Zen Ikebukuro West

Who knew grilling your meat on a bamboo grid instead of a conventional gridiron could make such a difference? We were skeptical of this new Ikebukuro yakiniku joint's lofty claims at first, but had to change our minds when the finished product turned out far juicier, prettier and less smelling of smoke than at your usual grill-it-yourself restaurant. The word is spreading quickly about this reovlutionary technique, pioneered by Ikebukuro-based wagyu specialist Zen – so quickly, in fact, that the eatery had to open this branch office on the other side of the station after battling crowds ever since starting business. Unlike the original, Zen West is also open for lunch, when a three-piece yakiniku set goes for ¥1,090 and a five-piece for ¥1,490.