Although it’s not nearly as famous as Kobe beef, Kumamoto beef is a premium-quality meat known for its tender texture, marbled appearance, and umami flavor. Plenty of places in Kumamoto serve beef, but you should try to eat at least once in one of the top spots to ensure you try some of the best meat on offer.

Wagyu Beef Taka

This restaurant doesn’t just serve beef — it offers an atmosphere to ensure you fully enjoy your meal. The main and side dishes are all of the highest quality, with everything available to order from an iPad in the language of your choice to make things easier. Plus, prices are accessible no matter if you order your wagyu beef a la carte or from a set menu.

Open hours: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day
Address: 2F, Sakae-dori Building, 5-16 Shinshigai, Chuo Ward (map link)

Fujiwara Steak House

As a teppanyaki restaurant, Fujiwara Steak House gives you the chance to watch a chef prepare your beef (and the rest of your food) right in front of you. There are three options for courses, all with affordable prices. People often choose this spot for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays due to the high-quality food and drink (which includes Japanese whiskey) and the charming atmosphere.

Open hours: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
Address: 3F, Daibashiti, 6-2 Anseimachi, Chuo Ward (map link)

Kumamoto Grill Goro

An izakaya (with an all-you-can-drink menu) that serves Kumamoto beef is Kumamoto Grill Goro. In addition to beef, popular options include horse sashimi, shiitake mushrooms, and pork, all available in set courses as well as a la carte. Choose between counter seating and tatami rooms to have the dining experience you want.

Open hours: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Address: 1F, 1-5-23 Shimotori, Chuo Ward (map link)

Imakin Shokudo

For more of a budget option that still allows you to taste Kumamoto beef, you may like to try Imakin Shokudo, which is more for lunch than dinner. The beef bowls here come with either rice or noodles. If you arrive at a popular time to eat, you may need to wait a while (sometimes an hour or more) before you get a table — but it’s worthwhile for the delicious meal awaiting you at the end of the line. Just be aware that this is a cash-only restaurant.

Open hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day
Address: 290-365 Uchinomaki, Aso (map link)

Akaushi Dining Yoka-Yoka

One final place to try some signature Kumamoto beef with is Akaushi Dining Yoka-Yoka. The restaurant serves the beef in a few ways, including with a soft-boiled egg and wasabi or as akaushi don, which is a rice bowl. As a popular spot, it’s worth arriving early to ensure you don’t need to wait too long for a table. The good news is the restaurant is targeted at tourists, which means all the staff speak English.

Open hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
Address: 2F, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto, 10-22 Hanabatacho, Chuo Ward (map link)

Miyuki Meinaka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons