Gyukatsu Asakusa Annex — Restaurant in Tokyo

During my visit to Tokyo on January 19, 2025, after exploring the iconic Senso-ji Shrine with its vibrant Nakamise shopping street, I had the pleasure of dining at Asakusa Gyukatsu in Taito City. This restaurant is renowned for its delectable gyukatsu—crispy beef cutlets that offer a delightful culinary experience.

Arrival and Queue Experience:

Eager to savor their famed gyukatsu, I arrived at the restaurant around 9:40 AM, well before their opening time of 11:00 AM. To my surprise, a queue had already formed, a testament to the restaurant's popularity. It's noteworthy that Asakusa Gyukatsu has a second outlet approximately a five-minute walk from the original location, providing an alternative for those looking to minimize wait times. For detailed directions and a route map, please refer to the photos I've shared.

Queue Etiquette:

Upon reaching the restaurant, it's important to note that it is situated on the second floor. The queue typically extends from the storefront down the stairs to the ground level. Adhering to the designated queuing system is crucial, as there is a luggage storage shop on the first floor. Improper queuing can obstruct their entrance. The staff from the luggage shop are courteous and may inform the restaurant staff if the queue is not properly organized. To ensure a smooth experience for all patrons, please follow the queuing instructions diligently.

The staff were very ncie as they offered us hot tea while we were queuing outside the store in the very cold weather! Thanks!

Culinary Delight:

The highlight of my visit was, undoubtedly, the gyukatsu. The beef cutlet was perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. A unique aspect of the dining experience is the personal hot stone provided at each table, allowing diners to sear the beef to their preferred level of doneness. This interactive element enhances the meal, catering to individual taste preferences.

The accompanying rice is unlimited, ensuring a satisfying meal. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. For those with a hearty appetite, I recommend opting for the mid-size cutlet, which offers ample portions and makes the wait worthwhile.

Additional Insights:

Asakusa Gyukatsu has garnered acclaim across various platforms. A reviewer on TripAdvisor praised the restaurant, stating, "Asakusa gyukatsu is extremely good! The food is delicious and after you're done they give you free stickers. The staff is also very kind."

On Instagram, a diner shared their experience, noting, "Honestly life-changing meal at Asakusa Gyukatsu in Taito City, Tokyo. They opened at 11 AM and we waited in line at 10 AM and were the first..."

These testimonials echo the sentiments of many who have dined at Asakusa Gyukatsu, highlighting the exceptional quality of both the food and service.

Conclusion:

In summary, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Senso-ji Shrine, a visit to Asakusa Gyukatsu is a must. The combination of flavorful gyukatsu, interactive dining, and warm hospitality makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Be prepared for a wait, but rest assured, the meal is...

Stumbled across Asakusa-Gyukatsu on our last day in Japan, and wow – what a find! This place is an absolute gem. The staff is super friendly and crazy efficient. You’re still in line when they take your order, so by the time you sit down, your food is basically ready to go. Honestly, the whole experience is smooth and stress-free, which is just what you want, especially when traveling.

I’ve got this little rule when it comes to restaurants: the fewer the items on the menu, the better the food usually is. And this place proves that 100%. They focus on steak – and it’s seriously next-level. The meat is insanely tender and basically melts in your mouth. They give you a few sauces to try, which are all solid, but honestly, the steak is so good on its own you don’t even need them. Just a little bit of salt and it’s perfection.

I went all-in and got the large steak, and yeah… I finished it with zero regrets. That said, the medium would’ve been plenty to fill me up, so keep that in mind. The sides – rice, cabbage, miso soup – all hit the spot, and dessert was a really nice, light way to wrap up the meal.

But what really stood out was the vibe. The staff couldn’t have been more polite or welcoming, and they make the whole thing feel really relaxed and enjoyable.

If you’re anywhere near Asakusa, this spot is 100% worth the wait. I just wish we had found it sooner – but hey, now we’ve got the perfect excuse...

A Must-Visit for Beef Lovers!

If you’re a fan of high-quality beef, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. The experience was nothing short of exceptional, from the ambiance to the service and, most importantly, the food.

I ordered a beef set, and every bite was packed with rich umami flavor. The meat was incredibly tender, cooked to perfection, and paired wonderfully with the sauces provided. The attention to detail in every element of the meal was evident—fresh wasabi, carefully balanced seasonings, and a presentation that made the dining experience feel truly special.

The side dishes, including the miso soup, rice, and dipping sauces, complemented the beef perfectly. Each component added depth and contrast to the meal, making every bite enjoyable. The atmosphere was cozy yet refined, allowing me to fully enjoy the meal in a relaxed setting.

To top it all off, the service was outstanding, and a special mention goes to Chiari, the amazing waitress who made the experience even more memorable. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations and ensuring that everything was perfect. Her warm personality and dedication to excellent service truly elevated the meal.

I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves premium beef and an authentic Japanese dining experience. I will definitely be returning for another...