Calling all certified foodies! If there’s one thing you simply have to do if you visit Japan is to sample their incredible cuisine! Japanese cuisine is known all over the world for being high-quality and extremely delicious. Apart from ramen, sushi, and sashimi, Japan is also pretty famous for its meat–especially wagyu beef!
If you didn’t know, wagyu basically refers to a kind of high-quality beef derived from four kinds of special cows that are appropriately named “wagyu cattle.” These special cattle are found only in Japan, and they produce a unique kind of beef that is known for its beautiful marbling and extremely tender taste. It’s something you must definitely try, so without further ado, we present the best wagyu restaurants in Tokyo!
The 16 Best Wagyu Restaurants in Tokyo
Because wagyu is such a widely-known Japanese specialty, there are several restaurants specializing in it. It can be a bit overwhelming and hard to choose when faced with so many options, so we’ve compiled just some of the restaurants that serve the most incredible wagyu beef in Tokyo!
- Yakiniku 37west NY
- Makiyaki Ginza Onodera
- Nikutei Futago Shinjuku
- Wagyu Teppanyaki Katsura
- Yakiniku Kappo No Oto
- Yotsuya Ushiko
- Kobe Beef Teppanyaki HAKUSHU
- Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511
- The Steakhouse
- Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta
- Sukiyaki Imahan
- Ninja Akasaka
- Yoroniku
- RRR Kobe Beef Steak
- Gyuan
- Yonezawagyu Oki
1. Yakiniku 37west NY
Formerly known as Yakiniku Futago 17th St., this fine dining restaurant has become a staple when it comes to serving good-quality meat dishes. This restaurant actually started in New York City back in 2015, hence the name. Two years later, it opened its flagship branch in Tokyo. That’s why you’ll see how the restaurant combines the East and the West when it comes to its decor, vibe, and menu!
What’s great about Yakiniku 37west NY is it has its own patented “owners beef system.” This is a meticulous method of picking, freezing, drying, and aging the beef to ensure optimal flavor. They also take great care to provide the proper atmospheric conditions for the beef every step of the way to really maximize the tenderness and flavor of the beef!
2. Makiyaki Ginza Onodera
Up next we have a hidden gem that’s nonetheless an incredible spot we urge you to go to. In the busy shopping district of Ginza, you can find one of the best wagyu restaurants in the entire city! Led by head chef Keiichi Terada who studied in France, you can be sure that Makiyaki Ginza Onodera will definitely provide you with a more-than-satisfying experience.
One unique thing that Chef Terada applies to this restaurant is the use of wood-fired grills that infuse the meat with that deep charred flavor! What’s more, guests are invited to watch as their dishes get made right in front of their eyes on the wood-fired grill set in the middle of the restaurant. With a blend of French and Japanese cuisine, a warm ambiance, and delicious desserts to pair up with your wagyu meal, Makiyaki Ginza Onodera is the perfect dinner spot
3. Nikutei Futago Shinjuku
Dining out isn’t exactly the most relaxing experience for everyone. If a restaurant is too popular, it can get pretty hectic and crowded. Luckily, there are some restaurants that recognize this and instead want to provide a quiet and intimate experience for their guests! Yes, even meat restaurants! Nikutei Futago Shinjuku offers private and semi-private dining rooms as well as a cozy table area that will have you feeling at home in no time.
With an extensive 80-dish menu, Nikutei Futago Shinjuku offers a wide variety of dishes made only from the best wagyu sources from Hyogo Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture. They have just about every cut of meat you can think of, as well as delicious side dishes that perfectly complement each one. Open exclusively for dinnertime, Nikutei Futago Shinjuku is the perfect venue for a special night out!
4. Wagyu Teppanyaki Katsura
If you’ve never experienced teppanyaki dining before, then you’re missing out! Teppanyaki is similar to hibachi in that it uses a hot iron griddle to cook the food, and chefs often “perform” by cooking your dinner right before your eyes! It’s a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds as you watch these masters at work and get a taste of their expertise right after.
Wagyu Teppanyaki Katsura combines the deep earthy flavors of miso and mushrooms with that smokey tender goodness of Hida wagyu beef. With an intimate approach to interior decor, a battalion of attentive staff, and a fiery dinner show experience, we can’t ask for anything more!
