East Area Gourmet

Retro Bar Donzoko in Shinjuku: A Timeless Showa Experience Since 1951

A Beloved Shinjuku Spot Since 1951, Loved by Cultural Icons

Grilled Mushrooms - Donzoko

Donzoko, a classic dining bar founded in 1951, sits quietly on Suehiro Street in Shinjuku. Just steps from Shinjuku Sanchome’s lively stretch, it’s tucked away in a quaint alley.

Step inside the ivy-covered brick building and you’re transported to the nostalgic Showa era. Beloved by cultural giants like Yukio Mishima and Akira Kurosawa, this venue is cherished for its history and distinct charm—offering a cozy ambiance no modern bar could replicate.

The menu features a wide array of Western-style dishes, including meats, seafood, salads, creative plates, and original Donzoko specials. Kitchen recommendations are highlighted with pictures, making ordering easy for all.

Popular items include low-temp roasted domestic beef (¥1,300), herb-scented chicken ham (¥650), and sautéed beef tongue with asparagus (¥1,500).

Marinated Oysters

The marinated oysters (¥700) are refreshing yet rich—perfect as an appetizer or a palate refresher.

Cheese Omelette

The cheese omelet (¥850) is a favorite among female guests, with melty cheese generously packed from edge to edge.


The star menu item is the medium-sized mix cheese pizza (¥1,300 for 2–3 people), layered with sweet mushrooms, onions, and generous cheese. Another favorite is the uniquely named “Mr. Hayashi’s Rice” (¥950), a longtime staple.

Mix Cheese Pizza

The flavor blend of mushroom sweetness and gooey cheese makes this pizza a standout.

Mr. Hayashi’s Rice

You can also enjoy Mr. Hayashi’s Rice without the rice. Featuring beef and vegetables seasoned with oyster sauce, this dish is simple yet deeply flavorful.


Why the name “Mr. Hayashi”? According to the staff, the dish was originally requested by the manager of actor and voice actor Hozei Komatsu, a former Ministry of Finance official who often ate it at home. It became a menu staple over time.

Each floor has bartenders who mix cocktails tailored to your taste. Beers and wines start at just ¥600 per glass.

Recommended Original Cocktail (Donkaku)

A house favorite since the restaurant’s founding. Priced at ¥700.

Also available: sherry, sake, plum wine, sparkling wine, and homemade sangria. Wine bottles start at ¥3,000.

(YOKOSO Shinjuku Editorial Team)

Basic Information

Store Name Donzoko
Address 3-10-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL 03-3354-77499
Business Hours 17:00–24:30 (Last food order 23:30, last drink order 24:00)
Closed Open Daily
Access 2-min walk from Exit B2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Marunouchi & Fukutoshin Lines)
2-min walk from Exit C5 (Toei Shinjuku Line)

*Note: Menu items, prices, business hours, and holidays are subject to change. Please check with the venue for the most up-to-date details.

MAP

関連記事

  1. (Finished) VR ZONE SHINJUKU spri…
  2. Suehiro Street in Shinjuku – The…
  3. Cheap and delicious Izakaya in S…
  4. ‘Japanese Dining & Ba…
  5. yuzawaya Find Authentic Japanese Craft Su…
  6. kandaya Affordable and Delicious Izakaya…
  7. Coin Locker in Shinjuku Area!
  8. (finished) Isetan Main Building …

カテゴリー記事一覧

  1. shijuku-nakamuraya
  2. Naruko Tenjin Shrine-Fujizuk1
  3. yuzawaya
  4. Sanrio Shinjuku Store

Latest Post

  1. shijuku-nakamuraya
  2. Naruko Tenjin Shrine-Fujizuk1
  3. yuzawaya
  4. Sanrio Shinjuku Store
PAGE TOP