An udon place I came across while seeking shelter from the cold rain. A hot bowl of udon with a side of rice helped fill me up and definitely hit the spot for my udon craving at the time 😮‍💨 I would recommend this place to anyone in this area who’s in need of a rest break as it’s a very spacious restaurant, offers free water, coat hangers, is heated, and has a toilet within the restaurant as well. For anyone who comes across this and is new to how ticket machines work I’ll give a short run down. Make sure to insert your money into the ticket machine outside the restaurant first. Then click the button for the food item you want. The machine will give you your change and a ticket that you will then give to staff!

I’ve lived in Tokyo for a while and this is by far the best Katsu Don I ever tried, the fact that it’s only 800¥ is just the cherry on top. Definitely worth a visit!!

Gonbee is a lovely udon restaurant in the basement close to the university (just a few stops from busy Shinjuku and a short walk). The staff speak English quite well so even with a menu mostly in Japanese (no ingredients in English, only the names) it is easy to order for those continuous ‘lost in translation’ elsewhere. When the waiter saw me struggle a bit (though not too much) with the smooth chopsticks he came over with wooden chopsticks and said these would be easier to grab the udon noodles with thise or I could have a fork (which he also brought as backup)! Super very kind and attentive, I opted for the wooden chopsticks. So that’s about the service, the food itself was also great. I wanted to go for a nikujaga (niku jaka) but it was not in season (winter only) so I went with the Nikunan Ban which recommended. Really tasty. Overall a great experience. Do give Gonbee a chance, it’s unassuming with good food (the many university students who showed up after me agreed).

+3

If you're in the mood for an authentic Japanese dining experience, look no further than Gonbee! Nestled in a cozy corner of the neighborhood of Waseda University , this charming noodle restaurant has quickly become one of my favorite spot! I recently visited Gonbee and decided to try their Nikunan ban dish. ,I was struck by the beautifully presented dish that seemed to reflect the care and craftsmanship that went into its preparation. The flavors were nothing short of extraordinary; the tender, succulent meat combined perfectly with the rich, savory broth, creating a harmony that was both comforting and exhilarating. Each bite was a delightful journey, showcasing the depth of flavors that only genuine Japanese cuisine can offer. What truly made my experience memorable was how filling the dish was. I expected a standard serving, but the generous portions left me completely satisfied, without the need for additional sides. I appreciated that I could enjoy such a hearty meal that didn’t compromise on quality or taste. Additionally, the service was exceptional. The lady who took care of us was not only attentive, but also incredibly kind. Her warm demeanor made the dining experience even more enjoyable, as she happily shared her recommendations and offered insights into the dishes. It’s clear that the staff at Gonbee take pride in their work, and that’s reflected in both the food and the service. Overall, Gonbee is a delightful gem that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine. Between the delicious Nikunan ban and the kind, welcoming service, it’s an experience I’ll be eager to repeat. If you find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and indulge in a meal at Gonbee—you won’t regret it!

Good value for the price, very popular among students at Waseda. Quick service and friendly staff. Taste is not always to people's liking, but they have quite a large menu so there shouldn't be an issue finding something enjoyable. ごんべえ doesn't have any stand-out qualities, it's decent. There are cheaper alternatives as well as tastier/more expensive alternatives.