Tokyo Eats: Indulging in Premium Wagyu Yukhoe at yakiniku.ushicoco in Nakameguro

08/29/2025

An unforgettable lunch experience with raw wagyu, top-quality rice, and a front-row seat to the kitchen.
Hi there! Today I’m sharing a must-try lunch spot in Tokyo’s trendy Naka Meguro area — yakiniku.ushicoco, a stylish and intimate Japanese BBQ restaurant (or yakiniku) that

One standout menu item? Their A5-grade wagyu yukhoe set — a raw beef dish that’s rarely found in Japan due to strict food safety laws. However, yakiniku.ushicoco holds the necessary license to serve this delicacy safely. If you’re a foodie on the hunt for something special in Tokyo, this is one to add to your list.

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What Makes yakiniku.ushicoco Special?

Licensed for Yukhoe (Raw Beef)

This yukhoe (raw beef) is a certified safe dish, approved by a limited number of establishments in Japan. Please enjoy it with peace of mind.

Raw beef dishes are rarely served in Japan due to hygiene regulations, but this restaurant is officially approved by local health authorities to serve yukhoe, the Korean-style seasoned raw beef dish. Here, it’s made with Japan’s finest A5 kuroge wagyu (black-haired wagyu).

Premium Japanese Rice (Koshihikari from Uonuma)

Domestically grown rice is plump and has a subtle sweetness.

The rice served with their lunch sets comes from Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture, an area renowned for producing some of the best rice in Japan. Glossy, slightly sweet, and incredibly fragrant, it pairs beautifully with the rich beef.

From Classic Cuts to Rare Delicacies

This is wagyu beef restaurant where you can dine at relatively reasonable prices.

Whether you’re into familiar favorites or looking to try rarer cuts of wagyu, the menu is packed with options that will satisfy even seasoned yakiniku fans.

If you loved yukhoe, wait until you try endless cuts of Japanese wagyu.

Restaurant Info & Access

This restaurant is located on the 4th floor of this building. You can access it via the lift or stairs.

Name: yakiniku.ushicoco
Address: 4F Leadsea Nakameguro Building, 2-16-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) – 2-minute walk
Opening Hours: Lunch: 11:30–14:00
Dinner: 17:00–22:00
Closed: Mondays
Reservations: Not accepted for lunch, but recommended for dinner.
Parking: Not available

What’s It Like Inside?

The seating is styled to be integrated with the kitchen.

The restaurant is cozy with just 16 counter seats wrapped around the open kitchen. You get to watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you — it’s like dinner and a show. The space has a quiet, relaxed vibe, making it perfect for solo lunches or calm midweek meals.

The Lunch Menu – A Highlight

Wagyu Yukhoe Set (includes rice, soup, side dishes, and a drink)

Single: ¥1,518
Double: ¥2,860 (includes 1 rice/soup refill)
Triple: ¥4,290 (includes 2 rice/soup refills)

Other Sets (includes rice, soup, side dishes, and a drink)

Wagyu BBQ Set: ¥2,200
Wagyu Tongue Set: ¥2,200

Sides & À la Carte

Pickled Chinese cabbage (Kimchi) – ¥550
Garlic wagyu tongue in olive oil (ajillo) – ¥880
A5 Wagyu Tongue – ¥3,190
A5 Wagyu Harami (skirt steak) – ¥3,190
Assorted Wagyu BBQ Set (1 person) – ¥6,600

My Experience – Yukhoe Heaven

I was delighted with the single of wagyu yukhoe I ordered, as it came with plenty of vegetables and drink.

I ordered the single yukhoe set, which came with namul (seasoned veg), wakame seaweed soup, salad, and a glass of iced oolong tea — plenty to keep you going.

The yukhoe itself? Absolutely divine. Lightly marinated in a sesame-soy dressing, the raw beef is tender and packed with umami. The richness is perfectly balanced by the fluffy rice, and once you mix in the silky raw egg yolk on top, the dish becomes extra creamy and luxurious. I couldn’t put my chopsticks down!

Timing Tips – How Busy Is It?

I visited at 12:00 noon on a Sunday and got in without a wait. My food arrived in under 5 minutes, so the whole experience was impressively efficient.

That said, by 12:30, a small queue had formed outside — so if you want to avoid waiting, aim to arrive by noon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Tokyo and craving a special lunch that blends top-tier wagyu with a rare culinary treat like yukhoe, yakiniku.ushicoco is your go-to. The attention to detail, the quality of the ingredients (especially the rice!), and the welcoming vibe make it a standout.

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