Tabelog ratingNikuya Tanaka (肉屋 田中) is a kappo restaurant in Ginza with a singular focus: serving exceptionally long-raised wagyu beef. The restaurant sources premium Matsusaka and Kobe beef from cattle raised for 50 months or more, far longer than the industry standard. This results in a deeper, more complex flavour, which the chef showcases across a fixed omakase menu.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the beef and the masterful cooking. The tasting menu features a wide array of preparations, from a delicate konbu-jime beef nori roll and seared tataki to crispy tatsuta-age (fried fillet), shabu-shabu, and a signature kiln-roasted chateaubriand steak. The meal often concludes with a rich corn and rice dish cooked in a clay pot (donabe) and a small bowl of beef-bone ramen. Many international visitors appreciate the theatrical service at the counter and the clear English explanations from the senior staff.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Several reviewers report that service from front-of-house staff felt uneven or that they were rushed to finish their meal. There are also repeated accounts of guests being seated in the restaurant's smokier sister establishment without prior notice. While most visits are seamless, isolated complaints mention hygiene issues and disputes over extra charges on the final bill.
Dinner is a fixed omakase course, recently listed at ¥49,500. Reviewers from 2024–2026 note that final bills, including drinks and a 10% service charge, typically land between ¥60,000 and ¥62,000 per person. For this price, diners receive a comprehensive tasting that includes the chateaubriand, fried fillet, and shabu-shabu courses. For wagyu connoisseurs, the quality justifies the expense, but it may not be good value for those who expect flawless service.
- Getting There: Nikuya Tanaka is on the 9th floor of the GICROS GINZA GEMS building, a two-minute walk from Ginza Station (Exit C2).
- Reservations: Bookings are essential and open up to three months in advance online or by phone. Prepayment may be required, and a strict cancellation policy applies (100% of the meal cost for cancellations within 3 days).
- Seating: The restaurant has just nine seats at the counter. There are no private rooms.
- Age Restriction: Only guests aged 15 and older are permitted.
- Dress Code: Casual wear like shorts and sandals is not allowed. Guests are also asked to refrain from wearing hats or strong perfumes.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and d Barai QR code payments are accepted. Electronic money is not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Parking: Paid underground parking is available in the building.
- Practical Notes: While English is often spoken, some guests have reported inconsistent treatment. It is wise to confirm your seating upon arrival to avoid being moved to the sister restaurant.