14 Must-Visit Izakaya in Ikebukuro, Tokyo Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Jul 09 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

14 Must-Visit Izakaya in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Ikebukuro, similar to Shibuya or Shinjuku, is one of the bustling hubs of Tokyo. It is also a mecca for delicious restaurants! With that said, here is an introduction to 14 carefully selected izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Ikebukuro.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Ikebukuro.

1. Yonpachi Gyojou Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Branch

Yonpachi Gyojou Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Branch cuisine

Yonpachi Gyojou Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Branch serves daily specials of fish prepared using fishermen's techniques like "Shinkei-jime" and "Ikekoshi." The restaurant offers a wide selection of seasonal sake, pairing perfectly with the fish. In addition to regular sake from Dassai, Hitakami, Sharaku, and Taka, they offer an exclusive sake crafted yearly in partnership with a sake brewery. Enjoy fresh seafood in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling fisherman's town.

Yonpachi Gyojou Ikebukuro Higashiguchi Branch

Open: [Monday-Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) / [Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Saturday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Sunday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station
Address: 1F, Suzuwa Bldg., 2-16-8, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Amenimo Makezu (Japanese Cuisine)

The calm Japanese atmosphere of Amenimo Makezu is reminiscent of a top-class ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant). Only using the best quality seasonal ingredients available, Amenimo Makezu has a great reputation for offering ji-zake (Japanese local alcohol) that go well with their cuisine, with the menu featuring items such as fresh seafood and unagi (eel). Dishes such as the [Assortment of Appetizers] and the [Assortment of Seasonal Fish] taste not only amazing but also beautifully presented. Customers can even enjoy the delicious umami (Japanese savory taste) and melt-in-the-mouth texture of rosy seabass - a luxurious white fish - here! Do take note that they also have a large selection of wine.

Amenimo Makezu

Open: [Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
*Closed during Golden Week, Obon, and the beginning and end of the year (December 31 - January 4)
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Ryuseikan, 2-31-12, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

3. Haneuma Ikebukuro East Exit Branch (Italian Cuisine)

2. Haneuma Ikebukuro East Exit Branch (Italian Cuisine)

Haneuma is a Spanish bar that deliciously combines horse meat cuisine with wine. With a selection of cuts to taste and compare, the [Horse Sashimi - Luxurious Assortment of 5] is certainly not to be missed! This platter consists of cuts such as lean thigh meat, fillet, and tender sirloin, served as sashimi with a selection of 5 kinds of spices and a sweet shoyu (soy sauce). The [Horse Meat Bolognese] is also highly recommended. The horse meat for this dish is slowly stewed in a selection of spices and balsamic vinegar to create its delicious, rich flavor. Besides horse meat, lamb and wild game such as Ezo venison (species of deer from Hokkaido) are also on offer.

Haneuma Ikebukuro East Exit Branch

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Address: 1F, Stax Bldg., 1-35-11, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

4. ManSun (Gastropub)

While an extensive range of delicious cuisine is available at ManSun, the menu is mainly on kushiyaki (skewers) and teppanyaki (ingredients grilled on an iron griddle). Their skewers of vegetables wrapped in pork are particularly popular due to the tasty combination of crispy, aromatic grilled pork alongside the crunchy texture of vegetables. The [Dashimaki Tamago] (rolled omelet cooked with broth), made with eggs procured directly from farms, is also highly recommended. Order their [White Okonomiyaki] (Japanese savory pancake) - the friendly staff will generously pile on the cheese until you tell them to stop!

ManSun

Open: Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:45 pm)
Closed: None. *Closed January 1 - 3
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: 2F, MARU Bldg., 3-23-8, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

5. Asahi-Syoten (Izakaya)

A wide range of southern Kyushu cuisine can be enjoyed here, from horse meat procured directly from Kumamoto to free-range chicken and Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) from Kagoshima. There's even chicken nanban (fried chicken marinated in a sweet and sour sauce), which is a Miyazaki specialty. It is the horse meat cuisine that you should order though – it is amazingly fresh, as the meat is procured directly from farms. Their signature dish is the [Sakura Yukhoe With Rich Egg] (seasoned raw meat), which combines the umami of horse meat with the richness of egg yolk. Also recommended is the [Assortment of 5 Cuts of Kumamoto Horse Meat Sashimi], which features the best cuts of the day, such as lean meat, meat from the crest, and heart. An extensive alcohol menu is also available, containing shochu (a type of Japanese alcohol), umeshu (plum-flavored sake), wine, and more.

Asahi-Syoten

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Address: 5F, Meitoku Bldg., 1-35-2, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Hanabayashi (Izakaya)

Hanabayashi is located only a minute's walk away from Ikebukuro Station. Enjoy the delicacies of Imabari, Ehime, here, such as [Senzangi] - a regional dish where chicken is deep-fried on the bone. Both the sauce and the mouthwatering umami that seeps out from the bone soaks into the meat, creating its highly addictive flavor. The owner also strongly recommends the [Tsukune] (chicken meatballs), which are made with ji-dori (local chicken). Cooked on an iron griddle, the tsukune at Hanabayashi are crispy with a deliciously chewy center due to having cartilage as an ingredient. Dip them in the provided sauce and egg before eating for the ultimate Ehime-style experience!

Hanabayashi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: 3F, IN Bldg., 1-17-2, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

7. Landooz (Izakaya)

Landooz feels like a secret getaway, as it is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the station. Located inside a renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house), it has a lovely, calm, and relaxing atmosphere. A variety of seating is available here, with the private rooms with round tables and the most popular semi-private loft seats. Among the extensive menu consists of a wide range of dishes, such as teppanyaki, salmon carpaccio, and fried rice, the [Tongue Stew] is the best recommendation! This dish is slowly stewed until it is so deliciously tender that it melts in your mouth. Savor its meaty umami to the very last mouthful! An attractive selection of craft beers from around the world is also available on the menu.

