Yakiniku is a popular gourmet dish offered in various formats, from standard to high-end restaurants, and even bar-style venues. One reason for its popularity is that it suits a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings with family and friends to special events like anniversaries and business dinners. We'll introduce you to the different cuts of meat, some you may already know and some you may not, as well as the latest Yakiniku restaurants.
Galbi, meaning rib in Korean, refers to beef belly in Japan. It’s rich in flavor and has fine marbling, which makes the meat feel softer than it actually is. When the meat juices rise to the surface, flip it over, and once it gets a nice sear, it's ready to eat.
Skirt steak is part of the muscle in the diaphragm and is classified as visceral meat, but its appearance and texture resemble red meat. It’s popular due to its soft texture, moderate fat content, and rich flavor, while also being lower in calories than short ribs. For the best taste, cook it thoroughly to bring out its savory aroma.
Horumon refers to internal organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, and heart. These cuts, such as heart (hatsu), tripe (mino), hachinosu, and senmai, are popular for their crunchy and juicy texture. Start grilling from the skin side, flip it over as soon as it browns, and cook it thoroughly until it stops shrinking to bring out its full flavor.
Rare cuts, which are obtained in small quantities from a single cow, are highly sought after. Chateaubriand, a famous high-end steak cut, is lean yet has the tenderness and flavor of marbled meat, and is best enjoyed grilled to medium-rare. Zabuton, known as the "fatty tuna of beef," should be lightly seared to perfection.
The order in which you eat yakiniku is very important. Start with lighter-tasting and less fatty cuts first. If you eat the stronger-flavored cuts first, your palate will adjust to the stronger taste, making it harder to appreciate the delicate flavors of the lighter cuts. It’s also a good idea to start with lean cuts like red meat to prepare your stomach before moving on to the fattier cuts. For a recommended starter, try the lightly seasoned salted tongue. Of course, there are no strict rules, so feel free to find the best order that suits your taste.
Galbi, meaning rib in Korean, refers to beef belly in Japan. It’s rich in flavor and has fine marbling, which makes the meat feel softer than it actually is. When the meat juices rise to the surface, flip it over, and once it gets a nice sear, it's ready to eat.
Skirt steak is part of the muscle in the diaphragm and is classified as visceral meat, but its appearance and texture resemble red meat. It’s popular due to its soft texture, moderate fat content, and rich flavor, while also being lower in calories than short ribs. For the best taste, cook it thoroughly to bring out its savory aroma.
Horumon refers to internal organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, and heart. These cuts, such as heart (hatsu), tripe (mino), hachinosu, and senmai, are popular for their crunchy and juicy texture. Start grilling from the skin side, flip it over as soon as it browns, and cook it thoroughly until it stops shrinking to bring out its full flavor.
Rare cuts, which are obtained in small quantities from a single cow, are highly sought after. Chateaubriand, a famous high-end steak cut, is lean yet has the tenderness and flavor of marbled meat, and is best enjoyed grilled to medium-rare. Zabuton, known as the "fatty tuna of beef," should be lightly seared to perfection.
The order in which you eat yakiniku is very important. Start with lighter-tasting and less fatty cuts first. If you eat the stronger-flavored cuts first, your palate will adjust to the stronger taste, making it harder to appreciate the delicate flavors of the lighter cuts. It’s also a good idea to start with lean cuts like red meat to prepare your stomach before moving on to the fattier cuts. For a recommended starter, try the lightly seasoned salted tongue. Of course, there are no strict rules, so feel free to find the best order that suits your taste.
For special occasions like dates or business dinners, indulge in premium yakiniku. High-end yakiniku restaurants offer the finest meats, including rare cuts like chateaubriand, branded beef such as Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Yonezawa beef, as well as A5 and A4 grade Japanese black beef and popular aged beef, all cooked to perfection. Some famous restaurants allow you to compare various cuts in a course meal, and many have smokeless grills, so you don't have to worry about the smell of smoke lingering on your clothes.
Tokyo
Kuroge Wagyu Beef Carefully Hand-Cut by the Owner's Skill
Located near Asakusa's Kaminarimon in Tokyo, this yakiniku restaurant serves premium black wagyu from across Japan. The meat is seasoned with "Awayuki Salt," a special salt with a delicate texture that enhances flavor. The menu includes carefully curated accompaniments such as freeze-dried soy sauce, lemon, and Korean seaweed. The rice, selected by a certified rice master, is of the highest quality, making it a perfect match for the flavorful grilled meats. The warm, traditional interior provides a relaxing setting for a memorable meal.
