Tabelog ratingYakiniku Marue Matsunawa ten (焼肉 丸惠 松縄店) has built its reputation on one thing: beef tongue, or gyutan. This is the restaurant's defining item, served in thick-cut portions that draw crowds from across the region. The menu features various cuts, from the standard tan-shio (salt tongue) to the limited-quantity special Marue tan, which regulars know to arrive early for before it sells out.
Guests consistently praise the quality and freshness of the meat. Beyond the famous tongue, reviewers also single out the harami (skirt steak), geta-kalbi (rib fingers), and well-prepared offal like tetchan (large intestine) and fresh nama-hatsu (raw heart). The generous portion sizes and a signature sweetish dipping sauce are other highlights. The service is often described as brisk and attentive, even during peak hours, and the availability of ordering tablets in multiple languages makes it very welcoming for non-Japanese visitors.
The restaurant's popularity comes with downsides. Long waits are the most common complaint, with queues ranging from 30 minutes to over two hours. The most sought-after tongue cuts are rationed per group and often sell out early in the evening. While most find the experience worth the cost, some reviewers note that prices have risen, calling it pricey. Expect your clothes to smell strongly of smoke after your meal.
Dinner typically costs between ¥6,000 and ¥7,999 per person. Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥1,980 for a plate of tan-shio and between ¥2,480 and ¥2,850 for the premium special tongue. A meal for three was recently reported at ¥11,600, while a lighter solo dinner cost one visitor ¥4,610. Most agree the price is fair for the outstanding quality, especially for the tongue.
- Reservations: Bookings are not accepted. Arrive and take a numbered ticket from the machine at the entrance. You can wait in your car and will be called when your table is ready. Expect long queues, especially on weekends.
- Getting There: The restaurant is about a 15-minute walk (1km) from Hayashimichi Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: There are 80 seats. No private rooms are available. A two-hour time limit may be enforced when busy.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Parking: A free private car park with approximately 50 spaces is available on-site.
- Rules: There is a one-drink-per-person policy. Some popular items, particularly beef tongue, are limited per group.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.