What is a Yakiniku Restaurant & How To Order At One? A Complete Guide
It can be a bit daunting going to a restaurant with a cooking style you’ve never seen before.
Yakiniku is a Japanese style where you barbecue the meat yourself on a grill in the center of the table. Yakiniku restaurants offer meats and vegetables, including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, and you order by selecting the type you want. Some restaurants offer all-you-can-eat, while others charge per dish.
Yakiniku restaurants are a fun and social way to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. Let’s look at what makes them so special.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Yakiniku Restaurants
Yakiniku is a Japanese-style barbecue where diners grill their own meat and vegetables at their table. The word “yakiniku” literally means “grilled meat” in Japanese.
The Different Cuts of Meat
Yakiniku restaurants offer a variety of cuts of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. Some of the most popular cuts of meat include:
- Wagyu beef: a type of beef known for its rich marbling and tender texture
- Kuroge beef: a domestic brand of beef that is highly prized in Japan
- Chicken: typically served in thin slices and marinated in a sweet soy sauce
- Seafood: including shrimp, squid, and cod
The Menu
Yakiniku restaurants typically offer a wide range of dishes, including:
- Meat and vegetable platters: carefully selected cuts of meat and vegetables
- Marinated dishes: meat and vegetables marinated in a sweet soy sauce or miso
- Hot pot dishes: such as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu
- Fried dishes: including tofu and chicken
The Grilling Process
Unlike Western-style barbecues, yakiniku is typically grilled on a solid, flat grill placed in the center of the table. The chef, or itamae, will prepare the grill and may offer guidance on how to cook the meat to perfection.
Famous Yakiniku Restaurants
If you’re looking to try yakiniku in Japan, here are a few famous restaurants to check out:
- Itto: located in Tokyo’s Shinbashi district, this restaurant is known for its high-quality cuts of meat
- Okuu: located in Yamaguchi, this restaurant is famous for its wagyu beef
- Tenka: located in Nishi-Shinjuku, this restaurant offers a unique yakiniku experience with a focus on seafood
- Saikyo: located in Tokyo, this restaurant is known for its sukiyaki hot pot dishes
Reservation Details
It’s always a good idea to make a reservation at a yakiniku restaurant, especially for dinner. Some restaurants may require a deposit or have a minimum spend requirement. Be sure to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead for details.
The Social Aspect of Yakiniku Dining
Yakiniku dining is not just about the food, it’s also about the social aspect. It’s a fun and interactive way to dine with friends and family. You can share different meat cuts and try new things together. Yakiniku restaurants are also a great place to meet new people and make new friends.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience in Japan, try a yakiniku restaurant. With its wide variety of meat cuts and offal, the ability to cook your own meat to your liking, and the social aspect of dining, it’s an experience unlike any other.
Yakiniku Prices: How Much Does Yakiniku Cost?
The cost of yakiniku can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The cuts of meat you order: Different cuts of beef have different prices, with premium cuts like wagyu being more expensive than regular cuts like chuck or flap.
- The restaurant you go to: Yakiniku restaurants designed for tourists or located in popular areas like Tokyo’s Shinjuku or Ueno tend to be more expensive than those in less popular areas.
- The time of day: Lunch menus are usually cheaper than dinner menus.
- The type of meat you buy: Some yakiniku restaurants offer all-you-can-eat deals, while others charge per cut of meat.
- The quantity of food you order: Ordering a large amount of meat and vegetables will increase the overall cost of your meal.
Yakiniku Prices in Japan
In Japan, the price of yakiniku can range from as low as 1,000 yen ($9) to as high as 10,000 yen ($90) per person, depending on the factors mentioned above. Here are some details about the cost of yakiniku in Japan:
- Yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo’s popular areas like Shinjuku and Ueno tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yen ($27 to $45) per person.
- In less popular areas like Taito or Nishi, yakiniku restaurants may offer more affordable prices, with lunch menus starting from 1,000 yen ($9) and dinner menus ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yen ($18 to $27) per person.
- Some yakiniku restaurants offer all-you-can-eat deals, which can range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen ($18 to $45) per person.
- Premium cuts of meat like wagyu can cost up to 10,000 yen ($90) per person, while regular cuts like chuck or flap are more affordable, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yen ($9 to $27) per person.
What You Get for Your Money
When you order yakiniku, you’re not just paying for the meat. You’re also paying for the preparation and cooking process, which includes:
- The chef’s expertise: Yakiniku chefs employ advanced cutting techniques and cooking methods to deliver consistent, high-quality food.
- The internal system of the restaurant: Yakiniku restaurants are built with a smoke-free internal system to ensure a safe and comfortable dining experience.
- The quality of the meat: Yakiniku restaurants source their meat from trusted suppliers and farms, ensuring the quality and safety of the goods.
- The variety of food offered: Yakiniku restaurants offer a variety of cuts of meat, as well as vegetables and rice, to appeal to different tastes.
- The delicious recipes developed by the company: Some yakiniku restaurants, like Rex Holdings, have developed their own recipes to deliver a rich and balanced flavor.
