The Return to Yakiniku Origins: A New Dining Experience in Aoyama

A New Chapter in Yakiniku Dining at Aoyama Nonki

On December 11, 2025, Next Global Foods, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, announced the grand opening of its 30th location, Yakiniku Nonki in Minato, Aoyama. With 26 locations in Tokyo and additional branches in Saitama and Kanagawa, this new establishment aims to push the envelope on traditional yakiniku dining by offering a focus on an exquisite, carefully crafted sauce that has been cherished since the restaurant's inception.

Experience Authenticity with Secret Sauce

At Yakiniku Nonki, the signature dish is the juicy grilled meat coated with a special sauce known as “secret sauce.” Guests can enjoy a casual yet rich experience that hearkens back to the roots of yakiniku. Surrounded by the bustling city, diners can relish authentic grilled meat without pretension, delivering a culinary experience that is both accessible and indulgent.

Entering the restaurant, guests will instantly be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat mingling with the scent of the special sauce wafting through the air. The anticipation builds as they wait for their piping hot bowls of freshly cooked white rice. This waiting period might just be part of the joy of the yakiniku experience, as lending a generous portion of sauce-coated meat onto rice creates a delightful meal. The rice soaks up the rich flavors, transporting patrons back to their joyous childhood days spent at a family barbecue.

Sauce Is the Substance

The moment the meat hits the grill, the sizzling smoke and irresistible aroma fill the air, with the sweet and savory flavors of the secret sauce enveloping each tender piece of meat. This dual sensation is what makes Yakiniku Nonki truly unique. One of the standout offerings is the Jouaka (upper red), characterized by high-quality Satsuma Wagyu beef skillfully marinated in the restaurant’s homemade sauce, locking in both the meat’s inherent flavors and the sauce’s savory depth.

The restaurant’s other highlight is the Shiro (white) plate, featuring liver and marucho, a carefully handled meat offering that shines in both texture and taste. Each order is thoughtfully curated at 100g, ensuring diners enjoy high-quality dishes that are delectable yet light.

Impeccably Prepared Rice

The defining element of the meal, Yakiniku Nonki's rice is prepared to order using meticulously sourced grains from the esteemed Yashiro Gyoen, located in Kyoto and Tokyo. The rice's texture is polished yet slightly sweet, which complements the flavors of the sauce remarkably.

Notably, the restaurant also serves amazing eggs from Tanaka Farm, renowned for their rich and creamy taste that pairs beautifully with the special sauce, amplifying the overall dining experience.

Exciting Menu for All Taste Buds

Yakiniku Nonki provides a diverse selection of cuts, from rich kalbi to tender harami and unique rare cuts, ensuring the menu has something for everyone. Don’t forget the kimchi and japchae for an ideal palate refresher, along with refreshing cold noodles to close the meal on a perfect note. The dessert selections, including almond gelato, also receive high praise from diners.

Perfect Pairing with Japanese Tea

To boost the yakiniku dining experience further, Yakiniku Nonki offers drinks featuring Sayama tea, one of Japan's top three teas. Transforming this into a fine powder enhances the flavor making it a perfect pairing for grilled dishes. This tea varies from a bold green tea blend to a rich roasted hojicha, both excellent companions for any meal at Nonki.