Kuishinbo Yamanaka (くいしんぼー山中) Kyoto

When planning my trip to Kyoto, the first reservation I made was at this restaurant. My meat-loving husband insisted he wanted to try the steak grilled by the meat god, and I happily agreed. For lunch, in addition to steak, they offer reasonably priced options like curry, hamburgers, and beef sauté. All dishes come with a delicious buttered potato that is perfectly aged. The corn potage has a secret ingredient (perhaps mushrooms?). As for the main meat dish, the cooking level was impeccable, allowing us to fully appreciate the meat's flavor and sweetness. I ordered the sauté, which was prepared by quickly frying the meat and vegetables together, resulting in a perfect combination. It felt like an adult version of stir-fried vegetables. This dish cools down quickly, so it's best to eat it promptly. The interior ambiance was also pleasant, creating a comfortable space. Less

It's encouraging to receive likes, saves, and follows! :)【Overview】- A steakhouse located in Katsura.- Reservations can be made through services like Ikkyu.- Cash only.【Food】- Japanese-style steak lunch for JPY 9,680.This set includes baked potato, soup, green salad, dessert, and coffee or tea. I chose medium-rare for the steak. The soup was corn soup, and the dessert consisted of chocolate cake and custard pudding.The steak was accompanied by glazed carrots, zucchini, and fried garlic. The steak was cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat with chopsticks. It was a fatty cut, which made the meat tender, and the mustard paired perfectly with it. Less

I went to Kuishinbo Yamanaka for lunch, a place everyone knows!Since I planned to have steak for dinner, I opted for the Hamburg steak and sautéed beef. I was quite tempted by the beef cutlet, though...I forgot to take a photo, but I enjoyed the hot baked potato while it was still steaming, and the corn potage was truly delicious, accompanied by a crisp salad.The Hamburg steak had the perfect grind, and the demi-glace sauce was exceptionally flavorful. It comes topped with an egg, but personally, I prefer it without. The meat had a delicate taste, making it a Hamburg steak unlike any I’ve had before! The quality of the ingredients is on another level.The sautéed beef was nostalgic and incredibly tasty, and the vegetables sautéed alongside it were elevated to another dimension. It was refreshing with the grated daikon ponzu sauce, yet still very filling.Next time, I plan to come back for steak at night! Less

Visited in August 2026.I made a reservation for lunch on the weekend.I was seated at the counter. While I was tempted to try a different menu, I thought, since I came to this restaurant, I should order the…【Wagyu Steak Lunch】Before cooking, they always show me the meat. This time, they cut a piece from a block of rib meat. The marbling was exceptionally vivid.Then, the meal was served in order.【Wagyu Steak Lunch】⚫︎ (not listed on the menu…) Grilled Sweet Potato with Butter ⚫︎ Soup ⚫︎ Special Teriyaki Steak ⚫︎ Green Salad ⚫︎ Rice ⚫︎ Chef's Special Dessert ⚫︎ Coffee …consists of these items.⚫︎ (not listed on the menu…) Grilled Sweet Potato with Butter …This is a sweet potato baked in foil, served with rich and delicious butter on the side.⚫︎ Soup …It was corn soup topped with croutons. It had a fine texture and was quite tasty.⚫︎ Green Salad …The dressing was added just before serving. It was simply delicious.⚫︎ Special Teriyaki Steak …The marbling was substantial, yet it wasn’t overly fatty. It was a wonderful steak that balanced the rich flavor of the lean meat with a high level of deliciousness. There was mustard and fried garlic on the edge of the plate for a flavor change. Towards the last bite, it became a bit fatty. Grilled vegetables like zucchini and carrots were served alongside, which were perfect as a palate cleanser.⚫︎ Rice …Served with the steak. The steak was so delicious that I kept eating the rice. Of course, it was tasty as well.⚫︎ Chef's Special Dessert …It consisted of baked pudding and pound cake with rum raisins. The baked pudding had a wonderful balance of caramel bitterness and fine texture. The pound cake was rich in rum raisin flavor and also incredibly delicious.⚫︎ Coffee …It was quite good.While taking orders, the staff consistently showed meticulous care and attention to all customers and dishes.Considering the quantity and quality of the meat, the cooking level, the other dishes served, and the quality of service, I was very satisfied once again. Next time, I would like to try something other than steak. I hope to continue visiting regularly. Less

