SHIBUY.A. × WATCH

Near Shibuya Station

Featured Lunch Spots "Newly Opening in 2025"! 5 Restaurants Carefully Selected by Kago-san, Who Works in Shibuya

2025-12-26

Kago, who works for a major company in Shibuya, has been eating his way through Shibuya's restaurants every day for over 10 years, and is known as "Shibuya's No. 1 lunch and cafe explorer," having visited more than 2,000 restaurants. Each episode features Kago's recommended restaurants, which are based on a theme. He will secretly tell you about restaurants that are a little different from those found on gourmet review sites.

profile

Basket

Shibuya's best lunch and cafe seeker

He usually works for a major company in Shibuya. In 2012, he started going around eating lunch and posting about it on his blog and social media. Now, he visits restaurants not only in Shibuya, but all over Tokyo and the country.

Instagram account

This time's theme: "New opening in 2025"

Along with the redevelopment of the area around the station and the replacement of buildings, the Shibuya area is also experiencing a rapid turnover of restaurants. It's not uncommon to suddenly realize, "Wasn't this place a different one before?" Kago-san has visited 200 lunch restaurants this year (counted as of November). If we include new restaurants he hasn't visited yet, cafes, and places that are only open in the evening, it feels like the number is 1.5 to 2 times that, or about 250.

According to Kago, the number of new restaurants is increasing towards the end of the year, and November in particular was a month where he felt there was a "big increase." This year's new restaurants have easy-to-understand concepts and signature menu items, and the restaurant's individuality is easily conveyed even at lunchtime. There was a wide variety of options, from "quick set meals" to hearty dishes with spices, noodles, and meat, to "vegetable top-ups" that are good for the body.

This time, we will focus on "new restaurant lunches" and introduce five restaurants carefully selected by Kago from the 87 new restaurants that opened this year.

5 new stores opening in 2025 carefully selected by Kagosan

Authentic earthenware pot soup curry with vegetables as the main ingredient / Bakumatsu Curry

It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station towards Bunkamura Street. It's located along Shoto Bunkamura Street, which stretches from the former Tokyu Department Store main branch, currently under construction, towards Yamate Street. Look for the large shop curtain with the store's logo hanging in front of it.

Store name: Bakumatsu Curry
Address: 1F Pigeon Takada Building, 1-28-11 Shoto, Shibuya-ku
This earthenware pot soup curry restaurant is run by ALL FARM, the company behind the organic restaurant WE ARE THE FARM, and specializes in vegetable-focused soup curry.The restaurant's specialty is using organic fixed-variety vegetables grown on their own farm as a base, and the umami of the vegetables is extracted from the soup stock, which is then layered with Japanese seasonings and spices, and cooked in a custom-made earthenware pot.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

Our recommendation is the "Soup Curry Bakumatsu." Because it's cooked in a clay pot over an open flame, the pot is already bubbling away the moment it's brought to you. It's exciting! The variety of vegetables, mainly deep-fried, is also appealing, and on this occasion there was a wide selection, including broccoli, enoki mushrooms, lotus root, zucchini, maitake mushrooms, shishito peppers, two types of okra, shimeji mushrooms, eggplant, carrots, potatoes, melon, and burdock. Each dish has a strong vegetable flavor and is very satisfying to eat.

The spices are just right, making you sweat from the inside out. It seems to be made only with plant-based ingredients, and although it has a light texture, it's very satisfying. The rice, which has been given a refreshing squeeze of lime, goes well with it, and with the volume of curry, you'll find yourself eating more and more. The good news is that you can have more rice. It's a reliable dish for those days when you want a hearty meal.

Gorgeous appearance! A hidden galette shop / Mr. Crepy and Mrs. Galetti

It's about a 10-minute walk from the New South Exit of JR Shibuya Station. From Shibuya Sakura Stage, head towards Sarugakubashi (Ebisu) along the JR tracks. Look for the "Stand Sign" along the road just before it joins Hachiman-dori. Go up the blue stairs to the 4th floor.

