Shimonya at Go Shinjuku
Location: 1 Chome-2-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Shimonya is a small izakaya in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the grilled-meat alley beside the station.
Shimonya is a small izakaya in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the grilled-meat alley beside the station.
Shimonya is a small izakaya in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the grilled-meat alley beside the station. It keeps the atmosphere of old Tokyo with counter seating, smoky grills, and sake-fuelled conversation.The menu centres on yakitori and yakiton skewers, fried dishes, and classic izakaya snacks, with options ranging from familiar chicken cuts to more adventurous choices. The compact space rewards those who enjoy an authentic, no-frills night out.
Omoide Yokocho gets crowded from early evening, and most stalls stay open late into the night. Arriving before the dinner rush is the best way to secure a counter seat.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 507 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
Lorenzo
Probably not the best in the alley. I saw some locals, but then as a foreign you get a completely different experience. Higher prices and reduced choices. Food was average. I would avoid.
Positive Reviews
Ryan K.
This was the busiest spot in the alley, and for good reason. The food was so delicious that it made me want to keep ordering drinks. It was a truly satisfying meal.
Bena R.
Delicious, great service. Menu in English. Loved the grilled and fried tofu. Best I have ever eaten. Highly recommend!
Thanh L.
This Yakitori restaurant is on the outside edge of Omoide Yokocho. It was but far the best in terms of atmosphere and quality of food that I tried. The place is quite big with further seating upstairs (I preferred sitting outside). The …
Write a Review
Photo Gallery
Shimonya
Restaurant Exterior with Patrons
A street-level view of a restaurant's exterior, featuring prominent signage in Japanese characters on the facade. Several customers are seated at wooden tables and stools outside under an awning, enjoying meals. Red lanterns hang above the entrance area.
Japanese Restaurant Exterior
A street-level view of a Japanese restaurant with multiple vertical and horizontal signs featuring Japanese characters. The building facade includes an awning, air conditioning units, and hanging lanterns. Visible signage includes '四文屋' (Shimono-ya) and '鳥園' (Tori-no-sato). No menu boards or interior views are visible.
Yoninaya Restaurant Exterior
Low-angle shot of a restaurant facade with large vertical signage reading '四文屋' (Yoninaya) and smaller signs listing menu items like 'Karaage', 'Tofu', 'Miso Soup'. The building features yellow and white panels, illuminated by overhead lights against a clear blue sky.
Japanese Restaurant Exterior
A dimly lit Japanese restaurant storefront with red lanterns hanging above the entrance. The facade features a signboard with Japanese characters and English text 'SHISHIMO'. Inside, staff members are visible near the counter, and tables with stools are arranged in the dining area.
Nighttime storefront with illuminated signage and vertical banners
A brightly lit shop front at night, featuring a yellow building facade with large Japanese characters on the signboard. Vertical white banners list menu items in red and black text. String lights line the right side of the entrance. Overhead wires and adjacent billboards are visible above.
Beverages on a wooden table
A close-up shot of two drinks on a wooden surface. In the foreground is a short glass filled with an amber-colored iced beverage, possibly iced tea or beer, resting on a small saucer. Behind it stands a tall glass mug containing a cloudy golden liquid, likely beer, with visible ice cubes and condensation. To the left, part of a black electronic device (possibly a vape) is visible. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting like a bar or restaurant.
Grilled Meat Skewers on Metal Plate
A close-up photo of several skewers of grilled meat, likely pork or chicken, arranged on a round metal plate. The meat is glazed with a shiny sauce and shows char marks from grilling. Wooden skewers are visible. The plate rests on a light wooden table surface.
Beer Mug at Japanese Bar
A hand holds a glass mug of beer with foam, labeled 'Yakushi Yonbun-ya'. Background shows interior bar setting with menu boards and shelves.
Drinks on a wooden table
A close-up shot of two glasses filled with amber-colored liquid and ice, placed on small saucers atop a light wooden table. Chopsticks rest nearby, suggesting a dining setting.
Grilled Tofu with Scallions
A plate of grilled tofu topped with sliced scallions, served on a metal dish at a wooden table in a restaurant setting.
Grilled Asparagus on Metal Plate
A close-up of a grilled asparagus spear resting on a metal plate, with another dish partially visible in the foreground containing food remnants and sauce.
Japanese Appetizer Platter
A black rectangular tray containing a variety of Japanese appetizers, including slices of raw beef (sashimi), white fish (likely sea bream or similar), and offal (possibly tripe). Accompanying items include a lemon wedge, sliced onions, a dollop of mayonnaise, pickled ginger, and a small portion of spicy red sauce. A yellow dipping sauce is also present in the corner.
Grilled Skewers with Onions
A close-up of skewered meat, likely beef or pork, garnished with sliced green onions and possibly pickled vegetables, served on a metal plate.
