Kintaro

Seared over the grill until aromatic, a slice of well-marbled premium salted beef tongue topped with a dab of sharp wasabi strikes a clean balance between melting fat and refreshing heat. Situated in Nishi-Shichijo within Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, Kintaro serves cuts tailored to devoted meat lovers, including thick-cut skirt steak (harami) and richly seasoned yukhoe that calls for a drink or a bowl of rice. The menu also highlights beef cheek, known locally as tsurami or tenniku, an essential feature of Kyoto yakiniku. A favorite way to enjoy it here is grilling the thin slices until nicely browned, then wrapping them around spoonfuls of white rice.

Beyond the grilled meats, the kitchen turns out an array of side dishes and comforting staples to round out the meal. Diners gravitate toward spicy-sweet bibim-myeon, refreshing Korean-style cold noodles that cut through the richness of the beef, and fragrant fried rice. A mixed namul platter—featuring bean sprouts, royal fern, spinach, and daikon radish—alongside sweet and spicy kimchi provides crisp counterpoints throughout the meal.

Lined with counter and table seating, the dining room carries the nostalgic, welcoming hum of a classic neighborhood yakiniku parlor. Doors are open from 18:00 in the evening until 0:00 late at night. Because capacity is intimate and seats are limited, booking ahead is advisable when visiting with a group.