Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku, your local media guide to everything around Shinjuku.
Today, I visited “Hayashiya,” a long-established Western-style restaurant located just two minutes from Shinjuku Station. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere and long history, this hidden gem captures the charm of the Showa era.
A Long-Established Western-Style Restaurant Founded in 1949
Located on the 5th floor of the Shinjuku Sunpark Building along Yasukuni Street, Hayashiya has been serving customers since 1949.
The building has a game arcade on the first floor, and across the street lies the entrance to Kabukicho.
I visited the restaurant for the first time on a weekday evening around 7 p.m.
A Showa-Retro Atmosphere Inside
Although Hayashiya sits near the lively Kabukicho area, stepping inside reveals a calm and relaxing space.
Its retro interior design instantly evokes the feel of a Showa-era department-store cafeteria—clean, spacious, and full of nostalgic charm.
The clientele tends to be slightly older, adding to the tranquil vibe that almost makes you forget you’re in the heart of Shinjuku.
The restaurant features 126 seats, including 2- to 4-person tables and counter seats with views toward Kabukicho through large windows.
Extensive Menu with Nostalgic Variety
Here are some examples from Hayashiya’s food menu:
- Showa Plate – ¥1,480
- Shrimp Macaroni Gratin – ¥1,180
- Omurice – ¥780
- Special Beef Menchi-Katsu – ¥1,280
- Stewed Pork Giblets Set – ¥780
- Hamburg Steak & Fried Chicken – ¥1,180
- Chicken Sauté & Fried Egg – ¥930
- Curry Rice – ¥680
- Hayashi Rice – ¥830
- Napolitan Spaghetti – ¥780
- Sauce Yakisoba – ¥700
- Margherita Pizza – ¥780
- Borscht – ¥550
- Tekka-don (Tuna Bowl) – ¥1,100
The menu is impressively broad, offering not only Western-style comfort food like hamburg steaks and beef stew but also Japanese favorites such as stewed giblets, fish set meals, and fried noodles.
The drink menu includes a wide selection of wine and shochu, and there’s even a happy hour until 6:00 p.m.
Revived “Sanpei Rice” and Classic Omurice
Sanpei Rice – ¥900
I ordered the revived Sanpei Rice, a popular dish from the former “Sanpei Shokudo,” brought back after 45 years.
It features ketchup rice topped with pork cutlet simmered in egg and finished with a drizzle of demi-glace sauce, served with a small salad.
The rice itself contains no fillings, and the mild egg-coated cutlet pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet sauce—simple yet deeply satisfying.
Classic Omurice with Soup and Salad – ¥940
I also tried the classic Omurice set, which includes soup and salad (with corn soup substitution).
Unlike the Sanpei Rice, this version uses ketchup rice with fillings wrapped in a thin omelet—a timeless, straightforward presentation.
The nostalgic flavor and well-balanced sweetness make it a comforting dish that fills both stomach and heart.
Generous portions of salad and soup make it a hearty, fulfilling meal.
Summary
In this visit, I explored Hayashiya, a long-standing restaurant founded in 1949 and located just two minutes from Shinjuku Station.
With its extensive menu, including the Showa Plate, beef stew, and steak, plus a wide range of alcoholic beverages such as Hawaiian beer, it feels like a “grown-up version of Saizeriya.”
The spacious, quiet dining room offers a comfortable escape from the bustle of Shinjuku, making it a true hidden gem worth visiting.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic dining experience after work, this is the perfect spot.
Store Information
- Name: Hayashiya
- Address: 5F Shinjuku Sunpark Building, 3-22-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
- Nearest Station: 2-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station / 2-minute walk from Subway Shinjuku-sanchome Station / 250 m from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Mon–Sun)
- Closed: None
- Outlets: ✕ Wi-Fi: ✕ Smoking: △ (smoking room available)
- Notes: Credit cards and e-money accepted / 126 seats
- Tabelog Rating: 3.49
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👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2022/05/28/restaurant-hayashiya/
