Shinsuke

Picture a traditional Japanese gastropub chef in your mind — traditional clothing and headband, shouting a cheery “Irasshaimase!” As you enter the doors. That’s exactly the picture you’ll find at Shinsuke, a super-traditional izakaya gastropub just to the south of Ueno Park. This joint has been running since 1925, meaning you can get a true local experience which is a world away from the tourist-oriented eateries of Shinjuku. The restaurant is old, but the alcohol heritage of the owner is older. His family has been dealing in sake for 11 generations! At his bar the sake menu is, quite predictably, brilliant. Despite the history running through the walls, they are very accommodating to foreigners, and will provide English assistance to help you navigate the ordering process. The menu mostly features izakaya classics, but there are some modern touches in the small-dish food items too — the deep fried tofu stuffed with cheese, for example.