Hiroshima
Enjoy Handpicked A5-Grade Wagyu in a Modern, Elegant Space
Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Fukuyama Station, this stylish yakiniku restaurant specializes in A5-ranked Wagyu beef, carefully selected through the restaurant’s own exclusive sourcing channels. Guests can enjoy exceptionally fresh dishes at reasonable prices, including "Wagyu Aburi Bijin (beauty) Yukhoe”, Seared Yukhoe, and "Wagyu Shinsen Btutsugiri Aburi Liver (Fresh Wagyu Liver Chunks)", lightly grilled for maximum flavor. For special occasions or surprise celebrations, the restaurant offers festive presentations with dry ice effects and sparklers. The interior features a modern design with textured wall panels resembling carved rock surfaces, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Seating options include counter seats, private rooms, and intimate couple’s seats, making it ideal for everything from casual dining to banquets for both small and large groups.
Kyoto
Yakiniku Restaurant Delivering the Deliciousness of Wagyu Beef From Kyoto
"Wagyu Yakiniku Toku" is about a 5 - minute walk from Gion - Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway, and serves high - quality grilled meat in a calm space overlooking the Kamogawa River, which has the atmosphere of Kyoto. We carefully select and purchase Shinshu Premium Beef, a branded beef that meets Nagano Prefecture's unique standards, as well as Kuroge Wagyu beef that is in the best condition that day from all over the country. The lunch menu, available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, offers "Nikumabushi" and "Yakinikuju," each piece of meat carefully grilled over charcoal. In addition to a la carte dishes, course meals are also available for dinner. We have private rooms to suit the number of people, so feel free to use them for a variety of occasions such as entertaining, dinner parties, and anniversaries.
Nagano
Taste High-Quality Wagyu Beef and "Shinshu Premium Beef"
A yakiniku restaurant specializing in premium beef, including "Shinshu Premium Beef," "Kobe Beef," "Matsusaka Beef," and "Yonezawa Beef." Local vegetables enhance the menu, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the flavors of Shinshu. Enjoy the richness of wagyu beef in the restaurant's serene private rooms.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat High-Quality Yakiniku by Area
Yakiniku is something you want to enjoy with friends and family in a lively setting. In addition to popular cuts like short ribs, loin, skirt steak, and tongue, you can also enjoy vegetable sets grilled BBQ-style, and side dishes like stone-grilled bibimbap or cold noodles. Set menus or all-you-can-eat plans offer great value for money. Many of these restaurants are casual and family-friendly, so you can comfortably enjoy yakiniku even with children.
Miyazaki
Carefully Selected Miyazaki Beef with a Good Balance of Fat and Flavor
Located in the downtown area of Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, this yakiniku restaurant specializes in "Miyazaki Beef" carefully selected by the owner with a solid eye for food. We are particular about the quality of our meat, purchasing cows that are difficult to find on the market, and only offering meat of A4 rank or higher. You can also enjoy Chateaubriand steak, which is said to be the highest grade of A5 rank fillet, in limited quantities. There is a wide variety of courses that are perfect for banquets, and it is also recommended for business dinners.
Hokkaido
Highly Satisfying Jingisukan at an Affordable Price
"Sapporo Genghis Khan Darumaotoshi" is located about a 6-minute walk from Susukino Station and Hosui Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. The fresh raw lamb, which is purchased through the store's own unique route and cut on the spot after ordering, is tender and juicy. The recommended "Shoulder Loin" is a rare part that can only be harvested from a single lamb, and it has a good balance of lean meat and fat, and is easy to eat with little taste. The drinks have good cost performance, with not only soft drinks but also beer and other alcoholic beverages available for 110 yen. There are counter seats and table seats, which can be used for various occasions.
Osaka
Enjoy Grilled Meat With Funky Music
A yakiniku restaurant located a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Namba Station has been serving customers since 1988. Known for its lively ambiance and soulful tunes, the restaurant offers hearty grilled meats in a setting inspired by James Brown's iconic music. The stylish interior features both counter and table seating, accommodating solo diners, couples, friends, and business gatherings. The friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and international appeal make it a favorite for both local and overseas visitors. The vibrant environment ensures even first-time guests feel comfortable.
