We tried the Matsusaka Beef Dx platter, 13800 yen for two (roughly 360g total), and called ahead on the same day to book. As I'm only giving 3 stars, this is a detailed review.
Pros: Booking over the phone was easy The beef is truly delicious (If you ask for help) The staff can be super helpful and informative and describe each cut of beef, as well as demonstrate cooking a slice for you Little coat closet in the wall beside every table, to protect your clothes from grill smoke. 180g of matsusaka beef was more than enough for me. The richness really fills you up!
Cons: WARNING: Smoking is allowed in this restaurant. Apparently the 1st and 3rd floors are smoke free, and the 2nd floor allows smokers. I wasn't informed during booking, and it was a horrible surprise when halfway through the meal a couple sat at the booth beside us and lit up their cigarettes. The cigarette stink was overpowering. On the plus side, staff were very accommodating when we asked to be moved though it was lucky there was another table available to move to. The couple looked like they went through about 3 cigs each before we were moved. During the move, staff moved our original sauce trays but threw away my dish of some vegetables I had grilled and not yet eaten. On the plus side they were quite apologetic when I asked about it and replaced with some raw vegetables, unfortunately I had to cook them again. Some of the staff seem to be run off their feet in comparison to others, and it seems like they don't communicate with each other. Our first waiter was quite detailed in explaining the menu options when said it was our first time here, but the waiter who served the meat platter basically just put it on the table and tried to rush off. When we asked for some advice on the best way to prepare the different cuts, he told us to cook each piece for 15 seconds either side, and then quickly ran way - didn't explain the different cuts, or the big lump of beef fat sitting on the table, or the sauces. Note: Big lump of fat is for oiling up your grill before putting on the meat. The new booth we were moved to away from smokers was super chilly and cold. We should have just called staff to mention, but we felt a bit guilty about inconveniencing the staff any further after the move so I just warmed up over the grill. Turns out, the heater hadn't been switched on. A waitress popped in about 15 minutes before we finished to turn the heater on, and asked if we were cold. She seemed amused when I said yeah, pretty cold. The beef slices seemed quite inconsistent within the same type of cut; different marbling pattern, colouring etc The beef slices were uneven, with a couple pieces perfectly uniform thickness and some terribly uneven, like a misshapen wedge. It makes it quite difficult to cook properly, and the uneven pieces end up slightly too raw on one corner, and slightly too done on the other.
Favourite cut: The udesankaku, "lean shoulder". Despite being "lean" these slices were still super marbeled and cooked excellently!
Overall, I'm not sure I'd recommend this place. Matsusaka beef is worth trying, but probably try it at a different restaurant if you can find one with a better level of service for the price. Otherwise if you book here, make sure to get a...
Read morecame over to Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M because a friend recommended it and i was sooo impressed!
we ordered the 7800 yen set which comes with appetizer, chef’s salad, wagyu sashimi, wagyu cuts, wagyu with ponzu, wagyu garlic rice, cold noodles and a dessert!
the appetizers was a selection of kimchi and pickled vegetables! i finished it so fast because it had such a good amount of spice but it was tame enough to not burn my mouth. 10/10 😍
we had the short plate wagyu cuts next! the marbling was amazing on this cut and it melted so easily in my mouth. 10/10 😌
the next dish was the wagyu sashimi! idk what sauce they had the wagyu in but that citrusy taste was soooo yum although i would have liked at least one more piece of wagyu and maybe a bit less sauce. 9.5/10 😚
the next wagyu cut was the hanging tender! this piece was very big and so thin too which made it a joy to dip into the ponzu as well as eat on its own. 9.8/10 😋
the final wagyu cuts were the tri-tip and bottoms sirloin flap which have been doused in a lovely marinade and had hints of sweetness and sourness! these were rly good too just bc i have a soft spot for marinated meats. 9.5/10 🤩
for the cold noodles, i loved the clear broth as it was quite refreshing! the salad too on the side was enjoyable. 8.5/10 😄
our final dish was the wagyu garlic rice! i ate spoonfuls of that as soon as the waitress finished mixing it because it was that good. 10/10 😇
lastly, for dessert, we had yuzu sorbet! honestly, nothing too special. tasted like calpico soda. 8/10 🫢
overall, this is a must visit wagyu restaurant and as u can see online, so many people...
Read moreMatsusagyu Yakiniku in Namba, Osaka, stands out as a noteworthy destination for discerning food enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for premium Wagyu beef. Despite its compact size, which might feel somewhat claustrophobic for some visitors, the culinary experience offered here is exceptional. The restaurant is particularly renowned among tourists and is celebrated for its exquisite Matsusaka Beef Wagyu Ribs, which are described as melting effortlessly in your mouth like butter—a testament to the quality of the meat and the skill with which it is prepared.
The menu also features other delicacies such as sushi and sukiyaki accompanied by a savory tamago tare sauce, enhancing the traditional Yakiniku dining experience with a touch of inventive seasoning. While the ambiance could benefit from a more spacious setting, the overall dining experience is focused squarely on the quality of the food, which does not disappoint.
Service at Matsusagyu could see some improvements. As the place garners more attention and reviews, it might be beneficial for the management to consider enhancing the customer service to match the high standard of their cuisine. Overall, if you are seeking some of the best Wagyu beef in Osaka, Matsusagyu Yakiniku should certainly be on your list, promising a memorable gastronomic indulgence that largely compensates for any minor inconveniences related to...
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