Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen (炭焼ハンバーグ 牛船) Tosu

I visited the Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen in Tosu, Saga Prefecture for the first time. This restaurant specializes in 100% Saga beef hamburgers. I was the first customer right after it opened at 11:00 AM. The interior has a Western-style dining atmosphere.What I ordered was…- Sumiyaki Hamburger Set (300g) - JPY 3,740*Includes salad, rice, and Oolong tea.On a sizzling hot teppan, I was served a perfectly round hamburger that was grilled on the outside. The staff cut it in half right in front of me. I guarded it with a paper napkin until the juices settled (to avoid overcooking).The surface of the hamburger was crispy, while the inside was red, going beyond rare to almost raw. I took a bite without any sauce first. It was juicy and absolutely delicious!! The outside was well-cooked and crunchy, while the inside was like Yukke (Korean raw beef dish). The combination of these textures and flavors was a delightful surprise.I dipped it in soy sauce, added garlic from the teppan, and adjusted the flavor with wasabi, green chili, or yuzu pepper as I enjoyed it all at once with rice and the accompanying vegetables. The wasabi was refreshing and paired perfectly. I thought 300g might be a bit too much, but I finished it easily. I believe those who can eat more could handle 400-500g. The smoky flavor left in my mouth made the refreshing Oolong tea a welcome addition.This was purely about enjoying the taste of meat, and personally, it was the best hamburger I’ve ever had. I had no idea there was such a gem in Tosu… It’s definitely worth the trip! Less

The restaurant stands out distinctly among its surroundings, resembling a Western-style mansion. Upon entering, the impression remains unchanged, as you are immediately drawn into a calm atmosphere with a unique ambiance.Before the hamburger, I enjoyed the onion gratin soup. It was generously topped with cheese, creating a delightful crust, and filled with caramelized onions. As I broke the cheese and mixed it with the hot soup, I found it quite satisfying on its own.Then came the star of the show: the Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak. Sitting proudly in the center of the teppan, it resembled a solid chunk of meat rather than a typical hamburger. The surface was perfectly charred, and when cut open, it revealed a beautifully rare center. While similar to the offerings from Sawayaka in Shizuoka and Bronco Billy in Nagoya, the quality of the meat here is entirely different. This steak is not the type that oozes excessive juices; instead, it provides a strong sensation of eating pure meat. The texture is coarse, giving the impression of a cross between a hamburger and a steak.On the table, there are yuzu pepper, ginger, and green chili, allowing for an interesting variety of flavors when paired with the rich sauce.Being made from Saga beef, the price is understandably on the higher side. It’s not an everyday price point, but since I don’t visit Tosu frequently, I find myself wanting to return for another taste whenever I’m nearby.It was a great meal! Less

I visited for lunch for the first time. I arrived just as the restaurant opened. There were three customers ahead of me, and I entered right after it opened. I was seated at a table and ordered the 300g Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Set. After waiting for about 10 minutes, my meal arrived. The flavor was just as I expected, with a tender texture and juicy meat that paired perfectly with the rice—it was absolutely delicious. There was also a variety of condiments available, allowing for different flavor combinations. If you find yourself in Tosu, I highly recommend stopping by! *Please be careful as the location can be a bit tricky to find, and make sure not to confuse the parking area. Less

A 15-minute walk from Shin-Tosu Station, I visited the award-winning restaurant, "Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen," which has received the BRONZE AWARD as one of Japan's top Western-style dining spots.I arrived just after the weekday opening at 11:30 AM, and there was no wait, allowing me to enter smoothly.This restaurant is a cozy wooden house located in a back alley of Tosu City, providing a relaxing atmosphere.I ordered the Sumiyaki Hamburger Set (200g) for JPY 2,750, which includes rice, salad, and Oolong tea. I requested the recommended rare doneness for my hamburger.The menu features only hamburgers, which can be ordered in increments of 100g starting from 200g:- 300g: JPY 3,740- 400g: JPY 4,640- 500g: JPY 5,500The salad and Oolong tea arrived quickly, and shortly after about 5 minutes, the perfectly grilled spherical hamburger was served on a hot plate.The staff cut the spherical hamburger in half and pressed the cut surface onto the hot plate for finishing touches.The hamburger had a crispy exterior, while the inside was bright red and creamy, reminiscent of Yukhoe (Korean raw beef dish), and it was delicious. Made from 100% Saga beef without any fillers, the rich flavor of the meat spread throughout my mouth. I’ve never had a hamburger like this anywhere else.The hamburger sauce, along with table condiments like yuzu pepper and wasabi, allowed for enjoyable flavor variations.I thoroughly enjoyed every bite until the end. Less

