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.
Mie
Enjoy the Tradition and Authentic Taste Founded in 1902
Gyugin Flagship Store is located about a 13 - minute walk from Matsusaka Station on the JR and Kinki Nippon Railway lines, blending in with the old townscape. At a time when eating meat was not customary, the founder trained in Tokyo to gain knowledge about beef. Later, he popularized "Matsuzaka Beef" with the hope that "the common people could easily eat meat." We carry rare meat that has been carefully raised for over 900 days in the Matsusaka beef production area and is considered a "special product." After the meat is butchered, it is left to age for about a week to ensure it is even more delicious. Enjoy the deliciousness of authentic Matsusaka beef along with top - notch service in a tastefully appointed tatami room.
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.
Kanagawa
Teppanyaki in a Refined Space Near the Station
"Plancha L" is located within the complex "THE YOKOHAMA FRONT," directly connected to JR Yokohama Station, offering a dining experience that combines Western culinary techniques with the live, dynamic appeal of teppanyaki. Carefully selected Kuroge wagyu and fresh seafood are grilled on an iron plate right in front of diners, creating an immersive and refined atmosphere. The setting suits a range of occasions, including anniversaries and gatherings. The concept has been updated from "Spanish cuisine × teppanyaki" to "Western cuisine × teppanyaki," with new course offerings introduced in September 2025.
Yamanashi
Unforgettable Flavor in Every Bite of Premium Meat
For more than 500 years, "Sadoya" has remained a familiar presence in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Premium marbled Japanese black wagyu is carefully aged in-house to bring out the fullest depth of flavor before serving. One recommended option is comparing four different cuts across five yakiniku courses. Guided by a "Customers First" approach, the restaurant emphasizes creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, attracting many regular guests. In addition to yakiniku, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki are also available, along with a wide selection of wines chosen to pair with the meat. Private rooms provide a setting suited to families and groups.
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.
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.
Fukushima
Savour Wagyu Beef and Special Moments in a Cosy Atmosphere
A yakiniku restaurant in Asahi, Koriyama City, Fukushima, serving high-quality wagyu, including "Fukushima beef" and "Fukushima Kirameki beef," with a specially crafted sauce that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. The menu also features a variety of dishes made with seasonal vegetables and rice produced in Fukushima. The interior, with its spacious table seating and private rooms, is defined by the warmth of wood and a calm atmosphere. Attentive service from staff and careful preparation by the chefs contribute to a comfortable setting suited to families and groups, accommodating special dinners, lunches, and banquets. Parking is available, providing convenient car access.
Osaka
Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat A5-Rank Japanese Beef to Your Heart's Content
This yakiniku restaurant is approximately a 5-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Line.Located near Ebisu Bridge and lined with lanterns at the entrance, the restaurant's menu is designed with the owner's wish that customers enjoy a wide variety of Japanese black beef, including misuji and rib roast, served with a homemade light sauce.The yukaye (yukke), the "beef tongue platter" popular among women, and the "wagyu beef cutlet," which is rare among yakiniku restaurants, are also very popular.The drink menu includes draft beer, sake and shochu carefully selected by the owner.The restaurant is easily accessible from the station, so be sure to stop by for a "quick drink" on your way home from work or while sightseeing.
Mie
Savor Premium Matsusaka Beef and Local Sake from Mie Prefecture
Founded in 1976 in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, "Horumon Ippei" is known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and carefully selected beef. Specialty offerings include rare "Premium Matsusaka Beef" purchased directly from livestock producers and Mikumano Beef, a breed with limited annual production. The owner personally evaluates each selection, refining everything from cutting techniques and grilling methods to the house-made sauces. Beyond grilled meats, the menu features a variety of offal specialties, side dishes, and the popular" Taisho’s Signature Authentic Ramen," often chosen as a finishing dish. Inside, table seating, raised tatami-style seating, and private rooms with a nostalgic atmosphere accommodate gatherings ranging from family meals to larger celebrations and banquets.
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.
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.
Nagano
A Yakiniku Restaurant Offering Shinshu Flavors at Reasonable Prices
Opened in July 2025, "Shinshu Yakiniku Nagano Nikusaburo" is located just a five-minute walk from JR Nagano Station. Designed as "a place guests will want to return to again and again," it offers high-quality Shinshu-sourced meat at reasonable prices. Dinner highlights include "Special Rib Loin" and "Special Fillet" from "Ringo Wagyu Shinshu Beef," along with "Thick-Sliced Tongue" and "Harami (skirt steak)" made from the tender tongue root. The signature "Mixed Hormone Parfait," both playful and visually striking, is also not to be missed. Spacious table and counter seating make it easy for couples, families, and solo diners alike to relax and enjoy a satisfying yakiniku experience.
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.
Yamagata
The Nostalgic Taste of Grilled Offal Returns
"Kappa", a charcoal-grilled horumon restaurant in Miyauchi County, Nanyo city, Yamagata, sadly closed its doors after 65 years at the end of January 2024. The restaurant was revived in July of the same year by the owners, who have inherited the traditions of Kappa, to start a new chapter in its history while keeping the nostalgic taste and atmosphere intact.
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.
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.
Kyoto
High Grade Wagyu Offered at a Reasonable Price Point
Located approximately a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, this Japanese-modern restaurant is set in a renovated machiya townhouse. The interior includes counter and table seating, as well as private rooms and tatami areas overlooking a small courtyard garden, accommodating a range of occasions from intimate meals to group gatherings while featuring high-quality meats.
Mie
Savor Premium Matsusaka Beef and Local Sake from Mie Prefecture
Founded in 1976 in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, "Horumon Ippei" is known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and carefully selected beef. Specialty offerings include rare "Premium Matsusaka Beef" purchased directly from livestock producers and Mikumano Beef, a breed with limited annual production. The owner personally evaluates each selection, refining everything from cutting techniques and grilling methods to the house-made sauces. Beyond grilled meats, the menu features a variety of offal specialties, side dishes, and the popular" Taisho’s Signature Authentic Ramen," often chosen as a finishing dish. Inside, table seating, raised tatami-style seating, and private rooms with a nostalgic atmosphere accommodate gatherings ranging from family meals to larger celebrations and banquets.
Hyogo
Yakiniku Restaurant in Kobe Motomachi Where You Can Enjoy Carefully Selected Japanese Beef
A Yakiniku restaurant directly managed by Ota - ya, which handles everything from production to sales on its own farm. You can enjoy the finest "Ota Beef" at a price that can only be found at a restaurant directly managed by a farm. It's about a 7 - minute walk from Sannomiya Station, and since it's a calm shop with private rooms, it can be used for a wide variety of occasions.
Saga
Lava Plate Grilling That Seals In Rich Meaty Flavor
Located in the lively downtown area of Takeo City and approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Takeo Onsen Station, this yakiniku restaurant is run by an owner with a background in sumo wrestling. Premium cuts such as "Saga Beef," one of the region’s most celebrated brands, are prepared on a lava stone grill, where far-infrared heat cooks the meat thoroughly while keeping the exterior tender and the interior remarkably juicy. The lava stone also absorbs excess fat, creating a lighter, more refined finish while concentrating the meat’s natural richness. Each dish pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s original house-made sauce, crafted without additives.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Yakiniku in a Private Room by Area
