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
A Trendy Spot for Casual Dining With Premium Meat
Niku toiro is a notable restaurant that had its grand opening in March 2025. It uses high-quality meat procured through secret routes and serves a variety of elaborate course meals. Enjoy yakiniku in a casual setting in a luxurious, modern Japanese private room.
Hokkaido
A Unique Dining Experience Watching the Chef’s Skills Up Close
"JIZAI" is located approximately a 2-minute walk from Odori Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. It is a sister restaurant of "Wine and Yakiniku Maruyama JIN," a yakiniku restaurant in Maruyama, Sapporo, and is a new type of wagyu beef restaurant based on the concept of "no-grilled yakiniku." Reservations are required and there are four sessions (starting at 5:00 P.M., 6:30 P.M., 8:00 P.M., and 9:30 P.M.) Instead of having guests grill the beef themselves, the chef prepares a course in which each slice of Wagyu is carefully grilled to perfection. At the counter facing the open kitchen, savour both the refined atmosphere and the gourmet experience while watching the chef at work right before your eyes.
Fukui
Exclusive Yakiniku Dining With "Sennichi Wagyu Beef" by Reservation
This reservation-only yakiniku restaurant is located approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Fukui Station. The interior, designed in a black colour scheme, offers a chic and refined atmosphere. Diners are served the finest Wagyu, "Sennichi Wagyu Beef" from Saito Livestock Farm in Yamagata. This rare beef is raised more than 100 days longer than typical Kuroge Wagyu, encouraging deeper maturation, with only around 100 cattle shipped each year. A dedicated grill master prepares each slice with care on a smokeless roaster, ensuring the meat is enjoyed at its peak flavour. From ingredients and beverages to the tableware itself, everything is sourced domestically, reflecting the restaurant’s meticulous attention to detail.
Yamagata
Fully Indulge in the Exceptional Flavor of Yonezawa Beef
Located approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Yonezawa Station, "Restaurant Kongokaku" is directly managed by a long-established butcher shop founded in 1923, and offers yakiniku, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak on each floor. You can enjoy "Yonezawa beef" in all its delicious flavors.
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.
Saitama
Charcoal-Grilled Japanese Beef, Freshly Delivered from the Source
This yakiniku restaurant is located within "Johnson Town" in Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture. The restaurant serves carefully selected A5-ranked "Matsusaka beef" and "Omi beef" with minimal fat, which is cut fresh after an order is placed. One of their most popular dishes, the "raw premium tongue with salt," is never frozen from purchase to serving, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste and tender, fluffy texture of beef tongue. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks that pair well with yakiniku, including beer, Japanese whiskey, shochu, and wine. With private rooms available, it is perfect for various occasions such as anniversaries and banquets.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Nagano
Indulge in Premium Yakiniku Handpicked by a Shinshu Meat Connoisseur
This charcoal-grilled yakiniku restaurant is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from JR Nagano Station. The restaurant offers a lineup of over 100 varieties, all approved by the owner, who is an expert on premium Shinshu meat, including carefully raised locally produced "Kitashinshu Miyuki Wagyu Beef", "Shinshu Minemura Beef", and "Ringo Wagyu Shinshu Beef", as well as Nagano-produced "Miyuki Pork" and "Shinano Jidori Chicken". There's also a wide selection of Nagano-produced wines and sake to pair with the yakiniku, making it the perfect dinner spot for sightseeing in Nagano. The restaurant offers table seating as well as semi-private table seating with roller curtains, making it ideal for a date, anniversary, or other special occasion with someone special.
Hokkaido
A Yakiniku Restaurant to Savor the Best of Hokkaido Ingredients
"Mizubasho, Yakiniku Shubo" is a yakiniku restaurant located approximately a 2-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway, offering a diverse menu centered around Hokkaido-produced Wagyu beef. Guests can enjoy the flavors of Hokkaido with dishes such as "Wagyu beef rib roast", "raw lamb roast", and "the original Hokkai Jingisukan (pork Jingisukan)". The "Shiretoko beef" offal, which is procured in whole cows, is also extremely fresh, and many customers visit to enjoy the fresh Wagyu beef liver that arrives every weekend. There are over 10 types of sake on offer, including local Hokkaido sake. The seats are equipped with smokeless roasters, allowing you to enjoy your meal without worrying about the smell.
Yamanashi
Enjoy the Horumon of "Fuji Spring Water Pork"
Located approximately an 8-minute walk from Tsuru City Station on the Fujisanroku Electric Railway, "Grilled Izakaya Meat and Sake" serves a variety of grilled meats, including "Fuji Spring Water Pork" from Tsuru City, beef tongue, beef skirt steak, and wagyu offal. The beef tongue and skirt steak, prepared with a special sauce, are offered at prices rarely found in Tokyo. The carefully selected wagyu offal is a highlight of the menu. A wide selection of drinks is also available, including beer, highballs, and local sake. The interior features a welcoming atmosphere with both counter and table seating, creating a relaxed dining experience. It is an ideal spot to visit with friends or family during sightseeing or a trip through Yamanashi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Yakiniku in a Private Room by Area
