as one advertising sake and food. The scene is lit by neon lights and overhead bulbs.
Japanese Shop Exterior with Menu Boards
A wooden shop facade displays multiple paper menus taped to the wall. A calendar is visible on the right, and a black speaker box is mounted above the left menu.
Yakisari Shop Entrance
A traditional Japanese yakitori shop with hanging cloth signs displaying the name 'Yakisari' and a logo. A sign indicates 'COOL INSIDE COOLER UPSTAIRS!!'. The entrance features a wooden counter, metal beer kegs, and stacked boxes outside.
Bar Interior with Counter and Stools
A cozy bar interior featuring a wooden counter, three brown stools, and skewered food items on display. A person in a dark shirt stands near the counter. The background shows a window with festive lights and hanging signs.
Yakitori and Beer at a Japanese Izakaya
A wooden table set with skewers of grilled meat (yakitori), two mugs of beer, small bowls of rice and sauce, and condiments in the background.
Night Street Scene with Lanterns and People
A narrow street at night illuminated by hanging yellow lanterns, with people walking and standing near shop entrances. Visible elements include a menu board displaying skewers and other food items, along with various signs and posters on the buildings.
Yakitori and Beer at a Japanese Bar
A wooden bar counter with skewered yakitori on a plate, a glass of beer, chopsticks, and condiments. In the background, a chef works near a stove. A menu is placed in front.
Yakitori Platter
A plate of grilled skewers including mushrooms and meat, served on a wooden table in what appears to be a Japanese restaurant setting.
Grilled Meatballs with Lemon
A close-up of two grilled meatballs on a patterned plate, accompanied by a lemon wedge. In the background, another dish with grilled chicken is visible on a floral-patterned plate.
Food Bowl with Chopsticks
A close-up of a small bowl containing mixed vegetables and noodles, being eaten with chopsticks on a wooden table. In the background, there is a kitchen area with dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies visible.
Back Alley Storage Area
A narrow, dimly lit corridor or storage passage with exposed pipes and wiring overhead. On the right, hanging tools include a pink dustpan and a bright green plastic scoop. A yellow crate filled with dark bottles sits near the center, next to a metal trash bin. The walls are lined with vertical wooden slats and various containers. Lighting comes from fluorescent tubes mounted on the ceiling.
Grilled Meatballs with Lemon Wedge
A close-up of two grilled meatballs on a white plate with pink maple leaf patterns, accompanied by a lemon wedge. The setting appears to be a wooden table in a casual dining environment.
Yakitori Platter
A plate of grilled skewers (yakitori) on a speckled white ceramic dish with blue floral patterns. Visible items include pork belly, chicken liver, mushroom, and green onion. A bottle of red sauce is partially visible in the background.
Sliced Cucumber on White Plate
A white plate containing two rows of thinly sliced cucumbers, arranged neatly with visible moisture and slight seasoning. The plate rests on a light-colored marble countertop.
Stew with Cucumber Salad
A bowl of stew featuring chunks of meat and vegetables in a brown broth, garnished with green onions. A plate of sliced cucumbers is visible in the background along with a glass of beer.
Grilled Skewers and Curry Bowl
A plate of grilled skewers featuring mushrooms, asparagus, and leeks on wooden sticks, accompanied by a lemon wedge. In the background, there is a bottle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice powder). A bowl of curry with vegetables is partially visible in the foreground, along with another dish containing green vegetables. The setting appears to be a casual dining environment with a focus on Japanese cuisine.
Kirin Lager Beer and Glass
A close-up shot of a Kirin Lager beer bottle next to a glass filled with light-colored beer on a table in what appears to be a casual dining setting.
Kirin Lager Beer Bottle and Glass
A close-up shot of a bottle of Kirin Lager beer next to a glass filled with the same beer, sitting on a menu or placemat.
Japanese Yakitori and Soup Meal
A close-up of a meal featuring skewered grilled meat (yakitori), charred green peppers, a bowl of miso soup with vegetables, and a side of creamy white sauce in a blue-patterned bowl. A glass of iced tea sits nearby on a wooden table.
Yakitori and Beer Meal
A plate of grilled skewers (yakitori) including chicken, green peppers, and bamboo shoots served with a side of shredded cabbage salad. A glass of Sapporo beer sits beside the food on a wooden table.
Grilled Sashimi Skewers with Soy Sauce and Menu
A close-up of grilled sashimi skewers on a small white plate, accompanied by chopsticks and a dipping sauce in the background. A menu is visible below the plate, listing various drinks like 'Plum sour plum sake', 'Lime sour lime sauerkraut', and 'Cassis soda'. The setting appears to be a casual dining environment.
