If you’re craving premium Japanese beef in Tokyo, Tama Niwa Yakiniku Koenji is a must-visit spot! Located just a 4-5 minute walk from Koenji Station, this cozy restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with various seating options, including traditional hori-gotatsu (sunken seating) and standard tables, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and a smooth, user-friendly tablet ordering system. We kicked off our meal with a crisp Heineken—a refreshing way to complement the rich flavors of yakiniku.
To start, we tried two standout vegetable dishes: celery kimchi and chōregi salad. The celery kimchi delivered a spicy kick with the crunch of fresh celery and mixed vegetables, while the chōregi salad, featuring cucumber, apple, and carrots, offered a light and tangy blend of sweetness and acidity—a refreshing prelude to the main course.
For the main event, the Jo-Tan Shio (premium salted beef tongue) was a highlight. Grilled over a shichirin (charcoal brazier), the beef tongue’s chewy yet tender texture, combined with a squeeze of lemon, created a flavorful and unforgettable experience.
Next, we savored the Matsusaka Beef Jo-Kalbi (premium short ribs). Known for its exquisite marbling, this top-grade beef was exceptionally soft, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Remarkably, it was also reasonably priced, delivering outstanding value for its quality.
One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the Nomu Ro-su (“Drinkable Roast”), and it truly lives up to its name. Lightly grilled to maintain its rare texture, the roast was served over rice with a rich egg yolk dip. The result? An indulgent, buttery-soft dish that was pure luxury.
Another unique offering was the Olive Beef Rump from Kagawa Prefecture, renowned for its superior fat quality. Grilled with salt or paired with lemon or gochujang sauce, the meat had a subtle sweetness that perfectly balanced its high-quality fat. This was yet another standout discovery.
To end our meal, we enjoyed chilled noodles served in a sweet and tangy broth with a touch of vinegar—a refreshing way to cleanse the palate. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream was rich and creamy, providing a delightful finish to an exceptional meal.
Overall, Tama Niwa Yakiniku Koenji impressed us with its premium-quality dishes, reasonable prices, and attentive service. Whether you’re a yakiniku enthusiast or a first-timer, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. We can’t wait to return!