Kyoto
High-quality Yakiniku Served by a "Meat Master" in Pontocho
Located in Pontocho, one of Kyoto's most famous entertainment districts, this restaurant opened in August 2021. You can enjoy A4 to A5 grade beef yakiniku sourced from all over the country. Known for its high-quality meat at an affordable price, it has many repeat customers. In addition to yakiniku, sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are available by reservation. The restaurant, designed in the style of a Kyoto machiya townhouse, blends seamlessly into the townscape, with a curtain adorned with wagyu beef serving as a landmark. Featuring a Japanese-modern interior with a stylish atmosphere, it is ideal for concluding your Kyoto sightseeing trip and dates and anniversaries. Indulge in high-quality brand beef in a casual setting that highlights the full flavor of the ingredients.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Classic Yakiniku by Area
Crunchy, chewy, and irresistibly juicy, horumon (offal) offers a unique texture and flavor. You can easily enjoy stamina-boosting cuts such as tongue, liver, heart, mino, and senmai. At a specialty store, the horumon is carefully prepared and served fresh from the day’s purchase, ensuring top-quality freshness, flavor, and texture. The distinctive taste of horumon might even win over those who are not typically fond of it, making it easy to eat and enjoy.
Osaka
High Quality and Fresh Hormone by Professional Connoisseurs
"Hormone Yamato Kujo" is located in the bustling town of Kujo, Nishi-ku, Osaka City. The restaurant offers high quality hormone (horumon) grilled over charcoal at reasonable prices. Once fresh hormone is purchased, it is quickly and carefully prepped to remove the tastiness and keep it in a delicious state. The hormone is served with homemade sauce after the customer's order is placed, so that the customers can fully enjoy the texture of the hormone, which is the characteristic flavor of the hormone. The restaurant is also equipped with private rooms for up to five people, which can be used for large gatherings of family and friends.
Osaka
A Yakiniku Restaurant Directly Managed by a Meat Wholesaler That Focuses on Homemade Quality
This yakiniku restaurant is approximately a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station.Despite its convenient location near the Nishi-Shinsaibashi district (commonly known as Amerika-mura) in Chuo-ku, Osaka City, the restaurant is directly managed by a meat wholesaler and is popular for its high quality grilled meat at a good cost performance.All of the sauces, soups, kimchi, etc. are homemade.The restaurant uses Japanese binchotan charcoal and grills meat over a traditional shichirin (a charcoal griddle) to bring out the best flavor of the meat.The restaurant's interior is partitioned off with a bamboo screen, allowing diners to dine in a private, semi-private room, making it ideal for date nights or banquets where you want to enjoy grilled meat.
Osaka
Authentic Charcoal-Grilled Meat by the Owner Who Trained at a Famous Restaurant
An authentic charcoal-grilled yakiniku restaurant approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station.The owner, who trained at a famous restaurant in Osaka, serves A4 and A5 grade Wagyu beef with a professional eye for freshness and quality, without sticking to brand-name beef under the motto of "delicious.The beef is grilled over charcoal to lock in the flavor, allowing diners to enjoy the aroma and juicy taste of the beef, and also to remove excess fat.The restaurant's specialties are the "KOMBU KAMI HALAMI" and "GOKUMI" GENSHI KARUBI (salted), which are grilled in large chunks, and the HORUMON (hormone), which is pre-processed to enhance the texture and flavor of the ingredients, is also excellent.The restaurant's chic and sophisticated atmosphere is recommended for date nights and family dinners.
Hyogo
A Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Horumonyaki with Your Pet
"Motsuji," located in Awaji City, Hyogo , is a yakiniku restaurant run by an owner with extensive knowledge of beef from working at butcher shops and ranches. The specialty hormone-yaki (grilled offal) is made from fresh meat sourced directly from butcher shops and grilled on traditional infrared roasters, enhancing its flavor. As an authorized seller of "Awaji Beef," the restaurant offers top-quality cuts of beef alongside a wide array of chicken dishes and a variety of a la carte options. The "Beef Tendon Curry" and "Chanja Roll" are especially recommended. In addition, the restaurant provides a menu for pets, allowing diners to enjoy a meal with their dogs in private rooms. The interior, centered around private rooms and decorated in chic black tones, offers a relaxing atmosphere. A visit to Awaji Island wouldn’t be complete without stopping by.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Hormone Yakiniku by Area
Bar-style yakiniku restaurants have been increasing in recent years. Here, you can enjoy the pairing of wine and other beverages with yakiniku, as well as savor popular aged meats. What stands out is the bright, stylish atmosphere, unlike traditional yakiniku restaurants. Some places also serve Italian, French, Spanish, or creative small plates, adding a unique twist. The casual yet sophisticated setting makes it perfect for dates or girls’ nights out. It’s also a great place to enjoy yakiniku on your own, offering a welcoming environment for solo diners.