More similar recommendations in this article about the best Teppanyaki restaurants in Tokyo.
5. Yakiniku Kappo No Oto
For a truly special cultural experience, we definitely recommend dropping by Yakiniku Kappo No Oto! The decor combines minimalism with luxury as you can see artfully placed Edo-era embellishments all over the restaurant, including antique dishes and beautiful artwork. That’s why it’s a popular spot for special events and even romantic dinner dates!
But Yakiniku Kappo No Oto is not simply an aesthetic dream–it’s also known for its incredible menu! Here you can only choose from three omakase options, each with their own unique twist. “Omakase” literally translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” meaning you will entrust the chef to select and serve you a variety of different dishes. This kind of unique menu makes use of seasonal ingredients so it changes often throughout the year, but the quality and taste of the food remain the same. Every omakase course has its own sashimi dishes, and of course, A5-grade wagyu beef!
Do you like Yakiniku? We have a great article for you! Check out here our selection of the best Yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo.
6. Yotsuya Ushiko
Let’s face it–while we can go on and on about the amazing flavors of wagyu beef, we also know that it can get a little expensive! Luckily for us, there are restaurants like Yotsuya Ushiko which aim to make this luxury item as accessible as possible to the average customer! This restaurant has ties with all 47 prefectures in Japan so they’re able to provide customers with high-quality cuts at a reasonable price.
One of Yotsuya Ushiko’s specialties is the famous Matsusaka beef, one of the country’s three major brands when it comes to domestic beef. Aside from this, they also offer several other dishes you can order a la carte, including a whole menu of Korean dishes!
Pair your wagyu beef with homemade kimchi, seafood pancakes, bibimbap, and more at this one-of-a-kind restaurant!
7. Kobe Beef Teppanyaki HAKUSHU
Even among all the different kinds of wagyu, Kobe beef stands out for being especially flavorful, so much so that it has become quite well-known internationally! It’s also quite beloved locally seeing as how Kobe beef is the top-ranked kind of wagyu beef in all of Japan! HAKUSHU is as authentic as it gets when it comes to serving Kobe beef teppanyaki style. It’s even been awarded by TripAdvisor as the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Japan” in 2016!
Because of its cozy atmosphere and warm and friendly vibes, you wouldn’t really expect Hakushu to serve such amazing quality dishes–and yet they do! You get luxury dining without all the fuss and intimidation. Located in the Shibuya area, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite after spending the day shopping!
8. Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511
Another staple when it comes to the world of wagyu is Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511. This restaurant is where you can sample some of the finest cuts and dishes made with Kobe beef without having to go all the way out to Kobe City. Kaiseki 511 serves mouthwatering A5-grade wagyu in a variety of different ways like steak, shabu-shabu, sushi, and more!
What’s more, you can even get such good-quality beef at more affordable prices if you go during lunchtime. Special lunch costs just around $15-$20! Located near Akasaka Station and the Roppongi Area, Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511 is one of the best ways to get the full wagyu experience.
9. The Steakhouse
Japanese wagyu meets American-style fine dining here at The Steakhouse located at the InterContinental Tokyo, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city! Despite the classiness, The Steakhouse still has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere so you can usually find both locals and foreigners dining here.
The first thing that will catch your eye when you enter The Steakhouse is the 3-meter-long charcoal grill where talented chefs will prepare your dinner right before your eyes. Here you can taste rare wagyu brands from all over the country, including the A5-ranked Sendai Wagyu Beef Tenderloin and Iwami Wagyu Beef Sirloin. We definitely recommend trying these cuts especially since Iwami Wagyu is one of the rarest kinds of wagyu there is!
You May Also Like: Best Luxury Restaurants In Tokyo
10. Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta
Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta only serves the best of the best when it comes to authentic Kobe beef. Their specialties include champion Kobe beef as well as some of the rarest cuts of meat imaginable. Because of the high quality of the beef, they don’t need to add much more to the dish; instead, they let the meat become the star by simply cooking it over a charcoal grill.
The smoky flavors of the grill pair amazingly with the tender and juicy morsels of wagyu beef. You can also get a cheaper menu by visiting Charcoal Cuisine Kobe Beef Ikuta during lunchtime! Located near Yoyogi Park, you can easily drop by this restaurant from the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas.