Store name: Mr. Crepy and Mrs. Galetti
Address: 4F Plus Reno Sarugakucho, 2-14 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku
This crepe and galette specialty shop opened in June. Located in a renovated old building with a "hidden" feel, the heavy door leads to a homey, handcrafted space. The table seats are surrounded by greenery, and there is also a bright counter seating by the window that surrounds the kitchen. Another appealing feature is that you can choose the seating to suit your mood or the occasion.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

I ordered the "Galette Complete," a classic meal-style galette made with prosciutto, eggs, and cheese. It's baked right in front of you, evoking the aroma of coarsely ground buckwheat flour, building anticipation. The process of removing the egg yolk midway through the baking process was also impressive. It was topped with a generous amount of vegetables, like a salad, for a gorgeous presentation.

The moment you put it in your mouth, the sweetness and flavor of the buckwheat flour spreads straight through your mouth. The saltiness of the serrano jamon, the richness of the red egg, and the umami of the cheese all come together to create a classic, well-balanced dish. It may look light, but it's filling and makes a satisfying lunch.

Hakata Stamina Teppanyaki with Junky Deliciousness / Buta to Kabetsutei

It's about a 6-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Look for the store name written on a large red noren curtain near the "East intersection" along Meiji Dori.

Store name: Pork and Cabbage Restaurant
Address: 1-25-6 Higashi, Shibuya-ku
This specialty restaurant, which opened in May, boasts "Hakata Stamina Teppanyaki." As a restaurant offering the beloved Fukuoka "Stamina Teppanyaki" in Shibuya, it aims to spread Hakata's soul food to Tokyo. Grilled pork and cabbage are served on a piping hot iron plate, and the chef tilts the iron plate with a wooden stick on the table to gather oil, adding garlic soy sauce or spicy miso to change the flavor as he eats. This "saho" (manner of preparation) is one of the restaurant's specialties.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

On this day, I ordered the "Yakiniku (medium) + rice." It's a dish of stir-fried pork in easy-to-eat blocks, topped with plenty of crispy cabbage. The "medium" size uses 200g of skirt steak, and is served steaming hot on a piping hot iron plate. The way to eat it is also unique. First, insert a wooden stick on the table under the iron plate and tilt it, pushing the frying oil to one side. The accumulated oil is flavored with garlic soy sauce, and you dip the cabbage and meat in it as you eat. You can also adjust the flavor by adding a spicy secret miso to the oil, and it's impressive how the oil itself works like a seasoning. Adding back fat to finish it off adds even more richness.

It has a strong, hearty flavor and a delicious junky taste that goes well with rice. Another great thing about it is that you can get extra portions and refills.

Enjoy the bounty of Kumamoto with authentic charcoal-grilled fish and rice cooked in a pot / Atsuo Kamisenya

It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station towards Bunkamura Street. It's located along Shoto Bunkamura Street, which runs from the former Tokyu Department Store main branch, currently under construction, towards Yamate Street, and is on the first floor of the same building as the Lawson convenience store you can see on your left. It's in a quiet location, a little away from the downtown area.

Store name: Atsugyo Kamisenya
Address: 1F Casa Matsumoto, 11-11 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku
This Japanese restaurant specializes in grilled fish and rice, and is expected to begin operations around November 2025, with its grand opening on December 15th. In addition to fragrantly grilled fish over charcoal, the restaurant's signature dishes include rice cooked in a kamado (Japanese rice cooker), and the main dish is the "grilled fish set meal" for lunch. The restaurant's interior is characterized by a lively atmosphere, with a wooden counter at its center and a kamado (Japanese rice cooker) and charcoal grill set up.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

When I visited, I recommended the "Amakusa Tsumuburi Salt-Grilled Set Meal." The flesh is not as fatty as yellowtail, and has a subtle sweetness. The salting is just right, and the balance is perfect to bring out the full flavor. The thick flesh, cooked slowly over charcoal, is soft and juicy. The fragrant grill marks and crispy skin are the best.

The lunch set meal also comes with a generous amount of small side dishes. The pickles and mentaiko are also carefully prepared, unlike pre-made products. And what's great is that you can have refills of Tsukiakari's Hagama rice and miso soup. Have the first bowl as is...and the second bowl with ochazuke. The dashi stock made from bonito flakes and roasted green tea is also excellent, with a rich flavor like soup. It's so good you'll want to eat more than one bowl.

