Yakiniku Ikuta yoyogi — Restaurant in Tokyo

Let me start off by saying, I’ve tried visiting 3 restaurants that serve Kobe beef, and they were either closed or required reservation. Yakiniku is like a hole in the wall, a gem or so you can say finding a needle in a haystack. This restaurant serves amazing food, and the staff speaks English very well.

I actually arrived 1 hour before opening without a reservation and dinner for myself only. I ran into a lady whom I discovered is the restaurant manager, her name is Eriko Ikeno and she was so kind and helpful, because I had no reservation she said no problem, and asked me to return within 1 hour. I haven’t been so exited for trying food in a long time! 1 hour later, I arrived, the front desk was already expecting me. They took me over to my table, with all the preparations ready. The staff took my jacket and backpack. Now this is my first time trying Kobe beef, and Eriko Ikeno was so helpful, she gave me pretty much a lesson 101 on the different cuts of Kobe beef, as well as what would go well (drink wise) with the cuts. I chose 2 types of marinated cuts, some mushrooms and the chateaubriand. They provide a small appetizer, I’m guessing it’s amuse-bouche. Upon arrival, the staff showed me the best way to sear the steak on the grill and which sauce and salts they recommend. I’ve tried all the sauce, and they are all unique and equally taste wonderful. The sake went well with the beef, because of the rich fat. It leaves a coating in your mouth for a wonderful after taste. And having some sake enriched the flavors even more! My only drawback is that I came to this restaurant alone, and you know what they say. With good company, the food taste better. I will forever be returning to Yakiniku Ikuta. My experience will always be...

Went to this place while we were in Japan, I rarely write reviews but my oh my was this place special and English friendly. I had to come here twice during my trip. My Fiancée and I did not make a reservation on our first visit (Saturday). We actually waited and walked in a little after they opened and luckily we were seated. We opted to go for the tasting which was less than $100 USD it is worth it and filling. Though I would advise if you aren't okay with eating intestine should opt to choose something else not entirely sure if they give you another option but eh I wanted to the experience so we gave it try. They do a lovely job of explaining how to cook the meat and the history and story of each items that are being presented to you. At the end of it they do provide you with some mints and hot tea. At one point though I actually excused myself to step in an help translate to for what I am to believe was a couple from Spain. They were so thankful for my helpful in translating We decided we should try some more of their wagyu beef and ended up making a reservation for Tuesday. On our second visit we went ahead and went for their premium roughly $230 USD. I must say we were in heaven be prepared to spend some money as this beef is pretty pricey. They actually left a notice and even treated us to some free wagyu sushi as a thank you for translating the last visit. But the beef absolutely melts in your mouth like butter it was so delicious we ended up ordering more. It's quite the experience and if you are ever in Japan it is a place truly worth checking out also I do not believe they had a time limit in place so that's a plus. If I'm ever back in Japan this will definitely be a spot I...

If you want a grill it yourself Kobe Wagyu beef experience, this is the place. The experience and vibe I've experienced with my friends and family was wonderful and chill. Don't let the Korean sides menu confuse you, this is Japanese Kobe Yakiniku place. The Kobe meet varieties and cuts are of quality and delicious. At the end, they've served hot tea and a small serving of mango sorbet to end our experience. The service is good depending on how experience the server you get so in terms of service, your mileage may very here.

If you're looking for a Kobe meet omakase place, this may not be the place, as the menu on retty website doesn't 100% reflect the menu they have in-person. Not sure if the experience is different if you make a reservation online and pre-selecting that course with the reservation vs. making the reservation via phone with the hotel a day prior to dining with this restaurant.

Note: The owner is very kind and friendly. He'll stop by and make sure you're enjoying your Kobe Yakiniku experience. At the end when you pay, he'll offer free assortment of candies from mints, gummies, gums, etc. I will say, we did talk too much to the owner when we left, that he forgot to offer the same treatment to another customer, however, when he realized he missed a customer, he literally chased / ran for a block to offer them candy. Talk about leading by example for great...