How to Order Yakiniku at a Japanese Restaurant
Yakiniku is a Japanese style of grilling meat, which originated in the post-World War II era. The word “yakiniku” literally means “grilled meat,” and it is said to have been popularized in Japan by Korean immigrants who brought their own style of BBQ to the country. Today, yakiniku is a popular way of eating meat in Japan, and it is often referred to as the Japanese version of Korean BBQ.
Choosing Your Cuts of Meat
When ordering yakiniku, you’ll need to choose the cuts of meat you want to eat. Yakiniku restaurants usually offer a variety of different cuts, including beef, pork, and offal. Some popular cuts of meat include:
- Kalbi (short ribs)
- Harami (skirt steak)
- Tongue
- Liver
- Heart
It’s a good idea to ask your server for recommendations if you’re not sure what to order. You can also choose to mix and match different cuts of meat to create your own ideal yakiniku set.
Ordering Vegetables and Other Sides
In addition to meat, yakiniku restaurants also offer a variety of vegetables and other sides to accompany your meal. Some popular choices include:
- Rice
- Kimchi
- Meshi (rice mixed with meat and vegetables)
- Lemon slices (to add flavor to the meat)
You can also order sauces to dip your meat in, such as soy sauce or a special yakiniku sauce.
Paying for Your Meal
At the end of your meal, the server will bring the bill to your table. Yakiniku can be a bit expensive, so make sure to check the prices before ordering. You’ll usually pay per piece of meat, so keep track of how much you’ve eaten to avoid leaving too much food on the grill.
Socializing and Enjoying Your Meal
One of the best things about yakiniku is the social aspect of grilling and eating together. Make sure to bring your friends or family along to enjoy the experience with you. Yakiniku is a great way to try new foods and flavors, and it’s definitely worth the time and money. So let loose, have fun, and enjoy the delicious grilled meats and vegetables that yakiniku restaurants have to offer!
Eating Yakiniku like a Local
When ordering at a yakiniku restaurant, you will be presented with a menu that lists various cuts of meat. It’s important to note that the meat is divided into different categories based on the part of the animal it comes from. Some popular cuts include:
- Harami (skirt steak)
- Kalbi (short ribs)
- Tongue
- Sirloin
Once you’ve made your selection, the meat will be brought to your table raw. You will then be responsible for cooking it on the grill provided at your table.
Grilling the Meat
To grill the meat, take a pair of chopsticks and place the meat on the grill. Depending on the cut of meat, it may take longer to cook. Be sure to keep an eye on it and turn it over as needed.
Seasoning the Meat
Yakiniku is typically eaten with a soy-based dipping sauce. The sauce is usually made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. However, depending on the restaurant, the sauce may be seasoned differently.
In addition to the dipping sauce, salt is often used to season the meat. Some cuts of meat may also be soaked or salted before grilling to enhance the taste.
Taking Care When Eating
When the meat is finished cooking, it’s important to take care when eating it. Yakiniku is often served deep-fried, so the meat may be hot. Be sure to blow on it to cool it down before taking a bite.
Additionally, some cuts of meat may have designated areas that are more fatty or tough. Take care when eating these parts and be sure to chew thoroughly to avoid any choking hazards.
Insights from Jessie Thompson
Jessie Thompson, a frequent visitor to yakiniku restaurants in Japan, recommends trying different cuts of meat and experimenting with different dipping sauces. She also suggests ordering a variety of meats and sharing them with friends to get the full yakiniku experience.
Yakiniku Restaurants: All You Can Eat or Not?
Yakiniku is a popular Japanese dish that originated from Korean barbecue. It is a type of meal where diners grill thinly sliced meat and seafood on a tabletop grill. Yakiniku literally means “grilled meat,” and it has become a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Is Yakiniku All You Can Eat?
The answer is not straightforward. Some yakiniku restaurants offer all-you-can-eat options, while others don’t. It depends on the restaurant’s policy and the type of yakiniku they offer. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- All-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurants are more common in Japan than in other countries.
- Some all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurants have time limits, so diners have to finish their meal within a certain time frame.
- Premium yakiniku restaurants usually don’t offer all-you-can-eat options because they use high-quality cuts of meat that are more expensive.
Recommended Yakiniku Restaurants in Japan
If you want to try yakiniku in Japan, here are some highly recommended restaurants:
- Itto (Tokyo): This restaurant is known for its thick cuts of meat and seafood, and it offers both all-you-can-eat and a la carte options.
- Okuu (Tokyo): This restaurant uses domestic Kuroge wagyu beef, which is considered one of the finest types of beef in Japan. It offers a la carte options only.
- Tenka Chaya (Yamagata): This restaurant is widely acclaimed for its premium cuts of beef and seafood, which are freshly brought in every day. It offers both all-you-can-eat and a la carte options.
- Hankai (Osaka): This restaurant is famous for its sukiyaki hot pot, which is a type of yakiniku dish. It offers a la carte options only.
Conclusion
Yakiniku restaurants are a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. They’re perfect for a fun and interactive dining experience.
So, if you’re looking for a new place to eat, why not give one a try? You might just find your new favorite place!
Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
