Wagyu yakiniku, a mouthwatering Japanese culinary delight, has taken the world by storm with its delectable flavours and tender, marbled beef. This exquisite dining experience has gained immense popularity among food enthusiasts seeking the ultimate indulgence. Wagyu yakiniku, which translates to “Japanese grilled beef,” is renowned for its premium quality and unforgettable taste, making it a must-try delicacy for anyone with a passion for fine dining and gastronomic adventures.
At its core, Wagyu yakiniku showcases the exceptional quality of Wagyu beef, prized for its unmatched marbling, tenderness, and rich, buttery flavour. Whether you are a true foodie or a curious newcomer to Japanese cuisine, prepare to embark on a flavourful journey that will leave your taste buds tingling and your senses delighted. Here are the 5 best Wagyu yakiniku restaurants in Johor.
What Kinds Of Meat Are Used For Wagyu Yakiniku?
Wagyu Yakiniku typically uses thinly sliced cuts of Wagyu beef, which is renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and richful flavour. Various cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, short ribs (kalbi), and tongue are popular choices for this Japanese barbecue style. These thin slices are grilled to perfection on a tabletop grill, allowing diners to cook the meat to their preferred level of doneness. As the marbling in Wagyu beef melts during cooking, it creates a luxurious and savoury dining experience.
What Are The Differences Between Yakiniku And Teppanyaki?
Yakiniku and teppanyaki are both popular Japanese cooking styles that involve grilling, but they have distinct differences:
- Grilling Method
Yakiniku: In Yakiniku, diners grill small, bite-sized pieces of meat, often beef, pork, or chicken, on a tabletop grill. Each person typically grills their own meat, and it is a DIY (do-it-yourself) grilling experience.
Teppanyaki: Teppanyaki, on the other hand, is a style of cooking where a skilled chef cooks food, including meats, vegetables, and seafood, on a large, flat iron griddle (the “teppan”) right in front of diners. It’s a theatrical and interactive culinary performance.
- Cooking Styles
Yakiniku: Yakiniku meat is usually thinly sliced and marinated or seasoned with sauces before grilling. Diners have control over how they want their meat cooked.
Teppanyaki: Teppanyaki chefs often use theatrical techniques like flipping and chopping while cooking. They may prepare a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, fried rice, and sometimes even flambe desserts, all on the same griddle.
- Table Setting
Yakiniku: In Yakiniku, each table is equipped with a small grill where diners can cook their own meat. The focus is on the individual experience of grilling.
Teppanyaki: Teppanyaki is often conducted at a communal table surrounding the chef’s griddle. Diners sit together and watch the chef’s cooking show as they prepare the meal.
Read more to find other eateries you can discover in Johor:
5 Best Wagyu Yakiniku Restaurants in Johor 2025
1. Tanba Japanese BBQ
Tanba Japanese BBQ specialises in charcoal-grilled horse-roasted meat, delivering a distinctive culinary experience. It exclusively utilises high-quality charcoal for grilling, imparting a subtle smoky aroma to the ingredients. The advanced oil fume extraction system ensures diners enjoy a comfortable, smoke-free barbecue experience. Beyond the exquisite single-order portions, this restaurant also offers an enticing à la carte Buffet grill option, enabling patrons to savour a diverse selection of Japanese-style charcoal-fired dishes at a single price. The A5 Japanese Wagyu course and 100 fresh ingredients, such as meats, seafood, vegetables, sushi, sashimi, Japanese stir-fry, and soup, are all prepared fresh-to-order to ensure freshness.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: 31 & 33, Jln Molek 3/20, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone No: 07-361 0505
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanbaBBQMolek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanbabbqmolek
2. Awagyu Restaurant
Awagyu Restaurant features the finest Wagyu from Tokushima, Japan, celebrated for its delectable and health-conscious dining experience. The restaurant boasts a special farm in Tokushima, ensuring the freshest and safest Wagyu beef cuts for diners and their families. Pride is taken in serving only the highest quality A5-graded (BMS8-12) Wagyu known for its tenderness and delicious marbling. The premium Waichi beef is 100% purebred, black-haired Wagyu, specifically A5-graded (BMS8-12), guaranteeing a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. This restaurant also holds the essential import permit from Malaysian authorities and is certified by the Muslim Professional Japan Association (MPJA), assuring that the Wagyu beef is HALAL-certified.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Thursday)
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Friday – Sunday)
Address: 25c, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone No: 011-5776 4363
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awagyujb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awagyuyakiniku
Refer Info On Website3. The Wagyu Tavern
The Wagyu Tavern stands out by providing a unique dining experience featuring top-tier A5 Miyazaki beef, served in a “free-flow” style that allows guests to indulge in authentic Wagyu dining experience they will never forget. The Japanese Wagyu beef offered here holds also Halal certification. What distinguishes their Wagyu is its remarkable freshness, as it arrives fresh-chilled rather than frozen, ensuring absolute purity and unforgettable flavour. For an exquisite treat, the highly recommended option is the A5 Sirloin, which is available in both thick and thin cuts.
Operating Hours:
6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Tuesday – Friday)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Saturday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Address: 34, Jalan Pendekar 13, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone No: 012-381 1582
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thewagyutavernskudaijb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewagyutavern
4. KEMURI
KEMURI offers a delightful ambiance that transports you to Japan, creating a perfect setting for your dining experience. You can expect the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients in their dishes, ensuring a top-notch culinary experience. Don’t miss out on the Wagyu Strip Loin and rump cuts, as they are absolute must-try selections from its Wagyu menu. The attentive staff at KEMURI are quick to replenish the charcoal when needed, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable grilling experience. To complement your meal, the restaurant boasts an extensive choices of sake and beer options, making it an ideal destination for those looking to savor authentic Japanese flavours and beverages.
Operating Hours:
11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesday
Address: 24, Jalan Molek 1/30, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone No: 07-351 1723
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
5. Gyumore Yakiniku
At Gyumore Yakiniku, you will find a comfortable air-conditioned setting adorned with plenty of wooden seating, offering a dedicated focus on Japanese BBQ, particularly the exquisite Wagyu beef. This restaurant is a must-visit destination for meat connoisseurs and Wagyu enthusiasts alike, promising a memorable eating experience. Its Wagyu dishes are renowned for the melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making Gyumore Yakiniku the ultimate choice for those seeking a delightful journey into the world of premium beef.
Operating Hours: 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 32, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Phone No: 012-567 8606
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063663866323
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
