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.
Osaka
Enjoy Sophisticated "Yakiniku Kaiseki" in Kitashinchi
This yakiniku restaurant opened in December 2020 in Kitashinchi, one of Osaka's most popular culinary districts.The concept of the restaurant is "a place you want to visit with an empty stomach," and it offers such dishes as the "Sirloin Kaiseki 'Hana' Course," which allows diners to compare five different cuts of sirloin grilled with salt.
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.
Osaka
Savor the Chef’s Best Wagyu Creations in a Thoughtfully Curated Course
This yakiniku specialty restaurant offers a wide variety of carefully selected wagyu beef, delivered directly from trusted producers. A standout recommendation is the "Gokujo Yakiniku Seto Course," which features six cuts of premium wagyu grilled over charcoal and four cuts marinated in sauce—all at excellent value. The à la carte menu is equally appealing, with dishes like "Aburi (Seared) Wagyu Yukhoe", lightly grilled and topped with a rich egg yolk, and "Omasum Sashimi (beef tripe)". The interior blends traditional Japanese design with a modern touch, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere. Choose from counter seats with a sense of live grilling action, or private rooms ideal for couples and group gatherings. "GokujoYakiniku Seto Course" includes a two-hour all-you-can-drink option, available between 6:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. Reservations must be made by 7:00 P.M. on the same day. The restaurant stays open until 5:00 A.M., making it a great choice for a late-night meal.
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.
Fukui
A Long-Loved Local Favorite for Quality Yakiniku
Established in 1966, "Yakiniku Meigetsuen" is a long-standing local favorite where guests can enjoy delicious yakiniku in a relaxed, homey atmosphere. Their Wagyu beef—seasoned with a special sauce passed down from the previous generation—is especially popular for cuts like skirt steak, offal, and kalbi. The menu goes beyond yakiniku, featuring highlights such as "Motsunabe" (available in winter) and "Oxtail soup", slow-simmered for over eight hours. Sweet options include parfaits made with seasonal fruits and celebratory plates that can be arranged upon request—perfect for birthdays or special occasions. Open until late, it’s also a great choice for a second stop after dinner.
Hyogo
Yakiniku Restaurant That Offers High-Quality Meat at Reasonable Prices
"Yakiniku Ushigokoro" is located in Sumoto City, Awaji Island. The word 犇 (Hishimeki) means crowded, and it conveys the desire for many people to gather and enjoy the meal. The owner, who trained at a butcher shop and has solid skills, uses his discerning eye to procure and hand-cut fresh meat. High-quality meat is popular at a reasonable price, with recommended menu items such as "Joshio Tongue", "Thick Sliced Tongue", "Loin", which can be enjoyed as a mini-steak, and "Sirloin Shabuyaki", which is served with a special yolk sauce. The restaurant has counter seats and tatami rooms, so it can be used by a wide variety of people, including friends, couples, and groups.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Osaka
Savor the Chef’s Best Wagyu Creations in a Thoughtfully Curated Course
This yakiniku specialty restaurant offers a wide variety of carefully selected wagyu beef, delivered directly from trusted producers. A standout recommendation is the "Gokujo Yakiniku Seto Course," which features six cuts of premium wagyu grilled over charcoal and four cuts marinated in sauce—all at excellent value. The à la carte menu is equally appealing, with dishes like "Aburi (Seared) Wagyu Yukhoe", lightly grilled and topped with a rich egg yolk, and "Omasum Sashimi (beef tripe)". The interior blends traditional Japanese design with a modern touch, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere. Choose from counter seats with a sense of live grilling action, or private rooms ideal for couples and group gatherings. "GokujoYakiniku Seto Course" includes a two-hour all-you-can-drink option, available between 6:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. Reservations must be made by 7:00 P.M. on the same day. The restaurant stays open until 5:00 A.M., making it a great choice for a late-night meal.
Yamaguchi
High-Quality "Omi Beef" to Brighten Up Your Special Moments
A yakiniku restaurant in Hofu City, Yamaguchi that serves high-quality "Omi Beef". The restaurant has been certified as a designated store by "Omi Beef Production and Distribution Promotion Council", and the meat is purchased directly from meat centers in Shiga without going through middlemen, so you can enjoy fresh, high-quality meat. Enjoy the rich flavor of their signature menu, "Omi Beef A5 large-sized lean grilled shabu". In addition, the Wagyu beef offal, which can only be purchased as an Omi Beef wholesaler, has an outstanding plump taste and is so popular that there are many repeat customers. The restaurant has tatami-style seating, table seating, and private rooms, and can be reserved for private use. You can also celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with meat cakes.
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.
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
