Want to eat wagyu in Osaka? On our Japan to-eat list was great beef, so we decided to try the multi-course beef tasting at Tsurugyu in Osaka.
We didn’t have plans to travel to Kobe – it’s about a 35-minute train ride from Osaka – but we knew it was still possible to taste great wagyu in the foodie city of Osaka. So, I found this restaurant in my research that offered a beef tasting. This would be a good opportunity to try different cuts, and we walked away very pleased with the experience!
Keep reading to learn more.
About Beef
First, a beef primer. Wagyu beef is one of the best in the world because of its marbling (read: tender meat). There are four breeds of wagyu but the majority are Japanese Black. Now, various areas of Japan have their own brand of wagyu. Trademarks were allowed starting in 2006 and there are 11 registered brands, Tajima beef and Kobe beef are two of them. Kobe beef is the highest quality of Tajima beef. The certifications indicate their bloodline, how they were raised, and other criteria.
In the U.S., food labeling is lax, so you’ll see the Kobe name thrown around for marketing, but there are fewer than 40 restaurants that actually serve Kobe beef. You may also see A5 Wagyu, a high-quality beef from Japan but it’s not Kobe beef.
In Japan, restaurants must pay for their designation to advertise Kobe beef, but it’s not a requirement to serve it. There’s no shortage of places serving Kobe beef and if you want to be 100% sure you’re eating Kobe beef, check the designation website and go to one of these registered restaurants, though it will probably cost you more.
In short, I didn’t check the website and booked Tsurugyu because I read that they serve Kobe beef. Could I have tasted the difference between Kobe and Tajima? Probably not. Did I have an incredible meal? Yes!
Tsurugyu
Their menu is available on their website, and they’ll also provide a menu in English at the restaurant. Here’s what the menu looks like:
We had already decided we wanted to do a set tasting, which they have three options: 7,700 JPY; 8,800 JPY; or 9,900 JPY. The more expensive courses have added sashimi, noodles or rice, or dessert. We went with the 7,700 JPY (about $50 USD) course and subbed the intestines for sirloin.
In Japanese, they call Tsurugyu a “yakiniku” restaurant or one where you cook pieces of meat on a small grill with charcoal in front of you. They set up our grill when we arrived and after we chose our course, the dishes started arriving, one by one.
Our tasting included:
- Kimchi, Namuru (boiled vegetables), Salad
- Sio Tan (salt and tongue)
- Keta (cubic)
- Salt Kalbi (rib)
- First-class bara (belly)
- Special first-class Misuji (shoulder)
- Steak in cube
- Sirloin
I thought it was cute that our meal ended with a shot of blended veggies and tea.
It was plate after plate of meat, but it was a satiable amount. And did you see the meat marbling? So many pieces simply melted in the mouth! Each meat also had a specific way of enjoying it. Most had a specific sauce to use, one had vegetable accompaniments, and another was a lettuce wrap. They were great ways to vary the meal and enhance the flavors.
How to Make a Reservation
I made a reservation through their website about three weeks before our meal. Their website is connected to a reservation service called Retty. I believe they will try to call to confirm your reservation and charge your card, but I didn’t receive a call and my reservation was not canceled. It seemed like they had room for walk-ins, so if you’re interested, call ahead on the day or walk by to check.
How to Get There
The restaurant is near Dotonbori in Osaka, about a 10-minute walk to Nippombashi Station. The outside of the restaurant looks like this:
Details for Your Visit
Here’s a quick list of what to know prior to your visit.
- Cuisine: Beef
- Meal offered: Dinner
- Ambiance: Casual, cool
- Attire: Business casual
- Noise Level: Quiet-average
- Reservation: Available online and recommended
- Groups: Available to book online
Tsurugyu
3 Chome-5-14 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066, Japan
https://tsurugyu.foodre.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/tsurugyu/
