Ginza, a neighborhood where Japanese tradition coexists with the latest trends. It's one of Japan's premier shopping districts, lined with flagship stores of global luxury brands and long-established department stores. The strong brand power of this area is evident in the presence of flagship stores for various brands.
Venture into the backstreets, and you'll find retro cafes and brick buildings, allowing you to simultaneously enjoy the traditional atmosphere and modern stimulation that make Ginza so charming.
The dining scene is equally diverse, offering choices from centuries-old establishments to trendy restaurants incorporating the latest trends. In this article, we'll introduce you to 7 of the best yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants in Ginza neighbors for 2024.
What is Yakiniku in Japanese Cuisine?
Yakiniku is said to have been created by Koreans living in Japan. During the post-war food shortage, when meat was difficult to obtain, Korean residents began serving offal from cattle and pigs, which was being discarded at the time, at food stalls. The deliciousness of grilled offal quickly gained popularity, and eventually, the style of "grilling meat over direct fire" spread.
As yakiniku spread nationwide, it transitioned from food stalls to restaurants. Later, it evolved into its current style, expanding the menu to include items like roast and kalbi. In other words, yakiniku can be considered a Japanese cuisine that was born and developed in Japan.
Today, yakiniku restaurants are found throughout the country and have become a staple of Japanese cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Best Yakiniku / Japanese BBQ Restaurants in Ginza Neighbors for 2024
Yugentei Ginza Namikidori Branch
source：Official website
Yugentei Ginza Namikidori Branch is a high-end yakiniku restaurant operated by the famous nationwide chain "Jojoen". Using their expertise as specialists and leveraging their procurement routes, they offer only the finest, carefully selected ingredients. The interior is luxurious and elegant, with all seats in private rooms, perfect for special occasion dining.
I splurged on their most premium course, the "Chateaubriand Course" (32,000 yen). The staff grills the meat for you, so there's no need to worry about cooking times. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and refined flavor of the Chateaubriand are unforgettable.
Above all, the exceptionally high level of hospitality was impressive. Yugentei is truly an establishment that promises a special yakiniku experience.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 6F Royal Crystal Ginza, 5-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 03-3573-8989
・Hours: 11:30 - 21:30
・Official Website
USHIGORO S. GINZA
source：Tabelog
USHIGORO S. GINZA is a high-end yakiniku restaurant that boasts performance on par with Yugentei. Here, they use branded beef that has been meticulously selected from specific farms and bloodlines among Japanese wagyu. The courses, which offer luxurious dishes that go beyond the realm of typical yakiniku, range from 13,000 yen for "L" to 31,000 yen for "K", with five options in total.
While all the dishes served by the dedicated chef for each group are truly exquisite, the standout is the Chateaubriand katsu sandwich. The tender, flavorful meat combined with the luxurious aroma of truffles results in a very refined taste.
The beautiful presentation, reminiscent of an art piece, is impossible not to photograph. This is a special restaurant where attention to detail is evident in every aspect - the food, service, and ambiance.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 6F GINZA777 ADC BUILDING, 7-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: 12/31, 1/1, 1/2, 1/3
・Phone: 050-5595-6375
・Hours: Mon-Tue 17:00 - 23:30, Wed-Fri 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 23:30, Sat-Sun-Holidays 12:00 - 15:00, 16:00 - 23:30
・Official Website
Koshitsu Yakiniku Ginza Kitao
source：Tabelog
Koshitsu Yakiniku Ginza Kitao is a luxurious yakiniku restaurant that uses rare, highest-grade A5 ranked female beef. In modern and relaxed private rooms, a dedicated chef cooks in front of you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal and conversation.
The restaurant is equipped with smokeless grills, which is a pleasant feature as it prevents odors from clinging to your clothes and hair.
I chose the "Select Wagyu Course" (10,000 yen). You can enjoy various cuts of wagyu prepared in different ways. Despite the elaborate preparation, the cost-performance ratio is exceptionally good, and I was surprised by its affordability.
One of the pleasures at this restaurant is pairing the wagyu with one of the over 100 types of wine available. The clay pot rice served at the end was also delicious; when I visited, it was a luxurious rice dish topped with wagyu, sea urchin, and salmon roe. Ginza Kitao is a recommended spot where you can enjoy top-quality yakiniku at a reasonable price.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: B1F Kamiparu Building, 3-9-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: New Year holidays
・Phone: 050-5597-9692
・Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 23:00, Sat-Sun-Holidays 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Yonezawagyu Uesugi Ginza Main Store
source：Tabelog
Yonezawagyu Uesugi Ginza Main Store is a yakiniku restaurant operated by a wholesaler, allowing them to offer high-quality meat at reasonable prices. This luxurious restaurant lets you enjoy Yonezawa beef, one of Japan's top three wagyu brands, grilled over premium binchotan charcoal. In addition to yakiniku, you can enjoy a variety of dishes including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and meat sushi.
