Where can we eat dinner with kids in Shinjuku?
I’ve made a long list of kid-friendly restaurants for dining out as a family in Shinjuku here. I include the address, budget expectations, any dietary options that these restaurants can cater for and extras such as space for strollers or high chairs.
See my more general Shinjuku with kids blog post here for ways to combine sightseeing in Shinjuku with little ones with these eating out options!
See here for my recommended places to stay with kids in Shinjuku
DINNER OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES IN SHINJUKU
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Ramen
If it’s ramen you’re keen on… try Afuri . The branch in Shinjuku is inside of Lumine 1 department store ( be careful as there are a few department stores called Lumine in this area. This is “Lumine 1”) on the B2 Basement Floor.
As I mention often – I don’t recommend ramen shops with babies and toddlers. That is a LOT of hot liquid right in front of them – it’s dangerous and the counters are small so there isn’t really anywhere to move the bowl out of reach.
This is a chain store and definitely has a local vibe. It’s a counter around the kitchen and orders are placed on a vending machine out the front. I like the Shoyu (soy sauce) and Shio (Salt) ramen. My kids eat some of mine and have Niku Gohan (Pork pieces on rice). With kiddies, I recommend going before 6pm for dinner so you don’t have to queue and you avoid using up too many seats with little bottoms while grownups line up outside.
A full meal with a beer will still leave you change from 2000 yen.
I don’t recommend coming to this branch if you have a stroller – no where to store it.
This is chain store so keep your eye out for more Afuri branches ( for eg. Azabu-juban, Ebisu, Roppongi Crossing, Harajuku ) Some of the stores also have a vegan ramen option too.
Please note: this store does not accept cash.
AFURI RAMEN, SHINJUKU LUMINE STORE
新宿区西新宿1-1-5ルミネ1 B2F
B2 FLOOR, LUMINE 1, 1-1-5 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY: 11AM-10PM
AFURI
Please note: this store does not accept cash.
There are actually another 2 Afuri stores in Shinjuku. One in the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building and a Karakurenai (spicy noodle store) version of the Afuri chain is located in Kabukicho.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : A Gourmet Food Hall with a choice of sushi, breads, quiche, stews, oysters, rice dishes, steak, pasta
Directly around the opposite side of the Newoman Food Hall – at Shinjuku Station. There are so many beautiful eateries inside and it has a range of different types of food and it’s just such a beautiful use of space. In other words – it feels special for grown ups too. There is space to bring a stroller here if you eat earlier than 6pm with small kids.
The hall is made up of lots of separate restaurants: an Oyster Bar (I’ve seen a few parents pull their strollers right up to the Oyster Bar seating while dining with a napping baby here), High-end Sushi, Butcher & Beer counter, Bakery & Restaurant Sawamura (this place has great coffee too by the way) and a stunning restaurant called “Tavern S” at the back.
The entire hall is open until 4am and is completely non-smoking until 11pm.
Children are welcome anytime before 11pm but the hall is full of officeworkers and hand-holding daters in the evening so lunch just feels a little more appropriate with kids -but that’s your call.
The Tavern on S next to the murals has free wifi.
NEWOMAN FOOD HALL
新宿区新宿4-1-6
4-1-6 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 7AM-4AM
DEPARTMENT STORE WEBSITE
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Ramen (with a plant-based option)
I don’t normally recommend Ippudo on my blog – just because the line can be so long. However, the Shinjuku Lumine Est branch does have a plant based ramen option. So, if that is something you’re after, it may just be worth the wait? (I recommend visiting right at 11am. They can seat 57 people.)
This branch accepts most major credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking. They welcome children.
To get here, take Shinjuku Station exit A9 and walk for 1 min.
IPPUDO, SHINJUKU LUMINE EST
新宿区新宿3-38-1 ルミネエスト新宿 8F
8F, LUMINE EST SHINJUKU, 3-38-1 SHINJUKU-KU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 11AM-9PM (LAST ORDERS AT 8:30PM)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Ramen (I recommend for kids who are 10+)
I don’t recommend this spot for small kids but if you are travelling with kids who are 10+ or are teens, I recommend visiting a ramen restaurant called Ore Ryu Shio Ramen. Shio Ramen means “salt ramen” – as the ramen stock/soup is quiet simple and mild. The tables are filled with different condiments – you can make your ramen spicy or garlic-y or sweeter etc. First thing to do is try the broth and then add as you go. A bowl of ramen here will cost a little under 2000 yen. They sell ramen and tsukemen here. There is also fried chicken and gyoza on the menu here. This is a walk-in restaurant only (no reservations.) Cash only.
