Yonezawa Beef DINING Bekoya, founded in 1899, is one of Yonezawa's most established wagyu specialists, notable for purchasing whole Yonezawa beef cattle so it can offer cuts across the full range of quality grades and preparations. The menu spans yakiniku grilled tableside over charcoal, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and pan-seared steak sets, giving diners several ways to sample the region's marbled beef in one visit. The dining room mixes table seating with tatami sections, and the pace is relaxed rather than rushed, reflecting the restaurant's long history serving both locals and visiting travelers. Local Yamagata sake and shochu are available to pair with the richer cuts, and staff can advise on pairing given the fattiness of the beef. Given the restaurant's reputation and its position on the Yonezawa beef circuit, reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and on weekends, with a few days' notice advisable during the busier autumn and winter travel months.
Signature dishes
- Yonezawa beef yakiniku
- Yonezawa beef sukiyaki
- Yonezawa beef steak set
Good to know
- Known for
- Founded 1899; purchases whole Yonezawa beef cattle and serves it as yakiniku, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu and steak
- Hours
- 11:30AM-2:00PM; 5:00PM-9:30PM
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
37.9226, 140.1198 View on map
Highlights
- Founded in 1899, one of Yonezawa's longest-running beef specialists
- Buys whole Yonezawa beef cattle for a broader range of cuts and grades
- Yakiniku, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu and steak all on one menu
- Mixed tatami and table seating
Tips for visiting
- Yakiniku lets diners control doneness themselves, while sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are better for a slower, guided meal
- Lunch sets are considerably cheaper than the full dinner course
- Book ahead for dinner and weekends, especially in autumn and winter
- Ask staff for a sake pairing suited to the richness of the cut ordered
Accessibility
The restaurant has both table and tatami seating; table sections are step-free, while tatami rooms require removing shoes and sitting at floor level, so wheelchair users should request table seating when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Yonezawa Beef DINING Bekoya different from other beef restaurants?
It purchases whole Yonezawa beef cattle rather than pre-selected cuts, allowing a wider range of grades and preparations across its menu.
Which cooking style is recommended for first-time visitors?
Sukiyaki is a good introduction since it is cooked at the table in a sweet soy broth that suits the beef's marbling.
Is a reservation necessary?
Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner service and weekends.
What are the hours?
The restaurant serves lunch from 11:30AM to 2:00PM and dinner from 5:00PM to 9:30PM.