Ramen Shop Interior View
Interior of a ramen shop showing a wooden counter with three brown stools, stainless steel kitchen equipment including a microwave and stove, hanging lantern-style signs in Japanese characters, and a large bowl of cooked noodles on the counter.
Restaurant Interior Wall Display
Interior shot of a Japanese restaurant or izakaya showing a wall lined with various posters, menus, and advertisements. Visible items include ice cream ads, sake bottles, price lists in green/yellow/blue sheets, and hanging coat racks. Tables with condiment bottles are visible below.
Namoniku Nabe Menu
A printed menu card on a wooden table, featuring Japanese text and prices.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A plate of grilled skewers, likely yakitori or similar Japanese-style meat skewers, arranged neatly with some pieces showing char marks and others appearing lighter in color. A can with blue and white stripes is visible in the background.
Kitchen Counter with Skewered Beef Sign
A cluttered kitchen counter featuring a white sign advertising 'Skewered Beef' at ¥1000 per piece. The background includes shelves stocked with condiments, bottles of soy sauce and vinegar, and various kitchen utensils. A sink area is visible on the left, while the center shows a glimpse into another room with warm lighting and more items.
Kirin Lager Beer and Tofu
A close-up shot of a wooden table in what appears to be a Japanese restaurant or bar. In the foreground, there is a glass half-filled with golden beer next to a brown bottle labeled 'KIRIN LAGER' from Kirin Brewery Company Limited. To the right, a small bowl contains cubes of tofu with chopsticks resting on top. The background shows kitchen equipment including pots, bottles, and utensils, suggesting an active dining environment.
Grill and Soup Station
A staff member in black attire tends to skewers on a grill while a large pot of soup simmers nearby. Posters with Japanese text adorn the walls, including one reading 'たばこ OK!' (Smoking Allowed). A backpack hangs from a hook above.
Bottled Sake and Beer on Table
Two glass bottles of Haklutsuru Sake (Shiroboshi) with pull tabs, alongside two glasses of beer—one labeled Sapporo. A menu is partially visible in the background.
Stewed Vegetable Dish with Green Onions
A close-up of a white bowl containing a stewed vegetable dish, featuring chunks of orange pumpkin or sweet potato, translucent radish slices, and pieces of meat in a brown broth, topped with chopped green onions.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A plate of grilled skewers featuring mushrooms, green peppers, and meat, served at a wooden table with a bottle in the background.
Beer and Menu at Bar Counter
A wooden bar counter with two large glasses of beer, a yellow menu sheet in the center, and hands reaching for items. A staff member in red shirt stands behind the counter near kitchen equipment.
Japanese Menu Board
A close-up photo of a printed Japanese menu placed on a wooden table. The menu is organized into sections like 'Grilled Items', 'Cold Dishes', and 'Warm Dishes'. It lists various food items with their prices in Yen.
Sapporo Beer Shop Interior
A close-up view of a shop counter featuring a glass container filled with wooden chopsticks, branded with '2nd'. Behind it, there are bags of Sapporo beer products and a poster advertising 'Genghis Khan' (a type of meat dish). A white towel hangs to the right, and a bottle is partially visible in the foreground.
Grilled Tofu with Scallions
A close-up of a grilled tofu block topped with chopped green onions, served on a white plate with some sauce and garlic bits around it.
Bowl of glass noodles with vegetables
A small dark ceramic bowl filled with translucent glass noodles mixed with chopped carrots and possibly other vegetables, placed on a light marble countertop with wooden chopsticks in the foreground.
Yakitori Shop Interior
A man stands behind a counter in a small yakitori shop, preparing food near a grill. A chalkboard menu lists prices for yakitori and other items.
Grilled Skewers and Drinks at Izuzu & Komatu
A wooden table set with skewered grilled items, including meat and vegetables, on a white plate. Two glasses of iced beverages are visible—one pinkish and one amber-colored. A printed menu lies nearby, listing various dishes with prices in yen.
Sausages with Ketchup
Four sausages, each cut into a zigzag pattern resembling a dragon or snake shape, arranged on a white speckled plate with blue rim. A dollop of red ketchup is placed beside the top sausage.
Cold Drink and Side Dish at a Restaurant
A close-up shot of a condensation-covered metal cup with Japanese text on its side, placed on a scratched wooden table. In the background, slightly out of focus, is a small bowl containing what appears to be a creamy dessert or pudding. The setting suggests an indoor dining environment, likely a casual eatery or izakaya.
Street Food Stall Exterior
A narrow alleyway food stall with hanging signs displaying Japanese characters, wooden walls, and skewered seafood on display.
Night Street Scene with Lanterns and Signage
A narrow street at night illuminated by hanging lanterns, including a large white and blue 'Hill's' lantern. A red sign reads 'GIFUYA' in English and Japanese characters. Below, autumn-colored leaves add warmth to the scene. People are visible walking along the path.