They have an English and Japanese menu. See here for instructions on how they recommend you add the condiments and flavours to your ramen.
The restaurant is 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station (Take the East South Exit). Please note that this is NOT a non-smoking restaurant.
ORE RYU SHIO RAMEN
新宿区新宿3-36-18
3-36-18 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Italian restaurant near the Shinjuku Gyoen gardens (some gluten free and vegan options)
A great lunch or dinner option for families near Shinjuku Goen is Cafe La Boheme. This is actually a chain for restaurants but this one is particularly beautiful as it has high ceilings and looks onto so much greenery. The food served here is casual Italian. For an extra 200 yen you can also change any of the pasta dishes for gluten free pasta at Cafe La Boheme in Shinjuku.
If you are coming by train, it is 5 mins from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station via Exit 2. It is also 12 mins walk from the free children’s Fire Museum and 11 mins walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum.
It is best to make a reservation. Although it’s only a couple of options each – there are vegetarian and vegan items on their menu too ( their vegan quinoa and kale salad is so good and they also have some vegan pasta dishes.)
At lunch time I would budget for 2000 yen per adult and 4000 yen for dinner. You can see the entire Cafe La Boheme menu here.
Please note that at dinner time, there is a 800 yen service charge per person. This restaurant does accept most major credit cards – and are a cashless restaurant.
If everyone is tired, these guys are also on ubereats.
CAFE LA BOHEME, SHINJUKU GYOENMAE
新宿区新宿1-1-7コスモ新宿ビル
COSMOS SHINJUKU BUILDING, 1-1-7 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-11PM (LUNCH MENU IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2PM & BETWEEN 2-5PM THERE IS A PASTA SET AVAILABLE UNTIL THE DINNER MENU KICKS IN)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11AM-11PM (LUNCH MENU IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2PM & BETWEEN 2-5PM THERE IS A PASTA SET AVAILABLE UNTIL THE DINNER MENU KICKS IN)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Vegan restaurant near the Shinjuku Gyoen gardens (some gluten free and vegan options)
Just 1o minutes walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum is a Shinjuku-based vegan restaurant called Viringuito. The cuisine is Spanish & this family-run restaurant is entirely vegan. If arriving by train, Akebonobashi Station is just 170 metres from the restaurant itself.
They are open from 8AM-10PM ( last orders at 9pm.). This restaurant is also very accommodating with food allergies. This restaurant has free wifi and also accepts most major credit cards.
VIRINGUITO
5-3 ACE BUILDING, KATAMACHI, SHINJUKU
OPEN 8AM-10PM
VIRINGUITO VEGAN RESTAURANT INSTAGRAM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Pasta & Pizza
Pesce D’oro is a kid-friendly restaurant just 3 mins walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station. This restaurants accepts reservations except for lunchtime on weekdays when it is walk-in only (the restaurant seats 110 people so hopefully you won’t have to wait long.) When budgeting for a meal here, I would budget for 2000 yen for an adult lunch and approx 3000 yen for dinner. Pesce D’oro accept most major credit cards. You can see images of the Pesce D’oro Shinjuku menu here.
PESCE D’ORO, SHINJUKU
渋谷区代々木2-2-1新宿サザンテラス内
LOCATED WITHIN SHINJUKU SOUTHERN TERRACE, 2-2-1 YOYOGI, SHIBUYA-KU
OPEN 11AM-10:30PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Build your own Pizza
If you’re close to the station at lunchtime I recommend 800 Degrees Pizzeria. It’s bright and light and casual and easy. I can imagine it is manic on the weekend so it’s probably best to be waiting at the door when it opens at 11am for lunch.
It’s possible to choose your own toppings or one of the combinations listed on the menu. (Warning : I always go crazy on the toppings and forget that they all cost extra and once walked away with a 2800 yen pizza.
