Hello, this is the Peaty editorial team.
If you’re a whiskey lover, you’ve probably faced this dilemma before: “I want to enjoy my favorite whiskey with a great meal!”
While bars may be easy to find with a quick search, it’s not as simple to locate restaurants or izakayas that offer a good selection of whiskey alongside a variety of food options.
For whiskey enthusiasts facing this challenge, Peaty is here to help! We’re introducing izakayas where you can enjoy a meal with whiskey. In particular, we’ll be focusing on places with a rich selection of Scotch whisky.
In this article, we’ll be introducing places near Shinjuku Station where you can enjoy both whiskey and a meal.
Aftertaste Komodo
Aftertaste Komodo is a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of drinks alongside dishes that are centered around organically grown vegetables sourced directly from farms across Japan.
The relaxed and homey atmosphere of the restaurant makes it easy to unwind. It’s particularly popular for girls’ night out, but it’s equally suitable for dates or casual drinking parties, regardless of gender.
As the focus is on vegetables, the dishes are crafted to highlight their natural flavors. The homemade pickles, in particular, are so addictive that you might find yourself wanting to eat them endlessly.
They offer a wide variety of cocktails, but what’s even more impressive is their extensive whiskey selection. You’ll find multiple varieties from all the major whisky regions, including Islay, Speyside, Highland, and Lowland.
Some of the brands they carry include “Bowmore,” “Macallan,” “Glenmorangie,” and “Springbank.” From well-known labels to more niche options, their selection is sure to please. It seems the owner must be a true liquor enthusiast!
For pairings, we highly recommend the ratatouille with Bowmore!
The ratatouille is made by slowly simmering seasonal vegetables in tomato sauce, concentrating all the rich flavors. It’s served chilled, which enhances the distinct taste of the umami.
It pairs wonderfully with Bowmore, which has a smoky peat aroma complemented by citrus and honey-like aftertaste.
While vegetables are the main focus, the high-quality meat is another highlight of this restaurant. With both meat and vegetable options, it’s a place that appeals to everyone, making it perfect for a date or a casual outing.
The sister restaurant, Aftertaste, also offers an extensive whiskey selection. We highly recommend visiting both for a complete experience.
（Check out their official Instagram for more!）
Niku Kabuku – Meat Kaiseki Restaurant
Niku Kabuku is a meat kaiseki restaurant that prides itself on offering top-grade A5 Miyazaki Wagyu beef and fresh seafood delivered directly from Toyosu Market.
The seating, whether at the counter or at the tables, exudes a stylish atmosphere. Attention to detail is evident in everything from the tablecloths to the dishware.
With a chef who has a wealth of experience both domestically and internationally, the dishes are crafted with meticulous care. The menu features a wide variety of exquisite Japanese cuisine made with premium meats.
A particularly popular dish is the signature braised black pork kakuni. This carefully prepared dish is simmered for 12 hours and is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
Surprisingly, they also offer a rich selection of Scotch whiskies. With single malts like “Bowmore 12 Year,” “Laphroaig 10 Year,” and “Macallan 12 Year,” there’s plenty to choose from.
The pairing of meat and Scotch whisky is fantastic, and you can’t go wrong with any combination.
One recommendation is the roast beef made from carefully selected Ichibo (the tender cut from the rump of Wagyu beef) paired with Laphroaig 10 Year. The beef’s meaty flavor and just the right amount of fat are perfectly balanced by the acidity of the balsamic sauce. The peaty yet refreshing character of the Laphroaig 10 Year complements it beautifully.
Other standout dishes include the seared zabuton yukhoe. For meat lovers, this place is highly recommended.
（Check out their official Instagram!）
Kunen Smoke Dining – Smoked Food Specialty Restaurant
Kunen Smoke Dining is a hidden gem where you can enjoy smoked dishes, raclette cheese, and a variety of drinks.
The seating options include table seats and semi-private booths, making it ideal for casual gatherings or parties. The tables are made from warm-toned wood, giving the place a touch of elegance.
One of the most popular dishes is smoked meat topped with melted raclette cheese. This signature dish allows you to savor the restaurant’s two specialties at once. The smokiness of the meat and the richness of the cheese complement each other perfectly, creating an exceptional dining experience.
