Shibuya Hamburg Steak Review: Best Sauces Guide

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Tokyo, ハンバーグとはんばーぐ（Hamburg Steak to Hamburg） in Shibuya is one of the most talked-about spots on social media.

What makes this restaurant special is its concept:
you can choose two sauces out of 12 options for your hamburg steak (Japanese-style hamburger steak).

This allows you to mix and match flavors depending on your mood — making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

You might be wondering:

Is it actually good?
Which sauces should I choose?
Is it expensive?
How crowded does it get?

In this article, I’ll share my real experience, including:

Menu & prices
Recommended sauces
Portion sizes
Waiting times
Overall review

If you’re planning to visit, this guide will help you make the most of your experience.

What is “Hamburg Steak” in Japan?

Before we dive in, a quick note for international readers:

Hamburg steak”(ハンバーグ / Hamburg) in Japan is NOT a hamburger.
It’s a juicy ground meat patty, usually served on a hot iron plate with sauce.

Think of it as a Japanese-style Salisbury steak.

A Unique Concept: Choose 2 Sauces from 12 Options

The biggest highlight of this restaurant is the ability to choose two different sauces.

Here are some of the available options:

Pepper
Mentaiko Cream (spicy cod roe)
Demi-glace
Grated yam & wasabi
Ponzu with grated daikon
Garlic tomato
Curry
Cheese
Soy milk mushroom
Pumpkin
Potato cream
Maple

With so many choices, it’s hard to decide — but that’s part of the fun.

💡 Tip:
The restaurant provides recommended combinations inside, so beginners don’t have to worry.

Menu & Prices

Hamburg Steak Sizes

150g: ¥1,500
200g: ¥1,750
300g: ¥2,150

While it may seem slightly expensive, this is actually a standard price range for specialty hamburg steak restaurants in Tokyo.

Considering you get two sauces, the value is quite high.

Popular Toppings

Avocado – ¥220
Fried egg – ¥130
Mozzarella cheese – ¥240
Sausage – ¥240
Mashed potato – ¥170
Broccoli – ¥170

⭐ The most recommended toppings are fried egg and mozzarella cheese, especially with rich sauces.

Rice & Set Menu

Rice S (150g) – ¥170
Rice M (200g) – ¥220
Rice L (250g) – ¥280
Bread – ¥250
Salad & soup set – ¥360

Ordering System (Important for First-Time Visitors)

Orders are placed using a ticket vending machine at the entrance.

⚠️ This is common in Japan, but may be unfamiliar to tourists.

Steps:

Choose your hamburger size
Select 2 sauces
Add toppings or rice
Purchase a ticket
Give it to the staff

You must decide your sauces before sitting down, so it’s good to think ahead.

Atmosphere & Seating

The restaurant has a counter-only seating style (14 seats), which is common in Japan.

When I was seated, I noticed a wooden platform already prepared for the hot iron plate — a small detail that builds anticipation.

Another thoughtful touch is the drawer at each seat, which contains:

Apron
Wet towel
Chopsticks
Fork & spoon

💡 Why this matters:
Hamburg steaks are served sizzling hot, and sauce can splash — so the apron is very helpful.

The space is compact but clean, and it’s comfortable even for solo diners.

My Experience: Mentaiko × Pepper (300g)

I visited on a Sunday around 2 PM.
There was no line, but the restaurant was fully occupied — a clear sign of its popularity.

Taste Review

Juicy but Not Too Heavy

The hamburg steak is very juicy, with rich meat flavor.
However, it’s not overly greasy, which makes it easy to finish even 300g.

It strikes a great balance between:

Juiciness
Flavor
Lightness

Recommended Sauces

Pepper (Highly Recommended)

This was my favorite.

Strong flavor
Spicy kick from black pepper
Perfect with rice

If you want a hearty, satisfying meal, this is the best choice.

Mentaiko Cream

A rich, creamy sauce with strong cod roe flavor.

It becomes milder when mixed with the meat juices, creating a smooth and balanced taste.

Also great with rice or bread.

Oroshi Ponzu /　Tororo Wasabi with fried egg

Oroshi Ponzu (Light & Refreshing)

A classic Japanese combination of grated daikon radish and citrus soy sauce.

Perfect if you want something lighter to balance heavier flavors.

Tororo Wasabi (Grated Yam & Wasabi)

Soft and fluffy texture with a mild wasabi kick.

Not too spicy, and very easy to eat.

💡 You can ask for extra wasabi if you want more heat.

Rice Portion Size

The Medium rice (200g) is slightly larger than a typical bowl of rice.

It may look like a lot at first, but because the sauces are rich, the rice disappears quickly.

Big eaters → M or L recommended
Light eaters → S is enough

Is It Expensive?

With toppings and rice, the total can reach ¥2,500–¥3,000.

That might feel a bit pricey, but considering:

Two sauces
Good portion size
High-quality meat
Customization experience

…it offers great value.

This is not just a meal — it’s an interactive dining experience.

Waiting Time & Best Time to Visit

Because there are only 14 seats, it gets crowded easily.

Busy hours:

12:00–13:00
18:00–19:00

Best times:

Around 14:00
Around 17:00

Who Should Visit?

This place is perfect for:

Hamburg steak lovers
People who want a filling meal
Couples or friends (sharing different sauces is fun)
Repeat visitors looking for variety

Restaurant Information

Name: Hamburg Steak to Hamburg
Address: Shibuya, Tokyo (near Miyashita Park)
Hours: 11:00–21:00 (Last order 20:30)
Seats: 14 (counter only)
Reservation: Not available
Payment: Cards, e-money, QR payment accepted

Final Thoughts

“Hamburg Steak to Hamburg” is a truly unique restaurant where you can enjoy:

The fun of choosing sauces
Rich, rice-friendly flavors
Juicy yet balanced hamburg steak
A reason to come back again and again

If you’re visiting Shibuya and want something memorable, this is definitely worth trying.