Best Yakiniku in Shibuya: Top 15 Rated BBQ Restaurants

Tokyo, Shibuya — “Kouritei.” Don’t be fooled by this humble basement tucked beneath an old building; at first glance you might ask, “Is this really a yakiniku place?” This low-key, word-of-mouth gem is a secret shrine among Shibuya regulars. Open since 1972, it’s quietly fed locals for over 50 years with top-quality meat and uniquely warm service — the beloved throne of “Tokyo’s famous yakiniku.” Thinking of going? Sorry — no reservations, walk-ins only.

Inside, the mood feels like stepping into a retro Korean-style eatery. On the table: kimchi, diced radish kimchi, Korean pickles, seaweed, green chili, perilla leaves and fresh lettuce — everything set to make you think, “This is going to be a feast!” The grill leans toward classic Korean-style flavors: thick, satisfying cuts that surprise you with their richness. One bite and pure happiness detonates.

Special touch: the mom-style service is real — the staff will wrap a perfectly grilled piece of meat in lettuce or perilla, pop it into your mouth, and give you that big, delighted “Aah~.” It’s the cozy, pampering feel of being fussed over like family.

The signature is the generously thick-sliced beef tongue: meaty, juicy and packed with flavor. There’s also tender karubi and harami, grilled so the fat is distributed evenly and it never feels greasy. At the end they serve a fruit plate and small Korean sweets like rice crackers and tteok — the perfect finish. Don’t forget: the portions and pace here earned them a reputation for “fast, furious, and satisfying” — you’ll leave full and already promising yourself, “I’ll be back!”