GROUND FLOOR, NEWOMAN DEPARTMENT STORE
5 -24-55 SENDAGAYA, SHIBUYA
渋谷区千駄ヶ谷5-24-55
OPEN: 11am-11pm
800 DEGREES PIZZERIA MENU
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Not so much a restaurant but a delicatessen style floor of food – there are some tables to eat at but best to choose some delights and then take them back to your hotel. Everyone in the family can choose whatever they like. There is also a rooftop terrace on the higher levels – see pic below.
The basement floor of Takashimaya Times Square is an experience in itself. It’s truly spectacular. There is also a kit kat stall with a selection of usual kit kat flavours.
A bit random but if you’re wondering where to buy gluten free soy sauce in Tokyo? The basement of Takashimaya is your answer. See my Shinjuku with kids blog post for more things to do and shop for in this complex. There is a disney store here and a toy store with lots of toys for kids to play with and a baby play space too.
From the same floor, my little boy loves the karage (fried chicken).
I just recently found veggie gyoza (spinach and cabbage) at one of the counters. The name of that shop is ‘Yokohama China Town’s Heichinrou.’For hard core veggies, the guy in the shop did tell me the gyozas were cooked on the same plate as the meat options – so be warned if the idea of this is not for you.
And if you or your kids need some fresh air, take the elevator up to the 13th floor. This is where many of the sit down restaurants are located but there is also a rooftop garden.
See the Takashimaya website here for food hall hours.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Tempura
For a tempura lunch or dinner, I recommend visiting Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi (still inside the Takashimaya Department Store) on the 13th floor.
For adults I would expect to pay 2500 yen for lunch and 5000 yen for dinner. They are happy for small children to share with their parents. This is the kind of restaurant that kids really need to stay seated and no disturb others. If you’re little one isn’t ready for this yet – best to wait a few more years.
The tempura here is prepared Edo-me (Tokyo style) and it is a darker colour than I’ve eaten before. The flavours were amazing.
The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
They also have high chairs.
They do have an English menu.
They also accept most major credit cards.
You can choose from a set menu or you can order each vegetable or meat dish on its own , a la carte style.
This is an example of the seasonal lunch menu – available only in Japanese but you could point and go ( or just choose from a menu option, of course.)
TEMPURA TSUNAHACHI SHINJUKU
千駄ヶ谷5-24-2 タカシマヤ タイムズスクエア13F
13TH FLOOR, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE, 5-24-2 SENDAGAYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
TEMPURA TSUNAHACHI SHINJUKU WEBSITE
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Tempura
Another suggestion for tempura inside Takashimaya Times Square (this time on the 14th floor) is 135 year old restaurant Tenkuni. This restaurant started on the streets of Ginza. They are famous for their Kakiage Don (tempura vegetables with a marinade served on rice.) The batter on all tempura dishes are light and crispy here. It’s just so so good.
I recommend getting a lunch set at lunchtime (around 3000-4000 yen per adult) as it will come with side options such as soup (dinner is more expensive- around 5000 yen per person. )
This is the tendon / tenjyu bowl.
The inside of this restaurant is simple (casual vibes for such a well known restaurant) but the food is extraordinary.
Tenkuni staff are older, smiley and friendly. Children are welcome here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Western seating style (tables and chairs.) Although they don’t have high chairs, they do have a booster style seat for smaller children.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. On weekends or for larger families, I recommend making a reservation.
Budget for lunch 2000 yen per adult and more like 4000 yen at dinner time.
Tenkuni also have a kids set lunch for 1850 yen. The kids plate includes rice, assorted tempura, hamburger patty and sausage and fruit jelly ( children 12 and younger only.)
KOBIKICHO TENKUNI
千駄ヶ谷5-24-2 タカシマヤ タイムズスクエア14F
13TH FLOOR, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE, 5-24-2 SENDAGAYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Italian food made with Hokkaido dairy produce
My kids also love an Italian restaurant in Takashimaya Square Department Store called Mia Bocca: Hokkaido Italian. All of their cheese is beautiful, fresh Hokkaido produce. They have a kids plate for just 980 yen – which includes orange soup, gnocchi in tomato-based pasta sauce, bread, marinated mushrooms and chicken and panacotta for dessert (only for children elementary school age and younger and no menu alterations.)