Iced Tea Mug at Yashin Shichiburo
A hand holds a glass mug filled with iced tea and ice cubes. The mug has Japanese characters printed on it, reading '薬師四文屋' (Yashin Shichiburo). In the background, there is a blurred interior of what appears to be a casual dining establishment or bar, with people seated at tables.
Bowl of stew with green onions
A close-up photo shows a black bowl filled with a savory stew, likely chicken or pork-based, topped with chopped green onions and white radish slices. In the background, another small dish containing what appears to be pickled vegetables is visible on a wooden table.
Japanese Food Shop Interior
Interior view of a Japanese food shop with wooden counters, small tables and stools, staff preparing food behind glass, hanging menu signs with prices in yen, and customers seated at the counter.
Yakitori Platter
A wooden table displays two metal plates with skewered grilled meats and vegetables. The left plate holds three pieces of glazed pork belly, while the right plate features skewers of grilled chicken hearts and green asparagus spears. Small side dishes are partially visible in the background.
Sashimi Platter with Condiments
A close-up of a black rectangular plate containing slices of raw fish (likely white fish), garnished with sliced green onions and a leaf. A dollop of orange-colored condiment, possibly spicy mayo or a similar sauce, is placed on the side. In the background, another dish with what appears to be cooked meat or seafood in broth is partially visible.
Bowl of Japanese-style soup with leeks and meat
A black bowl filled with a light-colored broth, topped with sliced green onions and pieces of cooked meat, possibly pork or beef. The dish is placed on a wooden table next to a bottle with Japanese text.
Interior of a Japanese restaurant or bar
The image shows the interior of a cozy, rustic-style establishment with wooden walls and exposed ceiling beams. Several patrons are seated at small tables on stools, engaged in conversation or eating. The decor includes hanging light bulbs, corrugated metal accents, and numerous signs with Japanese characters. A beer keg is visible near one corner. Posters and flyers adorn the walls, contributing to the casual atmosphere.
Glass of Tea on Wooden Table
A glass cup filled with amber-colored tea sits on a metallic coaster atop a wooden table. Surrounding items include an empty white plate, chopsticks, and a black tray with remnants of food.
Grilled Meat with Scallions and Sauce
A close-up of a black rectangular plate containing grilled meat pieces topped with sliced scallions, sprinkled with pepper. A small portion of red sauce is visible in the corner. The plate rests on a white surface with Japanese text printed around its edges.
Grilled Skewer with Asparagus
A metal plate holds a skewer of grilled meat and a whole asparagus spear on a wooden table.
Sunflower-lit Alleyway at Night
A low-angle night shot of a narrow alley lined with shops, illuminated by hanging paper lanterns and sunflower decorations. A large cylindrical object covered in stickers dominates the right side. Signs with Japanese characters are visible on building facades.
Grilled Meat with Onions
A close-up of a grilled meat dish served on a metal plate, garnished with sliced onions and possibly garlic. The meat appears to be cooked to medium-rare with visible grill marks.
Grilled Pork with Scallions and Pickled Ginger
A close-up of a black rectangular plate containing grilled pork slices topped with sliced scallions, seasoned with pepper. A small portion of pickled ginger is visible on the side.
Edamame in a bowl
A close-up photo of a black bowl filled with green edamame pods, placed on a wooden table. In the background, there is a glass of amber-colored liquid and part of a menu or paper with Japanese text.
Cabbage and Sauce Plate with Drink
A table setting featuring a plate of sliced napa cabbage, two dollops of brown sauce (likely tonkatsu sauce), and one dollop of mayonnaise. Next to it is a small black plate holding three white leeks and another dollop of brown sauce. A glass of amber-colored liquid sits on a coaster nearby.
Dessert and Drink on Wooden Table
A close-up shot of a dark, glossy dessert in a cylindrical cup with a matching saucer, placed on a wooden table. Next to it is a glass of beer with condensation, another clear drink, an empty metal plate, and part of a person holding a phone.
Sliced Meat Dish
A black rectangular plate containing slices of medium-rare meat on a green leaf, accompanied by pickled ginger, sliced onions, and a small bowl of dark sauce with salt.
Grilled Meat Skewers with Scallions
A close-up of two skewers of grilled meat, likely beef or pork, served on a metal plate. The meat is topped with sliced green onions and scallions. A small amount of sauce or oil is visible in the background. The setting appears to be an outdoor dining area with wooden tables.
Grilled Meat with Rice Crust
A close-up of a piece of grilled meat, possibly pork or chicken, coated in a crispy rice crust and seasoned with black pepper. It is served on a metal plate alongside slices of yellow fruit, likely lemon or pineapple, on a rustic wooden table.
Sake and Beer with Sashimi
A close-up of a dining table featuring a glass of beer, a bottle of Asahi Super Dry sake, and a plate of raw beef sashimi garnished with sliced onions and ginger on a green leaf.
Dessert with sauce and spoons on a wooden table
A small dark plate holds two white ceramic spoons and a dollop of glossy brown sauce, likely caramel or chocolate. In the background, there is a bottle of red condiment with Japanese characters, suggesting an Asian restaurant setting. The scene appears to be indoors at a dining table.
