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.
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.
Tottori
Enjoy the Charm of Local Features and Daisen Black Beef in an Extraordinary Space
A Daisen black beef specialty store located about a 7 - minute walk from JR Fujimicho Station in Yonago City. You can enjoy Wagyu beef, which originated from Tottori's Ketaka, in a variety of dishes, along with carefully selected local ingredients. The cows are raised on a directly - managed farm with careful attention to water and feed, and are delivered directly to the customers without stress. The meat is so soft that it melts in your mouth, and it has a flavor that everyone will fall in love with and want to eat again. Bamboo imported from Kyoto is used throughout the spacious interior, creating a luxurious atmosphere. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from large gatherings to small dinners.
Nara
A Luxurious Time Spent in a Quaint Space
Located in a quiet residential area near the Gakuenmae area in Nara City, "Itamae Yakiniku 1" boasts a modern Japanese exterior and a unique style where meat is cut only after an order is placed. The restaurant purchases entire cows, allowing diners to enjoy rare cuts such as chateaubriand, making it a hot topic among meat lovers.
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.
Fukushima
Yakiniku Restaurant Boasting "Fukushima Beef" and "Fukushima Kirameki Beef"
A popular yakiniku restaurant in Yatsuyamada Nishi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is known for its fresh, high-quality "Fukushima Beef" and "Fukushima Kirameki Beef." Praised for their tenderness and rich flavor, the meats are offered in affordable lunch sets such as the "Fukushima Beef Yakiniku Lunch" featuring four cuts of beef. The lunch sets come with unlimited rice refills, soup, salad, and small side dishes. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of side dishes like salads, kimchi, and cold noodles. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for casual dining and special occasions. With convenient access via car and ample parking near Route 4, this is a must-visit spot.
Tottori
Enjoy the Charm of Local Features and Daisen Black Beef in an Extraordinary Space
A Daisen black beef specialty store located about a 7 - minute walk from JR Fujimicho Station in Yonago City. You can enjoy Wagyu beef, which originated from Tottori's Ketaka, in a variety of dishes, along with carefully selected local ingredients. The cows are raised on a directly - managed farm with careful attention to water and feed, and are delivered directly to the customers without stress. The meat is so soft that it melts in your mouth, and it has a flavor that everyone will fall in love with and want to eat again. Bamboo imported from Kyoto is used throughout the spacious interior, creating a luxurious atmosphere. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from large gatherings to small dinners.
Iwate
Enjoy Iwate Prefecture's Finest Beef, Maesawa Beef
A store specializing in "Maesawa Beef" located along the Maesawa Bypass in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. Maesawa Beef, which has won numerous awards at events such as the National Beef Beef Carcass Exhibition and the National Beef Cattle Carcass Exhibition, is truly a work of art. It is highly praised nationwide for its top quality meat, and is known for its flavor and bright marbling. You can enjoy Maesawa beef, which is carefully fattened in the naturally blessed Maesawa area, in steaks, shabu - shabu, and other dishes. The location is approximately 10 minutes by car to Chuson - ji Temple, a world heritage site in Hiraizumi Town, and approximately 30 minutes by car to Esashi Fujiwara no Sato, a tourist destination in Oshu City, so it is said to be visited by many locals as well as tourists.
Okayama
High-Quality Beef That Continues to Be Improved While Preserving History and Tradition
Yakiniku Chiya Beef, a yakiniku restaurant directly managed by JA Okayama, serves freshly sourced A5 and A4-grade "Chiya Beef" from its own farms. The menu includes affordable options like yakiniku, steaks, and beef bowls. The rice is sourced from "Ashin Genryu Mai," ensuring a delicious and locally rooted dining experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nara
A Luxurious Time Spent in a Quaint Space
Located in a quiet residential area near the Gakuenmae area in Nara City, "Itamae Yakiniku 1" boasts a modern Japanese exterior and a unique style where meat is cut only after an order is placed. The restaurant purchases entire cows, allowing diners to enjoy rare cuts such as chateaubriand, making it a hot topic among meat lovers.
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.
Kagoshima
Yakiniku Restaurant Specializing in A5 Rank "Kagoshima Kuro Beef" Female Beef
Located in Kagoshima City’s bustling Tenmonkan district, this yakiniku restaurant offers carefully selected A5-grade "Kagoshima Black Wagyu," chosen by chefs with wholesale experience. Meals are prepared over charcoal, with both à la carte and set course options available.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Yakiniku in a Private Room by Area