My favorite menu item is the "Feast of Lean Meat Course" (Akami no Utage) (12,000 yen), which includes filet. The fresh meat is best enjoyed lightly grilled like shabu-shabu and dipped in tangy ponzu sauce, allowing you to fully appreciate the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the meat. Lunch is incredibly reasonable, starting from 2,800 yen including appetizers, soup, dessert, and drinks.
There are hardly any other restaurants in Ginza's prime location that offer such high-quality meat at these prices.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 5F GICROS GINZAGEMS, 6-4-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Tuesdays
・Phone: 050-5456-2893
・Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Coco Nemaru Ginza
source：Tabelog
Coco Nemaru Ginza is a yakiniku restaurant operated by a company that manages branded beef cattle farms. The clean and relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from family meals to dates and special celebrations.
Wanting to try various cuts, I chose the "Kamiyasuhira Course" (12,000 yen). Although I don't usually eat very fatty meat, the sirloin of their "Mogamigyu" beef had a rich, flavorful fat content without being overwhelming - a taste I could enjoy every day.
The yukhoe appetizer was also outstanding in both freshness and seasoning, a dish I would confidently recommend even to those trying raw meat for the first time. On my next visit, I'd like to try the "Mogamigyu Select Lean Meat Lunch" (2,500 yen)!
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 1F LaLa Grande Ginza, 6-3-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 050-5570-6270
・Hours: Mon-Fri 16:00 - 03:00, Sat-Sun-Holidays 12:00 - 15:00, 16:00 - 22:30
・Official Website
Yakiniku Azasu Ginza
source：Tabelog
Yakiniku Azasu Ginza is a unique concept restaurant where you can enjoy yakiniku with all five senses. The luxurious interior mainly features counter seats, and you can enjoy views of Ginza through the windows. Some seats even offer a view of Tokyo Tower, sure to create lasting memories of your trip to Japan.
My favorite dish is the "Lemon and Green Onion Top Tongue with Salt" (2,200 yen). The deep umami of the tongue and the refreshing lemon spread throughout your mouth, creating an addictive deliciousness. Also, a must-try is the "Mille-feuille Yukhoe" (2,640 yen), which layers roast beef so fresh it can be eaten raw. You can enjoy the sweetness and richness of the meat, almost like a dessert.
Yakiniku Azasu is a new sensory restaurant filled with unique and innovative meat dishes that set it apart from other yakiniku places. The great atmosphere also makes it perfect for dates!
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 11F HULIC&New GINZA MIYUKI5, 5-5-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 050-5600-8953
・Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 23:00, Sat-Sun-Holidays 11:30 - 14:30, 17:00 - 23:00
・Official Website
Ginza Yakiniku Seigou
source：Tabelog
Ginza Yakiniku Seigou is a yakiniku restaurant particularly popular among offal lovers. The interior features all private rooms, with a luxurious atmosphere perfect for adults. Even though I don't usually eat much offal, I always order the "Mino" (first stomach) and "Shimacho" (large intestine) here. Both have an addictively chewy and crunchy texture, and the Mino, with its milder taste, is recommended even for those not accustomed to eating offal.
My favorite, the "Special Fillet" (6,600 yen), has a fluffy and light texture almost like cotton candy, with a wonderful sweetness. Also, the "Seigou Yukhoe" (2,200 yen) is perfect as a drinking snack when mixed with its sweet sauce and rich egg yolk. Ginza Yakiniku Seigo is the perfect place for adults to enjoy drinks while savoring excellent yakiniku.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: 3F Ginza Southern Building, 8-10-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 050-5593-0442
・Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Holidays, Day before Holidays, Day after Holidays 17:00 - 23:00, Sat-Sun 11:30 - 23:00
・Official Website
Tips for Enjoying Yakiniku
There are two types of yakiniku restaurants: those where you grill the meat yourself and those where staff cook and serve the meat for you. If you want to focus on conversation and dining, it's best to choose a restaurant where staff do the grilling. If you're cooking for yourself, knowing a few tips can help you achieve delicious results.
First, it's important not to grill too much meat at once to ensure optimal cooking time for each cut. Also, flipping the meat only once is key to grilling it deliciously. This helps retain the meat's juiciness and flavor. Once it's grilled to perfection, enjoy it with your preferred sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion
Ginza, a neighborhood representing Tokyo, offers a variety of yakiniku restaurants. From high-end brand restaurants operated by large yakiniku chains to modern establishments with beautiful views, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and needs.
Ginza, with its array of global brand stores, is the perfect place to savor the finest Japanese wagyu. The 7 restaurants we've introduced are among the best yakiniku spots in the highly competitive Ginza area. In particular, the yakiniku cooked right before your eyes by skilled chefs will surely provide an unforgettable dining experience.
Enjoy your time pairing delicious drinks with yakiniku.