Are you a meat lover visiting Osaka? If so, you might have seen Wagyu Idaten on social media . However, deciding if it’s worth a visit based on online posts.
In this article, we’ll discover what makes Wagyu Idaten a standout choice. From taste and prices to the overall dining experience, we’ll help you decide if this highly-rated spot is worth a visit. Read on for an in-depth review!
What is Wagyu Idaten
Opened in July 2023, Wagyu Idaten is a “Ju” specialist in Osaka, which are bento-style meals featuring premium Wagyu beef served over rice. The unique entrance, featuring samurai armor, modern Japanese interior, making it a perfect dining spot for tourists.
Basic information
In this section, you can find the basic information about Wagyu Idaten. Make sure to check it out before visiting the restaurant.
Operation hours
Wagyu Idaten is open from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (last order at 2:00 PM) and from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM (last order at 9:00 PM). Please note that the restaurant closes once they run out of their products for the day.
Lunch Time | Dinner time |
11:30 AM -2:30 PM (Last Order: 2:00 PM) | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM) |
Location
Wagyu Idaten is ideally located just a 1-minute walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
2F, Koko Building, 1-8-20 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 542-0076, Japan
Menu
As a ju specialist restaurant, Wagyu Idaten offers a wide variety of Ju dishes. Each item is attached by a photo and description, making it easy for first-time visitors to choose.
The menu is available in both Japanese and English, which is convenient for travelers. It would be even better if menus in Chinese and Korean were also available (they might be provided).
There are also several side dishes available, making it a great option to order them alongside your Ju.
Reservation
Wagyu Idaten does not accept reservations. The restaurant is often busy, and you may need to wait around 30 minutes during peak times (When I visited, I was luckily seated within just couple of minutes).
So it’s recommended to visit right after opening or around the end of lunch time to avoid long waits.
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Honest review
I went to Wagyu Idaten to provide honest reviews from a traveler’s perspective, covering aspects such as taste, whether traveler-friendly or not, price, and more.
Use this guide when considering a visit to Wagyu Idaten.
Traveler friendly
Wagyu Idaten attracts many international travelers. With menus and instructions available in English, language barriers are minimal. Additionally, the availability of table seating makes it convenient for families.
The interior incorporates traditional Japanese elements, providing a luxurious yet calming atmosphere. The entrance features samurai armor and swords, offering a rich, cultural experience that showcases the essence of Japan.
Food review
This time, I ordered the Osaka Tataki-ju and 4 pieces of grilled meat sushi. I’ll be reviewing these items.
Osaka Tataki-ju : 2,380 JPY (15.45 USD)
This is an A5 Ju featuring the thigh part of the cow, known as Uchihira. Watching the chef grill and prepare the meat behind the counter is a thrilling experience.
The dish arrives in less than 10 minutes.
Simply, it’s delicious. The sweetness of the meat is evident, and the A5 grade Wagyu guarantees an exceptional taste. Adding an egg yolk enhances the flavor, making it even more delightful.
4 pieces of grilled meat sushi : 1,320 JPY (8.57 USD)
The meat sushi is incredibly tasty. The balance between the sweetness of the meat and the vinegared rice creates a perfect harmony. If you are sushi lover, you should definitely order this.
Price
This time, the total bill was 3,700 JPY ( 24.02 USD). There aren’t many places where you can enjoy Wagyu at this price. Although restaurants in tourist areas tend to be expensive, this one is relatively reasonable.
However, there are many places in Osaka where you can enjoy Wagyu beef for even lower prices. These spots often don’t appear in guidebooks or on social media.
Looking for a place to enjoy Kobe beef in Namba? If so, be sure to check out the article below!
Overall evaluation
Wagyu Idaten is conveniently located near Namba Station, making it easily accessible, and offers reasonably priced A5 Wagyu beef, making it a must-visit in Osaka. The interior captures the essence of Japan, providing a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. However, be prepared for potential waits during busy times as the restaurant does not accept reservations.
The recommendation score : 8.5 out of 10
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