The Best 10 Yakiniku Restaurants You Must Eat in Tokyo

Japanese love Yakiniku and I will tell you why. You see your meat being cooked in front of you and the smell will urge your hunger for it. You sit around the barbecue with your friends and family talking about how wonderful it is going to taste in your mouth. Never ending conversation of who wants which piece. Or maybe you just feel like popping in to have some Yakiniku with a bowl of rice and a glass of beer on your own. Tokyo has a restaurant for every occasion.

1. Yakiniku Oonishi

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Located in Ebisu, Oonishi is exactly what Yakiniku restraint should be. Just sit at the counter and order a glass of beer and wait for the food to be cooked in front of you. You can go with your friends or go on your own. Just like you go to a bar to drink.

They website has some pages in English so you can prepare what to order before you go. The staffs speak English and very friendly. Reservation recommended for a large group.

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2. Uguisudanien

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If you are not sure whether you will like Yakiniku or not, but you want to have a go, then this is the place. Uguisudanien serves quality meat for reasonable price. You sit at a table with a grill in the middle of it. They can help you cook or you can do it by yourself. It is a two-story restaurant but you need to book in advance. Because of its superb cost performance, it is always full.

Some meat comes with a raw egg York on it. It is their signature dish and worth trying. Make sure you order some white rice with it. A well cooked piece of meat with some white rice is just simply the best!

3. Yuji

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Yuji is located in the middle of one of the most popular town in Tokyo called Shibuya and has been loved by locals over 20 years. The interior hasn’t changed much since and makes you think what the world was like 20 years ago.

There are many Yakiniku restaurants in Shibuya but what makes Yuji stand out is its “Horumon” – offal (internal organs and entrails of a butchered animal). It may sound horrible but it’s just like foir gras. Either you love it or you hate it. Don’t be put off because it’s not sirloin. It could open your eyes. The beauty of travelling overseas is to try something new so why not try Horumon Yaki in Tokyo!

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4. Seiryuen

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There is a reason that Seiryuen has a lot of fans. It’s because of something they do better than others. Gyutan is the answer. So what is it? Gyutan means Cow tongue. Don’t get put off. Human beings first had the taste of it in Stone Age.

The meat contains rich fat and by grilling it gets so soft and melts in your mouth. No need for sauce. Just with a pinch of salt. Good Gyutan isn’t cheap but Seiryuen serves it for such reasonable price. No wonder people keep going back.

5. Marutake

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I love their signpost. It says “Yakinikuland Marukake”. It is a very authentic Yakiniku restaurant. Their meet is so tasty and so reasonably priced. That’s because the owner also runs a butcher so all meat comes straight from the farms.

If you don’t know what to order, just try their course menu. It has everything you should try. Their customers are so casual and down to earth. You can see real Japanese culture there.

6. Horumon-sen Horuchan

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Located in Okubo which is regarded as Korean Town in Tokyo and where Yakiniku business is competitive. , Horumon-sen Horuchan stands out because its menu is so unique. First of all, all guests have to pre-order food.

The chef then gets just enough meat for the day so all meat is fresh every day. Some meat is marinated with seasonable flavor. Side dishes are like Italian or French cuisine. Each course includes a bit of everything. It’s not a typical Yakiniku restaurant but you may prefer their westernised version of it.

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7. Jumbo Hanare

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You can tell just by looking at it. Jumbo Hanare’s meat is so tender that it looks like you can cut it with a toothpick. Their presentation of the dishes is so amazing. All meat looks so delicious.

Their side dishes also look fantastic. Their rice dishes are very unique with a hint of Japanese traditional recipe. Lots of veggies and soups are on the menu as well. A perfect place for someone who likes a bit of everything.

8. Sutaminaen

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You have to be prepared to wait when you go to Sutaminaen. They don’t take bookings so first comes first served. It’s located quite far from the nearest station then why is it so popular?

The reason is its menu. It changes every day. The chef decides what to serve every day depending on what he can get hold of. Everything is fresh. Sutamina means Stamina and yes you feel a lot stronger when you leave Staminaen by gaining the power from the delicious meat!

9. SATO Buriand Nigo

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The name “Sato Briand” comes from Chateaubriand, a kind of tenderloin. Very rare and expensive meat. The owner Mr Sato has come up with the name. His signature dish is called ” Bri-Meshi” – grilled Chateaubriand served over a bowl of white rice with plum, and “Bri-Katsu Sandwiches”.

The quality of rice and bread to go with the chateaubriand is amazing. The favor of sauces and dressings are so innovative. The interior of the restaurant and presentation of the dishes are very stylish and elegant. Everything look so tasty!!

10. Yoroniku

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There is no Yakiniku lover who doesn’t know Yorokuni in Tokyo. Everything is just spot on. The front of the restaurant looks like a traditional Japanese Kaiseki restaurant. Simple elegant and classic interior inside. Very posh and quiet. Not cheap but the volume is good and it’s worth every penny for food and experience.

The chef is in the league of Master Chef professional. He knows beef so well that he cuts the way it will give maximum taste in your mouth. There are some English speaking staffs who will be happy to help you. Just trust the chef and ask for “Omakase (Chef’s recommendation)” course and you will be in heaven!

Let’s enjoy Yakiniku experience in Tokyo!

So what do you think? My mouth gets watery by just writing those articles lol. Tokyo offers so many choices and sometimes you just don’t know what to choose. Hope this article will help you decide where to go if you ever get a chance to go to Tokyo. Yakiniku is just a part of beautiful Japanese cuisine but I highly recommend trying as it is my favorite food!