Tabelog ratingTsunechan (つねちゃん) is a temple to top-tier wagyu, served in an intimate, 10-seat counter setting in Sakai, a city just south of Osaka. Run by a husband-and-wife team, the experience is centered on the owner, who personally grills each piece of meat for his guests. He sources exceptionally high-grade A5 wagyu, often female beef from Kyushu with the highest marbling score (BMS12), and cooks it to its absolute peak.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the meat and the chef's skill. The stars of the menu are the enormous, single-piece cuts, particularly the thick-cut beef tongue (タン元, tan-moto) and the premium tenderloin known as 'Super Chateaubriand' or 'Super Héle'. Other highly recommended cuts include harami (skirt steak) and yakishabu-style ichibo (top sirloin butt). The experience is complemented by inventive small plates like beef yukhoe, raw beef tripe (生センマイ, nama-senmai), and a distinctive corn kimchi.
While the food receives near-universal acclaim, there are practical considerations. The restaurant is not near major train stations, so a taxi is the most common way to get there. The small size and popularity mean reservations are essential and can be difficult to secure. Some reviewers also note that smoking is permitted, which can make the small room smoky.
Dinner typically costs between ¥15,000 and ¥19,999 per person, though the final bill depends on the cuts ordered. Reviewers in 2024 reported paying ¥19,800 for a whole Kumamoto beef tongue and ¥9,800 for the Saga beef 'Super Héle'. Full checks for two people have ranged from ¥42,700 to ¥53,000. Despite the high price, diners overwhelmingly feel it offers excellent value for the quality of the beef and the masterful preparation.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and must be made well in advance via TableCheck or by phone. Service is held in two fixed seatings at 17:00 and 20:00.
- Access: The restaurant is a significant distance from the nearest train station (Goryomae, 855m). Most visitors arrive by taxi.
- Seating: Seating is at the counter only, for about 10 guests. There are no private rooms.
- Payment: Credit cards (JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be 19 years of age or older.
- Smoking: Smoking is permitted throughout the restaurant.
- Parking: Limited parking is available (reportedly two spaces).