Asahi Beer and Japanese Food
A table setting featuring a bowl of miso soup with green onions, a side dish of pickled vegetables with shredded carrots, a glass of Asahi Super Dry beer, and a bottle of the same beer in the background. A menu board is visible behind the items.
Japanese Restaurant Interior Wall Display
A wooden wall in a Japanese restaurant features numerous vertical signs listing food items with prices, including 'Kushikatsu', 'Tonkotsu Ramen', and 'Miso Soup'. A TV screen is mounted on the left, showing a car scene with Japanese text overlay. Posters of dishes are displayed above the menu boards.
Bowl of Meat with Broth and Scallions
A close-up photo of a black bowl containing pieces of meat in a light-colored broth, topped with sliced scallions. The bowl sits on a wooden table. In the background, there is a glass with a dark liquid, possibly soda or beer, and another bottle partially visible. A white cloth napkin is also seen in the upper right corner.
Grilled Meat Skewers on a Metal Plate
A close-up photo of grilled meat skewers served on a small metal plate, placed on a wooden table. The skewers appear to be pork or chicken with visible char marks and some rendered fat pooling in the dish. In the background, there is a white cloth napkin and part of a bottle label visible.
Yoninaya's Rare Cut Menu
A printed menu from Yoninaya, a Japanese restaurant specializing in rare cuts of beef. The menu lists various parts of the cow such as brain, fat, liver, heart, kidney, and others with descriptions and prices.
Grilled Tofu Dish with Scallions and Katsuobushi
A close-up shot of a plate containing grilled tofu pieces topped with shredded nori (katsuobushi) and sliced green onions, served on a metal dish at a wooden table.
Nakagawa Street Scene
A narrow alleyway in Japan with shops and lanterns, featuring a large blue lantern hanging above stacked white boxes labeled 'Maruhito', and people walking or standing near storefronts.
Yakitori and Beer at a Japanese Restaurant
A close-up of a wooden table set with skewers of grilled meat (yakitori) on metal plates, two glasses of beer—one full and one nearly empty—and a large glass mug with condensation. A small plate is visible in the foreground.
Interior of a Japanese Izakaya Bar
The image shows the interior of a cozy, wood-paneled Japanese izakaya or bar. Patrons are seated at tables in the foreground, while staff work behind the counter. A television screen is mounted on the wall above the bar area. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams and hanging light bulbs. On the right side, there is a vertical sign with Japanese characters and numbers (possibly indicating prices or menu items). In the background, numerous small signs with text line the walls, likely listing drinks or food options. Stacks of beer kegs are visible near the bar. No clear exterior storefront view is present; this appears to be an indoor shot focused on the dining and service areas.
Yakitori Menu at Shimonya
A close-up of a yakitori menu from Shimoya, featuring various grilled chicken and pork skewers with prices in JPY. The menu is placed on a table next to used plates and chopsticks.
Japanese Restaurant Interior with Menu Board
Interior shot of a Japanese restaurant featuring wooden walls, hanging lights, and multiple menu boards displaying prices and items in Japanese characters. Tables are set with menus and condiments.
Outdoor Dining Setup with Yellow Tents
A street-side dining area featuring two yellow pop-up tents with clear mesh sides, providing an outdoor seating arrangement. A motorcycle is parked nearby, and various signs and posters are visible on the building facade.
Asahi Beer with Lemon Slices
A close-up of a table setting featuring three Asahi beer mugs filled with ice and lemon slices, accompanied by a metal plate holding additional lemon wedges and a stack of chopsticks.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A close-up of skewered grilled meat and vegetables served on a metal plate, with a glass of water in the background.
Nishiki Street Entrance
A narrow alleyway entrance with a green sign reading 'Omoide Nishi-koji' (Memory of Old Nishi-koji). People are walking through the passage, some carrying cameras. Decorative cherry blossoms hang on both sides. A yellow lantern and red signs are visible further down.
Four Textures of Meatball Menu
A printed menu listing various types of meatballs with descriptions in Japanese, including prices and ingredients.
Restaurant Menu Display
A close-up view of a printed menu placed on a wooden table, protected by a clear plastic sleeve. The menu features numerous food items with photos and descriptions in both English and Japanese, along with prices. A white cloth napkin is visible to the right side.
Grilled Skewers on a Metal Plate
A close-up of several skewers with grilled meat and vegetables, served on a metal plate. In the background, there is a bowl of green beans.
Nearby Shops
Plant More
Plant More is a vegan-friendly cafe on the 6th floor of Lumine Shinjuku 1, servi
View ShopBar Albatross
Bar Albatross is a celebrated drinking establishment in Shinjuku Golden Gai, kno
View ShopMotsuyaki Ucchan
Motsuyaki Ucchan is a lively grilled offal specialist in Shinjuku's famed Omoide
View Shop