Discover Casa Julian
In the quaint town of Tolosa, Spain, the esteemed steakhouse Casa Julian has claimed the spotlight by securing the
6th place in the
2026 World’s Best Steak Restaurants 101. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and the unrivaled quality of their offerings, particularly their signature dish, the
Chuleton.
What is Chuleton?
Chuleton is a bone-in rib steak made from specially aged
European Matured Beef. The beef is expertly cut thick and seasoned generously with sea salt before being grilled over charcoal. This masterpiece of flavor has rightfully earned its place as one of the three iconic dishes in the Basque region of northeastern Spain, along with
Tappas from San Sebastián and grilled fish from Getaria.
Founded in
1954, Casa Julian has maintained its authenticity despite challenging circumstances. Located roughly 30 minutes from San Sebastián and operating only for three hours a day, it has managed to attract food lovers from around the globe, who are eager to savor this extraordinary beef.
The Art Behind the Perfect Chuleton
Julian Rivas, the founder of Casa Julian, dedicated his life to crafting the perfect Chuleton. He collaborated with renowned local surgeons to perfect the cutting technique and partnered with metallurgy experts to design an innovative grill that enhances the cooking process. This unique grill prevents flames from ruining the steak while allowing the robust flavor to shine through.
Notably, Rivas experimented with local culinary traditions by pairing the Chuleton with white asparagus from Navarra and
Piquillo peppers as a side dish, adding a fresh twist to the dining experience.
Key Features of Casa Julian's Chuleton
- - Charcoal Grilling: Using hardwood for a strong fire that enhances the rich aroma without overpowering the flavor.
- - Mediterranean Sea Salt: Generously applied, this salt helps retain moisture and amplify the meat's natural flavors.
- - Unique Cooking Technique: This secret method, refined by Julian's successor Matthias Gorotxategi and now his grandson Xabi, has become a signature of the restaurant.
A Unique Experience for Japanese Diners
Casa Julian will soon open its first branch in Japan, located in the upscale area of
Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, in
Winter 2026. This will be an incredible opportunity for Japanese food enthusiasts to enjoy
European Matured Beef, which has been hard to come by in Japan due to import restrictions. This beef, sourced from cattle aged between
6 to 9 years, boasts a richer flavor profile compared to its Japanese counterparts, thanks to a different rearing approach that increases the meat's quality.
Casa Julian Tokyo Opening Details
Store Name:
Casa Julian Tokyo
Opening Date:
Winter 2026
Location:
Minami Aoyama 1-chome, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Reservation Start:
Expected to be available starting
October 2026
For more details about the original Tolosa location:
Address:
Calle de Santa Klara 6, 20400 Tolosa, Spain
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 13:00 to 15:30, Friday & Saturday: 13:00 to 15:30 and 20:30 to 22:30, Closed on Mondays.
Phone:
+34-943-67-14-17
Official Website:
Casa Julian
Prepare your taste buds for an exceptional steak experience that Casa Julian promises to deliver, bestowing Tokyo with a taste of authentic Spanish culinary flair.