Medicinal soup lunch that will make you sweat from the inside out / Daichin Kitchen Shibuya Hikarie

It's located in Toyoko Noren-gai, on the third basement floor of Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs, a commercial facility directly connected to JR Shibuya Station. It's in a corner of a floor lined with takeout shops, and is marked by a pink sign, a showcase, and eat-in counter seats.

Store name: Daichin Kitchen Shibuya Hikarie
Address: Shibuya Hikarie B3, Toyoko Noren Street, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
This medicinal Chinese deli opened in June. Operated by the third generation owner of Daichinro in Yokohama Chinatown, it offers "healthy medicinal Chinese food that can be eaten on a daily basis" in addition to dim sum and original Chinese dishes made with carefully selected ingredients. The attached eat-in area offers "five-color soups" made with 16 different medicinal herbs, allowing customers to choose according to their physical condition and mood.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

I ordered the "Selectable Medicinal Soup Set." This set allows you to combine your medicinal soup with dim sum, rice, side dishes, and dessert, allowing you to choose the combination that best suits your tastes and mood. I chose the "Yellow Immunity" medicinal soup. It's based on the umami flavor of dried scallops and apparently contains 16 types of herbal medicine, including wolfberry, bay leaf, star anise, and cinnamon bark, giving it a nutritious flavor. It had a strong medicinal flavor, but wasn't difficult to drink, and was packed with mushrooms for a satisfying meal. The inclusion of corn harvested that morning was also impressive, and after eating it, I felt a gentle warmth from the inside out.

The dim sum was "Medicinal Wolf Shrimp and Crab Shumai." Each one was freshly steamed, and the shrimp and crab meat had a firm texture. For the side dish, I chose mapo tofu. Apparently made with a secret sauce and spices, the thick filling had a gentle sweetness and was spicy but not too numbing. It paired well with the smooth silken tofu. I was also happy to be able to choose between 16-grain rice or fried rice noodles, and after the meal, I also had almond tofu. The set as a whole was quite filling and satisfying.

[Special Edition] Experience Asia at the popular new restaurant lunch

This time we've introduced "5 carefully selected restaurants that opened this year," but we have one more to finish off. Although they unfortunately didn't make it into the top 5, we've picked out three "hot new lunch restaurants" that have been frequently talked about on social media this year, and where you can enjoy authentic Asian atmospheres and flavors!

Authentic Char Siu Noodles in the Real Hong Kong World / J Boy Sakaba

Located in the Shibuya "Center Street" area, this restaurant has opened for lunch in a space that is full of Hong Kong vibes and spreads across the basement floor of an old building.

Store name: J Boy Sakaba
Address: Hakuba Building B1F, 26-11 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
This Hong Kong restaurant opened in September. Even the staff speak Cantonese, creating a truly local atmosphere. The interior was designed by a team involved in the production of Hong Kong films, and the space is packed with Hong Kong street culture from the 1970s and 1980s, featuring noodle stalls, a barber shop, a movie theater, a general store, neon signs, trams, and decorations reminiscent of Chungking Mansions.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

Our recommendation is the Char Siu Noodles. Authentic char siu with a subtle star anise aroma and crispy noodles are full of the "Hong Kong vibe." The simple soup is also authentic, with a refreshing chicken bone soy sauce. As the restaurant's concept is "Dai Paidong" (a popular local restaurant), the taste and atmosphere are truly Hong Kong-esque. The prices are a little on the high side, but you can just accept it as the "price of entertainment" and have fun!

Garlic-flavored Taiwanese ramen and junky dishes / Yabata Misen, Tokyo

It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station. Head along National Route 246 towards Dogenzaka-ue, turn right just before Shibuya Solasta, and it's on the corner of the first block. If you're coming from Dogenzaka, turn left at the "Dogenzaka-ue Police Box" intersection, using the building that houses "Happy Pancake Shibuya" as a landmark.