While the wine selection is the most extensive, they also offer a solid range of Scotch whiskies, including “Macallan,” “Bowmore,” and “Laphroaig.”
Our top recommendation is the combination of smoked cod roe and Ardbeg!
The smokiness of the roe and its savory umami pair wonderfully with the peaty and briny flavors of Ardbeg in a highball. The smoky character of the Ardbeg, along with its refreshing aftertaste, creates a perfect match. It’s a pairing that makes you want to keep eating and drinking more.
They also provide smoked mayonnaise, which, when combined with the cod roe, is simply divine.
The possibilities with smoked dishes are endless! The variety of drink pairings is equally vast. It’s fun to experiment with different combinations.
The picture above shows smoked cheese—an absolute classic of smoked dishes. Delicious!
（Check out their official Instagram for more!）
Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki – Shinjuku Southern Tower Location
Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki is a chic restaurant where you can enjoy a wide variety of à la carte dishes and fun course meals in a sophisticated atmosphere. The cuisine is mainly focused on Japanese dishes.
The seating options range from an open kitchen counter where you can watch the chefs in action, to relaxing table seats, semi-private booths, and fully private rooms. It’s a versatile space for different occasions.
I’ve personally dined here several times, and the ability to reserve a private room online is a big plus. Even for lunch, you can book a private room, making it perfect for business meetings (though I’ll keep the highball I had with a client during lunch a secret!).
The menu offers creatively prepared dishes such as braised daikon radish with oyster miso and simmered pork belly cartilage in a sansho pepper soy sauce. As the restaurant also specializes in premium whiskies, many dishes pair wonderfully with their whisky selection.
They have a rich lineup of Scotch whiskies, including “Macallan Double Cask 12 Year,” “Glenfiddich 12 Year,” and “Bowmore 12 Year.”
(Of course, they also carry Suntory’s famous whiskies, such as “Hibiki,” “Chita,” “Yamazaki,” and “Hakushu.”)
One of the top recommendations is the grilled Kanazawa Bijin lotus root with Naito togarashi chili, paired with Macallan Double Cask 12 Year.
Kanazawa Bijin lotus root is a premium lotus root grown in reclaimed land blessed with fertile soil, offering a rich, natural flavor. The combination with the aromatic Naito togarashi chili enhances the flavor of the lotus root.
Though it has a bit of a spicy kick, the fruity aroma and smooth texture of the Macallan gently mellow out the heat.
Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to pair well with drinks, making it a haven for those who love a good drink.
（Check out their official website for more information!）
NADNYE
NADNYE is a charming restaurant with a fun atmosphere reminiscent of a Western-style mansion, offering more than 40 different dishes and a wide variety of drinks. Its sister restaurant is the long-established tavern, Donzoko.
The interior is classic and very stylish, with a unique appearance that resembles a grand guesthouse. With both counter and table seating available, it’s perfect for solo drinks, dates, or group gatherings.
The menu ranges from carefully prepared main dishes like grilled lamb chops to appetizers like a platter of prosciutto and salami. The lamb is sourced from New Zealand, and the prosciutto is from Spain, showing the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients.
The drink selection includes a rich variety of single malts such as “Bowmore 12 Year,” “Caol Ila 12 Year,” “Craigellachie,” and “Clynelish.”
A top recommendation is the Hungarian duck breast slow-roasted at low temperatures paired with Clynelish!
The duck has a delicate flavor with rich, sweet undertones, which pairs beautifully with the floral aroma and subtle spiciness of the Clynelish. The combination is simply exquisite.
With its wide variety of food and drinks, and the elegant atmosphere, this is a place where anyone can enjoy a great time.
（Check out their official website for more information!）
Summary
We have compiled a list of restaurants near Shinjuku Station where you can enjoy both whiskey and a great meal. These restaurants offer a wide variety of whiskeys, and we’ve selected places with diverse food options to provide a range of experiences.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy whiskey in the evening, be sure to check out the spots on this list!
Peaty also introduces other locations where you can enjoy whiskey, so feel free to use it as a reference!