A return visit after 6 years!Kuishinbo YamanakaPreviously, I had the Hamburg steak and beef cutlet, but this time I opted for the Japanese-style steak lunch.It comes with potatoes, soup, salad, rice, pickles, dessert, and coffee or tea after the meal.As soon as I sat down and placed my order, the potatoes arrived. I enjoyed them with butter.The soup was corn soup.I wonder if I could upgrade to consomme?The meat is cooked in a frying pan, flambéed, and then butter is added.After taking out the meat, it is sliced.The remaining sauce is poured over, finishing the dish.It’s cooked in a way that feels like it’s simmering in sauce and butter, yet the surface is crispy and the inside is perfectly medium-rare.The meat is cut into small pieces, which is also a unique feature.Even though each piece is small, it has a strong meaty flavor, making its presence felt.And the teriyaki sauce with a hint of butter is exquisite!It pairs perfectly with the rice.While the portion of steak isn’t huge, it’s satisfying enough to enjoy the meat, so I felt content.The Hamburg steak was delicious, but I think the steak is a must-try.Now, about the dessert.Of course, the meat was delicious, but I couldn’t forget the cake I had last time!There’s a pudding included in the set, but I wanted to check what today’s shortcake was.It was melon.To be honest, I’m not a fan of melon cake. Oh no!I once had a famous melon shortcake that cost several thousand yen and I was furious, thinking, "This is just a melon!"However, I thought I would regret it if I didn’t try it here, so I took a chance and ordered it.The beautifully layered cake arrived.Delicious!It’s not just melon.It’s real melon.And the sponge cake, moist and fluffy, melts away in my mouth.I’m so glad I ordered it!Moreover, I found out after paying that this cake made with Shizuoka melon was only JPY 700.That’s incredibly reasonable in this day and age.The pudding in the set was also smooth and delicious.The small piece with raisins and spices was tasty too.Despite being elderly, the chef meticulously washes the frying pan each time, heats it up, and finishes the meat one order at a time with great care."I want the plates to come back with nothing left on them," he said,carefully removing tendons and blood vessels from the meat to eliminate any unpleasant textures.When I told the lady at the register that everything was delicious,"It’s just the ingredients..." she humbly replied.Such humility!This is what it means to be a restaurant that is supported for a long time.It was a great meal.I want to come back for dinner next time. Less

I finally visited Kuishinbo Yamanaka, a place I had wanted to go for a long time. Since our children have become busy and we couldn't all gather, we decided to celebrate our anniversary just the two of us this year.I made a reservation, as I had heard many reviews praising the delicious meat, and I was really looking forward to it.To make the most of the occasion, I chose the Japanese-style steak lunch. The dishes were served at just the right pace, like a course meal. Since we were seated at the counter, I had the chance to chat with the owner and hear interesting stories about the beef and the knives.I ordered my steak medium, and it was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating. I was at a loss for words—it felt like I had eaten enough for a whole year! I was extremely satisfied. Less

