At JPY800, Nakajima is one of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in town that’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Head to Shinjuku for this delicious bargain of a sardine lunch.
Nakajima - image © Florentyna Leow
Tokyo is famous for its plethora of restaurants with Michelin stars, and the vast majority of them are priced accordingly. However, Michelin star dining doesn’t have to be hideously unaffordable. At Nakajima in Shinjuku, for the princely sum of JPY800 or so, you’ll get bragging rights to having eaten a Michelin starred lunch.
Nakajima is famous for its sardine-themed lunch sets. Here, you can eat them simmered, grilled, deep-fried, or raw. As it’s a set meal, no matter which you choose, all of them come with rice, miso soup, and pickles. All are prepared with the same meticulous attention to detail; the most difficult part is deciding which one to try. English language menus are available, and you’ll be able to order while waiting in line. Side dishes such as cold tofu are also up for order.
Unsurprisingly, the restaurant attracts office workers in the area as well as tourists looking for good, cheap eats. But when the barriers to entry are this low, there’s no reason not to buy into the hype at least once.
For more Tokyo teishoku and donburi choices, see our Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo page.
English name:
Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (various Japanese)
Japanese name:
新宿割烹 中嶋
English address:
B1 Nichihara Bldg., 3-32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Japanese address:
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿3-32-5 日原ビルB1
Opening hours:
11:30am-2pm and 5:30pm-9:30pm
Closed Sunday and national holiday
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Yes
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 1-minute walk from exit E9 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin and Marunouchi lines, and Toei Shinjuku line.
Train: 3-minute walk from the south or east exits of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
+81-3-3356-4534
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Nakajima on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Nakajima is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations:
See all teishoku and donburi restaurants we recommend on our Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.
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