Landooz

Open: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 2F, 2-18-4, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

8. Landooz Ikebukuro East Exit 2nd Branch (Izakaya)

7. Landooz Ikebukuro East Exit 2nd Branch (Izakaya)

This restaurant is the second branch of the popular Landooz. It is in a renovated, detached 3-story house. Each floor has a different atmosphere, with the 3rd floor designed to look like an American diner with sofa and table seating, and the 2nd floor designed in a Japanese style with tatami flooring and private rooms. While the same delicious cuisine as the first branch is available here, the menu at this branch predominately focuses on meat cuisine. Come here to enjoy delicious chicken breast, cheese, smoked quail eggs, and seafood such as shrimps, oysters, and octopus!

Landooz Ikebukuro East Exit 2nd Branch

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-23-4, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

9. Shangri-la Ikebukuro East Exit Branch (Gastropub)

8. Shangri-la Ikebukuro East Exit Branch (Gastropub)

Enjoy a meal in a private room with an extraordinary atmosphere at Shangri-la, Ikebukuro. The most popular type of private room has to be the one where you can enjoy the nighttime view and neon lights of the city. There are other types of rooms, such as ones containing large fish tanks, as well as some with a space theme. The marinated salmon topped with caviar is a popular item on their menu. It is coated in a ginger sauce and has an Italian flavor. Also recommended is the [Cream Pasta With Large Shrimps], which is an aromatic dish made with shrimps, herbs, and a rich, creamy, bisque-like sauce.

Shangri-la Ikebukuro East Exit Branch

Open: Dinner 4:00 pm - 1:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY
Address: 7F-B, Fuji Bldg., 1-23-1, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

10. Sakaba Gab (Western-style Izakaya)

This restaurant's two top loved dishes are the [Cheese Dak Galbi] and [Meat x Cheese Fondue]. Originally from South Korea, [Cheese Dak Galbi] is an exquisite dish where you dip sweet and spicy meat in rich, melted cheese. The [Meat x Cheese Fondue], which contains delicacies such as aged beef, snow-aged pork (pork aged in snow), sausages, and spare ribs, also demonstrates the superb combination of flavorful cheese and meat. An all-you-can-eat option is available for both dishes.

Sakaba Gab

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Aoi Bldg., 3-31-10, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

11. the life table Ikebukuro Branch (Izakaya)

This is another meat cuisine restaurant where the popular [Cheese Dak Galbi] can be enjoyed, but what sets this restaurant apart is the fact that a range of cheeses are blended for their fondue, creating an even richer, deeper taste. Lots of people flock to this restaurant every day for their [Cheese Dak Galbi], due to how similar it is to the original version in South Korea. Also highly recommended is the [Roast Beef Fondue], where carefully selected, succulent beef thigh can be enjoyed dipped in rich cheese fondue. Other meat dishes on the menu include the [T-Bone Steak], which allows you to enjoy both sirloin and fillet in a single order.

the life table Ikebukuro Branch

Open: [Saturday, Sunday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
[Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 4:30 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY / [Lunch] 980 JPY
Address: 8F, FLC Bldg., 1-22-2, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
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12. Saizou Ikebukuro (Japanese Cuisine)

Why not come and enjoy original cuisine and sake (a type of Japanese alcohol) in this relaxing restaurant? A wide variety of Japanese and Western fusion cuisine is available here, with a focus on utilizing the delicious ingredients of Kyushu. One of their signature dishes is the [Foie Gras Daikon], which is a dish consisting of daikon (Japanese white radish) seasoned in consommé that's topped with teriyaki foie gras cooked with butter. Eat this dish with chopped wasabi for the ultimate experience. Highly recommended by staff, the handmade [Ni-hachi Seiro Soba] (soba made with 20% wheat and 80% buckwheat) is an ideal way to end your evening. This dish consists of soba served on a bamboo basket and a bowl of rich soup made with skipjack tuna dashi (broth).

Saizou Ikebukuro

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 8F, St. Tropez Ikebukuro Bldg., 1-29-1, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
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13. Bar & Grill Motto (Gastropub)

Have some fantastic meat cuisine and wine at this restaurant, such as the delicious 1lb [T-Bone Steak] and the tender, succulent [Roast Beef]. There are a variety of roast beef cuts available, as well as tasting menus where you get 3 different cuts of various grades of beef cooked in different ways. Along with wine, the alcohol menu consists of beer from 18 countries, [Homemade Sangria], and more. Not only is the food amazing, but the prices are reasonable, too.

Bar & Grill Motto

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
Closed: None
*Please double-check with the restaurant during long weekends and the beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 2F, Keita Bldg., 1-39-20, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

14. Teppanyaki EN (Teppanyaki)

This another meat cuisine restaurant offers the popular [Cheese Dak Galbi], but what sets this restaurant apart is the blend of various cheeses for their fondue, creating the rich, deeper taste. Lots of people flock to this restaurant every day for their [Cheese Dak Galbi], due to how similar it is to the original version in South Korea. Also highly recommended is the [Roast Beef Fondue], where carefully selected, succulent beef thigh dipped in rich cheese fondue. Other meat dishes on the menu include the [T-Bone Steak], which allows you to enjoy both sirloin and fillet in a single order.

Teppanyaki EN

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Edohan Daisan Palace, 2-4-3, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)

As you can see, there are so many different types of izakaya that you can enjoy in Ikebukuro. If you happen to be in Ikebukuro, use this article to help you pick where to go!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.