Osaka
Casual Yakiniku Specializing in Kagoshima Wagyu
Opened in September 2024 in Nishinakajima, a fierce battleground for yakiniku in Osaka, this yakiniku restaurant offers casual enjoyment of charcoal-grilled "shichirin yakiniku" (grilled meat over a charcoal grill).By purchasing a whole cow of female Kagoshima black wagyu beef from a producer, the restaurant offers high-quality A5-ranked meat at a reasonable price.The "10 rare cuts of beef" is especially popular.The Kagoshima-style miso sauce has a refreshing taste that goes well with red meat, and the sweet sauce with a hint of garlic gives the meat a thick texture.The casual atmosphere makes it a good place for a girls' night out.
Aichi
Enjoying Good Times with Friends in Tokoname
Located approximately a 3-minute walk from Nagoya Railroad Tokoname Station, this steakhouse is easily recognizable by its large parasol, red container, and the bold white letters spelling "STEAKS AND CHOPS" on a black wall. It offers satisfying course meals centered around meat dishes, ideal for a girls' night out or a casual gathering with friends. The extensive menu also includes a wide variety of a la carte options and drinks.The highlights here are the juicy meat dishes, grilled to perfection, and a curated selection of craft beers from across Japan. For those new to craft beer, "3-Glass Tasting Set" offers an easy and fun way to explore different flavors and find your favorite.
Osaka
A bar Where You Can Enjoy Japanese Black Beef and Wine with All Your Senses
A bar in Takatsuki, Osaka, where you can enjoy red meat of Japanese black beef and wine.For the red meat, we stick to female Kuroge Wagyu beef raised with care, and enjoy handmade dishes made with carefully selected ingredients such as cheeses from various countries and seasonal vegetables along with drinks.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Bar-Style Yakiniku by Area
If you want to enjoy yakiniku in a private setting, a restaurant with private rooms is recommended. You can savor your meal without worrying about your surroundings, making it perfect for dates or celebrations. Some restaurants even offer a dedicated "roast chef" in the private room and serve high-end meat like rare cuts or branded beef, making them ideal for special occasions. Locations with high-floor views or luxurious course meals also enhance the atmosphere, making them great for anniversaries. Since you can enjoy privacy, it's also perfect for moms' gatherings with small children.
Miyazaki
Carefully Selected Miyazaki Beef with a Good Balance of Fat and Flavor
Located in the downtown area of Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, this yakiniku restaurant specializes in "Miyazaki Beef" carefully selected by the owner with a solid eye for food. We are particular about the quality of our meat, purchasing cows that are difficult to find on the market, and only offering meat of A4 rank or higher. You can also enjoy Chateaubriand steak, which is said to be the highest grade of A5 rank fillet, in limited quantities. There is a wide variety of courses that are perfect for banquets, and it is also recommended for business dinners.
Hyogo
A Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Horumonyaki with Your Pet
"Motsuji," located in Awaji City, Hyogo , is a yakiniku restaurant run by an owner with extensive knowledge of beef from working at butcher shops and ranches. The specialty hormone-yaki (grilled offal) is made from fresh meat sourced directly from butcher shops and grilled on traditional infrared roasters, enhancing its flavor. As an authorized seller of "Awaji Beef," the restaurant offers top-quality cuts of beef alongside a wide array of chicken dishes and a variety of a la carte options. The "Beef Tendon Curry" and "Chanja Roll" are especially recommended. In addition, the restaurant provides a menu for pets, allowing diners to enjoy a meal with their dogs in private rooms. The interior, centered around private rooms and decorated in chic black tones, offers a relaxing atmosphere. A visit to Awaji Island wouldn’t be complete without stopping by.
Ehime
Enjoy Specially Selected Japanese Beef Yakiniku and A La Carte Dishes
A yakiniku restaurant near Dogo Onsen. Carefully selected cuts, primarily Wagyu beef, are offered with a unique seasoning that highlights the natural sweetness of the meat. The menu includes a wide variety of Korean dishes and alcoholic beverages. Many families with children appreciate the private rooms and enjoy the a la carte dishes. The yakiniku bento boxes, which allow diners to choose their favorite meats, are also a popular choice.
Kagawa
A Yakiniku Restaurant Offering Korean Cuisine and Quality Game Meats
This Korean yakiniku restaurant is located along the Ichinotani-gawa River, approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Kanonji Station.In addition to popular Korean dishes such as "Samgyeopsal" and "Chijimi", and yakiniku items like "Kalbi", the menu also features dishes made with game meat sourced by the owner, a licensed hunter. The colorful ornaments displayed on the shelves inside the restaurant and framed illustrations of the restaurant's mascot, "Pani-kun", create a fun atmosphere. There are semi-private rooms for 1-2 people, private rooms with sunken kotatsu tables, and relaxing tatami mat seats, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, such as banquets, anniversaries, and casual dining with friends.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Yakiniku in a Private Room by Area
