Yufu Mabushi "Shin" Yufuin Ekimae Branch — Restaurant in Yufu

This is a very popular small little restaurant with delicious food. The restaurant has about 10-12 tables, which may result in longer waiting times. The restaurant has large tables and so accommodate larger groups but if you go in pairs you may have to share a table. We shared a table and found no issues with it. Be mindful that the line outside the door is in addition to those who are already waiting inside. We put our name down once inside and whilst waiting could view the meals being prepared. We went around lunch time and waited for about 30 minutes. We were seated in the order we arrived. We ordered the beef claypot, that we shared between two (approx. 2 bowls of rice each). I believe that the price is per person, however we had been picking our way through Yufuin and we weren't after a substantial meal. Our lunch arrived in a hot claypot with rice on the bottom and slices of beef placed on top. We were provided with an array of condiments to have with our meal. There is a strategy to eating this dish, which they explain to you in the beginning. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Evidently, given the line outside, they were busy but always available to answer our questions. Service was also quick. I would definitely reccommend this place. Yufuin is amazing and I highly reccommend picking your way through the cuisine this small picturesque town has to offer. This place may appear pricier than your typical Japenese ramen restaurants but you walk away very satisfied. If you don't like waiting, I would suggest dining elsewhere, however it...

We arrived with the 1115 Yufuin No Mori and rush to the restaurant located nearest to the station. The main restaurant is just too far with kids in tow. Theres already a line by the the time reached, and waited about 30mins before shown to our table in the Japanese style room.

The orders were already taken when you are in queue, so once seated, towels, drinks and appetizers will be served.

We gotten the eel and chicken set to share (its just too much rice). And a ala carte roast beef. GET THE BEEF!!! It just melts in your mouth.

Dont be in a hurry to finish the whole pot of rice at once.

Mix the rice, scoop ONE scoop into the small bowl. Enjoy the original taste.

Scoop ONE scoop, add in the sauces available. (Theres individual sauce for beef, chicken, eel. Some yuzu pepper and spicy miso)

Scoop ONE scoop, add in the dashi (from the porcelain teapot)

So, which method did you enjoy most? You may now finish the remaining rice in whichever method you preferred. My kids love the eel with...

Queued 1h 45m for this under the drizzle as the queue is out in the open. My mum and I took turns to wait in line; while she queued, I went to the information counter to grab a map and also, collected our JR train tickets. I suggest skipping this if you’re with elderly or with kids. It’s not worth the wait/queue.

Ordered a side of their beef, claypot rice of beef and eel and 美酒. Their side order of beef is tender and soft. Claypot beef is good too however, I’ll skip the eel claypot rice. The eel is average. The rice tasted good after you pour the clear broth at the end of the meal. It becomes congee.

this place is good for their beef but not the eel.

Trying this once is enough. I enjoyed my meal however, it’s not fantastic till a point, it makes me wana return back. It’s all about the hype amongst foreigners/tourists who visits Yufuin. There are better places that serves better beef and eel than this.

You can give it a try if the queue isn’t absurd otherwise, it’s not worth queuing...