Yakiniku Shuka Rien

Tucked near the flagship Isetan Shinjuku, Yakiniku Shuka Rien is a long-established yakiniku restaurant founded in 1986 with a foolproof formula for superb barbeque. The store goes to great lengths to make sure every guest leaves satisfied and then some. Instead of relying on general suppliers, its owner makes personal trips to select the best cuts of Kagoshima-raised wagyu cattle and domestic beef. In addition to using hand-selected meat, its secret tare sauce is a recipe developed by the owner’s “omoni” — “mother” in Korean — and passed down from generation, formulated to be a perfect fit for yakiniku. Courses might include premium wagyu, but Rien also offers ala carte options such as thick-cut beef tongue and lean cuts. In true yakiniku tradition, guests can also enjoy Korean-style appetizers and side dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi and namul — the perfect palate cleanser (and break) before diners continue their wagyu-filled feast. Every dish here is to be enjoyed with booze for the perfect night out: beer, Japanese whiskey and sake, highballs, shochu, or even makgeoli and chamisul — traditional Korean alcoholic beverages. The space is authentic and welcoming, and the tables are fitted with smokeless grills.