If you’re after a hearty steak rice in Yokohama , Center Beef in Kannai is a name you can’t miss. It’s become so popular that it’s even opened a branch in Shibuya. I had to pop by and see what all the fuss was about.
In this post, I’ll give you a first-hand look at the food, vibe, and ordering experience—perfect if you’re into viral foodie spots, solo lunches, or just love a good slab of steak with rice!
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What is Center Beef? Signature steak at Center Beef, Juicy antibiotic -free steak Center Beef is all about quality. Their beef comes from cattle raised without antibiotics , which means not only is it safe and clean, but you also get to enjoy the natural, rich flavor of the meat. They also specifically use female cattle , which are known for their tenderness and beautifully marbled fat. These cows are more labor-intensive to raise, but the result is steak that’s matured and packed with flavor.
Basic information Location ：1F Kure Building, 2-5-1 Suehiro-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa PrefectureOpening Hours： Access ：a short 3-minute walk from JR Kannai Station
Klook.com Inside the Restaurant View of the restaurant from the seats, open kitchen The layout is simple and inviting: a semi-circular counter with around 10 seats surrounding an open kitchen. It’s a relaxed and comfortable space that’s especially ideal for solo diners. You get to watch your steak being grilled right in front of you, and everything looked spotlessly clean—always a good sign!
Self-Serve Drinks (Including Beer!) Preparing your own water （right） and beer server(left) As soon as you walk in, you’ll spot a self-serve water station on the left . It’s best to grab a glass before you sit down to avoid squeezing past others—the place is compact, and the walkways can feel a bit tight. If you order a beer, you’ll be pouring it yourself from the beer tap, which adds to the casual, no-fuss vibe.
The Menu Menu list, beef curry on the right and steak bowl on the left There are only two main dishes : Steak Rice and Beef Curry—but don’t be fooled by the simplicity. You can completely customize your meal with various rice bases, toppings, and sizes.
How to Order Steak Rice: Choose your meat size S (¥1090), M (¥1390), L (¥1690), XL (¥2090), Mega (¥2990)
Pick your rice Original Steak Rice
Add toppings Raw egg, garlic whip, extra butter, fresh garlic (+¥100)
Beef Curry Options General Beef Curry Braised Beef Curry (¥880)
Customise with Garlic rice, soft-boiled egg rice, cheese topping (each +¥100)
What I Ordered I went for their signature Steak Rice with an extra portion of their recommended mashed potato on the side.
Taste Test: What’s It Like? Center beef steak rice with additional order of specialty mashed potatoes My first bite? Juicy , lean red meat that was super easy to eat . The steak was tender and full of flavor, and it paired beautifully with the rice. That said, a few pieces were fattier and had a bit more connective tissue, which made them a bit tougher to chew—but nothing too off-putting. Overall, it had a bold, slightly rugged feel that meat lovers will enjoy.
In the middle of the bowl sat a generous scoop of whipped butter. Mixing it all together made the steak even more indulgent , adding a creamy richness. The mashed potato was surprisingly light , acting as a great palate cleanser between mouthfuls of rich meat and sauce.
Sauce Time: Two Flavors for the Win Radish sauce(left) and addictive center sauce(right) You get two house sauces with your steak:Oiso Sauce – a rich glaze that boosts the umami of the steakRadish Sauce – a zesty, slightly tangy option that refreshes the palate
Alternating between these two adds loads of depth and keeps every bite exciting.
Was There a Queue? I went on a weekday and didn’t have to wait at all . But just after I was seated, a queue started forming and soon the place was full. Peak lunch hours (around 12:00–13:00) are packed with office workers, so timing matters.
Once you’ve ordered, it takes about 15 minutes to get your steak —so while it’s not lightning-fast, it’s worth the short wait. After 13:30 , the pace slows and seats open up more easily.
Final Thoughts If you’re in the Kannai area of Yokohama and craving a proper, satisfying steak meal, Center Beef is a must-visit. It’s casual , solo-diner-friendly, and the customization options let you create your perfect bowl.
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