01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Sipping a glass of shochu topped up with Hoppy alongside straightforward pub plates captures the unpretentious appeal of a casual night in Shinjuku. Situated near Hanazono Shrine, Nekozen—formally Inshoku Shosho Naniyazen—straddles the line between neighbourhood diner and izakaya, staying open from 17:00 in the evening through the following morning. Inside, counter and table seating accommodate both solo diners having a quiet nightcap and friends gathering for conversation.
Macaroni and Croquette in the Signature Nekozen Gratin
Among the standout items on the menu is the small-plate Nekozen Gratin. Layering macaroni with curry and croquette, this unique combination is surprisingly filling for its compact serving size and pairs naturally with alcoholic drinks. Fried staples made with Daisen chicken breast, including chicken katsu and house-made croquettes, are priced modestly, their freshly fried aroma encouraging another drink.
From Casual Small Dishes to Hearty Set Meals
Small plates run the gamut from deep-fried aubergine tossed in house-made ginger soy sauce to aubergine with miso and torikawa ponzu (boiled chicken skin with citrus soy sauce), making it easy to assemble a spread across the table. For those arriving with a larger appetite, the kitchen also serves satisfying teishoku set meals built around generous portions of grilled fish or cutlets.
Payment is cash only, but the homestyle warmth of the cooking and the easygoing hospitality make this a reliable stop to wander into well past midnight or as dawn breaks.