Food Preparation Area
A bustling kitchen scene with skewers of meat and a large pot of stew simmering in the foreground. A chef is preparing food at a counter, surrounded by shelves stocked with ingredients and equipment.
Under construction or renovation interior
The photo shows an interior space, likely a shop or warehouse, undergoing work. A corrugated metal roof is visible with exposed wooden beams and framing. There are pipes running along the ceiling and walls. The lighting is dim, with some light coming from above through the roof structure. No signage, menu boards, or clear business identification is visible.
Drink Menu Board
A close-up photo of a printed drink menu board placed on a wooden table, likely in a Japanese restaurant or bar.
Bar Interior with Patrons and Staff
A cozy bar interior scene showing patrons seated at a wooden counter enjoying drinks, while staff members work behind the bar. Shelves stocked with glasses and supplies are visible in the background.
Tofu in a small bowl
A small, flower-shaped ceramic bowl with blue and white patterns sits on a wooden surface. Inside the bowl are three pieces of tofu, one of which appears to be seasoned or marinated with visible red specks, likely chili flakes. The other two pieces have a golden-brown color, suggesting they may be fried or baked. There is some liquid at the bottom of the bowl.
Japanese Meal Spread on Wooden Table
A wooden table set with various Japanese dishes including a beer, rice balls, tofu, and other side dishes.
Crowded Alleyway at Night
A crowded narrow alleyway illuminated by large yellow lanterns hanging overhead, with people walking and taking photos.
Grilled Chicken on a Plate
A whole grilled chicken with golden-brown skin and visible char marks is placed on a white plate with blue floral patterns. In the background, there are chopsticks and a bottle of seasoning or sauce.
Riku Bar Menu Display
A wall-mounted display of printed menus and advertisements at a bar or restaurant. Includes a main menu with drink, food, and appetizer sections; a specialty sake menu featuring bottles and glasses; promotional posters for ¥500 and ¥500 items; and a Kirin advertisement. The setting appears to be an interior space with wooden paneling.
Grilled Skewers with Shishito Peppers and Scallions
A plate of grilled skewers featuring charred shishito peppers, scallion segments, and pieces of meat, likely beef or pork, arranged on wooden sticks. The food is presented on a white ceramic plate with gold trim, placed on a wooden table. In the background, there's a blurred view of what appears to be a restaurant interior, including a person standing near the counter and some condiments like a bottle of sauce.
Grilled Skewers at a Japanese Restaurant
A close-up of grilled skewers on a white plate, featuring green peppers and leeks with char marks, alongside pieces of grilled meat. The background shows a wooden table, a menu board with green design, and some condiments like a red-capped bottle.
Grilled Skewks Shop Interior
A small, cozy food shop interior with a grill in the foreground cooking skewks. A staff member wearing a mask is preparing food at the counter. Customers are seated at a wooden table on the right, enjoying drinks and conversation. Steam rises from the cooking area, adding to the warm atmosphere.
Grilled Skewers with Sauce
A plate of grilled meat skewers, some with charred ends and others wrapped in green onions, served alongside a small bowl of yellow sauce on a dark marble table.
Curry Bowl with Chopsticks
A close-up of a bowl of curry with chunks of potato, carrots, and meat, topped with green onions. A pair of wooden chopsticks lifts a piece of potato from the dish. In the background, there is a bottle of seasoning and skewers on a plate.
Nagano Ramen Menu Card
A close-up photo of a printed menu card placed on a wooden table. The card features a green background with black Japanese text and red highlights. It lists various ramen options including 'Toro Ramen', 'Tonkotsu Ramen', and 'Miso Ramen' with prices ranging from 300 yen to 600 yen. A section mentions that customers can choose their own toppings like pork, chicken, egg, etc.
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Skewers
Close-up of skewered bacon-wrapped food items, likely pork or chicken, grilled with visible char marks and garnished with green onions. A dipping sauce is in a small dish nearby, along with a glass of beer on a wooden table.
Yakitori Meal
A wooden table set with skewers of grilled meat and mushrooms, two green bell peppers on skewers, a small bowl of creamy sauce, a glass of iced tea, chopsticks, and a menu sheet in the background.
Woman in Alleyway with Lanterns
A woman stands smiling in a narrow alley decorated with colorful lanterns and sunflowers, likely in an urban setting.
Yakitori and Shishito Peppers on Blue Plates
A close-up shot of two blue ceramic plates filled with skewers of grilled meat (yakitori) and green shishito peppers, garnished with sliced scallions. The setting appears to be a casual Japanese restaurant interior with wooden stools and tables in the background.
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