11. Sukiyaki Imahan
Our next restaurant is a true living legend when it comes to the world of fine Japanese dining. Sukiyaki Imahan was established way back in 1895, and since then, they have been servicing satisfied customers from all over the world. Renowned for its traditional Japanese dishes, we recommend you try their shabu-shabu and sukiyaki!
Of course, they only utilize the finest of ingredients when crafting their menu. Here you can sample special black wagyu made from Japanese black-haired cattle, as well as Kobe beef sourced authentically all the way from Kobe itself. Drop by during lunchtime to get a more affordable deal–dishes start at only ¥1,500 (~$10)!
12. Ninja Akasaka
If you want fine dining with a twist, then we most definitely recommend dining at Ninja Akasaka! Here, ninjas take on a new form not as deadly assassins who are experts in espionage, but as your friendly servers and staff! Ninja Akasaka is a fun themed restaurant located in the Akasaka area in Tokyo.
Watch as “ninjas” serve you authentic Japanese dishes with a creative twist. There are even fun elements like magic shows to enthrall the customers! Aside from being entertaining, Ninja Akasaka is also formidable when it comes to their menu. Here you sample delicious wagyu beef served up in a variety of different ways!
13. Yoroniku
Up next we have yet another crowd favorite when it comes to the world of wagyu: Yoroniku! Located in the Minami Aoyama area near Shibuya, Yoroniku is a well-known restaurant that serves countless loyal patrons every day. They have just about any cut and style of high-quality wagyu beef you can think of. We recommend trying the so-called “silky beef” which is a favorite among meat lovers for its unbelievable texture and tenderness!
Yoroniku is also known for its specialty “wagyu sushi” which is said to have been invented right here at the restaurant! It’s no wonder Yoroniku is one of the most popular restaurants in Tokyo. With a wide range of menu items to choose from, your tastebuds will definitely thank you for the incredible experience.
14. RRR Kobe Beef Steak
Our next restaurant is perfect for an evening out to wine and dine. RRR Kobe Beef Steak serves incredible cuts of premier Kobe beef at reasonable price points you would hardly get anywhere else in Tokyo. This restaurant is helmed by Head Chef Hiroshi Kawaguchi, who has studied extensively in Europe.
The rotating menu is chock-full of savory meat dishes including Akagi beef bone-in tomahawk and Kobe beef inner thigh steak. There are also fresh appetizers and side dishes made with seasonal Japanese ingredients, as well as other dishes made using the unique techniques of French cuisine. RRR Kobe Beef Steak is also known for its wide selection of wine and champagne that would pair incredibly with your choice of wagyu dish.
15. Gyuan
If you want affordable wagyu without sacrificing the quality, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal than at Gyuan! Though it’s located in Ginza, the most expensive district in Tokyo, its menu items are anything but. Gyuan prides itself on being able to provide high-quality dishes without you having to break the bank! If you swing by lunchtime, you can even enjoy delicious Kobe beef dishes for as low as ¥1,000 (~$6.50)!
You can choose from a large menu consisting of must-try dishes like Hamburg Steak, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, and more. Gyuan also provides quite the eye candy with its traditional Japanese-style decor. Because it’s only a four-minute walk from Ginza Station, Gyuan is also highly accessible which makes it a pretty popular spot!
16. Yonezawagyu Oki
Last but not least, we’re capping off this list with a true legend when it comes to the wagyu scene. Yonezawagyu Oki has been around for a whole century, having been established way back in 1923. Like the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in providing customers with Yonezawa beef, a premium kind of wagyu beef that comes straight from the Yonezawa area in the Yamagata Prefecture.
Yonezawa beef is considered one of the best kinds of wagyu in all of Japan! Known for its melt-in-your-mouth goodness, it’s hailed as part of the “big three” of wagyu alongside Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef. We definitely recommend getting a seat at Yonezawagyu Oki and ordering Yonezawa beef in a variety of different cuts and styles: rump, sirloin, or fillet steak, or even in the form of hotpot!
—
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best wagyu restaurants in Tokyo! Which restaurant caught your eye the most? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Japanese cuisine truly has some of the best food in the world. Wagyu beef is renowned worldwide for its flavorfulness and incredible marbling, and where else better to sample such fine cuts of meat than in the hometown of wagyu itself?
If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out our new post about the different types of Wagyu beef.