Rikyu
Rikyu is a renowned chain famous for Sendai's iconic Gyutan (beef tongue), offering a unique culinary experience with flavorful, tender dishes and set...
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Rikyu
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rikyu is a renowned chain famous for Sendai's iconic Gyutan (beef tongue), offering a unique culinary experience with flavorful, tender dishes and set meals.
"This place gave us the "AHA!" moment of why Sendai Gyutan is so famous."
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to bypass crowds and long waits, especially on holidays.
Navigate the Menu
Familiarize yourself with Japanese cuisine or bring a companion for menu assistance.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese (Gyutan Specialty)
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 22-266-5077
Address
Herb Sendai, 5F, 1 Chome-6-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan
Website
rikyu-gyutan.co.jp/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Sendai Beef Tongue
Experience the juicy, flavorful, and tender Gyutan, Sendai's signature dish.
Reasonable Set Meals
Enjoy set meals including rice, soup, and salad at surprisingly good prices.
Chain Restaurant Convenience
Multiple branches across Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture, including within Sendai Station.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to bypass crowds and long waits, especially on holidays.
Navigate the Menu
Familiarize yourself with Japanese cuisine or bring a companion for menu assistance.
Inquire About Halal
Ask about Halal options in advance if needed, as it may not be readily available.
Try the Beer
One reviewer noted the beer was excellent, a good accompaniment to the meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times to bypass crowds and long waits, especially on holidays.
Navigate the Menu
Familiarize yourself with Japanese cuisine or bring a companion for menu assistance.
Inquire About Halal
Ask about Halal options in advance if needed, as it may not be readily available.
Try the Beer
One reviewer noted the beer was excellent, a good accompaniment to the meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rikyu is celebrated for its signature Gyutan (beef tongue), often described as juicy, tender, and richly flavored, making it a must-try Sendai specialty. Diners appreciate the reasonable prices for set meals and the convenience of multiple branches. However, some experiences have been disappointing, with one reviewer noting an off-putting smell and a less than satisfying taste compared to other gyutan establishments in the city.
"The iconic food from Sendai: Gyutan (Beef Tongue) ! The tongue is juicy, tender, and rich of flavor. Must-try!"
Adelisa Devita
"This place gave us the "AHA!" moment of why Sendai Gyutan is so famous."
Pongsakorn “Kard” Chanchaisrisakul
"Rikyu Gyutan wouldn’t normally be my first pick since it’s a chain across Japan, but I stopped by because it was convenient. Service was friendly and the menu had a lot of choices, but the taste was disappointing—there was even a slight smell that put me off. After two days of enjoying gyutan in Sendai, this was the first letdown. The only highlight was the beer, which was excellent."
Cerise
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Gyutan is grilled beef tongue, Sendai's iconic dish. It evolved from a way to minimize waste into a delicious delicacy, known for its unique texture and flavor.
Yes, some branches offer multilingual menus, and English-speaking staff may be available, though familiarity with Japanese cuisine is still recommended.
It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours, as the restaurant can get crowded, particularly on holidays.
Rikyu has numerous branches throughout Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture, with several conveniently located in and around Sendai Station.
Set meals usually include the main dish (like Gyutan), barley rice, a clear oxtail soup, and salad.
While not always guaranteed, it's recommended to inquire about Halal options beforehand if this is a dietary requirement.
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The Best Restaurants In Sendai
Gyutan is Sendai’s most iconic dish, first born from thriftiness but later becoming a delicacy. In 1948, yakitori chef Keishiro Sano crafted the beef tongue dish as a way to minimise waste and experiment with flavour. In the decade that followed, it’s been grilled and remade to perfection.
Gyutan (Beef Tongue) - Sendai Travel
The two most popular gyutan restaurant chains are Rikyu and Kisuke. Both of these chains have branches on Gyutan Dori (gyutan street) on the third floor of Sendai Station. Most of the restaurants of Gyutan Dori open at 10:00, while restaurants in the city typically open for lunch around 11:00.
Japan's Sendai Gourmets: 3 Restaurants That You Should Visit
For example, RIKYU, KISUKE, ZENJIROU and DATEGYU are famous. Since they are chain restaurants, you can find their stores throughout Sendai and even Miyagi Prefecture. In addition, if you go to "GYUTANTORI" on the 3rd floor of Sendai Station, you will find all of these four stores.
Sendai - Wikitravel
Rikyu (利久), (There's one on the corner of Ekimae-dori and Hirose-dori, across from the AER Building.). A famous chain of gyūtan restaurants. Order the teishoku (set meal) - this includes meat, pickles, barley rice, leek, and a clear oxtail soup with a real tail.
Sendai Gyutan: Cow, Tongue... Love - Sendai, Miyagi
A common sight are the two gyutan chain restaurants Rikyu (利久) and Kisuke (喜助). Both do a decent job of sizzling up the tasty tongue. Basically, gyutan restaurants can be found all around Sendai, with nearly a dozen in and around JR Sendai Station.
Must-Try Foods In Sendai Castle (Sendai) For Tourists 2024
Visitors to Sendai can enjoy these and other dishes while absorbing the historical ambiance of Sendai Castle and the surrounding city.
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