A Tokyo classic !

Shinsuke is a family business, established in 1925 and since then in the ownership of the Yabe-family. Located in a modern ferro-concrete building with a Japanese touch, a 杉玉 (sugidama / cedar ball) hanging in front of the entrance door. The interior is elaborately designed, a massive wooden counter, wood panels covering the walls on the first floor, impressive.

The staff is friendly and attentive. The guests are reserved and look well-heeled, Shinsuke is definitely no workers drinking place. The food menu is interesting, offering not only standard Izakaya dishes but also some unusual ones, like the きつねラクレット (Kitsune rakuretto / deep-fried tofu stuffed with Raclette cheese) (1050 Yen), excellent. Also very recommendable are the いわし岩石揚げ (Iwashi Gansekiage / deep-fried Sardine “rocks”) (1050 Yen, 2 pieces). The 刺身もりあわせ (Sashimi moriawase / assorted sashimi) is of high standard, but at 2900 Yen this should be a matter of course. Overall: taste and quality of the food are on a high level, the price tags are hefty.

The drink menu is enjoyable, offering not only beer and sake but also a nice selection of wine. For a reason not known to the author wine is only available on the second floor. Another unsolved mystery is the house-rule (strictly enforced by one of the female staff), that the guests are not allowed to take pictures of the food they have been paying for. Beg your pardon? The food is admittedly special but not to such a magnitude justifying a ban on picture-taking......

Every Izakaya-lover should visit Shinsuke at least once. Decide for yourself whether you come a second time.

Located 2 min. walk from subway Ōedo-line and Chiyoda-line Yushima station. Counter (12 seats) on the first floor, tables on the first and second floors (64 seats). Reservation possible for the 2nd floor table seats.

Beer (500ml bottle): 650 Yen