Yesterday, I had chicken tempura and seafood in Oita, so for lunch today, I decided to go for something meaty and visited the delicious Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen.I arrived on a weekday at 11:30 AM, and the restaurant was about half full, with another group arriving later—definitely a popular spot!I ordered the 200g Sumiyaki Hamburger Lunch. The dressing on the appetizer salad was so tasty that before I knew it, the hamburger arrived! Grilled on the teppan, I enjoyed it with sauce, and it was a thick, juicy hamburger that paired perfectly with rice. Adding wasabi enhanced the rich flavor, making it absolutely exquisite!It was a great meal! Less

Today, I had lunch here.It's a popular spot for Sumiyaki Hamburgers, located about a 10-15 minute walk from Shin-Tosu Station. I had previously come here only to find it closed, so this time I was determined to try it. I arrived on a weekday at 12:30 PM and was able to enter without any crowd.I was initially thinking of getting the hamburger set with onion gratin soup, but since it was extremely hot outside, I decided to increase the weight of the hamburger and just go for the set.- Sumiyaki Hamburger Set 300g JPY 3,740, tax IncludedThe salad arrived quickly, and while I was eating it, the hamburger also came out. The service was impressively fast. Right in front of me, they split the fist-sized hamburger in half and pressed the cut side onto the teppan to finish it off—just like the Shizuoka "Sawayaka" style.The hamburger can be enjoyed almost rare.The beef is made from 100% Saga beef and Imari beef. There’s no unpleasant odor or aftertaste, just a rich sweetness. When you take a bite with the grilled surface, the flavorful juices burst out. I was a bit worried about whether I could finish the 300g, but it was so tender that it felt like "drinking a hamburger," and I ended up finishing it all.It was a great meal.As a Shizuoka resident, I feel this place is an upgraded version of Sawayaka. Being able to enjoy it in such a rare state is a delight for those who love it. Although it’s a premium hamburger, it’s definitely worth trying at least once.*Rating at the time of visit: 3.91 Less

I was taken to this hamburger restaurant because it’s so delicious that I wanted to try it for myself.When I went on a weekday evening, I found a sign saying they only open for lunch, so I came back the next day!I arrived right when they opened for lunch. The place has a nostalgic, old-fashioned restaurant vibe.I heard it’s even listed among Tabelog's top 100 restaurants.That raised my expectations!As I looked at the menu, I realized they only serve hamburgers!What a bold move for a restaurant...You can choose the weight of the hamburger from 200 to 500 grams.While others ordered 400 grams, I opted for 300.The set comes with rice, salad, and oolong tea.As I was enjoying the salad, the hamburger arrived almost immediately!What a quick service!The sizzling sound and the aroma of the hamburger were astonishing!The charcoal-grilled scent was incredible!And the oil splatter!!It looked similar to the famous "Sawayaka" in Shizuoka.I barely had time to take a photo before it was cut up, but I was told, "You better eat it quickly before it’s overcooked!"I hurriedly took a bite, and the flavor was shocking!!It was my absolute favorite rare of rare.It was unbelievably delicious. Is this really a hamburger?It completely changed my perception of hamburgers.(If you don’t like rare meat, this might not be for you…)The garlic chips next to me were also incredibly tasty!What a perfect combination...You can also change the flavor. I highly recommend the green chili!It adds a nice spicy kick.Indeed, as time passes, the meat continues to cook.That’s why the staff cut the meat right away—it’s a race against time!I felt torn between wanting to savor it as it is and enjoying the taste!By the way, I was completely full after the 300 grams of meat!I could have used a bit more rice.The price is certainly on the higher side, but I’d gladly skip a few meals out just to come here.I’ll definitely be back!Thank you! Less

I visited for lunch this time. I arrived around 1:30 PM on a Saturday and was relieved to get in without waiting. The interior had a calm atmosphere, and as soon as I walked in, the rich aroma of meat filled the air.I ordered a 200g set, which was just the right amount. The flavor of the meat combined with the smoky taste from the charcoal grilling created a delightful experience that made me want to keep eating. I'm glad to have found a place like this nearby, and I would love to come back regularly. Less

Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Set (200g and 300g) + 2 Onion Gratin Soups = JPY 9,460 for 2 people.I visited on Saturday at 1:30 PM, and I was able to get a table without any wait.The hamburger is seared on the outside in the kitchen and then served on a heated teppan at the table, allowing you to cook it further yourself. When it was first served, the inside was still raw and not heated through, so I wasn't inclined to eat it right away.The sauce is soy sauce-based. There were options like wasabi and yuzu pepper on the table, but I felt it would have been nice to have more choices for the sauce itself.It was tasty, but I questioned whether it was worth the price.The onion gratin was rich in cheese and well-made, but it didn't leave me in awe. Less

