A unique shop where you can enjoy fresh Hida beef at direct-sale prices
Yamatake Shoten is a unique shop where, in a style like a meat market, you can choose and enjoy your preferred Hida beef. Because they own their own ranch, they can offer authentic Hida beef at reasonable prices. In a relaxed atmosphere, the experience of grilling the thick-cut steak you selected right in front of you is a blissful moment that satisfies the five senses. It’s a must-visit spot for Hida beef lovers, where you can fully savor a simple yet rich flavor.
The service attitude at this restaurant is truly the worst. This is the first time in my four years living in Japan that I have encountered such terrible service. To be clear, I never want to go back again.
The owner, the landlady, and their son, all three of them, show even the bare minimum respect towards customers. All they do is give cold smiles, show a seemingly troublesome attitude, provide careless responses, and serve with an obvious air of looking down on people.
When I first chose the meat, I selected 466g and clearly stated, 'Please give me half.' However, what actually came out was 314g. When I asked again for 'about 230g,' this time they brought only about 130g.
Why would they bring only 130g when I said 230g? It seems they have no intention of listening to what I have to say.
Later, when I went to choose more meat, the owner's attitude became even more blatantly bad. The way they looked at me clearly expressed a displeasure that suggested, 'What a troublesome customer.'
The landlady was no better. She came all the way over to me and sarcastically said, 'Are you really going to eat so little meat?'
How much meat a customer orders is the customer's freedom, right? Is it that if you don't order a lot, you won't be treated as a customer? This is the first time I've been spoken to in such a condescending manner.
Moreover, as mentioned in other reviews, I felt there was a significant problem with how they treat foreigners.
Upon entering, I was immediately asked, 'Are you a foreigner?' and 'Which country are you from?' While they greeted Japanese customers with smiles, their attitude towards foreigners was clearly bad. This unpleasant treatment was not just directed at our table.
It seems they judge customers by nationality and change their attitude accordingly. At least, that's how I felt based on the service we received.
And after making customers feel so uncomfortable, is the meat really that special? Honestly, it is not.
This time, I ordered what is called the highest grade of Wagyu and the third grade of Wagyu. However, when I tasted it, the flavor was quite ordinary. I did not feel that the unique aroma and umami of Wagyu stood out in any special way.
If the taste is at this level, you can enjoy it at a much cheaper price range. I can only think, 'If I have to pay this price and receive that kind of service, I might as well go to another restaurant.'
Before the food, I question whether this restaurant even intends to treat customers as customers.
This is the first time I have felt so uncomfortable at a restaurant. It is a problem beyond just the taste.
I do not recommend this restaurant.
If you do go, I think you should be prepared not only for the price of the meat but also for the unpleasant attitude from the staff.
A butcher shop run by a ranch. Customers can choose their preferred meat from the showcase and buy it by the gram, then grill it themselves over charcoal at their table. The meat quality is high-grade Hida beef, and it is impeccable. The prices are the same as those for retail beef. It is very reasonable and high quality. However, the blocks of meat are large, making it difficult to taste multiple types of meat.
I used it for the first time, and they kindly taught me the ordering system and cooking methods. Also, I was very satisfied to receive such good meat for this price. I would like to use it again when I visit Takayama.
The overall experience is great, the meat at the restaurant is also very delicious. There might not be many diners at the restaurant for lunch today, so the dining space feels a bit cold.
Super delicious. It's definitely cheaper than other places. The owner was also speaking quite a bit in English and Chinese. They were very kind to foreigners. Thank you very much.
It's a method where you choose the meat yourself and have it cut, like at a butcher shop, but since the loin is just placed there in a big chunk, the options are almost limited to just the price. I don't think it's suitable for those who want to try various cuts. We chose about 600g of loin, which is quite a lot. The shop has a nostalgic Showa-era vibe. The meat is delicious.
Anonymous
Mar 26, 2022
4.5
Visited time: 3, 2022 Dinner
Price per person: JPY 5,000
If you want to eat Hida beef at a reasonable price, this is the place!
I don't think there is any restaurant where you can get a full meal for about 5,000 yen per person. We ate so much that we thought Wagyu beef was good for a while.
There is a meat shop on the first floor and a dining area on the second floor. The meat is tender and has a good amount of fat. It is grilled slowly over charcoal. Although salt is sprinkled on it, the flavor is mild, so it is recommended to eat it with the wasabi soy sauce, pepper, or steak sauce that is provided. The wasabi soy sauce is highly recommended. For two adults, we ordered a 450-gram cut. We also ordered rice, miso soup, and simmered miso stew, totaling about 10,000 yen. The older man (the owner?) has a good taste.