I finally made it!To "Kuishinbo Yamanaka"!At the entrance, an elegant Madame warmly welcomed me. m(_ _)mThe curry is lunch-only… such a pity!First, I raised a toast to myself with a small draft beer.**Sirloin Steak Dinner Course**• Baked Potato with Butter Simple, but this butter is absolutely delicious!• The Meat Preview Right here, they showed me the meat before cooking. It looked absolutely divine! This is the legendary russet-colored Omi beef!• Chilled Pumpkin Soup A lighter flavor than it looks, and the bowl was incredibly stylish♪• Sirloin Steak Served with garlic chips and mustard. It was ultra-tender, with absolutely no unwanted flavors. Delicious!• Pickles • Rice Freshly cooked and delicious. It’s a level of quality you rarely get at a restaurant.• Coffee **Overall Verdict:** The service is top-notch! ⭐︎ Everything was so smooth and seamless that my actual stay was only 30 minutes‼️ Astoundingly fast!As for the meat, I felt similarly when I visited "Fukushima" in Moriyama—perhaps I had hyped it up a bit too much in my own mind. It was definitely delicious, but it didn't quite exceed my expectations. The meat from Maruki is delicious, though...However, being able to visit while Mr. Yamanaka is still active was a true honor. I felt incredibly humbled and deeply grateful to receive his business card. Please stay healthy forever!Next time, I’ll definitely have to come back during lunch for a curry revenge. Thank you for the wonderful meal♪ **Hashtags & Final Note** #KuishinboYamanaka #KuishinboYamanakaRestaurant #ReasonableKuishinboYamanaka #Gourmet #GourmetInstagram #GourmetLovers #KuishinboYamanakaLovers #MasteringKuishinboYamanaka #KuishinboYamanakaInstagram #InstaWorthyKuishinboYamanaka #DeliciousSteak #PhotoKuishinboYamanaka #KyotoLovers #KyotoCity #NishikyoWardGourmet #KatsuraStationGourmet #KuishinboYamanakaIsDelicious #KyotoGourmet #KYOTO #GreatAtmosphereInJapan #gourmet #japanesefood #KyotoCityNishikyoWardGourmet #Tabelog100FamousRestaurants "Maruki Fukunaga Kisaburo Shoten" in Shiga Prefecture. Less

A Famous Steakhouse in KyotoI remembered being amazed by the deliciousness of the steak during a previous evening visit, so I came back for lunch with my family of three.We ordered four dishes to share:Beef SautéHamburg SteakCurry RiceBeef CutletI want to provide an honest evaluation.The corn soup that came with the set was the best part of the meal. The hamburg steak lacked the deliciousness of being grilled properly, and the demi-glace sauce seemed to mask the flavor of the meat. If the meat was truly good, it could be enjoyed with just salt.The beef sauté was also disappointing. The seasoning was too strong, which overshadowed the quality of the meat. I thought it would have been better with a lighter seasoning.As for the beef curry, it featured a limited offering of 10 servings using Omi beef. While I could tell the Omi beef was tender, it was also dry. I wish the curry sauce had a more elevated spice level.The beef cutlet was the best dish among the four we ordered. The coating was crispy and comparable to that of a well-known Western-style restaurant in Kyoto.If you're looking to enjoy Western cuisine, I would recommend going to a dedicated Western restaurant. Less

I visited Kyoto after a long time. Since I had plans to meet someone at another restaurant for dinner, I decided to drop by for lunch right at opening time.I was lucky to go alone this time.Without hesitation, I chose the steak lunch.The price has definitely gone up, but that’s just the way things are these days. The menu even mentions "unprecedented price increases..." which reflects the struggles.This restaurant offers sherry! I had the Gutierrez Colosia Fino (the same sherry used at El Bulli), but previously they had William Humbert (which is no longer imported).They really know their stuff; it was delicious.The appetizers were served as part of the course.I felt genuinely sorry for how attentive the service was.I found myself enjoying the drinks too much...The steak was as delicious as ever, it made me sigh with delight.After finishing, I had dessert, and the pudding and baked goods were quite impressive as well.I ended with a cup of coffee and left the restaurant completely satisfied.Next time, I want to come for dinner! Less

I had been wanting to visit this restaurant for a while, and finally got the chance when I went to Katsura—Kuishinbo Yamanaka!! ♡I ordered the Hamburg Steak lunch. It was served in a course style, starting with appetizers like potato butter, followed by soup and salad.The appetizers were truly delicious!! After sweating a lot from playing golf in the heat, the refreshing salad and corn soup felt so good on my body.Next, the Hamburg Steak arrived. It was shaped like a donut with a runny egg in the center, and I enjoyed it by mixing the egg sauce with the steak. The Hamburg Steak was absolutely delicious too! ♪ Less

