GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Shibuya Dogenzaka — Restaurant in Tokyo

I came upon this restaurant by chance as I was strolling around Shibuya. I got attracted by its big, flashy, well-lit front. There was a television in the window and I was curious to see what was showing. As I came near the window I saw the huge display of the restaurant's menu. To my surprise it was written in English, which I think is still rare in Tokyo and useful for foreign tourists. As I speak Japanese, I don't care much, so that is the gyukatsu (fried beef) that got my attention. I had always wanted to try gyukatsu before and never had the chance so I decided to go for it this time as the video made me salivating.

The restaurant is in the basement of the building. It is not wheelchair accessible and the stairs to go down are quite steep. As I got in, I got warmly welcomed by the staff and shown my seat. There is a dinning counter as well as a dozen of tables. The place is super well-lit and the decoration although minimal is nice with the wood counter and chairs and tables. It is not a fine dining restaurant as it feels more like something between a fast food restaurant and a regular restaurant, but it is comfortable to spend an hour or so on your own or with friends. The way the tables are set could allow for a big group to eat in.

The staff is friendly and most seemed to be able to speak some English as I heard from a couple of tables away from mine. Everything is written in English as well : the menu and instructions on how to eat the fried beef, which can seem unnecessary until you receive your plate and are not used to this type of Japanese set meal. I thought it was a nice thoughtful touch to have.

As for the most important part, the food, I would say that it was pretty good. I was not blown away, but I found that for the price around 1600 yens (14.50 USD) the serving was generous and the meat tasty enough to satisfy me. I enjoyed the set meal style in which I got rice, some spinach, a delicious miso soup, cabbage and the fried beef. The beef was well-cooked and the fried part not too greasy. It also came with complimentary cold tea.

Overall I would say I had a good experience at this restaurant. I wouldn't linger around for long, but if I'm ever craving gyukatsu again, I will definitively...

After loving my first visit to Gyukatsu Motomura, I decided to check out another location — this time the Dogenzaka branch. It’s just a short walk uphill from the famous Shibuya crossing, tucked into one of the side streets. Even though I had high expectations, this visit somehow felt even better — maybe because I knew exactly what to do, or maybe because the vibe here was a little more relaxed.

The restaurant is a bit more spacious than the basement location, with a few more tables and brighter lighting. The staff were super welcoming — even offered me an English menu without asking. I only waited around 15 minutes, which is a miracle for lunch in Shibuya.

I went for the same set as last time — gyukatsu with grated yam and rice — but added the extra beef upgrade, and I’m glad I did. The slices were just as juicy and pink in the center, and grilling them on the tabletop stone was just as satisfying. This time, I experimented more with the sauces — soy sauce with wasabi is still my favorite combo, but the rock salt really brought out the beef flavor, especially when seared slightly longer.

One thing I appreciated at this branch: the grill stone seemed to stay hot longer, which gave me more time to cook without rushing. It sounds like a small thing, but it actually made the experience feel more relaxed. The cabbage was crisp and fresh, and the rice was fluffy — no complaints on quality.

Service was just as smooth as the flagship — polite, efficient, and attentive. Even with a lot of tourists in the room, they kept everything moving without rushing people out.

Overall, this branch offers everything I loved about my first visit, but with a slightly more laid-back pace and a bit more breathing room. It still amazes me that you can get this kind of quality for under 2,000 yen in the...

Fried Steak at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Shibuya Dogenzaka

Today, I visited "Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu," located on Dogenzaka in Shibuya. This restaurant specializes in fried steak, and I was looking forward to this dining experience. Overall, it was very satisfying and worth sharing with everyone.

First of all, the quality of the beef here is quite high. The fried steak is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with delicious meat that makes you want to take bite after bite. The accompanying sauce is also very tasty, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. The restaurant sources its beef reliably, which shows their commitment to high-quality ingredients.

In terms of service, the staff at the restaurant are very friendly and enthusiastic. Even when I encountered some language barriers during my meal, their English proficiency was excellent, making it easy for me to place my order and ask questions. The staff not only patiently explained the menu but also showed genuine concern for my dining experience, making me feel right at home. The restaurant's environment is also quite comfortable, allowing us to enjoy our meal very pleasantly.

Finally, I was very satisfied with the price of the food for this dining choice. In this area, being able to enjoy such high-quality steak offers great value for money, making it an undoubtedly enjoyable culinary experience.

Overall, "Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Shibuya Dogenzaka" is a restaurant I highly recommend. Whether it's the quality of the food, the level of service, or the ambiance, I felt very satisfied. If you are in the Shibuya area, I strongly suggest you come here to try their fried steak; you definitely won't be...