Yanbaru
沖縄食堂 やんばる
Shinjuku · Izakaya
Casual Okinawan izakaya in Shinjuku's downtown core. Three floors, reliable goya champuru, Okinawan-style noodles, and local pork dishes. Fills quickly but seat count is high.
Been running since way before I even moved to Tokyo—solid Okinawan spot. Easy to walk into, cheap, and the food's real good. The fu champur is what you want to order. I'll grab a beer and some champur, then walk around Kabukicho after. I hit it up a lot in summer.
— Asakusa Boy · Returns often
As seen on Instagram
Original post by @gourmet_memos
How to visit
- Address
- Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3-22-4 1-3F, Tokyo
- Hours
- Daily 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Price
- $$
- Rating
- 4.2 ★ (1111 reviews on Google Maps)
- English (?)
- Yes
- Reservations
- Recommended
- Payment
- Credit cards
- Takeout
- Available
Place data via Google Maps
First-timer tips
- Nearby pairing
- Pair with Baba FLAT (21 min north)
What makes it special
Yanbaru serves straightforward Okinawan comfort food without pretense—goya champuru with balanced bitterness, sea grapes (umibudo), and a signature yanbaru soba loaded with soft bone-in pork rib (soki), rafute (braised pork belly), and pork. Dessert sidearm: sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) pairs well with Blue Seal ice cream. The three-story layout means walk-ins usually find a table despite popularity. Atmospheric enough to feel like island escape without leaving Shinjuku.
How to visit
Walk-in or reserve via their booking site (link on Google Maps). Open daily 11 AM–11:30 PM. Cash and card accepted. No English menu confirmed, but staff may offer basic guidance.
FAQ
Is this a budget spot?
Mid-range. Main dishes (noodles, champuru) run ¥1,000–¥1,500; sides and desserts scale up. Expect ¥2,500–¥4,000 per person with drinks.
Can I eat alone?
Yes. Counter and table seating available across three floors. Low pressure for solo diners.
Do they do late-night food after drinks?
Yes. Open until 11:30 PM daily and menu includes lighter items (umibudo, sata andagi) suitable post-bar.