Izakaya in the Koenji area (Koenji area)! 18 popular spots where you can enjoy sake and snacks

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Doki, about a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station, is an izakaya (Japanese pub) built around the concept that “your body naturally feels better when you eat,” with a thorough focus on gluten-free, casein-free, and low-carb food.

Along with bright counter seats facing the open kitchen, the restaurant also has Private room and Semi-private room seating. Reviews also say it is stylish, has a great atmosphere, and makes you want to invite friends.

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The menu is full of dishes that are perfect for health-conscious diners, and you can enjoy them with a wide range of drinks including original cocktails and naturel wine.

The photo shows the "Tokimeki no 7-shu Ate Assortment." It is said to be a well-balanced plate in both color and flavor, and one of its best points is being able to sample a variety of dishes little by little.

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They offer a full lineup of creative dishes that bring out the best in each ingredient, and they have a reputation for being amazingly good.

The “Specialty! Tomorokoshi (corn) mousse and nama uni (fresh sea urchin)” is also a must try dish. The smooth mousse is said to pair perfectly with the sweet uni.

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Yamiichi Koenji is a restaurant built around the concept of a “new kind of taishu izakaya (casual Japanese pub) for adults,” where you can enjoy carefully crafted creative dishes with all five senses, and its great location just a 1-minute walk from Koenji Station is another plus.

The interior is a refined modern space, and it also has a warm, comfortable feel.

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They offer a lineup of dishes made with Special seasonal ingredients and colorful drinks, and even serious food lovers will leave very Manzoku.

There are also many positive reviews for the otoshi appetizer of obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) assortment, with some saying this alone keeps the drinks flowing.

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The restaurant is also popular for its signature Beef Tongue dishes, made using only high quality cuts of Domestic Wagyu.

The "gyutan tessa" features thinly sliced Beef Tongue arranged beautifully, and it is said to have a simple yet deep flavor. It seems you can also enjoy changing up the taste with three seasonings including sesame oil.

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"Kaisen" is an izakaya specializing in shellfish dishes, located a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station.

With the warmth of wood throughout, the interior has a charming feel with 1970s Japanese pop songs playing, making it a place where you can relax and enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.

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The shellfish are Specially sourced fresh every day from Toyosu Market and all over Japan. After an order comes in, they take the shellfish from the fish tank and cook them, so you can enjoy them at peak freshness.

If you want to enjoy the rich flavor of super fresh shellfish in a simple way, the sashimi is recommended. They also have a wide selection of Japanese sake that brings out the good taste of the shellfish.

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The "Today's Nama Kaki (fresh oysters)" also comes highly recommended for its creamy taste and plump texture, and is well worth ordering.

Since the peak production regions for oysters change with the seasons, they source the best oysters of the moment from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu.

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"Supaisu to Sosaku Ryori Kono Ippai no Tame ni." is an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy genre-free dishes made with bold spices, and the restaurant is located under the railway tracks, a 3-minute walk from Koenji Station.

The wood-based interior has a stylish feel, with lively counter seats, table seating that is perfect for dining with friends, and comfortable terrace seating.

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It is said to be popular for creative flavors with an extra twist from spices. If you want to try a little of many different dishes, the assortment is recommended.

The drink menu is also extensive, including the "Hoppy cocktail" with original spices and the lemon sour that is popular at its sister restaurant.

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A popular menu item is the “King of Wagyu!! Satsuma Wagyu (Wagyu from Satsuma) Lean Charcoal-Roasted Beef,” made with “Satsuma Wagyu” that the manager personally visited Kagoshima to Specially select.

“Satsuma Wagyu” is cooked with perfect heat, and people say the savory aroma of the charcoal and the concentrated good taste of the meat are irresistible. There were also reviews saying it pairs perfectly with wine.

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Koenji Baka Doushi., a popular creative izakaya located a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station, is known for its wide range of meat dishes and large selection of drinks.

Inside, the restaurant has a calm, chic space, with an atmosphere that makes it easy to stop by whether you are alone or with a group.

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Popular menu items here feature meat and eggs cooked with low-temperature techniques. You will want to enjoy them with the wide selection of more than 20 kinds of drinks.

