Gyukatsu Motomura in Shibuya is a must-visit for anyone who wants to try Japan’s take on beef cutlet: thin, crisp panko batter, medium-rare center, finished by lightly searing on a hot stone plate at your table.
Enjoy it with wadashi soy, mountain wasabi sauce, or rock salt — multiple “flavor changes” (taste variations) let you savor the meat in different ways.
This guide compiles official info and an on-site tasting to cover everything visitors need to know: access, opening hours, menu prices, how busy it gets, and how to get the most out of your meal
目次-table of contents
- Practical info — address, hours, reservation policy (quick facts)
- Menu & price guide (current as provided)
- On-site review — taste, texture, and serving style
- Recommended tasting sequence (personal favorite):
- How busy is it? Typical wait times & tips to avoid crowds
- Practical notes & accessibility
- Why choose Motomura in Shibuya? How it stands out
- Summary — quick takeaways for visitors
Practical info — address, hours, reservation policy (quick facts)
- Address: Ōno Building No.2 B1F, 3-18-10 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
- Access: About a 4–5 minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (South/East exit). Close to Shibuya Stream.
- Phone: 050-1720-9137
- Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 (Last order 21:00)
- Holidays: No regular holidays (check for year-end / New Year closures)
- Reservations: Not accepted — expect a line during peak times
- Seating: Small counter seating (about 9 seats)
Tip: Because reservations aren’t available, avoid the lunchtime and evening rush if you want a shorter wait.
Menu & price guide (current as provided)
All main sets come with rice, miso soup, and cabbage.
Rice refills: one bowl free. Cabbage and miso soup refills are available for a small fee (¥100).
| Menu name (English) | What’s included | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Gyukatsu set (130 g) — 3 small side dishes | 130 g gyukatsu + 3 small side dishes | ¥2,110 |
| Gyukatsu 1.5 set (195 g) — 3 small side dishes | 195 g gyukatsu + 3 small side dishes | ¥2,810 |
| Gyukatsu 2-piece set (260 g) — 3 small side dishes | 260 g gyukatsu + 3 small side dishes | ¥3,290 |
| Menu | Contents | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Gyukatsu set + drink (130g) | 130 g + drink | ¥2,710 |
| Gyukatsu set + drink (195g) | 195 g + drink | ¥3,410 |
| Gyukatsu set + drink (260g) | 260 g + drink | ¥3,890 |
Drink set (soft drink included) — choose from Cola, Orange Juice, or Black Oolong Tea:
Extras & toppings
- Extra gyukatsu (single piece) … ¥1,180
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) topping … ¥100
- Tororo (grated yam) … ¥100
Dessert
- Warabi mochi (limited quantity) … ¥100 — a soft, melt-in-your-mouth jelly-like sweet that’s especially popular with female diners.
Note: Prices may be updated from time to time. Please verify on the official website or at the restaurant on arrival.
On-site review — taste, texture, and serving style
I visited on a weekday at around 13:30. There were about 10 people waiting outside, but the queue moved quicker than expected because staff hand out menus while you wait — you decide your order before entering.
When seated, a preheated hot stone plate (ishiban) sits before you.
The gyukatsu arrives already fried with a thin, fine-crumbed panko coating.
The outer layer is crisp and light; the inside stays medium-rare, tender and juicy. The thin coating and careful frying keep the dish from feeling oily.
Recommended tasting sequence (personal favorite):
- Try a bite plain to appreciate the beef’s flavor.
- Add a small dab of wasabi and a touch of soy for the classic pairing.
- Sprinkle a little rock salt to really bring out the meat’s natural sweetness.
- Try the mountain wasabi sauce sparingly — it delivers a pleasant lingering heat.
- Finish bites with tororo or mentaiko together with rice for a comforting contrast.
The side items (tororo or mentaiko) are high quality and make rice virtually disappear — don’t hesitate to ask for your one free rice refill.
Warabi mochi served after the meal is delightfully soft and a gentle finish to the savory meal.
How busy is it? Typical wait times & tips to avoid crowds
- Peak lunch: 12:00–13:30 — expect lines and waits (weekends can be 60–90 minutes).
- Peak dinner: 18:00–20:00 — busy, especially weekends.
- Observed example: Weekday 13:30 with ~10 people waiting → about 30 minutes to entry.
Avoidance tips:
- Go right at opening (11:00) or after the lunch rush (14:00+).
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- While waiting, you’ll usually receive a menu to pre-order — this shortens your time at the table.
Practical notes & accessibility
- Seating is mainly counter style and compact — not ideal for large groups or strollers.
- The restaurant can provide fully cooked beef for elderly diners or children on request.
- The stone plate and short service times mean clothing can pick up slight aromas — avoid wearing outfits you’re worried about.
- Payment: cards, IC/electronic money, and QR payments are accepted — however, mobile reception can be weak underground, and Wi-Fi is available.
Why choose Motomura in Shibuya? How it stands out
Gyukatsu Motomura is favored for:
- Consistent medium-rare cooking — reliable pink center across orders.
- Interactive finish — searing on the stone plate is part of the experience.
- Thin, delicate panko — light crunch that keeps focus on the beef’s flavor.
- Good turnover with approachable service — line moves fairly quickly and staff help first-timers.
If you’re comparing options in Shibuya, check whether other shops use the stone-searing finish, the set accompaniments (tororo/mentaiko), and the portion sizes to decide which fits your taste.
Summary — quick takeaways for visitors
- Address: Ōno Building No.2 B1F, 3-18-10 Shibuya (4–5 min walk from JR Shibuya).
- Hours: 11:00–22:00 (LO 21:00) — no reservations.
- Recommended order: Gyukatsu set (130 g) with tororo or mentaiko; get a rice refill if you need it.
- Best times: Open at 11:00, or afternoon after 14:00 to avoid long lines.
- Must-try: Taste plain first, then try wasabi soy and rock salt; finish with tororo/mentaiko.