I visited around 11 AM on a weekday. There were no lines, and in fact, the empty seats stood out. The prices are on the higher side, so it might be difficult for regular visits.The menu for hamburgers allows you to choose the weight.I ordered the 200g set for JPY 2,860 along with the onion soup for JPY 1,430. When the dish arrived, they quickly cut it in half right in front of me.The flavor of the meat was rich and conveyed the quality of the ingredients, complemented by a hint of charcoal flavor. It felt more like a delicious lean hamburger rather than being overly juicy.Since the trend is towards lean meat, it’s best to eat it quickly on the teppan, as overcooking can make it tough. If you prefer a softer, rare texture, this might not be for you.The sauce is a sweet soy base, along with rock salt, pepper, yuzu pepper, and wasabi. It’s great to have various ways to enjoy it. The accompanying vegetables are well-cooked and easy to eat.The onion soup is simmered until the bread and onions are tender, resulting in a rich broth that is easy to drink, and the melted cheese adds a delightful chewy texture. Less

A restaurant where you can enjoy Saga beef hamburgers.I was a bit worried about getting a table since I didn't make a reservation, but the restaurant was relatively empty.This time, I ordered the Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Set. I thought 200g might not be enough, so I opted for the 300g.It arrives as a whole chunk of meat, and before you know it, they cut it in half for you. I wish I had taken a picture of the round hamburger before it was cut, but that wasn’t really considered! The juices splatter, so you need to lift the paper up and enjoy it after it’s cooked. The restaurant recommends eating it rare, and I went for the rare option as well.The cooked part was full of juices... to be honest, I’ve never had such a delicious hamburger before. The rare part was fluffy and tasted like something other than a hamburger. It was a unique experience.Along with the sauce, there was yuzu pepper, green chili, and wasabi. The sauce was, of course, delicious, and the wasabi paired perfectly.As expected from a bronze-rated restaurant, the taste was outstanding. The price is reasonable, so it’s definitely worth treating yourself.However, since I ended up paying around JPY 4000 per person, I wish they would at least accept credit cards instead of only cash. Less

I arrived around 11:10 on Sunday, and the restaurant was already open with about three groups of customers dining. I ordered the 200g set, which I think is more than enough to fill a woman. The hamburger steak was flavorful enough that it didn’t even need sauce. When it was served, it was quite rare, but if you leave it on the teppan, it will cook through before you know it. So, if you cut it into small pieces while it’s still rare, it can become tough. The hamburger was juicy and very delicious. Less

Without a doubt, this was the best hamburger steak I've ever had.This renowned restaurant in Tosu, Saga, has been selected as one of the top 100 Western-style dining spots by Tabelog for 2025. They serve a 100% Saga beef coarsely ground hamburger steak, grilled over charcoal and presented on a sizzling teppan, allowing you to choose your preferred doneness. It’s served rare, with just a seared crust, and the combination of the smoky aroma from the charcoal, the rich flavor of the lean meat, and the sweetness of the fat truly redefines the concept of a hamburger steak.However, I made the critical mistake of visiting while hungover. I had to stick to the 200g portion, but if I were in perfect condition, I would confidently devour the 400g size. In fact, I should have done just that.The term "drinkable hamburger steak" perfectly describes this place. The quality of the meat and the skillful charcoal grilling come together at a high level, making it so delicious that it leaves you craving for a drink.Next time, I’ll return in top form and go for the 400g. That’s the only plan I made before leaving. Less

I had heard rumors about this place for a while, so I decided to stop by on my way from Hakata to Saga.The rare-style hamburgers here are often compared to the famous "Sawayaka" in Shizuoka, but they are considered an upgraded version.While some might want to film the sizzling sound of the hamburger being cut and grilled, the staff quickly cut and start cooking without any fuss (laughs).This carefree attitude towards Instagrammable moments is both a charm and a bit of a drawback.The hamburgers come with a variety of condiments for a flavor twist, but the prices are on the higher side.I was more impressed by the French onion gratin soup than the hamburger itself. The flavor and amount of cheese were just perfect; it might be the best French onion soup I've ever had.In short, while there are many places in Tokyo that offer similar hamburgers at this price point, the atmosphere of the restaurant is nice, and I would love to stop by again when I'm in the area. Less

I visited this restaurant for the first time on a weekday afternoon (12:15). It is located in a residential area near Shin-Tosu Station, right next to "Kurakami Higashi Park" (with parking available beside the restaurant). The interior has a nostalgic restaurant vibe, with a spacious layout centered around table seating. I was seated at a table and ordered the "French Onion Gratin Soup" for JPY 1,430 and the "Sumiyaki Hamburger Lunch (200g)" for JPY 2,860. Both the onion soup and the hamburger were delicious! Less