Store name: Yabata Misen Tokyo
Address: 1F and 2F Ichino Building, 1-17-7 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
Yaba Misen, a popular restaurant from Nagoya, has expanded to Shibuya, opening in October. In addition to their signature Taiwanese ramen, they also offer a wide variety of a la carte dishes. The Misen group has several locations in Tokyo, and their addictive, slightly spicy flavors have garnered support. There are often long lines at lunchtime.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

I ordered the "Taiwan Ramen (American)." "American" means it's mildly spicy. First, the clear soy sauce soup hits you with its delicious flavor. It's easy to drink as is, but once the seasoned meat dissolves in the soup, the garlic and spiciness come out, and the flavor changes completely - it's interesting! The slightly thick, chewy noodles are also distinctive, making it a satisfying bowl.

The a la carte dishes are also popular, with the "Stir-fried Greens" being one of the most popular. It has a crunchy texture and is surprisingly light on the saltiness... but the garlic hits you hard. Furthermore, the "Garlic Fried Rice" is a moist dish with a sauce flavor and a "chilling amount" of garlic. The pieces are large and have a strong, spicy kick. The strong, rich "junk flavor" is irresistible and addictively delicious.

Rich pho at a stylish Southeast Asian restaurant / Night Market

It's about an 8-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station. It's on the first floor of the COERU Shibuya East complex near Aoyama Gakuin University. Look for the white stand sign with a bear logo and the red and green patterned fabric.

Store name: Night Market
Address: COERU Shibuya East, 2-6-6 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
This Southeast Asian restaurant opened in July. The interior has a modern feel that highlights the greenery, incorporating Southeast Asian elements throughout. The antique furniture and sofa seating create a relaxing atmosphere. Combined with its location on the first floor of a renovated office building, you can enjoy your meal in a spacious space.

Image from Kagosan's Instagram

Kago's recommended points!

Our recommendation is the "Cold Pho with Zucchini and Coconut Milk." It has a subtle fish sauce-like aroma, and the creaminess of the coconut milk is the main attraction. The green soup is based on zucchini and looks refreshing. It's rich, yet mild and refreshing, which is a unique feature of cold dishes.

The pho has a chewy texture and is just as satisfying as the rich soup, leaving you feeling fuller than you'd expect. The toppings (available on a separate plate at no extra charge!) instantly release the aroma of basil and mint, while the refreshing lemon and green chili peppers add a spicy accent, creating a fun bowl of varied flavors. A stylish Southeast Asian dish with a modern twist.

Summary of the 2025 New Opening

According to Kago, this year's Shibuya lunch trend has been one of steady new restaurant openings each month, rather than a sudden surge in restaurants due to the opening of large facilities. His experience has been that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of restaurants opening in Shibuya as part of a "dominant strategy," with restaurants opening their second or third store. It can be said that this year has seen an acceleration in efforts to solidify winning patterns within the area and efficiently increase awareness and attract customers.

Even in these circumstances, the "ramen density" from Miyamasuzaka to Dogenzaka has increased significantly. Against a backdrop of rising raw material and labor costs, ramen has surpassed the so-called "1,000 yen barrier," becoming the norm with prices of 1,200 to 1,300 yen per bowl. Another defining feature of this year is the rise in restaurants emphasizing not only deliciousness but also a sense of satisfaction, including the experience and concept. At the same time, the trend of renting space continues to grow. Starting small by keeping initial costs low and expanding as the response improves has become established. Furthermore, inbound demand is also a tailwind, with an increasing number of restaurants attracting significant social media and review posts from foreigners, as well as restaurants with menus and spaces designed with overseas customers in mind.

On the other hand, many stores have postponed their openings or have not even opened yet due to construction delays and difficulty in recruiting, and the effects of the labor shortage are clearly beginning to be felt in the city's metabolism.

Shibuya's new lunch restaurants are not only competing for taste, but also reflecting the changing environment of the city. Among them, the five restaurants and three popular ones featured here are all unique in both taste and atmosphere. It can take a bit of courage to enter a new restaurant, but if you find one that catches your eye, be sure to try it for lunch first.

Gourmet food carefully selected by Kago-san, who works in Shibuya

Interviews and writing

Oyamada Takioto

Started writing and editing in 2014. Mainly covers and writes about "food" and "city things", and works on local news and free papers in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Roppongi, Toranomon, etc. Recently, he has also expanded his reach to Shibuya and Tamachi. Every day, he searches for stories and news that can only be found by visiting the area in person. His favorite food is katsudon.