Tokyo's yakiniku scene is becoming more diverse than ever, entering a new era filled with surprises and unique dining experiences.
While classic wagyu beef remains popular, more attention is being drawn to sustainable yakiniku that considers the environment, entertainment-style presentations that add a live, interactive element, and private room dining that offers a more personal and comfortable experience.
In addition, lamb is emerging as a major trend this year, gaining strong support from health-conscious diners and those seeking more global flavors.
Yakiniku is evolving from something you “simply eat” into something you “experience”. In this article, we introduce 5 must-visit yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo that capture these cutting-edge trends for 2026.
Yakiniku Mochio 
This yakiniku restaurant is sister store to a well-loved Italian spot "malca" in Gaienmae. It reflects the group’s shared commitment to sustainability and infuses Italian culinary influences into its dishes. While rooted in traditional yakiniku, the restaurant offers a unique, cross-genre dining experience with innovative flavors.
Popular Course – “Yakiniku Mochio Luxury Course” (¥15,000 incl. tax).
Indulge in signature dishes from Mochio, including the ever-popular beef carpaccio, premium cuts of Kuroge Wagyu such as top-grade tongue and harami, and a shabu-shabu hot pot featuring seasonal vegetables and select cuts of Kobe beef.
🔹 Enjoy rare cuts from whole Kobe beef, purchased directly
🔸 Courses featuring both yakiniku and shabu-shabu available
🔹 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Exit A3)
🔸 View past article: [LINK]
Yakiniku Kokon
“Yakiniku Kokon” – Where Tradition Meets Innovation, in All-Private Rooms. Honoring the essence of classic yakiniku while offering inventive dishes found nowhere else. Its signature item, the Kokon Royal Burger, is a luxurious creation featuring Chateaubriand and lobster.
Popular Course – “Yakiniku Kokon Omakase Course” (¥22,000 incl. tax). A luxurious 13-course experience featuring yukhoe (Korean-style beef tartare), premium tongue and harami, the signature Kokon Royal Burger, dashi-style shabu-shabu, clay pot rice, and a dessert selection.
🔹 A fusion of classic and creative – an evolving yakiniku experience
🔸 All-private dining with a refined atmosphere
🔹 10-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 2)
Yaki Shabu.jp Ikebukuro
A new-style yakiniku restaurant where you can enjoy both yakiniku and shabu-shabu in one pot — now open this year!
Alongside all-you-can-eat options, the menu features tasting courses with premium wagyu and rare cuts. On weekends and holidays, enjoy authentic wagyu at a great value with the special Lunchtime Yaki-Shabu Course, starting from just ¥3,000.
Popular Course – “90-Minute All-You-Can-Eat & Drink Wagyu Course” (¥7,800 incl. tax). Enjoy unlimited servings of beef tongue, Wagyu loin, Wagyu nigiri, and more — all paired with 90 minutes of free-flow drinks.
🔹 Savor both yakiniku and shabu-shabu in one pot
🔸 All-you-can-eat and drink courses are available
🔹 Just a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (Seibu South Exit)
Ushiya Gimbee Ginza Main Store
An innovative yakiniku experience where French culinary creativity meets premium Kobe beef. Set in a beautifully designed Taisho-era modern interior, this stylish space adds a touch of elegance to any special occasion. Visually stunning and delicious dishes make it the perfect choice for anniversaries and romantic dates.
Popular Course – “Kobe & Kuroge Wagyu Course” (HK$855/¥14,250~ incl. tax). This course lets you savor carefully selected Wagyu cuts, including authentic Kobe beef and the restaurant’s signature “Ultimate Salted Tongue”.
🔹 Enjoy farm-direct Kobe beef
🔸 Perfect for anniversaries, business dinners, or date nights
🔹 Just a 5-minute walk from Ginza Station (Exit C2), Tokyo Metro
Azabujuban no Hitsuji
Enjoy authentic Jingisukan grilled over a charcoal shichirin grill, paired with over 30 varieties of domestic craft beer and fine wines.
Set in a calm, modern atmosphere, this spot is popular for its great-value weekend and holiday lunch courses, as well as daytime drinking plans.
Source: Facebook @azabunohitsuji
Popular Course – Weekend & Holiday Lunchtime “Jingisukan with Drinks Course” (¥3,980 incl. tax). Savor four types of lamb grilled over a charcoal shichirin in this 10-item course, complete with 90 minutes of all-you-can-drink.
🔹 Perfect pairing of lamb and craft beer
🔸 All-you-can-eat and drink plans also available
🔹 Just a 5-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station (Toei Oedo Line, Exit 5a)
*Note: The above prices are approximate in HKD based on the exchange rate as of October 2025. The actual amount will be calculated according to the credit card exchange rate on the day of purchase. Please check the latest prices before making a reservation.