On the second day of my trip to Saga, I had lunch at Gyusen, a renowned restaurant located in Tosu City. This place has even earned a Bronze Medal on Tabelog.I visited around 11:30 AM on a Sunday, and they were already open. It seems they sometimes open a little earlier than the scheduled time. The interior has a casual atmosphere, resembling a restaurant rather than a family diner. All seats are at tables, and while it was empty when I arrived, it quickly filled up by noon.I ordered the 200g hamburger set for JPY 2750 and the onion soup for JPY 1430. First, the salad from the hamburger set arrived. It was fresh and delicious, though I wished there was a bit more. Next came the onion soup, which was sweet with cheese and onions—definitely tasty and worth the price.Finally, the star of the show, the hamburger, was served. It was sizzling, so I was instructed to use a napkin to avoid splatters. They cut it in front of me, and as expected, it was quite red inside. I was told to cook it on the teppan, but even at 200g, the heat was clearly insufficient. While I wouldn't say I needed it well-done, it was difficult to achieve medium-rare with the teppan cooling down. I understand they want to ensure it can be eaten raw, but some people might be hesitant about eating a raw hamburger. I wish they had provided a hot stone for cooking.As for the taste, while the meat was good, it didn't feel particularly special. I still believe that cooking it would enhance the flavor. The condiments, wasabi and yuzu pepper, were quite delicious.In the end, I paid around JPY 4000 at the register and left the restaurant. They only accept cash. The prices are honestly on the higher side, but considering they serve Saga beef in a state that can be eaten raw, the costs are understandable. However, I still couldn't quite grasp why they received a Bronze Medal on Tabelog. Less

Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Set 200g JPY 2750Includes salad and rice.I visited Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen, a renowned hamburger restaurant located in Tosu City, Saga Prefecture. This establishment has been recognized as one of the top 100 restaurants and won the Bronze Award at the 2026 Tabelog Awards.I arrived just after 1:00 PM on a holiday and there was no wait.Saga Prefecture is known for its hamburgers, and this place certainly makes a strong impression.The rare hamburger here perfectly matches my taste—it's incredibly delicious.If I ever visit Saga again, I would love to come back to this place. Less

"Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak Gyusen" is a highly popular restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite rare hamburgers made from 100% Saga beef.*Reservations are not accepted.This luxurious ground meat dish, made entirely from Saga beef without any fillers, allows you to savor the pure flavor of the meat.The staff will cut the round hamburger in half right in front of you and press it onto a sizzling teppan, finishing it to juicy perfection.**Menu** 【Sumiyaki Hamburger Set 200g】~A few thoughts~ The high-quality binchotan charcoal sears the outside to a delightful crisp while keeping the inside nearly raw, resembling yukke. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior was simply exquisite.Moreover, since no fillers are used, the moment it enters your mouth, the rich fat and sweetness of the premium Saga beef spread beautifully. Less

I visited this highly-rated restaurant in Saga Prefecture for lunch. The main dish, the Sumiyaki Hamburger Steak, can be chosen in increments of 100g starting from 200g, and I opted for 300g this time. First, a salad was served, and before I knew it, I had finished it. Then, the sizzling hot hamburger arrived on a teppan, making a delightful sound. This hamburger can be enjoyed rare, and as I took my first bite dipped in a Japanese-style sauce, the smoky aroma of the charcoal combined with the grilled outer layer and the rare inside created an indescribably delicious experience in my mouth. I quickly finished it while alternating flavors with green chili, wasabi, and yuzu pepper. This hamburger truly allows you to savor the natural deliciousness of the meat. Less

This hamburger restaurant in Tosu has an outstanding rating on Tabelog. I visited for lunch. It's located in a quiet residential area with a park nearby, and the restaurant itself has a charming lodge-like atmosphere. There seems to be plenty of parking available. The restaurant opens at 11:30, and I arrived about 10 minutes early, but customers were already inside.I ordered the 200g hamburger lunch. I was tempted by the onion gratin soup as well, but I felt that 200g might not be enough since I had an early dinner planned.First, I was served a salad and Oolong tea. The salad dressing was delicious, reminiscent of the tasty dressings you find at typical Western-style restaurants. The Oolong tea was a nice touch as well.Now, about the hamburger—it was served quite quickly. I could hear the sound of the elderly owner kneading the meat in the back. The hamburger was served on a hot iron plate, perfectly round with a nicely browned exterior. I immediately cut it in half to check the doneness. Like many recent rare hamburger places, this was a familiar sight. The hamburger was mostly lean meat, so it was light yet juicy, bursting with flavor in my mouth. The quality of the meat is truly noteworthy.As expected, the 200g portion felt a bit small... I think I could easily eat 300g. I was tempted to order the onion gratin soup, but I’ll save that for my next visit. Less