GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Shinjuku Otakibashi-dori — Restaurant in Tokyo

While on a family vacation where my mother suddenly decided to be fancy, we found a restaurant that serves Wagyu. We were a larger party for that restaurant, but they were able to seat us all near each other which was nice. The subtle separation was good for my mental health.

A Caucasian waiter who spoke what sounded like near-perfect Japanese was our server. My father-in-law thought he was French and repeated the words "oui oui" to him, hoping to spark an immediate friendship, or at the very least, induce a chuckle from him. The look of confusion on his face led me to ask, "where are you from" to which he answered, "I'm from Russia." Makes sense. I mean, it is significantly closer.

As we settled into our seats, we were all quite pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the prices were despite the fact that the restaurant was spotless and we were going to have deliciously breaded steak. Five of our party ordered the breaded scallop and breaded steak combo that was being advertised. One person ordered the Wagyu special which was about three times the price of the thing the rest of us ordered. I'll let you guess who that was.

If you guessed my mother, you'd be half right. The plan was to order it and then split it amongst the party so we could all enjoy some fancy breaded steak. I'm sure there are purists out there who don't think that steak should be breaded. If that's how you feel, I challenge you to come to Tokyo, stay at a hotel in Shinjuku, and try it once for yourself to see what all the fuss was about.

Anyway, our not-French-but-Russian waiter explained what everything on our individual trays were, explained how best to enjoy our meal, and valiantly tried to pronounce Worcestershire sauce (there was no Worcestershire sauce on the tray. He was looking for the most similar tasting western sauce in order to explain what one of the sauces were). The food was, as expected, delicious. The steaks were perfectly medium rare and the Wagyu was beautifully bloody (in a good way).

We all enjoyed our meals. The food was exactly what we were hoping for, the environment was so lovely that we were surprised by the prices, and the service was excellent.

When we left the restaurant, we saw that a line was already formed so if you plan on visiting, make sure you arrive early enough so that you don't caught in the dinner rush. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dinners. I'm definitely coming back the next time...

The place had a long line outside. They say us after 20 min wait. It didn't stink as badly as some other gyukatsu joints. My clothes needed a steam bath later in the evening.

The tight seating was a problem. Even the tables were small. They only have us 1 hot plate to share between 2 of us. Maybe because our table was pressed up against a wall. My back was pressed up against another diner.

They had an English menu. I had the tenderloin cut which cost more. They recommended their lean meat cut. For those who have not tried gyukatsu, you get served a plate of breaded raw beef slices which you are supposed to cook to your own selected doneness on the hot stove on your table. You are not expected to eat it raw. For an extra kick and depth to the flavor, it is recommended that you put wasabi on the raw meat before cooking it.

They had their special dashi sauce for dipping the cooked beef slices. I preferred this or dipping into the salt. I do not care for the Worcester sauce (the darker option). The miso soup is made of red miso so it is very heavily salted. You can get a free refill of the shredded cabbage which you can drizzle the ponzu sauce on.

They also sell cooked cutlets in bento boxes.

I'm taking a star off the food because it was good but not as yummy as what I had at Gyukatsu Momotaro.

I'm taking 2 stars off for service because of the fact that they provided 1 grill hot plate instead of 2 for our 2 diners. Also they took a while to come round to take out order.

I'm taking 2 stars off the ambience because of how tightly packed it was. But I give it one star back because seating was on the street level. Gyukatsu Momotaro is almost always in the basement when in Shinjuku, stinks to high heavens and is a steep and tight squeeze...

$34 for some Premium Wagyu Beef cutlet!?! I felt like I just hit a LICK. We really not in Kansas anymore..

This was my first meal in Japan, so I needed to kick it off right with that Premium Wagyu. I walked right in with no wait and it was mellow, a super nice change of pace from the chaotic Shinjuku streets.

This one of those gyukatsu spots which essentially just means you cook it right there on the little hot stone in front of you. I was having a field day MOGGING this Wagyu.

The first half of the cutlet was delicious, sent straight from the hand of Jesus. However, it was the 2nd half of the cutlet where I realized that Wagyu really is more of a delicacy as the fat content is so high. It was so damn rich. You’re really only supposed to eat 4oz max, and I probably had like 12oz. The staff probably thought I was nuts.

This was forsure too much Wagyu for one man, but I overcame it and finished it anyway because real champions don’t make excuses.

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