However, my kids also like ordering what they like from the general menu. Like most kids, they love a restaurant with a “push to order” button at the table.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. Budget for lunch here – around 2000 yen per adult and more like 3000 yen at dinner time.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. This restaurant has high chairs.
MIA BOCCA: HOKKAIDO ITALIAN
千駄ヶ谷5-24-2 タカシマヤ タイムズスクエア13F
13TH FLOOR, TAKASHIMAYA TIMES SQUARE, 5-24-2 SENDAGAYA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : The Dancing Crab
For an easy dinner option, close to JR Shinjuku Station, is The Dancing Crab restaurant in Shinjuku. It’s a New Orleans themed seafood restaurant chain that started in Singapore and has branched out into Japan too (Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.) A friend tells me that there are two in Indonesia now as well.
The vibe is similar to “Bubba Gump” or even a bit like “Hard Rock” (and..dare I say it…”Hooters”?)
It’s a non-smoking restaurant (although… to my disappointment ) there is smoking area just outside the entrance which can mean a smokey wait if a table isn’t available straight away (you can leave the premises until your table is ready if you have a contactable phone number to leave with the wait staff.)
All diners are given crab headbands to wear in the restaurants.
Even if one of your family members aren’t completely crazy about seafood there are other options like fries, chicken and ribs.
They roll out a giant plastic table cloth and the food is served right onto the table, designed to share – bibs provided and all.
However, note that if you’re looking for a quiet family dinner this may not be your best option. Lots of pop music and the staff often perform a little dance. It’s good fun, is lovely and clean, has a pretty big menu and free wifi. Cocktails etc for the Mummies & Daddies too. Full menu on their website.
They have space to store strollers here.
DANCING CRAB, SHINJUKU
東京都新宿区新宿3-37-12 新宿NOWAビル 2F
2F SHINJUKUNOWA BUILDING, 3-37-12 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY, LUNCH 11AM-3:30PM, DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10:30PM)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Japanese / Italian Fusion Izakaya
One of my favourite family friendly restaurant in this area is definitely Kichiri Mollis. I wrote about their Ebisu counterpart in my Ebisu with Kids post too. They are a chain of Japanese fusion izakaya restaurants in Japan and most of them are kid-friendly – especially this one in Shinjuku.
Kichiri has such yummy food and a grown up vibe but it is also good for kids. Even small babies,in fact, as staff will organize a seat with a large cushion backing so babies could even get in some “tummy-time” while you eat!
Kichiri is a chain of restaurants so, if you’re a fan, you can keep an eye out for them all over Japan. I would call the food ‘Japanese fusion’. The menu is in English.
The restaurant’s interior is minimal, chic and futuristic. I love it!
I recommend making a booking (especially if there are more than 2 of you.) Please note that tables are only available for 2 hour seatings – and last orders to be placed 30 mins prior to those 2 hours coming to an end.
Once you enter the restaurant, shoes go in a locker and you hang on to your key….
then you’ll be shown to your table….
After you’ve placed your order, your waiter will bring you an “otoshi” which is a tiny appetizer of the day. It’s probably best to think of this as a compulsory “table charge.” (This is standard practice in Japanese Izakaya Pubs)
The menu has so many options and their seasonal specials are also full of table theatrics. There is also a children’s plate that usually has rice, a hamburger pattie, some vegetables and a small serving of fries.
It looks quite fancy inside but I think it’s pretty reasonable. With drinks and ordering a few dishes each , I’d probably budget for 4000 yen per person? (way less for children, of course) There are also course menu options. There are other Kichiri’s all over Tokyo. For example: Ebisu, Ikebukuro, Ginza & Shibuya.
KICHIRI MOLLIS
新宿3-26-13新宿中村屋ビル6F
6th FLOOR, SHINJUKU NAKAMURAYA BUILDING, 3-26-13 SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY (EXCEPT AROUND THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD)
LUNCH: 11AM-3PM
AFTERNOON TEA: 3PM-5PM
DINNER: 5PM – MIDNIGHT
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Japanese / Italian Fusion Izakaya
Kichiri Shinjuku West is another fantastic option when looking for a dinner option when in Shinjuku with kids. It is just 200 metres from Shinjuku Station, West Exit.
The food is Japanese/Italian-fusion at this Kichiri though. For adults I would budget approximately 5000 yen. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and it does also takes reservations. The entire venue is non-smoking. You can see the Kichiri Shinjuku West menu online here.
