Tabelog ratingYakiniku Gourmands Itou (焼肉 グルマンズいとう) has earned a reputation as one of Sapporo's premier yakiniku destinations, elevating the barbecue experience with an obsessive focus on high-grade wagyu. Located in the lively Susukino district, it stands out for its high-end, modern atmosphere, complete with an open counter, highly effective ventilation, and unusually late hours, often serving until 3:00 AM.
The menu is a testament to precision and quality. Guests consistently praise the melt-in-the-mouth textures of rare cuts like misuji (top blade), rump, and inside skirt, as well as the signature thick-cut beef tongue (gyūtan). The experience is enhanced by creative condiments like foam soy sauce and fresh Hokkaido yama-wasabi. Beyond the grill, small plates such as blanched beef tripe (ue-mino yubiki) and inventive sides like cold noodles (naengmyeon) and garlic soup receive high marks. Many reviewers, particularly those familiar with Tokyo's dining scene, note the exceptional value for the quality offered. The service is frequently described as attentive and almost concierge-like, with helpful English-speaking staff.
While the quality is undisputed, there are practical points to consider. Securing a reservation is very difficult and requires booking far in advance. The English menu is also more limited than the Japanese one, so it's worth asking staff for recommendations on daily specials. A few diners have also reported slow pacing between courses or unexpected surcharges of around 20-21% on their final bill.
Dinner costs typically range from ¥10,000 to ¥14,999 per person. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,580 for beef tongue and ¥2,800 for wagyu skirt steak (harami), confirming that while not cheap, the prices are justified by the world-class quality.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and should be made weeks, if not months, in advance. Walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
- Getting There: A 1-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Line.
- Payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: The restaurant offers counter seating, tables, and private rooms for 4-8 people (a usage fee of ¥10,000 applies for the 'Salon Hamanasu' room).
- Language: An English menu is available, but it is limited. Staff can provide assistance.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking, but a small smoking room has been reported near the entrance.
- Parking: No parking available.
