Beef sashimi with cucumber.
Published in September, 2024

Best wagyu kaiseki in Tokyo: Oniku Karyu Review

Oniku Karyu: The Best Wagyu Kaiseki in Tokyo

Welcome to the third entry in our week-long series exploring Japan’s culinary delights. After kicking off with Sushi Ryujiro to showcase traditional Japanese sushi, we now shift our focus to another quintessential Japanese delicacy: wagyu beef. Oniku Karyu is a one-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant that celebrates the incredible quality and versatility of Japanese beef through its thoughtfully crafted menu, promissing an unforgettable dining experience for wagyu lovers.

Service That Sets the Bar (needs help)

Impeccable service is one of the biggest Japan’s standouts, and without a doubt, Oniku Karyu made sure to blown away the standard: from the moment you step inside, the staff’s attentiveness, efficiency, warmth and attention to details makes you feel special. While we opted for a private room in order to try a different setting from the rest of the restaurants, Head Chef Haruka Katayanagy presented himself, briefly explained some of the dishes and made sure we were enjoying our dinner.

A Culinary Journey Through Japanese Wagyu

Dinner course was conformed by 10 different plates and although we didn’t love every single one of them, we appreciated and enjoyed them. In this post, we will go through to the most memorables ones to us.

Our meal began with a sea urchin and yuzu consommé, served in a sea urchin shell in an ice platter. While the presentation was stunning, and the dish was packed with amazing flavors, accustomed to hot soups, the chilled temperature threw us off a bit, making it not so enjoyable for us.

Sea urchin and yuzu consommé. Sea urchin and yuzu consommé.

The standout dishes of the night were the wagyu beef sushi and the wagyu cutlet sandwich that followed. The sushi featured impossibly tender meat that melted in our mouths, while the sandwich was a revelation in both taste and texture.

Wagyu cutlet sandwich. Wagyu cutlet sandwich.

One course that didn’t quite hit the mark for us was the grilled eel with deep-fried tofu dumplings and sakura shrimp crackers. The combination felt a bit chaotic and out of step with the rest of the wagyu-focused meal.

Dessert was a refreshing coconut ice cream with pineapple, a pleasant end to the wagyu-centric meal.

Throughout the evening, the service remained flawless. Dishes were timed perfectly, empty plates whisked away promptly, and our server was always available to attend to our needs with a smile.

As we wrapped up, the chef himself came out to take a photo with us and sign our hand-painted menus, a cherished souvenir. The staff even arranged our taxi back to the hotel, going above and beyond until the very end.

Handpainted menu with chef's signature. Handpainted menu with chef's signature.

Accommodating Diets at Oniku Karyu

We had some dietary restrictions which were accommodated without any issues. However, given the wagyu-centric nature of the menu, this is definitely not the best choice for vegetarians or those who avoid red meat.

How to Book at Oniku Karyu

Securing a reservation at Oniku Karyu is relatively straightforward, but it’s still wise to plan ahead to ensure you get your desired date and time.

To make a reservation, you have two options:

  1. Visit the Omakase booking page for Oniku Karyu.

  2. Book through TableAll, which may charge a small fee for the service.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your reservation:

  1. Book at least a few weeks in advance, especially for popular dining times like weekends.

  2. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to mention these when making your reservation so the restaurant can accommodate your needs.

If your preferred date is not available, don’t hesitate to join the waitlist or check back for cancellations. With a little persistence and flexibility, you should be able to secure a reservation at this sought-after wagyu restaurant in Tokyo.

The Cost of Wagyu Excellence

Our dinner for two, including drinks, came to around $650 USD. While undeniably pricey, we felt it was more than justified by the exceptional quality of the wagyu and the unrivaled service. We dined at another high-end wagyu restaurant in Kyoto with a similar price point, but it paled in comparison to the experience at Oniku Karyu.

Oniku Karyu: The Top Choice for Wagyu Lovers in Tokyo

If you’re a connoisseur of Japanese beef and appreciate world-class service, Oniku Karyu is hands-down one of the best restaurants you can visit in Tokyo. While it’s undoubtedly a splurge, we believe it’s worth every penny for the unparalleled wagyu experience and lifelong memories you’ll create at this Michelin-starred gem.

Address: 7F, 1-14-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Nearest station: Takarasho Station or Higashi-Ginza Station. Dinner price: ¥33,000 to ¥38,000 per person, around $240 to $270 USD. Reservations: Omakase or TableAll

FAQ About Oniku Karyu

1. How long does dinner take at Oniku Karyu?

Our wagyu dinner lasted about 2.5 hours, allowing us to fully savor each course without feeling rushed.

2. Is the staff at Oniku Karyu fluent in English?

Yes, we had no trouble communicating with the staff in English, which made for a smooth and comfortable experience.