KICHIRI SHINJUKU WEST
新宿区西新宿1-10-2, 110 ビル8F
8TH FLOOR, 110 BUILDING, 1-10-2 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10PM)
Please see my article here on how to go about making a reservation for a restaurant in Japan when the website doesn’t have an English website option.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Standing Sushi Restaurant
Tachi Sushi Yokocho Shinjuku Nishiguchi is a fabulous option. It is 5 mins walk from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. They welcome children here and the restaurant gives the most beautiful traditional Japanese restaurant vibes. They have more than 65 different sushi plate options. Because it’s a standing sushi bar, it’s a great place to try a few things without having to commit to a full meal. There are a few tables. Ask your hotel to make a reservation on your behalf and you can request a table if you like- there are limited options though. All 65 sushi plate options are between 130-400 yen. For kids who aren’t feeling super adventurous right away, you can order just cooked egg sushi, fried shrimp sushi, cooked egg on its own. They also have sushi platters. Their takeout sushi platters are incredibly beautifully presented – so gorgeous. They do take reservations and they also accept most major credit cards. If one parent wants to venture out in the evening to try some sushi and maybe meet some locals – this is great spot. This is a fabulous way to try different types of sake and other alcoholic drinks in Japan – while also being in a family-friendly spot. See here if you would like to find more restaurants in Tokyo you can visit with kids but also try some different types of sake.
TACHI SUSHI YOKOCHO SHINJUKU NISHIGUCHI
新宿区西新宿1-18-13 近江ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 1-18-13 NISHISHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 11:30-10:30PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu
Nabezo Shinjuku San-chome is a hot pot place and …oh…my god……it gets busy busy busy!!! You need a reservation.
They do take reservations but you’ll need to make sure you’re prompt as they will cancel your booking if you’re more than 10 minutes late.
The staff are so sweet to kids and they have high chairs and everything.
You can choose from a variety of nabe (hot pots) and the most popular are sukiyaki or shabu shabu.
We chose sukiyaki. It was 2400 yen per adult for all you can eat meat and vegetables (from the self-serve buffet) for 100 minutes.
My 5 year old’s same meal was 500 yen and my 3 year old was completely free.
I recommend using one of your hot plates for cooking and leaving one without a hot pot at all – and sit the kiddies up that end. Then you don’t need to worry little fingers touching hot cooking equipment or boiling hot pot contents. (You’ll need to request this as the staff will automatically set up a hot pot at each end.)
Two pots could be extra handy though if some of your family need to avoid certain foods.
The menus here are in English (and so are cooking instructions!)
If you love this spot, make sure you check out their website below as they have lots of other branches all over Tokyo.
NABEZO SHINJUKU SANCHOME
新宿 3-30-11 新宿高野第二ビル8F
8F SHINJUKU TAKANO DAINI BUILDING, 3-30-11 SHINJUKU
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5PM-11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30-11PM
There is another Nabezo called Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji Dori too which is also very family friendly!
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Kushiyaki Skewers
Another dinner option? Just one minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station is Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku Branch (exit C6 on the Toei Line, Exit A3 on the Marunouchi Line, Exit A3 on the Fukutoshin Line. In case you’re not familiar, kushiyaki is meat and vegetable- grilled and served on skewers (this includes yakitori.) This restaurant welcomes families (although can get a bit rowdy later in the evening so with small kids I would go earlier rather than later.) The vibes are that of a grungy, bustling foodie pub. It depends on how many skewers you eat, of course, but for a proper adult meal I would expect to budget for around 3000 yen per adult. Aside from skewers there are some small salads, dips and rice dishes available. Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Shinjuku branch accepts most major credit cards. The entire venue is non-smoking. They do accept reservations and also walk-ins.
This restaurant also has space to accommodate strollers.
If you are gluten free in Japan- Yakitori can be a good option. But be sure to ask for it to be prepared with salt, not tare (sauce/marinade as “tare” is made using soy sauce.)
