Kuroge Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa

'Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa' is a very popular restaurant for bento box style Wagyu beef. Many foreigners were in line like me. Kudos to TikTok and IG. LOL Went to the one in Osaka and had to go to this in Tokyo. The first time we came on a Saturday lunch, they closed the line as it was too busy. They did not want to take anymore customers. There are only 16 seats inside. Very simple restaurant that does not Conan entrants on decor but their dishes. I would not recommended for big groups unless you can try separating in twos. They have two sets of a 4 person table and 4 couple tables. There are two tables as Japanese style sitting so you will have to take off your shoes. For those with stinky feet, pls reconsider to sit at the couple table so you can keep your shoes on. LOL I chose the 'Top Quality Chateaubriand Wagyu meal set' which was ¥6600 (@$46). That is a pretty hefty price but it comes with enough Wagyu and other items. The Wagyu beef was cooked perfectly; tender, medium rare, soft and so good with their sauce and raw Egg yolk together! It makes the meat creamy soft. I chose the best meal there and why not? Go big or go home! LOL it was well worth it for me. My hubs and bro-in-law chose the Top Rare Beef bowl with extra meat. It was 2k less than mine. They provided instructions how to eat your meal; easy instructions. The beef broth was perfect taste and balance with your leftover beef and rice. I wanted more beef broth. They also provided miso soup which was good as well. You can pay by card or cash here. If we are back in Japan, may try this again but if there is a wait, I may pass. Glad I was able to try this once! Recommended to try if you come to Tokyo.

We arrived at 11:30 and waited a little over an hour in line, but did not mind because we knew we wanted to try this place. It was just a bit hot and only partially shaded at certain points in the like. The service was very quick once inside. They provided cold water which was great. The wagyu was excellent and you could cook it further to your liking with the broth. I was also surprised by how good the broth was as someone who doesn’t normally like broth. I dipped each piece in for additional flavor. Would definitely recommend for pairs. There’s also a small single stall restroom in the back. Only a star off for the price given that rice makes up the majority of the dish.

We came here in a rainy lunch day, but the queue line was long already. Decided to queue really pay us the good prize! The meal, the meat is very nice, soft and delicious. We don't see any Japanese here, but only foreigners like us. We went with 4 pax (2 children) and we all love this place!

I really wanted to give this place a high rating! I had been looking forward since I saved it to my list 3 years ago. Today, I finally decided to give it a try. I arrived around 12:50 and ended up waiting in line for over an hour. I ordered the second most expensive beef option at ¥5,500, expecting something special. Unfortunately, it was a letdown. I honestly don’t understand the hype. Even the woman at the table next to mine left a third of her rice untouched. I truly wanted to like it, especially after paying that much, but the beef quality just wasn’t there. The miso soup was overly salty, and overall, the portions didn’t feel worth the price. *But the service lady was super friendly and helpful!

Overall experience was pretty underwhelming. Personally, I don't understand the hype and there are many comparable options at this price point. Ordered the 上レアステーキ重 (3,300¥) in both spare rib (medium rare) and rare style, both were relatively tough since the meat was cut quite thick. Although salt and seasoning was provided on the side, the beef itself lacked flavor depth and tenderness, feeling like you're just eating a slightly higher than average quality cut of meat rather than Wagyu. Service and atmosphere were decent, just be prepared to wait as the restaurant has limited seating and the location is in a popular tourist spot.

I was disappointed with the food here. This restaurant is viral on Instagram and TikTok, so there was a huge line up for lunch. I didn’t know that when I saved the place on google maps, I just saw the high rating. So, fair warning for people who haven’t seen this on social media - if you don’t come before they open, you’ll be waiting for a while. We waited about 45 minutes in line before we ate. Normally I don’t mind waiting for food if it’s good, but the steak box was just OK. I found it a bit overpriced for what it was, considering that we have had better quality beef in Tokyo for around the same price. I know it’s a touristy area so it’s hard to find quality + good pricing, but the texture & cut of the beef was meh. I did enjoy the broth at the end of the meal where you’re supposed to mix the rice, beef and egg together though. It’s a nice restaurant and the staff are fast and polite, but the food left a lot to be desired at the price point it’s set at.

Wagyu was really melt in the mouth. Incredible beef broth to end the meal with too. We reached half hour before opening hours, didn’t realise that they would close one and a half hours into their dinner opening. Restaurant has limited seats too, good to come early to queue in line.

literally the best beef i’ve eaten in my life. the meat was super soft and extremely tasty, and the accompanying rice and soup were delicious as well. considering i ordered the $25 bowl, i can imagine the more premium versions were even more mind blowing. definitely worth the 1h+ long wait, but do be prepared to queue for quite a while to get seated.