On a hot Sunday in June, after the rain had stopped, I arrived at 11:15 and was let in around 11:25. I had made a reservation for a table at 11:30 about a week or two prior. By around 11:45, the restaurant was about 80% full, so it seems that a reservation might not have been necessary after all.I ordered:- Japanese-style Steak Lunch: JPY 8,800- Hamburg Steak: JPY 3,000Total: JPY 11,800 (excluding tax, JPY 12,980 including tax)Since I had a visit to Katsura Imperial Villa scheduled at 1 PM, I informed them that I needed to finish within an hour. I felt bad for rushing them, but they kindly agreed, which was a relief.Now, starting with the appetizer, the buttered potatoes. They were served within 2-3 minutes of ordering, and they were delicious. They were fluffy yet had a slight firmness, easily cut into chunks. I believe the skin is the best part of buttered potatoes, and these were no exception.About 5 minutes after the buttered potatoes were served, the soup arrived shortly after I finished the potatoes. Similarly, the salad was served right after I finished the soup, and soon after, the steak arrived. It was only about 10 minutes from ordering, so the service was impressively quick.Of course, the soup and salad were tasty. The soup wasn’t overly rich but had a pure flavor, and the salad was fresh.However, the highlight was definitely the steak. The surface was crispy while the inside was a juicy medium-rare. The sauce was sweet and delicious, and the mustard added a nice change of flavor, while the garlic chips were outstanding. I felt tempted to try it with just salt. Next time I come, I’ll definitely go for the special steak course.Before I knew it, I had finished my meal. But that wasn’t the end.About 5 minutes after finishing the steak, the a la carte Hamburg steak arrived, taking just over 20 minutes from ordering. The minced beef Hamburg had an egg in the center, which burst out when poked. This was another incredibly juicy and delicious Hamburg. The sauce was rich, but the meat’s flavor was prominent.Chef Yamanaka also suggested, "After finishing the Hamburg, mix the sauce with rice and enjoy it." This was very helpful, as I didn’t have to worry about whether it was okay to do so.Additionally, rice refills are free here. I was trying to be mindful of my diet, but I ended up getting two refills, haha.After finishing the Hamburg, they asked if I wanted coffee or tea. After requesting coffee, it arrived within a few minutes, along with a small dessert that included pudding. The pudding was delicious, with a lovely aroma of rum.Overall, it was a very satisfying meal. I’ve done most of what I wanted to do in Katsura, so it might be a while before I visit again, but I would love to come back just for this restaurant. Less

Located in Katsura, Kyoto, this steakhouse offers a unique experience. Unlike many traditional steakhouses that often serve greasy meat cooked rare, this place uses high-quality cuts with just the right amount of marbling and no sinew. They are meticulous about cooking, ensuring that the meat is grilled perfectly without losing its juices, resulting in a deliciously tender steak.The meat was sweet and had a perfect balance of fat.■ Menu:⚪︎ Baked Potato with Butter A must-try, sourced from Mikatahara, Shizuoka ⚪︎ Corn Soup ⚪︎ Salad ⚪︎ Steak ⚪︎ Dessert ⚪︎ Black Tea ■ Duration: 30 minutes ■ Reservation Difficulty: Average ⚪︎ Booked through Ikkyu one month in advance ■ Cost Performance: Good ■ Additional Notes: ⚪︎ I apologize for rushing as I had other plans. I believe even the course meal can be completed in under an hour. Less

I visited the renowned "Kuishinbo Yamanaka" located in Katsura, just outside Kyoto, where I enjoyed some exquisite Omi beef. This is a must-visit place for meat lovers, featuring a charming old-fashioned Western-style atmosphere. I was seated at the special counter where Chef Yamanaka himself prepares and carves the meat, and it was simply perfect.Chef Yamanaka is very particular about sourcing from producers, maintaining the right refrigerator temperature, aging the meat, and controlling the cooking heat and sauce for the Omi beef. I had the pleasure of tasting his steak, and it was exceptional:→ Beyond tender, it melted in my mouth.→ The fat was not greasy but sweet.→ The doneness was just perfect.→ The homemade sauce was delicious.The flavor exceeded that of many expensive steaks I’ve had before. The meat was absolutely delicious!Omi beef is truly remarkable.Everything from the potato appetizer to the dessert was delightful.I was thoroughly satisfied with the warm hospitality from Chef Yamanaka and the staff, along with the delicious steak! This is what a top restaurant should be.I will definitely come back! Less