KUSHIYAKI BISTRO FUKUMIMI SHINJUKU BRANCH
東京都新宿区新宿3-9-5 ゴールドビル2F
2ND FLOOR, GOLD BUILDING, 3-9-5 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 4PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER 10:30PM)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Okonomiyaki
If you’re looking to try some okonomiyaki for dinner ( also open for lunch too, actually) then I recommend wandering into the very casual but always bustling pub/restaurant Kotegaeshi. It is only 5 minutes walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. You may have to wait outside for a little while to get in so maybe have one adult in the group wait while kids and another adult have a little wander?
Okonomiyaki is like a Japanese omelette and you choose the fillings such as meats or seafood or vegetables.
An adult lunch will be approximately 1000-2000 yen and dinner more like 2000 yen.
Other popular options to eat include yakisoba, which is noodles cooked on the hot plate in front of you.
Foods cooked in front of you are really good for fussy eaters as you can say no to an ingredient before it is added. It’s very visual and it’s fun for kids to get involved.
This restaurant is very casual. You will be sitting with students who are chilling after university or business teams heading out for a meal after work.
These kinds of meals are meant to be shared but you can order your own if you prefer.
This restaurant does accept credit cards.
They do have an English menu.
Please note that this restaurant is not a non-smoking restaurant so you will need to choose your table carefully – another way to avoid a smokey restaurant is to dine early with kids – for example a 5pm dinner.
KOTEGAESHI SHINJUKU
新宿区新宿3-21-9 新宿ダッキープラザビル3Ｆ
3F DUCKY PLAZA BUILDING, 2-21-9 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM – 4AM ( CLOSES 11PM ON SUNDAYS)
KOTEGAESHI WEBSITE
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Gluten free teppanyaki and Okonomiyaki
Or if you feel like okonomiyaki or simply a restaurant with lots of gluten free food in Shinjuku, I recommend going to Teppan Baby.
It’s best to make reservations ahead of time. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They have an English, France, Spanish menu. Teppan Baby can cater for vegetarians and gluten free patrons. Teppan Baby is 7 mins walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. If coming on the subway take Exit B3 and walk for 3 mins. This is a non-smoking restaurant. For this restaurant I would budget approx 5000 yen per adult for a full meal (with drinks.)
Read here for how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki
TEPPAN BABY, SHINJUKU EAST EXIT
OPEN MON-SAT: 5PM-5AM
OPEN SUN: 5PM-MIDNIGHT
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Okonomiyaki (with vegan okonomiyaki options)
If you decide to eat Okonomiyaki but one or more people in your group are Vegan, then I recommend visiting Zen. Zen okonomiyaki shop is open from 5pm-11pm and they have a full English menu and a full English vegan menu. It is 15 minutes walk from the Tokyo Toy Museum ( or 8 mins in a cab, approx 800 yen) or 13 mins walk from Takashimaya Times Square. If coming from Shinjuku Station then I recommend taking the subway to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station and then walking for 300 metres. Please note that last time I checked they didn’t have a vegan cheese option but that was clearly marked on the menu.
Zen accepts most major credit cards.
Unfortunately the restaurant allows smoking so go early to miss the smoking drinkers.
They have horigotatsu seating as well as counter seating. (Horigotatsu means you are sitting on dug out chairs in the floor – looks like you’re kneeling the table but you are still on a chair.)
It is possible to make a reservation on Zen’s English website here.
ZEN OKONOMIYAKI
新宿区新宿5-10-9
5-10-9 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM
CLOSED MONDAYS
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Baby-friendly cafe near Shinjuku San-Chome Station
This cafe Chanoma is located inside of Isetan department store. The seating is designed for little babies to lay on (tummy up or down) and the food is all organic and healthy. They also sell homemade baby food. I don’t recommend this cafe once baby starts crawling or walking – it’s for parents with little babies only. They accept most major credit cards.
CHANOMA SHINJUKU ISETAN
6TH FLOOR OF THE ISETAN SHINJUKU MAIN BUILDING
OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM-8PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Street food options
If you want to be in the thick of it (I want to say with the locals but it’s also touristy these days) I find Piss Alley (part of Omoide Yokocho) to be fine with kids early in the night. It’s a lane way lined with lots of little eateries – mostly yakitori or grilled seafood and veg. This is not the place to ask for menu alterations etc. What is there is there.
With kids I would only go between 4pm-6pm. Staying longer means you’re going to struggle to get seats but also will run into more drunk people (it’s near Kabuki-cho, the red light district – which is pretty much the only place in Japan I really don’t like to go with my kids.)
