Photo via Google, 汁べゑShirube Shimokitazawa
- Hours
- Today: 5:00 – 11:30 PM
- Getting there
- A few minutes' walk from Shimokitazawa Station, on the Odakyu and Keio Inokashira lines
Why it’s in the log
Shirube is a neighbourhood izakaya in Shimokitazawa, the Tokyo district known for its secondhand shops and small bars rather than its restaurants — an oden counter and a short menu built around the season fit right into that scene.
Winter brings shabu-shabu with fresh wakame and firefly squid, dressed in ponzu — a dish reviewers keep coming back for specifically once the weather turns. The rest of the year it runs more like a standard izakaya: seasonal small plates and drinks at a counter that only seats a handful at a time.
Go in winter if the timing works, and go hungry for oden rather than expecting a full sit-down meal — this is a bar to graze at, not a restaurant to book ahead for.
“A proper neighbourhood izakaya rather than a destination one — go for the winter shabu-shabu and you'll understand why it has regulars.”
What people said recently
From Google reviews · see all 753 ↗
“May 21, 2026 Every dish was very filling and super flavorful. We didn’t have a single bad dish. Mackerel, and creme brulee grilled in front of you. Sashimi super fatty and fresh. I enjoyed everything thoroughly it’s hard to say a favorite.…”
“We had the best fun here. As Australians visiting, the food, service and experience was so good. We ordered the cured mackerel that was flame grilled at the table, the cream cheese tofu with honey, chicken karaage, eggplant, wontons and…”
“Very lovely atmosphere. Recommend getting a reservation ahead of time. We came specifically for the fact that the sake is served in a large bamboo container. The bamboo flask is chilled and holds about 6 full cups of sake. The food is also…”
