Ok good like

A few minutes' walk from Naka-Okachimachi Station, the yakiniku restaurant 「金鳳苑」 has a notably tranquil presence. Amid the bustle of Ueno and Okachimachi, this long-established restaurant gently embraces the nostalgia of yakiniku. Step through the entrance curtain and a familiar smell makes you think, “Ah, this is it.” The aroma of sauce-grilled meat, traces of charcoal fires, and time soaked into even the gaps in the well-worn tables. The first thing to reach for here is the signature tan shio. Lightly seared, it has a pleasantly firm crunch that makes your teeth rejoice, while a faint buttery aroma tickles your nose. Next comes the harami. Tender red meat with just the right amount of fat. Each strip releases savory juices from its fine fibers along with the steam. The sweet-spicy balance that makes you wonder, “Is the sauce a little spicy?” is a perfect example of old-town yakiniku. The seasoning isn't too heavy and has a devilish charm that tempts you to order “just one more slice…” There's also a wide selection of offal. From 「ヤン」, with an abalone-like chew, to pleasantly crunchy premium tripe, each adds its own accent. The 「ヤンたれ」 in particular has a rich yet refined flavor that firmly captures the hearts of sauce lovers. The atmosphere feels warm rather than cheap. The motherly service creates an air where even solo diners won't feel intimidated. Prices are just right for a slightly indulgent evening of yakiniku, and the value is fairly good. To finish, I recommend refreshing your palate with reimen or soup. The lingering charcoal and scorched-sauce aromas are washed away as you slurp the cold noodles, and then you find yourself reaching for more meat. It's a loop you get hooked on. It isn't flashy or cutting-edge, but if you want to savor the roots of yakiniku, this place will definitely hit the spot. Anyone looking for unpretentious but authentic yakiniku in Ueno should visit.

+3

My first visit to 金鳳苑, which has a high Tabelog score even among the many popular yakiniku restaurants around Ueno. It seems possible to get a reservation if you book relatively early. The exterior has an old-school vibe, and the inside is even more old-school. The tables on the 1st floor are low lol. There are seats on the 2nd floor too, and the interior is surprisingly spacious. You can tell from the plating that each slice of meat is arranged carefully, and I was happy that the cuts were generally thick. The tongue in particular is thick, juicy, and superb. Ordering more is a must. Both the karubi and premium karubi have outrageously luxurious marbling. A really good yakiniku restaurant, just as its score suggests. Thank you for the meal.

+3

A seriously delicious yakiniku spot in Ueno. A Korean restaurant, really. Eating yakiniku with makgeolli will put you in a great mood. Make sure you drink makgeolli! Mix it with beer. Reservations are essential. It's a popular place, after all. Adios👍

+3

It was delicious!!! I visited with a colleague the other day, and every dish was superb. We were shown to seats on the 2nd floor, where the atmosphere was calm and felt like being at home. The mother's warm hospitality and service were wonderful. I'd definitely like to visit again if I have the chance.

+3