The Finest Wagyu Beef! 9 of Japan's Best Restaurants for Matsusaka Beef Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Nov 08 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Teppanyaki Yakiniku Steak/Hambuger steak/Curry

The Finest Wagyu Beef! 9 of Japan's Best Restaurants for Matsusaka Beef

Matsusaka beef is one of three brands that make up what is called "Wagyu beef". The meat is characterized by an exquisite marbling, where the fat melts in the mouth, leaving behind a mild and fulfilling aftertaste. Make sure not to miss this specialty if visiting Japan! On that note, this article will be introducing a number of distinguished restaurants handpicked from across Japan, known especially for their premium Matsusaka beef.

See full listings of Steak/Hambuger steak/Curry, Yakiniku, and Teppanyaki restaurants.

1. Teppan Matsuzakaya (Hirosedori / Teppanyaki)

[All Across Japan] The Finest Wagyu Beef! 10 of Japan's Best Restaurants for Matsusaka Beef

[Teppan Matsuzakaya] is the sole restaurant in the Tohoku region that offers Matsusaka beef teppanyaki-style (prepared on an iron griddle). The modern Japanese-style interior features a black-centered palette, and the relaxed atmosphere has the feel of a cozy hideaway. They serve A5 grade Matsusaka beef, the highest available quality of an already premier brand of Wagyu at a comparatively reasonable price. The [100g Sirloin] (6,800 JPY excl. tax) is characterized by a beautiful marbled texture, and the [100g Fillet] (8,200 JPY excl. tax) is an especially rare cut—only 3% is obtainable from a single cow. Both present excellent options to indulge yourself in Matsusaka beef.

Teppan Matsuzakaya

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) L.O. for courses is 9:30 pm, for a-la-carte dishes is 10:00 pm
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Hirosedori Station. Go towards the direction of SENDAI FORUS, turn left at the second street, then on the left side
Address: 3F, Luna Park Ichibancho Bldg., 1-6-1 Kokubun-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai city, Miyagi Map
More Details Reservation

2. Tenku Yakiniku Seiyuzan (Shinbashi / Yakiniku)

[Tenku Yakiniku Seiyuzan] has a scenic view of Tokyo from the 41st floor of the Shiodome Center, 215m above the ground. The luxurious setting presents a scenic night view from every seat in the restaurant. The [Beef Tongue Sampler Plate with KINTAN Beef Tongue Aged for 30 Days] (3,480 JPY excl. tax) and the [Chef's Selection of Three Types of Beef Sushi] (2,380 JPY excl. tax) are a lavish twist on conventional sushi in which luxurious delicacies like sea urchin caviar and foie gras are wrapped in Matsusaka beef; these leave a culinary impression that’ll be hard to forget.

TENKU YAKINIKU Restaurant SEIYUZAN

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)

[Weekdays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

[Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)

[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: Around a 3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station on JR Tokaido Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Yokosuka Line, and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.
Address: 41F, Shiodome City Center, 1-5-2, Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

3. Wadakin (Matsusaka / Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki)

10. Wadakin (Matsusaka / Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki)

Founded in 1878, [Wadakin] is a famous sukiyaki restaurant whose credence of quality is a matter of fact. Located within a 5-story building, the restaurant offers a relaxed, traditional Japanese ambiance and includes around 40 private rooms for their guests. They raise their own Matsusaka cattle in a private farm certified by the Mie prefectural agriculture department. One highly recommended choice is the [Sukiyaki], where thick slices of Matsusaka beef are grilled to a sizzling perfection on Nambu ironware, then served with tamari soy sauce (a darker, richer form of soy sauce). Each room is waited upon by a nakai, a kind of waitress found in traditional Japanese inns and restaurants. The nakai personally grills the meat as well, topping off the distinct cultural experience.

Matsuzaka-gyu Ganso Wadakin

Open: 11:30 - Doors Close at 20:00 (last order 20:30)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 428 meters from Matsusaka Station of JR Kisei Main Line and Meisho Line, and Kintetsu Yamada Line.
Address: 1878 Nakamachi, Matsusaka, Mie Map
More Details Reservation

4. Ittetsu (Takaoka / Yakiniku)

[Ittetsu] is a yakiniku restaurant that obtains its supply of fresh Matsusaka beef from an established cattle-breeding farm with a history spanning over 100 years. Matsumoto Farm has been the recipient of the most outstanding award in a cattle competition, and [Ittetsu] doesn't scrimp when it comes to their meat, buying the farm's prized Matsusaka beef by the head. They also stock the scarcer cuts of the cow that you won't find at most restaurants. Only the best part at the base of the gyutan (beef tongue) is served in the [Jyo-torotan] (2,780 JPY), and the exceptional [Matsusaka Harami (skirt)] (1,980 JPY) is only shipped in a few times each month. The location is also readily stocked with an inventory of wines that perfectly complement the Matsusaka beef!

