Gyukatsu Ichinisan — Restaurant in Tokyo

We found this place coincidentally during a trip back in 2018 and now every time I visit Tokyo, I make every effort to come to Ichi Ni San, rain or shine. It's like a tradition at this point. This last visit it was pouring rain like crazy in July summer that caused trains delay but that didn't stop me 😂 The gyukatsu is very tender. They also fried it with very minimal batter so it doesn't feel as oily from the batter when eating compare to some other gyukatsu places. Some side dishes seem to change over the years, but I'm here mainly for the gyukatsu. The staffs are very friendly and enthusiastic as well. The female staff communicated fine in English so it helps if you're scared of not being able to speak Japanese. I think I heard her converse briefly in Korean with other customers as well. Anyway if there is one place you should eat while you're in Tokyo, it's this. Expect to be in line for upward of an hour though for dinner (the place is pretty small for its popularity). I've been here throughout the years at various dinner time between 5:30-7pm and there was always a line to get in. But it is absolutely worth it. Forget all the A5 wagyu places that charges 10000+ yen, just go here. Sure those A5 cuts have better quality and the experience (typically it's in teppanyaki setting) is different so you can go to check off an item on the checklist of things to experience, but honestly the beef here has enough marbling for you to enjoy the rich taste of wagyu fat without it feeling too fatty (hence the melts in your mouth description you often get from people...

Due to my job, I always travel to Tokyo from Canada(around 2-3 times a month in General) Thus, I tried lots of the beef Katsu dishes in town(franchise or local) This time, my local friend invited me to come to Gyukatsu 123 for lunch and telling me Gyukatsu 123 has good beef & service(it can be reflected by the long wait time and line up every day) On this past Sunday, we arrived 40mins before the shop open. We are the first on the line. However, the line-up starts in 10 mins after. Around 15mins before opening, the chef himself came out to take order in person one by one(that let you able to enjoy the fresh hot food right after you sat down) After a few bites of the beef(which are well cooked) I found out this is the BEST beef katsu I ever tried in Japan. Even though the famous Kyukatsu Kyoto京都勝牛 is can’t compare! Customer also can choose to heat(Not cook) the beef on the individual hot stone grill in front of the seat.(which I really not suggest, unless you took so long to finish your meal) Rice is mire chewable since it’s Barley rice *It’s FREE to refill However, the cabbage refill fee is ¥100(with fair amount) The meal also includes soup, sides dishes and dessert(mochi) which are also tasty. You should mix the grated yam with the rice to eat together. I ordered the Large size(260g) meal set which is ¥3060 Very good experience and highly suggest to arrive at least 30mins earlier(on weekends) to enter the basement for this tiny small eatery in the 1st round.

I can’t wait to go back Kyukatsu 123 on my next Tokyo trip in...

We came here for lunch and got there at 10am, we were first in line and the chef that was preparing the signs outside was not very friendly or helpful in where to lineup and the sign there was not accurate because once the line started to build up the shop owner next door complained and we were all escorted across the street to lineup where we were in the hot sun in the summertime. We waited in the hot sun for 30 minutes which was not pleasant. Once the shop opened we were lead inside, there are two tables that seat two each and a row of counter seats where you can watch the chefs prepare the food. I wish there was AC because even though we were inside from the sun the restaurant was still hot and I was sweating throughout the whole meal. Inside there wasn’t much decoration so it was a no frills kind of restaurant. But enough about the service and atmosphere because the food here is the only star of the show. The lunch menu is simple, 3 size choices for the gyukatsu and if you want grated yam, mentaiko, or mochi for dessert at an additional cost. I ordered the large and my wife ordered the medium. Your gyukatsu is served on a plate with a large helping of shredded cabbage and a small scoop of potato salad with a side of rice which you can get refilled for free. There’s a heated plate on the table for you to cook the gyukatsu to your liking along with dipping sauces and salad dressing. The gyukatsu was extremely tender and had a great flavor unlike the chain...