Tabelog ratingGyutan Sumibiyaki Yoshiji Unagidani ten is a specialist restaurant dedicated to one of northern Japan's most famous dishes: Sendai-style charcoal-grilled beef tongue (gyūtan). The main draw is watching the chefs grill thick slices of tongue over open coals at the first-floor counter, achieving a distinct char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The experience is complemented by a rich, clear oxtail soup, another hallmark of the Sendai gyūtan set meal.
Guests consistently praise the signature dish for its satisfying texture—a crunchy exterior giving way to a springy, flavourful interior. The te-ru (oxtail) soup is also a highlight, noted for its deep, meaty flavour. The menu offers variety, with different portion sizes (from single servings to larger six-piece plates), as well as tongue prepared as sausage or tataki (lightly seared). Its late-night opening hours make it a popular choice for a final meal of the evening.
However, visitors should be prepared for a compact and sometimes cramped environment. The small dining room can get smoky from the grill and queues are common during peak hours. Several reviewers have also reported that the service can be brusque or unfriendly, with some feeling this was particularly directed at tourists. While multilingual menus are available, the welcome can be inconsistent.
Most find the restaurant offers good value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥2,800 for a one-person gyūtan set, ¥3,000 for a 1.5-person portion, and approximately ¥3,800 for a larger six-piece serving. Sides like the gyūtan smoked salad (¥990) and a bowl of te-ru soup (¥550) can be added. The typical dinner spend is between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000, though big eaters may find the portions modest.
- Location: Located in Higashishinsaibashi, Osaka. It's a 3-minute walk from Exit 5A of Nagahoribashi Station.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are common, but reservations are accepted and recommended for groups. Expect to queue at peak times.
- Seating: The restaurant has 24 seats, including counter seats on the first floor and tables on the second. No private rooms are available.
- Payment: Cash and major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Service: Multilingual menus (English, Chinese, Korean) are available, but be prepared for potentially direct or abrupt service.
- Atmosphere: The first floor can be smoky from the charcoal grill. The restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid parking is available nearby.