The photo shows the "Spicy Yodaredori (mouthwatering chicken)." The sweet and spicy gochujang pairs well with the tender steamed chicken, and the moderate heat makes it a great match for drinks.

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The popular menu item "foie gras and ikura (salmon roe) risotto" is said to be a dish topped with a surprisingly generous assortment of ikura.

Rich, nicely seared foie gras sits on top of the creamy risotto, and it is said to pair perfectly with the salty taste of the ikura.

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Yamagata Ryori to Jizake Mara, about a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Koenji Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy Yamagata’s local dishes and local sake. It is known for being bright and lively while still letting you relax.

There are about 28 seats in total, with table and counter seating, making it easy to use for all kinds of occasions, from casual meals to drinks with friends.

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In spring, they serve seasonal dishes such as sansai (mountain vegetables), and in autumn, mushrooms, with menus that match the time of year. The menu changes daily, which is part of the appeal, since you can enjoy new flavors no matter how many times you visit.

They prepare the food using simple methods that bring out the best in the ingredients, and many people seem to enjoy it along with more than 15 kinds of local Yamagata sake.

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The "Yamagata Meibutsu Imoni-nabe (Yamagata specialty taro Hot Pot)" is also recommended, with taro and burdock in a soy sauce soup filled with the rich flavor of beef.

To finish, you can enjoy it as curry udon, making it a perfect dish for everyone to gather around and enjoy in the cold season.

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Abusan is a restaurant where you can enjoy 15 to 20 kinds of shellfish dishes made with shellfish the owner personally selects, and it is about a 6-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station.

It has a homey atmosphere that shows how much it is loved by local regulars. The 1st floor has counter seats, and the 2nd floor has zashiki (tatami seating).

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Among the many shellfish dishes on the menu, live shellfish seem to be the best choice if you want to enjoy the natural good taste of the shellfish itself and its unique texture. Reviews say the popular pick is the "Omakase live shellfish assortment."

They also have a great selection of Japanese sake, carefully sourced with a strong focus on rice, making it perfect for slowly enjoying with the live shellfish.

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The menu also has plenty of dishes finished with kai-dashi (shellfish stock), including risotto and ochazuke (rice with tea or broth). If you like eggs, the “Kai-dashi to Hotate no Dashimaki” is a good pick.

The smooth-textured egg, rich with kai-dashi flavor, is said to hide tender hotate (scallops) inside.

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Sakaba Nihoremo is an izakaya (Japanese gastropub) located on a quiet side street about a 4-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station.

Many say the interior has a calm atmosphere, making it a great place to take your time and enjoy the food and drinks. The staff are also well known for their polite service.

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They are particular about their lemon sours, and offer a lineup of unique drinks such as "Shio Lemon Tomato Sour" and "Sokai Lemon Sour."

For those looking for something on the healthy side, the "Honki Lemon Celery Sour" is also recommended. It has a rich celery flavor, and is said to contain plenty of fiber.

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Creative dishes made to enjoy with alcohol are also popular. The "Okami no Obanzai assortment" is a menu item you'll want to order first when you visit for the first time.

It comes with an assortment of several kinds of daily obanzai (Japanese home-style side dishes), and people love it not just for the taste but also for its colorful presentation.

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Craft Mugishu Sakaba Citoraba Koenji Ten is an izakaya about a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station, where you can enjoy carefully made signature dishes along with craft beer and craft lemon sours.

The inside is more spacious than it looks from outside, with easy-to-use table seating and counter seats where you can enjoy the live feel of the cooking.

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In addition to 10 kinds of lemon sour, you can enjoy 20 kinds of draft craft beer poured from the beer taps.

The Special craft beers selected from Japan and abroad are said to rotate on the menu by a few kinds each day. The popular “3-beer tasting set” is also available.

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One of the restaurant's signature dishes and a perfect match for drinks is "Shitoraba Chicken." It uses a whole half of Daisendori (Daisen chicken) for a rich serving.

It is fried with the restaurant's own spice blend, and the appeal is the crispy surface and the moist, juicy texture of the meat.

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Anpontan is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) located under the railway tracks, and reviews say the bright, upbeat service gives you a lift when you visit! They offer a lineup of quick, affordable, and tasty snacks and drinks based on the concept of fast, cheap, and delicious.