One tip with kids – don’t go to the bathroom here – go to a big department store close by instead – for example Lumine.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Western and Japanese food options in an American Style Diner
The Denny’s Shinjuku Chuo-Koen branch is open from 6:30am-11pm.
Denny’s Japan (note, not the same as Denny’s in the US.).
They have a low common allergens menu. There is a change table in the toilets here. No bookings. Walk-in only. They accept most major credit cards.
Here is the full Denny’s Japan menu. Please note that Denny’s in Japan can be difficult if you are vegan (the zero meat burger contains milk and egg) or gluten free.
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Homemade bakery restaurant with western style dishes (steaks and pasta etc.)
A fabulous lunch or dinner option for kids (and parents) who want a really hearty meal,I recommend Bakery & Restaurant Saint Marc.
This is a restaurant where you order your meal and also enjoy all you can eat bread (or switch bread for rice if you prefer!)
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They have a place to store your stroller while you dine.
There is also a kid’s menu that includes options like a kid’s Japanese curry, macaroni gratin or children’s doria with potato wedges, broccoli and tomatoes, mini hamburgers served with wedges and salad and also a kid’s bento plate that has a piece of chicken, a burger patty, some broccoli, tomato and corn with wedges with some small jellies. Kids meals are all under 1000 yen.
Here is the Bakery& Restaurant Saint Marc full allergen menu list.
The meals for adults are mostly steaks and hamburger steaks served on sizzling hot plates or pastas or salads and main dishes can come as an all you can eat bread or rice set. You can also pay a few hundred yen extra and make use of the all-you-can-drink soft drink and juice bar.
This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Shinjuku Station’s west exit.
BAKERY & RESTAURANT SAINT MARC, SHINJUKU
新宿区西新宿１-５-１ 小田急新宿西口駅前ビル８F
8F ODAKYU SHINJUKU NISHIGUCHI EKI BUILDING, 1-5-1 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 11AM-11PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Casual Japanese Udon Restaurant
Casual Japanese food as a family – Homemade Udon (served in large bowls as a part of hot or cold dishes.)
This is a hole in the wall style casual udon restaurant called Sangokuichi. This restaurant has been here since 1969. The cold udon bowl options are really fresh and interesting. “Japanese Dressing Salad Udon” “Tuna Salad Udon” “Tofu Salad Udon” while the hot options include Yaki-Udon (aka stir fried udon noodles and veg), Chicken Udon, Tempura Udon, Spicy Kimuchi Udon, Miso Pork Cutlet Udon. There are wax models of all the meals in the front window so it’s really easy for kids to see and point to what they want (and know what to expect.) This is not the kind of establishment to be asking for alterations to the menu (for allergies or otherwise.). Most dishes are approx 1200 yen. Children are welcome here (although the tables are quite squished together inside – it’s lovely and vibey but might not be for everyone.)
This restaurant accepts reservations but you can also just try and walk in (if visiting outside of normal meal time hours – it’s especially popular with those working in the area at lunch time.) Sangokuichi accepts most major credit cards. This restaurant is 4 mins walk from Shinjuku Station (take the west exit) It is also 10 mins walk from Mimaru Shinjuku West, 5 mins walk from the Keio Plaza Hotel and 11 mins walk from Hilton Tokyo ( Shinjuku.)
SANGOKUICHI, NISHIGUCHI STORE
新宿区西新宿1-13-10 西新宿昭和ビル
NISHISHINJUKU SHOWA BUILDING, 1-13-10 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN MON-SAT 11AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
CLOSED SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS (INCLUDING JAN 1 & 2)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Build your own salad bar
Also on the Nishi-Shinjuku side of Shinjuku Station is Crisp Salad Works. Crisp Salad Works is a salad chain store where you can choose all of your salad ingredients and how finely chopped you’d like it to be. Salads are between 1000-2000 yen. They accept most major credit cards. There is a dine-in area. See the full Crisp Salad Works menu here.
