Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion 神戸牛 ステーキ レストラン モーリヤ祇園 (Kyoto, JAPAN) ★★★☆☆

Just like last year, I made sure to include a teppanyaki lunch on our Kyoto itinerary, primarily so little nugget could once again enjoy those coveted front row seats to watch the chefs work their magic over the sizzling iron griddle. But unlike last year, I decided to go with a familiar name this time around.

Founded all the way back in 1885, Mouriya is a Kobe-based teppanyaki institution best known for its premium Kobe beef. We had the pleasure of dining at one of their branches during our trip to Kobe in 2012, and ever since, I've always associated the name with exceptional beef and polished service. It felt only right to pass on that experience to our little one.

After checking in at the reception of Mouriya on bustling Gion (神戶牛肉Mouriya 祇園), we were escorted upstairs to the second-floor dining area, where we walked past a beautifully appointed private room overlook a tranquil zen garden. A peaceful little oasis, even in the heart of Kyoto.

As a party of six, we were seated at our own semi-private bar counter, which gave us the perfect view of all the action. 

Before the cooking began, the chef came over to present the stars of the show — an impressive line-up of steaks, including a mix of domestic A5 and Kobe beef, both rump and sirloin cuts.

Condiments were already laid out: a little wasabi, salt, and miso sauce — plus a generous pile of garlic chips, which I was surprised to see ready so early in the game.

We kicked off with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, silky smooth and subtly sweet — a nice way to ease into the meal.

That was followed by a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Then the beef started rolling in. Domestic rump steak – Leaner than expected, but still tender and juicy. A solid start.

These were accompanied by some grilled eggplants which was tasty but nowhere near the juicy ones we've had in the past.

Next up some A5 sirloin steak. Beautifully seared with a richer fat content than the rump, giving it a more luscious mouthfeel.

Last but not least, some prized Kobe sirloin which were the undisputed star. Well-marbled, velvety soft, and easily the most flavorful cut of the afternoon.

Some meaty mushroom cooked with butter. 

The sweet potato came with a nicely charred crust on the outside.

And finally, some grilled bean sprouts before the fried rice.

As always, the meal ended with the obligatory teppan-fried rice — the part little nugget had been waiting for. Our chef didn't disappoint, flipping ingredients around with practiced flair. The rice was fragrant and delicately seasoned with fresh chives, onion, and plenty of garlic.

Very classic. Very comforting.

We got just enough room for dessert and tea so this was the perfect end to a fairly heavy meal.



It was a filling lunch, but was it a satisfying one? The beef — especially the Kobe sirloin — lived up to its reputation. But if I’m being honest, I felt the meal leaned a bit too heavily on the meat (Perhaps I'm getting old). There wasn’t quite enough of a supporting cast (i.e. vegetables or inventive sides) to balance things out. A bit more variety would’ve elevated the overall experience.  

Food Rating: 6.2/10

Price: ￥￥￥￥

Address: 7-1 Yamatocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0802, Japan

Closest Metro Station: Gion-Shijo / Kyoto-Kawaramachi

Tel: +81 (0)75 532-4129

Website: https://www.mouriya.co.jp/

Opening Hours: 11:30am - 9:00pm daily