Yakiniku, Japan’s beloved grilled meat cuisine, has captured the hearts of both locals and international food enthusiasts.
In the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo, stands a remarkable example of this culinary tradition: “Ushikoi Shibuya.” Here, the philosophy is simple yet profound: “Turning the yakiniku you love into a luxury that’s within everyone’s reach.” At Ushikoi Shibuya, patrons are invited to indulge in exceptional quality lean meats, offered at reasonable prices.
In addition to locations in Kanda, Shinjuku, Ebisu, and Ikebukuro, the Shibuya branch opened its doors in September 2021. Here, patrons can savor yukhoe (Korean style raw meat tartare), nigiri sushi, and sashimi all crafted from premium Kagoshima Kuroge wagyū beef.
Bensky from the Umami bites editorial team ventured to Ushikoi Shibuya to delve into their signature lean meat dishes.
“ピースビーフ 塩ピース,” Peace Beef, Shio Peace Sauce 913 JPY (tax included)
The quick sear secret of “Peace Beef”
Bensky’s pick was the “Peace Beef, Shio Peace Sauce,” marinated in a unique shio (salt) sauce for an enhanced flavor. Peace Beef comes in three varieties: shio, ume (plum), and garlic.
The secret to a delicious Peace Beef experience is to not overcook. A quick sear is all it takes to preserve that beautiful red hue, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy. Overcooking could lead to a tougher bite, so proceed with caution.
At Ushikoi Shibuya, they’ve secured the necessary approvals to serve raw beef dishes, sourcing only the finest lean meat that surpasses strict quality checks. So, you can enjoy your beef rare without a worry.
The perfect companion to your seared beef is “Neginchu,” green onions chopped into bite-sized strips and seasoned with a spicy sauce. Wrap it together with the beef and dip it in the provided sesame oil for an explosion of flavors.
It’s so refreshingly good that it keeps the regulars coming back for more, some even several times a week. Bensky raved about how the Neginchu perfectly complemented the meat.
The lean meat’s light yet rich taste deepens with every bite, while the crunchy, spicy Neginchu brings a joyful burst of flavor. I’m eager to try the Ume Peace and Garlic Peace sauce versions next!
“Signature Single Strip Skirt Steak”: grilled heart-shape for joy
A must-try is the limited “Signature Single Strip Skirt Steak,” soaked in a secret soy-based marinade for that extra punch of flavor. With a length of roughly 45 cm (18 in), this dish promises a feast for the senses even before you take the first bite!
“名物！一本ハラミ,” Signature Single Strip Skirt Steak 1,969 JPY (tax included)
This whole strip of succulent steak is grilled to perfection, embodying Ushikoi’s philosophy of cherished yakiniku moments! With a bit of skill, you can shape the steak into a heart on the grill, a delightful trick that, according to the restaurant, brings happiness to those who master it.
Snapping a photo of your heart-shaped creation for social media is sure to draw eyes!
Once it’s nicely done, cut it into bite-sized pieces for easier enjoyment. The steak’s juicy yet tender texture is irresistible, perfectly marrying the savory sauce and the meat’s natural flavors.
A Shibuya branch exclusive: Fall in love with “Koi Yukhoe”
At the Shibuya branch exclusively, you’re treated to a unique menu that showcases the best of Kagoshima’s Kuroge wagyu beef, served in its pristine raw form across dishes like nigiri sushi and sashimi.
The highlight of this distinctive menu is the “Koi Yukhoe.” With koi meaning “love” in Japanese, it’s as if the dish whispers, “I love yukhoe.” This charming specialty is not just a feast for the eyes but will surely capture your heart at first sight.
“恋ユッケ,” Koi Yukhoe 1,639 JPY (tax included)
Enjoy the yukhoe’s smooth texture as is, or kick it up a notch by adding a squeeze of lemon, placing it on Korean seaweed, and wrapping it with daikon radish sprouts for a burst of flavors. The lemon’s tanginess, the radish sprouts’ crunch, and the seaweed’s crispiness add delightful accents to the dish.
Dedicated to serving only the best cuts, Ushikoi Shibuya offers a menu that’s all about savoring the clean, rich flavors of premium meats, including their signature lean meat and Shibuya-exclusive raw selections.
Sometimes yakiniku can leave you feeling heavy in the stomach. Ushikoi Shibuya, however, will transform your view, offering dishes that satisfy but leave you feeling light. Dive into the joy of meat dishes that delight both your palate and your eyes!
Exterior of Ushikoi Shibuya
Information
| Store name | 牛恋 渋谷店 Ushikoi Shibuya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1F & B1, 1-24-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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| Access | Shibuya Station（SBY）6-minute walk from Shibuya Station East Exit
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| Phone number | 03-6419-7122 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, official website, Tabelog, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Yahoo! Place, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge 220 JPY (tax included) |
| Hours | 11:30-14:00（last order 13:30）, 16:30-23:00（last order: food 22:20 drink 22:30） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 81 seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking A smoking room is available |
| Official website | https://ushikoi.co.jp/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of February 2024.
