Gifu Prefecture’s world-renowned brand of Wagyu, “Hida Beef.” Its fine marbling, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and rich flavor provide an unforgettable, moving experience once you taste it. If you’re visiting Hida Takayama, you simply cannot miss trying this ultimate delicacy.
However, Takayama has numerous restaurants serving Hida beef, and the right choice depends entirely on your purpose. “A high-end steakhouse for a special day?” “A more casual yakiniku experience?” “A taste of local cuisine for lunch?” In this article, we have carefully selected 5 “can’t-go-wrong” Hida beef restaurants to match your budget and situation. With this guide, the best Hida beef experience awaits you!
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[Conclusion] By Budget & Purpose! The Perfect Hida Beef Restaurant for You

First, check which restaurant best suits your desires!
- For a special anniversary or a luxurious dinner → Ajikura Tengoku (Yakiniku)
- To enjoy Hida’s local cuisine for lunch → Suzuya (Hoba Miso)
- To indulge in the highest quality steak → Kitchen Hida
- For a casual and hearty meal → Maruaki (Yakiniku)
- For a premium bite on the go → Hida Kotte Ushi (Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi)
The popular restaurants introduced in this article get very crowded, especially on weekends and during tourist seasons. Whether for lunch or dinner, making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended. For restaurants that don’t accept reservations, it’s wise to arrive early, right at opening time.
MAP
1. Ajikura Tengoku | JA-Owned! The No.1 Yakiniku Spot for Quality & Value

When you ask about “Hida Beef Yakiniku” in Takayama, the first name that comes up is “Ajikura Tengoku.” As it’s directly managed by JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives), you can enjoy top-quality Hida beef at surprisingly reasonable prices. The spacious interior is always bustling with both locals and tourists, a testament to its popularity. The assorted platter, which lets you enjoy various cuts little by little, is especially recommended. This is a can’t-miss restaurant that satisfies on all fronts: quality, price, and atmosphere.
- Enjoying a fun yakiniku meal with family and friends.
- Wanting to eat plenty of high-quality meat at the best possible price.
- Visiting a lively restaurant loved by locals.
Shop Name: Ajikura Tengoku
Genre: Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)
Budget: Lunch ¥2,000-¥3,000 / Dinner ¥6,000-¥8,000
Location: 4-308 Hanasato, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2104/A210401/21021146/
2. Suzuya | Perfect for Lunch! Savoring the Local Dish “Hoba Miso”

If you’ve come all the way to Takayama, you have to try the local cuisine of the Hida region. For that, we recommend the “Hida Beef Hoba Miso Set” at “Suzuya.” Homemade miso, green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and Hida beef are placed on a magnolia (*hoba*) leaf and grilled on a small charcoal stove at your table. The fragrant aroma of the grilling miso stimulates the appetite, and its pairing with white rice is exceptional. You can casually enjoy this heartwarming local dish, where the umami of Hida beef and the richness of miso become one, for lunch.
- Enjoying both Hida beef and local cuisine for lunch.
- Dining in a calm, atmospheric space renovated from an old folk house.
- Experiencing a way of eating Hida beef that’s different from steak or yakiniku.
Shop Name: Suzuya
Genre: Local Cuisine, Hoba Miso
Budget: Lunch ¥2,000-¥3,000
Location: 24 Hanakawa-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: 12-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2104/A210401/21000156/
3. Kitchen Hida | The Ultimate Steakhouse for a Special Occasion

“I want to savor the best Hida beef in its best condition.” For a special day or anniversary dinner that calls for such an experience, the long-standing steakhouse “Kitchen Hida” is the perfect choice. They use only the highest grade of A5 Hida beef, known as “Tobigyu.” The steak, grilled by a skilled chef on the teppan right in front of you, is truly the ultimate masterpiece. The sweetness and aroma of the meat fill your mouth, promising a moment of bliss. It’s a bit pricey, but the experience is more than worth it.
- Celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.
- Gourmands who seek the absolute best in quality.
- Enjoying a luxurious time watching the chef’s performance right before your eyes.
Shop Name: Kitchen Hida
Genre: Steak, Teppanyaki
Budget: Dinner ¥15,000-¥20,000
Location: 1-66 Honmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2104/A210401/21000080/
4. Maruaki | Butcher-Owned! A Yakiniku Restaurant for a Casual Hida Beef Feast

With a butcher shop on the first floor and a restaurant on the second, “Maruaki” is another hugely popular spot among locals. Its charm lies in the freshness and wide selection of cuts that only a butcher-owned shop can offer. You can casually enjoy various types of Hida beef, from premium cuts to offal. It’s a popular yakiniku spot in Takayama, on par with Ajikura Tengoku, but with a more local atmosphere. At lunchtime, they offer reasonably priced set meals like Yakiniku Teishoku and Sukiyaki Teishoku, which are also great deals.
- Trying various cuts of Hida beef.
- Dining at a lively spot frequented by locals.
- Enjoying a great value Hida beef yakiniku or sukiyaki lunch.
Shop Name: Maruaki Hida Takayama
Genre: Yakiniku, Sukiyaki
Budget: Lunch ¥1,000-¥2,000 / Dinner ¥5,000-¥6,000
Location: 6-8 Tenman-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2104/A210401/21000041/
5. Hida Kotte Ushi | The Definitive Street Food! Melt-in-Your-Mouth Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi

The highlight of strolling through the old town is the street food, and the absolute most popular item is the Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi from “Hida Kotte Ushi.” Using A5-grade Hida beef, it’s torched right in front of you after you order. The sushi, served on a shrimp cracker instead of a plate, is fun to look at and perfect for eating on the go. The umami and sweetness of the fat that spreads in your mouth the moment you take a bite is truly a premium experience. It’s an exquisite gourmet treat you must try when visiting Takayama.
- Casually enjoying Hida beef while strolling through the old town.
- Experiencing the “best bite” of your trip.
- Looking for an Instagram-worthy gourmet snack.
Shop Name: Hida Kotte Ushi
Genre: Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi (Street Food)
Budget: ~¥1,000
Location: 34 Kamisannomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: In the Old Town (Sanmachi-dori)
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/gifu/A2104/A210401/21023203/

Summary
What did you think? As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy “Hida Beef.” From a special occasion steak and fun yakiniku with friends to a local lunch and a snack on the go, try choosing the best restaurant to match your travel style. Your meal in Hida Takayama is sure to become the best memory of your trip.