In addition to table seating, the restaurant also has counter seats, creating a casual atmosphere where you can easily enjoy a drink.

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From vegetables to meat and fish, the menu covers a wide range of dishes, and each one is said to show thoughtful care in the way it is made.

The photo shows one of the three signature dishes, “Yawaraka Konnyaku to beef tendon Nikomi (Soft Konnyaku and Simmered Beef Tendon).” Just as the name suggests, this dish is said to be irresistible for the tender texture of the konnyaku and beef tendon.

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One dish that stands out in the reviews with lots of praise is the “saba-kan (canned mackerel) miso mayo gratin garlic toast.”

It is made with the unexpected idea of turning canned mackerel into gratin, and it seems to have a rich flavor that goes well with toast and alcohol. Many people also order extra toast.

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Onkeiya Koenji Ten, about a 3-minute walk from Koenji Station, is an izakaya known not only for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) cooked over binchotan (high-grade charcoal), but also for the great quality of every dish on the menu.

In addition to counter seats that are easy to use even for solo diners and table seating that works well for groups, the restaurant also has Private room options that are perfect for small drinking parties.

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You can enjoy yakitori made with Daisen Jidori, grilled over binchotan (Japanese white charcoal). The signature menu item is said to be the "Ondoriya Tokusei Tsukune (Ondoriya Special Chicken Meatball)".

It is a filling skewer that weighs as much as 250g on its own, and you can also add cheese and a fried egg as toppings.

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In addition to grilled skewers, they also offer a lineup of homemade drinks and a la carte dishes that pair well with them.

The "Gyusuji to Daikon no Nikomi (simmered beef tendon and daikon radish)" is made with great care and time, and it is said to be a recommended dish with rich flavor soaked all the way into the ingredients.

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Inaka Kappo Nishikawa is a kappo izakaya under the elevated tracks at Koenji Station, popular for its good Yamagata cuisine and local sake.

The restaurant has calm wood toned counter and table seating, making it a perfect space for solo diners or small groups.

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They offer freshly made inaka kappo (rustic Japanese kappo-style) dishes that let you enjoy seasonal ingredients from all four seasons.

The inaka sozai (rustic side dishes) change daily, so you can enjoy the day's recommended dishes each time you visit. A popular choice is the assortment of three side dishes, which lets you enjoy several kinds of Yamagata flavors at once.

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They offer about 10 kinds of Yamagata Japanese sake, and many people seem to enjoy them with a la carte dishes including the ever-popular imoni (Yamagata-style taro stew).

In addition to Japanese sake, the craft beer brewed with snowmelt water from Gassan (Mount Gassan) also comes recommended. It is said to be carefully brewed using ingredients from Germany and the Czech Republic.

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Chika Sakaba Ajito is a popular Japanese izakaya where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes, and it offers a wide range of seating, including counter seats and a stylish loft.

As the name suggests, it seems to have a hideout-like atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxing over a meal and chatting with friends.

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The restaurant offers many dishes made with fresh seafood delivered from Toyosu (Toyosu Market) every morning, and it also has a wide selection of Japanese sake that pairs well with the food.

Their specialty, "genshi-yaki (primitive style charcoal grilling)," is a must try when you visit. They use tasty seasonal fish and let the extra fat drip away as it cooks, so it comes out crisp on the outside and flaky inside.

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At the counter seats, you can also enjoy the live feel of watching the tempura being fried right in front of you. The freshly fried tempura is said to be light and crisp, with a pleasant crunchy texture.

The ebi-ten (shrimp tempura) ordered that day reportedly had a springy bite and a strong sweetness from the shrimp.

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Kyushu Mikuni is a restaurant where you can mainly enjoy a variety of Kyushu specialties, and it is about a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Koenji Station.

The interior has a lively atmosphere and is said to be a great place to enjoy drinks in a fun setting. It also has a large monitor, so it is also recommended for people who want to get excited watching sports.

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They offer a full lineup of Kyushu (southern Japan) classic popular dishes, making it a great place for people who love to drink. They also have an All you can drink option by itself, so you can use it like a casual izakaya (Japanese pub).

The "Tetsunabe Gyoza (iron pot dumplings)," carefully wrapped in-house, use plenty of pork back fat, and the rich flavor of the meat spreads across your mouth.

