Solo dining without awkwardness? 6 great options for eating alone in Shinjuku — ramen, curry, set meals, standing sushi.
Table of Contents
"Eating alone" is the norm in Japan — Japanese office workers most commonly dine solo during their lunch breaks.
This article rounds up 6 options that won't make you feel awkward.
Suitable for 6 guests
01｜Ichiran｜Most Comfortable Partition Seating
Private booth design—enjoy your meal in complete solitude without facing anyone. ¥980–1,200 per bowl.Perfect for those dining alone for the first time.
02｜CoCo Ichibanya｜Curry Quick Meal
Japanese curry chain. **¥700-1,200/plate**, customize spice level and toppings. Ready in 15 minutes.
Quick and satisfying meal options.
03 | Matsuya | Quick Beef Bowl
Japanese beef bowl chain. **¥500/bowl**, served in 30 seconds. Open 24 hours.
The most budget-friendly option.
04｜Standing Sushi｜10 Pieces to Enjoy Standing
Standing sushi, ¥150-400 per piece. **10 pieces in 20 minutes for ¥2,000**.
An option for those who want sushi but don't want to sit for an hour.
05｜Ootoya｜Teishoku Chain
Japanese chain teishoku restaurant. **¥900-1,500 per serving**, includes main dish + rice + soup + side dishes.
Options for everyday Japanese cuisine.
06｜Starbucks｜Coffee + Sandwich
For a relaxed meal while working, Starbucks ¥600-900 offers a coffee and sandwich combination.
An option to eat while working.
**6 Restaurants Spanning Quick Bites to Leisurely Dining** —— Experience a different restaurant each day of the week for solo meals.
A 5-10 minute walk from IGO HOTEL to the Shinjuku Station area.
※ Business hours, prices, addresses, and menus of the shops mentioned in this article are subject to change without notice. Some items are reference examples and not specific shop recommendations. Please check the official website or on-site announcements of each shop before your visit.
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