Narukiyo
Experience authentic Japanese izakaya with a chaotic vibe, incredible food, and a charismatic chef. Reservations recommended!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Narukiyo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese izakaya with a chaotic vibe, incredible food, and a charismatic chef. Reservations recommended!
"Warm service, incredible food, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere make this a must-visit."
Reservations are a must
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for table seating. Walk-ins may be seated at the bar.
Embrace the language barrier
The menu is Japanese-only. Use Google Translate or ask for chef recommendations (Omakase).
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Izakaya
Price
$$$
Phone
+81 3-5485-2223
Address
ＶＯＲＴ青山 地下 １階, 2 Chome-7-14 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Japanese Soul Food
Savor traditional dishes like fresh sashimi, succulent wagyu, and crispy tempura in a lively, laid-back setting.
Charming Ambiance & Unique Seating
Experience the cozy, chaotic vibes from the bar or enjoy intimate moments in the tatami room. Menus are ancient paper scrolls!
Charismatic Chef & Omakase
Let the energetic chef guide your meal with an 'Omakase' selection for delightful, off-menu surprises.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations are a must
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for table seating. Walk-ins may be seated at the bar.
Embrace the language barrier
The menu is Japanese-only. Use Google Translate or ask for chef recommendations (Omakase).
Remove your shoes
If seated at a table in the tatami room, remember to take off your shoes as per tradition.
Ask for recommendations
Let the staff choose for you if you're unsure; it often leads to delightful culinary surprises.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations are a must
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for table seating. Walk-ins may be seated at the bar.
Embrace the language barrier
The menu is Japanese-only. Use Google Translate or ask for chef recommendations (Omakase).
Remove your shoes
If seated at a table in the tatami room, remember to take off your shoes as per tradition.
Ask for recommendations
Let the staff choose for you if you're unsure; it often leads to delightful culinary surprises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Narukiyo is lauded for its authentic Japanese soul food, warm service, and uniquely chaotic yet charming atmosphere. Diners rave about the incredible quality of sashimi, wagyu, and seasonal vegetables. However, some find the experience overpriced and slow, with a significant language barrier on the Japanese-only menu.
"The food was great! Service super attentive, with a vibrant, fun atmosphere. We came in a group and everyone had a great time. Booking ahead is recommended. Expect to take your shoes off at the door. Highly recommended 🩵🩵"
Tawla
"Narukyo is an izakaya that gets everything right: from the warm service to the incredible food, all in a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. They treat foreign guests just as well as locals, and it’s worth asking the staff for recommendations.
The counter is messy and reminds you of a true Japanese drinking counter, while the tables on the tatami room are great for groups and more intimate occasions.
The menu, hand written on what looks like ancient paper, adds a charming touch, and even the restroom is full of fun surprises. While it’s definitely on the pricier side, the experience makes it well worth it."
L.
"The food was amazing but overall atmopshere makes it all. Small and packed.
Need to look down the stairs from the street for entrance.
Reservations are welcomed and recomended. I manged to be sitted despite not having it but many people returned.
The staff is friendly even tough English speaking is not their plus. Menu is only in Japanese but Google Translate will help if you need to be mindful of allergies. Other than that, you can leave it to them.
If not being at the bar but sitting round the table, you will need to take the shoes off."
Adrijana Husic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for table seating. Walk-ins might be able to get a seat at the bar.
No, the menu is entirely in Japanese and changes daily. Using Google Translate or asking for recommendations (Omakase) is advised.
Omakase means 'I'll leave it to you'. It's the chef's selection of dishes, recommended for those unsure what to order.
There is no strict dress code, but the atmosphere is casual and laid-back. Comfort is key.
Yes, if you are seated at a table in the tatami room, you will need to remove your shoes.
Diners rave about the sashimi, wagyu beef, tempura, seasonal vegetables, and the daily changing pot dish.
The tatami room is great for groups and more intimate occasions, offering a unique dining experience.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best restaurants Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa, Tokyo
Narukiyo is many people's favourite 'secret' izakaya, serving all the classics (sashimi, charcoal grilled chicken, etc) with a low-key attitude that…
Eating & Drinking in Tokyo, Japan
Narukiyo, a super popular izakaya in Shibuya served us a parade of dishes—sashimi on ice, grilled meat, veggie platters (can someone please explain to me how the asparagus and tomatoes are so spectacular in the middle of winter?), noodles, and more. Book well in advance (at the bar if possible) and prepare yourself for a sake-fueled night. We also had a fun night at another izakaya, Kaikaya by the Sea, and were desperate to get into Kotaro, but couldn’t snag a table.
Neil Perry’s Favourite Tokyo Restaurants
Just a few tables in a tatami room with lots of sake lined up and a mix of original songs and Japanese knock-offs on the soundtrack. The staff don’t speak a lot of English but that’s half the fun – just let them choose for you. They bring us a bunch of stuff, from a fresher-than-fresh sashimi of bluefin tuna, snapper and sea urchin to a classic Japanese curry of eggplant and potato with cheese, which is surprisingly good.
Best places to eat in Tokyo
If you don't have a phone that works for calling Japanese numbers (mine didn't for some reason) get your hotel concierge to book you a seat at the bar at Narukiyo as soon as you arrive in Tokyo (there are no online bookings, just phone). Then prepare to be wow'd by the most extraordinary array of penis related memorabilia you have ever seen. To say the chef here is a character is an understatement.
The Coolest Places to Shop, Sleep and Eat in Tokyo
Narukiyo: A classic spot in Tokyo for locals and those 'in the know.' Here we had a blast joking around and drinking sake with its extremely charismatic chef. If you don't speak Japanese, request 'Omakase' which literally translates to 'I'll leave it to you'—this is your best bet if you want to try the most popular dishes on the menu.
SUITCASE Magazine | Where to Eat in Tokyo, Japan
You may have trouble navigating the Japanese-only menu – which changes daily depending on the produce – but have no fear, the enthusiastic staff are always keen to help and everything is excellent anyway. Make a reservation if you want to sit in the back, otherwise cosy up at the bar.
The 12 Best Romantic Restaurants in Tokyo
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2-chōme−7−１４ ＶＯＲＴ青山 地下 １階. Narukiyo is a lively izakaya in Tokyo with a loyal local following and a fun, laid-back vibe. It’s been around since 2003 and even appeared on a Netflix show.
Explore Japan like a local! Shibuya's tourist information and art center: shibuya-san | Japan Tips | Other
One pamphlet of particular interest is the 'Izakaya Guidebook', which introduces izakaya (Japanese style pubs) in Shibuya that have been carefully researched and selected by shibuya-san's foreign staff.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit