Went to the temachi branch in Kyoto that adjoins nearby Nishiki market. The other branch is also close by towards BAL. The one towards BAL you have young guys hanging around the lane way hassling young females, I felt this one to be a lot safer and less of a line. In terms of quality of food, I chose their most expensive and tried their least expensive cuts to suss out what I was expecting. Their wagyu was on the thin side. The kids liked the enjoyed cooking for themselves with supervision so it was a nice break from tradition waiting for the food. The staff weren’t the most attentive but we came just before 5pm before peak. We ordered extra cuts of meat which ranged from 700 yen to 1500 yen till the kids were stuffed. They couldn’t tell the difference between the more expensive or least expensive. The youngest felt it was a little on the chewy side so I had to cut it into small chunks. Condiments were great and a great way to mix it up. Rate this place 4.5/10. I went to gyukatsu momotura in Shinjuku and waited like an hour and 15 minutes and i didn’t particularly rate it because it was not...
Read moreA Must-Visit in Kyoto: Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Dining at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu was easily one of the culinary highlights of my trip to Japan. The star of the show—the wagyu gyukatsu (beef cutlet)—was nothing short of exceptional. Perfectly marbled and served rare, the beef practically melted in the mouth after just a few seconds on the hot stone grill provided at the table. The balance of tenderness and rich, umami flavor was outstanding.
What really elevated the experience was the thoughtful selection of dipping sauces. From the wasabi soy to the miso-based options, each one complemented the beef in a unique way, allowing for a customizable and satisfying progression of flavors throughout the meal.
The service was equally impressive—friendly, efficient, and genuinely attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Staff explained how to enjoy the gyukatsu properly and made sure everything was just right from start to finish.
If you’re in Kyoto and looking for a meal that feels both indulgent and authentic, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is absolutely...
Read moreAfter patiently waiting an hour to get in, I decided to get the best steak on their menu - the premium Wagyu tenderloin gyukatsu set for 6500 yen. Sadly, I was disappointed when my steak came out cooked medium to medium rare instead of rare like the others’ on my table. Searing it further on the hot plate, like you are supposed to, only resulted in an overcooked premium piece of meat. I attempted to ask the staff if my meat was overcooked, they dismissed me and said that they were all the same, despite my steak being brown and everyone else’s being red. I didn’t want to cause a scene so I ended up just eating my steak cold without searing it further. From my experience alone, it was regrettably my only disappointing meal in Japan so far. On a side note I do think the premium tenderloin fillet cut of steak is wasted on a katsu experience. A fattier cut of meat would actually benefit more from being crumbed, fried, and seared before enjoying with all the sides and...
Read more