Gyukatsu Motomura Harajuku Branch — Restaurant in Tokyo

I had heard plenty of buzz about Gyukatsu Motomura before my trip — mostly from food blogs and YouTube videos calling it a “must-eat” spot in Tokyo. After trying it for myself, I can confidently say: believe the hype. This place serves one of the most satisfying and unique meals I had during my entire stay in Japan.

Let’s start with what gyukatsu actually is — think tonkatsu, but instead of pork, you get tender beef cutlet, lightly breaded and deep-fried just until the outside is golden and crispy, while the inside stays rare and juicy. At Motomura, it’s taken to the next level with the addition of a tiny personal grill at your seat where you can cook the slices to your preferred doneness. Honestly, I had never experienced anything quite like it.

I visited the Shibuya branch, which is tucked away on a basement floor not far from the scramble crossing. It’s not the easiest place to spot, but just follow the line — there’s almost always one. I waited about 30 minutes around lunchtime, but trust me, it was worth every second.

I ordered the standard gyukatsu set with grated yam and rice. When it arrived, I was amazed by the presentation: thick slices of pink-centered beef, fluffy white rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and a wooden tray with three dipping sauces (soy, wasabi, and horseradish). The moment I placed the beef on the grill and heard that gentle sizzle, I knew I was in for something special.

The beef itself is incredibly tender — no chewing battles here — and has a rich, beefy flavor that works beautifully with the crunchy outer coating. I loved experimenting with the sauces and cooking the slices to different temperatures. My personal favorite? Medium rare, with a dab of wasabi and a touch of soy.

The grated yam (tororo) was something I’d never had before. It’s slimy in texture and definitely an acquired taste, but it adds a unique contrast when poured over rice. I found it oddly refreshing and earthy — a nice cool counterpoint to the hot, rich beef.

The portion size was just right — filling but not heavy. I left satisfied but not sluggish, which I can’t always say after fried food.

The staff were friendly and efficient, even though the restaurant was packed. They had an English menu available, and even a small instruction card that explains how to use the grill and sauces. It’s super tourist-friendly without feeling commercial or watered-down.

For around 1,500 yen, this meal was incredible value. Considering the quality of beef and the unique experience, it felt like a steal.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid the line, come early or go during off-hours. But honestly, even if you have to wait, it’s...

Worst worst worst restaurant I’ve experienced in Japan!!! 12/6/24 came here with me & my 2 adult kids around 740pm and waited since I saw signs that it only had 17 seats & people were in line, so I figured it would be all worth the wait!! Mid way through the line, lady who was alone in front of us which her husband out of no sight the entire time decided to join her while we’ve been waiting the past 20 min & there are several signs of no cutting in line!! But 5-10 min later a server came up the stairs asking how many in each party, once she came to me I said 3 and since I can’t speak Japanese, I needed a translator. I told her that the lady husband in front of us cut in line, which she acknowledged to them and apologize that they needed to leave. I appreciated that she took my consideration but where was my apology since I can understand that in Japanese.

Waited a little longer again, mind you I was noticing another server going up & down the stairs for about 3-4x..

Then 40 min later of waiting and we were still behind 3 couples..that same server decides to tell me that all meat is sold out!!!!

REALLY!!!!! After almost an hour of waiting, and this server noticed it since she was going up & down the stairs, she should’ve told us 1/2 hr earlier instead of wasting my time!!

This restaurant needs to do better!!!! They notice meat was sold around 830 but u wait till 9pm to tell your customers!!! Doesn’t this restaurant close at 10pm but you’re already out of meat???? Make sure you have enough meat in stock so that people are not wasting time waiting for this place!!

I should’ve read all the reviews before...

Totally worth the hype - although I will say that I got there early and didn’t wait in a line!

First of all - as others mentioned - the Google maps directions are wrong. You have to enter on the main street, not the smaller street on the other side of the building.

I got there on Saturday at 10:50 and was second in line. Promptly at 11, they sat us. I got the 1.5 cutlet which was a bit too much food for me as an average sized woman who was not very hungry. I probably should have gotten just one cutlet - you can always add more meat.

I also got the 3 side dishes - the grated radish was fine, kind of gloopy which isn’t my favorite texture. Spicy cod roe was fine (not usually something I like anyway, so probably shouldn’t have ordered it - but it was only 100 yen). Mochi came with two small pieces - tasty but a bit too sweet. Again - only 100 yen, but wouldn’t get it again. I’m glad I tried all the side dishes but didn’t love.

The meat was perfect! So tender, almost melt in your mouth. The sauce for the salad (that is in a dispenser on the table) is incredible! So umami.

Thoroughly enjoyed this meal - so glad I came! And really happy I didn’t have to wait. By the time I left around 11:40, there were probably 20 people in line - so definitely recommend getting there at least 10-15m early so you can get in for the first...