A long-standing tempura institution, Tsunahachi has established 23 restaurants across Japan since its inception in 1923. This Shinjuku venue, however, remains its flagship. Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi prides itself on sourcing fresh seafood daily from the Toyosu Market.

Tsunahachi has been frying prawns and veggies for more than 90 years and is an easy place to be initiated in the art of tempura. Come at lunch for the…

Running the gamut of battered vegetables to battered fresh seafood, these fried fritters form a unique dish that’s been around since the 16th and 17th century, when oil was precious and deep-fried dishes remained a luxury. Pledging to use only the finest ingredients, best oil, and the most refined craftsmanship, tempura restaurant Tsunahachi has become a staple favourite amongst many since its founding in 1923. Seats by the counter offer the best spot to witness some of the most experienced chefs demonstrate the craft of the battered fry.

The soba place may serve a nice bit of tempura with the noodles, but this place’s claim to fame is the Tempura. A favorite among Kabuki actors, athletes, and other celebrities alike, Tempura Tsunahachi offers an unforgettable Tempura experience at an affordable price. Most specialty stores offer a somewhat limited menu, but this joint has a good selection of things to have along with the tempura, like eel, a variety of vegetables, miso, and a variety of salts.

Local tempura stalwart Tsunahachi is a very popular restaurant patronised as much by locals as it is by tourists (it’s in all the guidebooks). The tempura courses here are tasty, accessibly priced, and caters well for tourists with English-speaking staff and menus provided. Truth be told, we found the dinner service a little rushed and perfunctory on our last visit but the tempura was excellent and we can see why this place remains a popular spot.

One special thing about Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi, one of the best restaurants in Shinjuku, is that the restaurant sources seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood daily from the Toyosu Market. What's more, premium sesame oil is used for frying, so your deep-fried tempura doesn't feel greasy or clog up your throat. If you're on a budget, try the cheapest kakiage (fritter) set meal, fried to order, which comes with miso soup, rice, and pickles.

Tsunahachi is an old-school Japanese restaurant known for its high quality tempuras. The tempura dishes are prepared in the traditional Edo style, which is why they are very light and crispy. The wife and I shared a Tempura Zen (JPY 2300) set, which consists of two prawns, one seafood, one vegetable, one sea eel, one kakiage (Japanese fritters with prawns), appetisers, and osoroi (rice, miso soup, and pickles).

Since its inception in 1923, Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi has consistently served top-quality tempura, crafted by skilled artisans. Their specially blended Tsunahachi oil, primarily untoasted Taihaku sesame oil, imparts a rich, exquisite aroma to each piece. Enveloped in the robust fragrance of sesame, their tempura can be enjoyed with a special sauce or simply with salt, all while retaining its crispiness.

Many find a tempura meal in Japan eye-opening; the quality is head and shoulders above what you'll get at most restaurants in America. You can pay a lot for high-end tempura, but Tsunahachi offers a reasonably priced and delicious introduction to this golden meal, and they've been doing it for over 90 years. Expect a line, especially at prime meal hours, and go for lunch for the best deal.

Founded in 1924, Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten, located in Tsunohazu, Shinjuku, has been cherished by both locals and tourists for a century. Mr. Kyuzo Shimura, the original proprietor, established this specialized tempura shop, and its operations have persevered since. The main branch, using specially crafted sesame oil, serves freshly fried tempura at its zenith.

A dedicated restaurant with a history of serving celebrities, sumo stars and kabuki actors galore, this Shinjuku hotspot offers a true tempura experience. Opened in 1923, it is in the heart of Shinjuku, just a few minutes walk from the busy station. Since the prices get pretty high in the evening, the lunch sets are the way to go, starting from as little as ¥1,540.

Tsunahachi is arguably the most famous tempura shop in Shinjuku. Because the ingredients and cooking process were expensive, the dish was limited to the very upper echelons of the samurai class in the Edo Period. This shop opened in 1923 and attracted celebrities and very rich clientele and was credited with starting a tempura boom that popularized the dish.

Tempura Specialist Shinjuku Tsunahachi" is a prestigious tempura restaurant with a 100-year history dating back to 1924. At the counter seats, you can watch the tempura being fried right in front of you, offering an entertaining dining experience. The second floor features traditional Japanese-style seating areas perfect for families with small children.

Another suggestion for tempura* inside Takashimaya Times Square (this time on the 14th floor) is 135 year old restaurant Tenkuni*. This restaurant started on the streets of Ginza. They are famous for their Kakiage Don (tempura vegetables with a marinade served on rice.) The batter on all tempura dishes are light and crispy here.

Tempura lunch at Shinjuku Tsunahachi: The inside of the restaurant was very comfortable. I think that since it was a weekday, lunchtime wasn’t crowded and I was able to sit and relax. In addition to the regular two-seat tables, there are also counter seats where the chef fries tempura right in front of you.

Founded in 1924, this restaurant serves authentic tempura made the traditional way. The cooks carefully deep-fry each piece in pure sesame oil to ensure that diners savor the exceptional flavors of the season. Address: 3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo Contact: Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi

It is especially crowded during lunch time because the full-fledged tempura is served at a reasonable price. Tendon, a bowl of rice topped with several kinds of tempura and special sauce is recommended for lunch. It has a sister restaurant in an area other than Shinjuku, which is convenient.

Tempura is deep-fried fritters made from all kinds of vegetables, and typically protein like shrimp, white fish, or chicken. The batter used for tempura is usually very light, resulting in crispy and non-oily fritters. My favorite tempura vegetables are Japanese pumpkin (kabocha).

The restaurant has built up its reputation for its best tempura in town for 92 years. It is easy to spot it in the busy Shinjuku Street due to a long queue in front of the restaurant. Using fresh seasonable ingredients, Tsunahachi offers a la carte lunch and dinner.

There are 54 counter seats and 32 table seats, and also they have 36 tatami seats on the second floor. It has opened in 1924 and has had tradition for more than 90 years but they always try something new. They now have 30 restaurants and 9 stores in Japan.

Don’t drool as I share some of the amazing and value for money dining experiences in Tokyo – Maisen Tonkatsu, Tempura Tsunahachi, Toritake, Matsurokuya, Uoriki Kaisen Sushi, Sakura Sushi, Kaneko Hannosuke, Nakiryu and Ichiran Ramen.

Tempura Tsunahachi will surely satisfy your tempura cravings. From squid to scallops to sea eels to assorted vegetables, you can order your tempura a la carte. They even have abalone tempura and clams.