Ittetsu Takaokahonten

Open: [Opening hours] 17:30 - 00:00 (last order 23:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: Directly to your left from the main (front) exit of Takaoka station, 1st Floor of the Wing Wing Takaoka Building.
Address: 1F Wing Wing Takaoka , 1-8 Suehiro-cho, Takaoka, Toyama Map
More Details Reservation

5. Teppanyaki Steak Pandora (Shinjuku / Teppanyaki)

3. Teppanyaki Steak Pandora (Shinjuku / Teppanyaki)

Since being founded in 1972, [Teppanyaki Steak Pandora] has captured both the hearts and stomachs of their guests. The homely atmosphere is arranged with counter seats surrounding a teppan grill and casually comfortable table seats. Their popularity is built on the pedigree of their ingredients, and between the A5-grade Matsusaka beef, the seafood, and the fresh flavorful greens, there's truly nothing left to be desired. A few recommendations include the fillet, the sirloin [Steak], and the [Shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables)] prepared with exquisite slices of pork loin.

TEPPANYAKI STEAK PANDORA

Open: [Weekdays, Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:20 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm)

[Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:10 pm)

[Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *For dinner menu, reservation is required at least one day in advance
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station
Address: 2F, Nishishin Bldg., 1-13-3, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

6. Tokaitei (Roppongi / Yakiniku)

[Tokaitei] is a high-end yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant that exclusively serves fresh Matsusaka beef shipped straight from the source. While located right in the center of the city, the relaxed atmosphere masks the bustle outside, and the refined ambiance is extraordinary for a yakiniku restaurant. Meat is not only shipped in by the cut to ensure the freshest possible quality, but they take special care to not freeze any of their meat before cutting it for each individual order. Kuroge Wagyu beef is a rare find in the city, and choices like the [Jotan Salt (beef tongue)] (2,500 JPY excl. tax) and [B. Kainomi (upper rib)] (2,400 JPY excl. tax) offer some delectable options to savor a texture and flavor unique to Matsusaka beef.

Tokai-tei

Open: [Weekday,Saturday] 17:00 - 01:00 (last order 00:00)[Sunday] 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:00)
Closed: New Year holidays, holidays in summer
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY

7. Matsusakagyu Tajima (Toyocho / Yakiniku)

5. Matsusakagyu Tajima (Toyocho / Yakiniku)

[Matsusaka-gyu Tajima] is a yakiniku restaurant located just a 1-minute walk from Toyocho Station and directly managed by a butcher. The counter seats arranged in pairs, the private and semi-private rooms, and the regular table seating are all conducive to eating in comfort. Making use of their privileged butcher's access, the restaurant purchases A4 and A5 grade cows by the head. The direct shipments are always fresh and include some especially scarce cuts of meat. The most popular choice here is the [Matsusaka Zanmai] (9,980 JPY excl. tax). First, you choose your main meat out of a selection that consists of sirloin, rib roast, and fillet, then pair it with one of the aforementioned scarce cuts for a combination of Matsusaka beef to sink your teeth into.

Matsusaka Beef Tajima

Open: 17:00 - 23:30 (last order 23:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY

8. Matsusakagyu Kishian (Kitashinchi / Teppanyaki)

6. Matsusakagyu Kishian (Kitashinchi / Teppanyaki)

[Matsutakagyu Kishian] is an exclusive, reservation-only kappo (a Japanese style of preparing meat) restaurant that only takes 8 parties of guests per day. The refined and congenial interior is like your own personal hideaway. There are private rooms and table seats where you’ll be able to sink in for a leisurely and luxurious meal experience. Recommended choices include the [Matsusaka-gyu Sukiyaki Course] (13,000 JPY excl. tax) and the [Matsusaka-gyu Steak Kaiseki] (15,000 JPY excl. tax), an extravagant banquet course featuring an exquisite Matsusaka beef chateaubriand that seemingly melts in your mouth!

Matsusakagyu Kishian

Open: [Weekday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 17:00 - 23:00
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY
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9. Yakiniku no GANSAN Pontocho-bettei (Sanjo / Yakiniku)

8. Yakiniku no GANSAN Pontocho-bettei (Sanjo / Yakiniku)

[Yakiniku no Gansan Pontocho-bettei] is a yakiniku restaurant that specializes in Matsusaka beef, and happens to be a cost-effective option to indulge in the luxury beef. The relaxed and tasteful interior is entirely partitioned into private rooms that overlook the Kamogawa River. The restaurant's prime Matsusaka beef is selectively chosen from Asahiya, a longstanding Matsusaka beef specialty supplier in Mie Prefecture. The [Honjitsu no Akami Sanshumori (3-piece daily special assortment)] (6,000 JPY excl. tax) and the [Matsusaka Gyutan Moriawase (Assortment)] (4,500 JPY excl. tax) are excellent options for trying high-end Matsusaka beef without the typical hefty price tag!

Matsuzaka beef Yakiniku no GANSAN Pontocho-bettei

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 0:00 am *L.O. / Food 11:00 pm, Drinks 11:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: Ponto-cho street is located between Kamogawa river and Kiyamachi. Down a narrow footpath (about 90 cm width) off Ponto-cho street which is filled with famous restaurants
Address: 137-11 Nichome-Wakamatsu-cho, Ponto-cho dori-Sanjo sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto

You’ve now been introduced to 9 restaurants where you can get a taste of Matsusaka beef, the cream of the crop of Japanese wagyu, prepared as teppanyaki, steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu! These restaurants can be found all across Japan, so be sure to consider stopping by during your sightseeing for an opportunity to experience the best beef Japan has to offer!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.