牛かつもと村 上野店

Located in Ueno, Tokyo, "Gyukatsu Moto mura Ueno" is a very well-known fried steak specialty restaurant that features fried beef served with a small grill. The steak is crispy on the outside while remaining tender and medium rare on the inside, allowing you to eat it directly or grill it to your preferred doneness at the table.

This time, I ordered a set meal with 1.5 times the meat portion. The beef was tender and particularly complemented by the yam puree and pickled vegetables. The smooth texture of the yam paired unexpectedly harmoniously with the rich flavor of the beef. The side dishes included miso soup and pickled vegetables, which, although simple, were a good match for the main star. The warabi mochi for dessert was a delightful surprise, served with soybean flour and brown sugar, sweet but not overwhelming—ideal for a finishing touch.

As for drawbacks, this restaurant is very popular, usually requiring a queue of over an hour to be seated. The space is small with only about 14 seats, which might be a challenge for those who dislike waiting in line. However, the taste truly justifies the wait, which is why it is recommended by many tourists and locals alike.

Overall, "Gyukatsu Moto mura" is a food experience worth trying, especially for those who are tasting fried beef for the first time, as they can truly feel the surprise. However, next time I might choose to visit on a weekday to avoid peak hours or try my luck at one of their other branches.