新宿区 西新宿 2-1-1 新宿三井ビルディング Ｂ１
BASEMENT FLOOR, SHINJUKU MITSUI BUILDING, NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-9PM
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Japanese and Western Style food in an American Style Diner
It is located in the Nishi-Shinjuku side of Shinjuku (mostly a business district) but if we find ourselves here – we love the Japanese “family restaurant” chain Royal Host. The menu is extensive. It all has beautiful glossy pictures and the limitless drink fountain also includes hot drinks. There is a children’s menu and kids can select one toy from the basket offered by wait staff. It’s just easy and good value for money. There are Japanese and International menu options. Check out the Royal Host website’s menu page– it’s only in Japanese but there are pictures of almost every dish. This restaurant is like a Japanese version of a diner so don’t expect fancy all though it is clean, bright and yummy. It’s our family’s comfort food. It’s a really cheap meal with kids.
Here is an example of their kids menu. . The numbers in the brackets are the tax included prices.
GROUND FLOOR, SHINJUKU I-LAND SOUTH BUILDING, 6-5-1 NISHISHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
新宿区西新宿6-5-1新宿アイランド南棟1F
OPEN: 7AM-11PM
WEBSITE
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Robatayaki Izakaya
For dinner with kids in an Izakaya in Nishi-Shinjuku, then I recommend going to Kanagari. Reservations required and this is the kind of restaurant where you order lots of little dishes and share. Kids are welcome but it isn’t the kind of place you’d take an iPad etc. so if your kids aren’t great at sitting at the table and trying new foods, this might not be the place for you. The style of dining is Robatayaki. I would expect to pay around 5000 yen per adult to dine here. There is a 660 yen service charge per person (and, as a thank you, every customer is given an ootoshi -which you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.) This is a great place for Mums and Dads to try some different types of sake.
Please be aware that smoking is allowed in some sections of the restaurant.
Kamagari accepts credit cards. It is 9 mins walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
KANAGARI
新宿区西新宿7-16-12 新YSビル 3F
3RD FLOOR, SHIN-YS BUILDING, 7-16-12 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM – OPEN FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS (LAST ORDER 10PM)
Family-friendly restaurant in Shinjuku : Yakitori
Another option in Nishi-Shinjuku with kids is Hinotori. This is a yakitori pub-style restaurant. This restaurant welcomes young families but I only recommend it if kids will be eating the yakitori and are able to sit at the table (it is quite engaging as you watch the food being cooked.) This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi line. Hinotori accepts most major credit cards. I would budget for around 5000 yen per adult when dining here. Best to make reservations. There is a 660 yen service charge per person (and, as a thank you, every customer is given an ootoshi -which you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.)
HINOTORI
新宿区西新宿7-22-48 キャッスルマンション西新宿101
CASTLE MANSION, NISHI-SHINJUKU 101 BUILDING, 7-22-48 NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU
OPEN 5PM-11PM (OPEN FROM 4PM ON WEEKENDS)
Family-friendly gyoza restaurant in Shinjuku (for kids 6 and older)
This is random suggestion but you could even come here for breakfast !!!
Kakekomi Gyoza is in Kabukicho in Shinjuku (Kabukicho is the red-light district so I’d avoid this area with small kids after 6pm, personally – not dangerous – but there will be some drunk people, questionable posters about and sprukers handing out pamphlets etc.)
This is an izakaya that specialises in Gyoza of all different types, fillings and colours. They are open 24 hours a day – 365 days a year!!! Kakekomi Gyoza also serve 1-2 vegan options. Please note that this restaurant only welcomes school aged kids and older (6 years +) so if you have younger children – get the takeout options ! For takeway gyoza here it is 1100 yen for 10 gyoza and 1900 yen for 20 !!!!!!!
The entire restaurant is non-smoking BUT it is in Kabukicho – the red light district – sooooo if visiting with kids, I will only ever visit between 9am-6pm – just because the area around the restaurant is a bit yucky (not dangerous but just lots of drunkies and light up girlie bar signs etc.)
Kakekomi Gyoza is 5 mins walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. It’s right next to the old Robot Restaurant.
For a full meal here, I would budget for 2500 yen per adult. They do accept credit cards. You can make reservations or you can just walk-in. They do have an English menu.
KAKEKOMI GYOZA
新宿区歌舞伎町1-12-2 第58東京ビル 1・2F
GROUND & FIRST FLOOR, DAI-58 TOKYO BUILDING, KABUKICHO, SHINJUKU
OPEN EVERYDAY 365 DAYS A YEAR
