Daiju in Otsuka:

A Hidden Yakiniku Gem on the Yamanote Line

〒170-0004 Tokyo, Toshima City, Kitaotsuka, 2 Chome−6−3 メゾン大塚 101

April 24, 2025

Overwhelmed by Tokyo’s Yakiniku Options? Start Here

Do you ever feel overwhelmed trying to pick a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo? With so many options—and so many tourist traps—it’s hard to know where to go. One reliable choice is Daiju, a hidden gem in Otsuka just a few minutes from the Yamanote Line. Often overlooked in favor of nearby Ikebukuro, Otsuka has its own charm—and Daiju stands out for its quality cuts, reasonable prices, and relaxed local atmosphere.

Meet Daiju: A Local Favorite

Daiju has earned a loyal following for good reason. It’s been selected as a Tabelog Hyakumeiten (100 Best Restaurants) and currently holds a solid 3.68 rating on Tabelog. If you’re unfamiliar with Tabelog or what a Hyakumeiten award means, check out our article here.

The restaurant was opened in 2020 by Kim Su-Yeon, a former professional boxer and now President of Yeonseong Co., which also owns other restaurants. Daiju was born out of Kim’s desire to share the nostalgic flavors of his family’s yakiniku restaurant from his childhood.

What to Order (And How to Order It)

Daiju is known for offering more than 20 types of meat—all at reasonable prices. The staff is happy to guide you through the menu and recommend the best sauces to pair with each cut, helping you get the most flavor out of every bite.

Pro tip: Call ahead to reserve certain specialty meats—they often sell out quickly and are available by reservation only. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk to help you make the call.

On our last visit, we pre-ordered the tokujou tan and negi shio rosu—and we’re glad we did. Just don’t make the rookie mistake we did: fold the jourousu in half before grilling, or the toppings will fall off and burn on the grill!

Negi Shio Rosu (ネギ塩ロース)

The Sides That Steal the Show

While the meat is the main attraction, Daiju’s side dishes deserve their own spotlight. Their reimen (cold noodles) are a refreshing way to finish off a rich meal, cleansing the palate nicely.

We also loved the moyashi (seasoned bean sprouts), which paired perfectly with white rice and kimchi for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

How to Visit Daiju

Daiju accepts reservations by phone or via Japanese Tabelog, but note that a Japanese phone number is required. If that’s not an option for you, we recommend visiting during lunch hours when walk-ins are more likely to be seated.

Just remember: last order for lunch is 2:00 p.m., so be sure to arrive before then.