Tabelog ratingUra Matsu is an intimate, seven-seat counter hidden away inside the larger yakiniku restaurant, Ushimatsu (うし松), in Tokyo's Nishiazabu district. This is not a self-grill restaurant; instead, it offers a theatrical omakase experience where a dedicated chef cooks each course for you, explaining the provenance and preparation of every cut. The restaurant has been recognized with a Tabelog Award, reflecting its high standing among local diners.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional quality of the meat, which often includes rare domestic beef like Tajima-Guro from cattle aged 40–50 months. The chef's precise control over the heat is a highlight, showcased in signature items like the thick-cut chateaubriand and a special “waterless” tongue (`musui tan`). The meal is a performance, with each piece grilled and served one by one, culminating in courses like sukiyaki-style steak, wagyu sushi, a miniature wagyu burger, and a highly-rated clay-pot rice dish (`tsuchinabe gohan`). Many find it an ideal choice for a special occasion, and several English-speaking visitors have noted the attentive service and explanations in English.
A few diners have reported minor service issues or awkwardness with billing, and some note the final bill can come as a surprise. Getting a seat is the biggest challenge; reservations are notoriously difficult to secure.
While the restaurant lists a typical dinner spend of ¥30,000–¥39,999, reviewers who opt for the full omakase experience more commonly report paying between ¥49,500 and ¥56,600 per person. With drinks, some bills have reached approximately ¥83,500. For those on a slightly tighter budget, one guest mentioned choosing a smaller ¥18,000 set. For travellers seeking a singular, ultra-high-end wagyu performance, it represents excellent value as a destination meal.
- Location: Ura Matsu is located on the B1 floor of the LA・RES Nishi-Azabu building, a short walk from Hiro-o Station. The entrance is discreetly located inside the main Ushimatsu restaurant.
- Reservations: The restaurant does not accept reservations by phone and is typically fully booked months in advance. Any cancellations are released on the booking site OMAKASE; intending diners should register there for notifications.
- Seating: Seating is limited to just seven seats at the counter.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Service: A service charge of approximately 10% is added to the bill.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