I discovered this restaurant during my travels and decided to visit.I enjoyed the chef's recommended roast steak, tenderloin steak, and hamburg steak!The meat here is made from natural, high-quality Omi beef, without any vitamin control, making it not only delicious but also easy on the stomach, even when you eat a lot! The hamburg steak has a hole in the center filled with a soft-boiled egg. The sauce is light and refreshing, and mixing the egg and sauce with rice makes it incredibly tasty!The melon cake for dessert was also very delicious.It was a great meal! ☺︎ Less

I visited again, and this time I had the Japanese-style steak lunch.Every time, I think about trying the Hamburg steak, but since I’m here, I end up choosing the steak.This time, I had tenderloin. It was packed with flavor and truly delicious.It’s completely different from meat that just needs to have marbling.I was told the portion was about 150g.Also, as always, the fluffy baked potato with butter was delightful.I came here as a comfort for myself after going through a tough time.I feel grateful to have a body that can enjoy such delicious food and to be in an environment where I can eat well.I realized I need to focus on the happiness I have right now.It was a great meal! Less

This was my first visit to the restaurant, which is a Tabelog Award BRONZE 2026 selected establishment.I ordered the steak dinner (ribeye) and the Japanese-style steak (tenderloin).The ribeye was seasoned only with salt and pepper. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a rich flavor of lean meat and no greasiness at all. I’ve had my fair share of delicious beef, but this steak truly moved me after a long time.The Japanese-style steak was seasoned with teriyaki sauce, and the tenderloin was also incredibly soft and juicy. The sauce was very tasty, and I enjoyed dipping bread in it after finishing the meat.Since they don’t use a steak plate, the meat cools down over time, but it remains delicious even when cold. It’s better to preserve the flavor at medium-rare when served.The ambiance of the restaurant is reminiscent of a traditional steakhouse, both good and bad. The wait time for the steak was shorter than I expected, with a total stay of just under an hour. There’s no one-drink policy, and they offer chasers. The service was attentive, but it was disappointing that the ingredients I mentioned I didn’t like during the reservation were still served. Less

Kuishinbo Yamanaka, a renowned restaurant in Kyoto, is not just a "paradise for meat lovers"; it’s a "meat theme park." Once you step inside, your stomach will feel like it’s on a roller coaster of joy.Located in Nishikyoku, Kyoto, this steakhouse boasts an impressive rating of over 4 stars from reviews, making it a popular spot that feels like a secret base run by a "meat magician." The moment you enter, the enticing aroma wafts through the air, serving as the entrance music. The meat sizzling on the grill behind the counter takes center stage, making a bold statement that could easily make you crave three bowls of rice just by watching.The signature steak is a showstopper; as soon as you cut into it, juices burst forth as if to say, "Welcome!" When you take a bite, you won’t just exclaim "Delicious!" but rather "Delicious!?" with a surprised tone. The owner, Mr. Yamanaka, adds to the charm with his witty banter, explaining the meat in a rhythm that feels like a stand-up comedy routine, leaving you laughing while you finish your meal.What starts as a casual stop during your Kyoto sightseeing can quickly transform into a realization that you came to Kyoto just for this experience. It’s a unique restaurant that fills both your stomach and your heart. Less

The restaurant is located about a 15-minute walk from Katsura Station in Kyoto. It is known as a representative of Western cuisine in Japan, so I made a reservation before visiting. For lunch, I ordered the Hamburg Steak, which came in a course style starting with baked potato, corn soup, and salad, followed by the arrival of the Hamburg Steak. The patty is shaped like an "o" and contains a soft-boiled egg inside. It has a rich meat flavor and is truly delicious. The service was excellent, as they timely refilled my water. Please note that lunch payments were cash only. Less