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The tebasaki (chicken wings), made with Kirishima-dori (Kirishima chicken) from Miyazaki and raised in a good environment, is also one of the restaurant's signature dishes.

Kirishima-dori is said to have almost none of the distinctive flavor often associated with chicken, and its appeal is that it is high in protein and low in calories. They offer several seasoning options, including their original spice blend and sansho (Japanese pepper), and it's nice that you can order from just one wing.

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Hakata Standard Koenji Ten is a popular izakaya where you can casually enjoy authentic Hakata gourmet food, located in a back alley just a 3-minute walk from Koenji Station, with reviews also saying its hideaway-like space is part of the appeal.

The calm interior, built around a wood-grain design, appears to be fully equipped with counter and table seating.

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The hugely popular "Don-yasu (progressively cheaper drinks)" system makes drinks cheaper and cheaper the more you order. It’s an irresistible deal for people who love alcohol.

They offer a wide range of Hakata specialties, including goma-saba (sesame dressed mackerel) and mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) dishes, and reviews say that whatever you order is carefully prepared and delicious.

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The "Hakata motsu-nabe (Hakata offal Hot Pot)" is just right for everyone to gather around and share, and it's the perfect menu item for the cold season.

The soup, made with stock from Hokkaido kombu kelp, has a light soy sauce flavor that's said to be irresistible. The "Mentaiko Motsu-nabe" topped with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) is also recommended.

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Yakitori Masamu is an izakaya where you can enjoy yakitori made with Domestic jidori (free-range chicken) along with a wide selection of drinks. It is recommended for solo drinks or casual get-togethers.

It is in a great location just a 30-second walk from Higashi-Koenji, and you can even see the lively atmosphere inside from outside.

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You can enjoy carefully crafted yakitori made with Daisen Jidori, grilled over binchotan (Japanese white charcoal).

Each skewer is carefully hand-prepared every day, and the hearty bite of each one is part of the appeal. You can choose between tare (sweet soy-based sauce) and salt for the flavor. It is sure to pair well with drinks.

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A big hit in reviews is the signature menu item, the "tokusei tsukune (special chicken meatball)." Each one is a jumbo 250g, with the kind of volume you would expect from a Hamburger Steak.

Because it is cooked through slowly and carefully over time, the extra fat drips away and the aroma is said to be excellent.

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Sushi to Yakitori Daichi Koenji Ten is about a 3-minute walk from Koenji Station and serves seafood, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and other izakaya dishes that go great with drinks.

The interior has a spacious and open feel, and reviews say it is a perfect spot to casually enjoy a lively meal with friends.

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They stock a large selection of high quality Japanese sake, along with plenty of dishes that pair well with drinks.

The "Daichi no Funamori (earth-style boat assortment)" is a dish that brightens up the table. The seafood comes directly from a middle wholesaler at Toyosu Market, and the assortment includes some rare fish as well.

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After taking your time and enjoying the a la carte dishes, the temaki-zushi (hand-rolled sushi) with 50 kinds to choose from is also recommended.

The temaki-zushi comes in small, easy-to-eat one-bite sizes, and its exciting look is part of the appeal. From classics to creative options, there is a wide range available, so you are sure to find a favorite.

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Shudo Hanakura is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy a wide variety of Shizuoka specialties, including shizuoka oden (Shizuoka-style oden), at Shudo Hanakura Shizoka Oden Koenji Ten.

Its location is also a plus, just a 1-minute walk from Koenji Station. There are counter, table, and zashiki (tatami floor) seats, making it easy to use for all kinds of occasions.

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They offer a wide selection of local sake unique to Shizuoka, along with a full lineup of a la carte dishes that go well as snacks.

The "Hamamatsu gyoza" sourced from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is said to have an irresistible taste, with the sweetness of cabbage and the rich flavor of the meat. Some say that even if you eat a lot, it does not feel heavy on the stomach.

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Their specialty, "Shizo~ka oden (Shizuoka-style oden)," stands out for its dark look, which is unique to Shizuoka oden.

The ingredients are well infused with a broth made from kombu kelp and beef tendon, and it is said to be less strong than it looks and easy to eat. It also goes very well with dashiko (fish-flavored powdered stock), which adds a fish note, and aonori (green laver).