It has been a week or so since I left Tokyo, and I am still thinking and dreaming of this inviting izakaya. I went here on the recommendation of our rental home host, Oki, in the search of an authentic Tokyo izakaya experience. But, let me tell you, this place is legit. Good, strong drinks and incredible small dishes. Also, being foreigner-friendly, they have an English menu via a QR code. So, they start you off with an otoshi (table charge of ¥400/person) that is a warm, delicious daikon, carrot, and chicken soup. Then you can pick whatever your heart desires. We chose a cabbage salad, yagen (breast cartilage) skewer, nagaimo with egg yolk, and the special seared ostrich with ponzu and soy sauce (¥1280 as I remember). All I can say is it was all oishii. Cabbage salad, crunchy, salty, good. Seared ostrich was an unexpectedly beef-like and mellow to eat. And our server was low-key, but attentive. I would recommend it.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a delicious meal in the vibrant area of Takadanobaba, Tokyo, Saitado Takadanobaba is a must-visit. This cozy restaurant offers a great mix of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, all served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located at 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 3 Chome−3−23 シャトレ高田馬場 1F, it’s the perfect spot whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience.
The menu at Saitado Takadanobaba is a true highlight. They offer an array of Japanese dishes, from the comfort of ramen to the more complex sushi sets. Their ramen, in particular, has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles, every bowl is a satisfying experience. And if you’re someone who enjoys trying new things, their seasonal specials are worth checking out. Each dish seems thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best of what Japan has to offer.
What really sets Saitado Takadanobaba apart from other restaurants in the area is the care and attention they put into sourcing their ingredients. For example, their fish for sushi comes from local markets, ensuring freshness and authenticity. The vegetables are always seasonal, which means you’re always getting the best quality produce available. Whether you’re trying a simple tempura or diving into a more complex dish like donburi, you can taste the difference that fresh ingredients make.
The atmosphere inside is just as inviting as the menu. The interior has a relaxed yet modern vibe, with subtle Japanese touches that make it feel both cozy and stylish. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their dishes are prepared, adding to the overall experience. Plus, the staff at Saitado Takadanobaba are known for being friendly and attentive, making sure that your dining experience is nothing short of excellent.
One of the things that makes Saitado Takadanobaba stand out is its location. Takadanobaba itself is a lively and dynamic neighborhood, filled with an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the area or grabbing a bite before heading to a nearby event, Saitado Takadanobaba is ideally situated to be a part of your day. It’s the kind of place that draws in both locals and tourists, making it a central part of the Takadanobaba food scene.
In terms of pricing, Saitado Takadanobaba strikes a balance between affordability and quality. You won’t find yourself breaking the bank for a meal here, but you can rest assured that you’re getting great value for what you pay. The portions are generous, and the flavors are worth every yen. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling like you’re overpaying.
If you’re unsure about where to start, I’d highly recommend trying their ramen or sushi set. The ramen is served with a rich, flavorful broth, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. The sushi set features a variety of fresh fish that are delicately prepared, offering a true taste of Japanese cuisine. Another standout is their tempura, which is crispy and light, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables and seafood to shine through.
The reviews for Saitado Takadanobaba are overwhelmingly positive, with many diners praising the quality of the food and the friendly service. It's clear that the restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its consistent excellence and dedication to providing a top-notch dining experience. Whether you’re a Tokyo local or just visiting, it’s a place that should definitely be on your radar.
Overall, Saitado Takadanobaba is a fantastic spot in the heart of Takadanobaba, offering delicious, fresh, and high-quality Japanese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch or enjoying a relaxing dinner, it's a restaurant that will leave you wanting to return.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-in ✓ Delivery ✓ TakeawayPopular for
✓ DinnerAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Food at bar ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ au PAY ✓ Credit cards ✓ dBarai ✓ Debit cards ✓ PayPay ✓ Rakuten Pay ✓ Transit IC cards ✓ Credit cardsPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Came with my family of 12 (10 adults 2 children) on a Sunday night. Wait was not too long and food came out fast! Our server Azu was awesome and patiently explained the menu and gave us great recommendations.
Everything’s so awesome. Especially the grilled chicken !! It’s crisp on its skin but still juicy. It’s definitely worth to try All staffs is so nice and they have English menu. Reasonable price in prime location. One of my most fav restaurant in Tokyo.
Definitely recommend this Izakaya! Great for travelers, with friendly staff able to accommodate English, and a qr code to scan for an English menu and ordering from your phone. It is easy to navigate. And the food is amazing! The otoshi (table charge/appetizer) was delightful. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The ostrich was incredible with ponzu and soy dipping sauces, and the mountain yam with egg yolk was a refreshing bite and textural delicacy. Reservations are recommended, and be aware that they tend to run out of some skewers at the end of a busy weekend.
We were staying in the hotel in front of this Yakitori and wondered why it was so full at all times. The second we tried the first bite in this place we knew exactly why. Service is impeccable and food is just amazing. Professionals in what they do. The most beautiful thing about this place is that only locals and probably not many tourists know about it, and I’m saying this being a tourist. I just love to experience the insight of the real Japanese kitchen/atmosphere. Thank you Sena and the rest of the staff for today Arigato gozaimasu
I sat outside in the early night which was very pleasant in september and relatively quiet. The food was tasty but foreigners might want to check what the food is before ordering. The english menu sometimes says "cartridge" when they mean cartilage. The staff is very friendly and they speak english too
Staff were friendly and helpful. Food was delicious. The yakitori were grilled perfectly.
Delicious yakitori and Izakaya and if you are adventurous they have seared ostrich which was sooo good! Staff is very friendly and nice! Great place, they even have a small outdoor patio area in front of the restaurant. Definitely will look to come back when we are in Takananobaba again!