#Japan #Tokyo #Casa Julian #Chuleton

Casa Julian: Experience the Authentic Taste of Spain in Tokyo

In a thrilling announcement for food enthusiasts, Casa Julian, the celebrated Spanish restaurant famed for its exquisite Chuleton (bone-in steak), will be opening its first location in Japan this fall. Located in the upscale Minamiaoyama district of Tokyo, just a short walk from Nogizaka Station, this new restaurant by WDI Japan promises to bring a slice of the culinary heritage of the quaint town of Tolosa right to the heart of Tokyo.

What Makes Casa Julian Special?

Founded in 1954 in Tolosa, Casa Julian has established itself as a must-visit destination for gourmets around the world. The restaurant specializes in Chuleton, a thick-cut steak sourced from carefully selected mature cattle, heavily seasoned with sea salt, and grilled to perfection over charcoal. This dish is regarded as one of the three cornerstone culinary gems of the Basque region, alongside the famous tapas of San Sebastián and the grilled fish of Getaria.

Despite its somewhat inconvenient location, a thirty-minute drive from San Sebastián, and limited opening hours—only three hours per day—Casa Julian has earned acclaim among food lovers and travelers alike, becoming a legendary dining destination.

The Art of Cooking Chuleton

The restaurant's founder, Julian Rivas, dedicated his career to creating the perfect Chuleton. His commitment led him to collaborate with a renowned local surgeon to refine the art of meat cutting and investment in innovative cooking techniques. He also partnered with experts from the metal industry to design an ingenious grill that optimizes the temperature inside the oven, ensuring that flames do not ruin the cooking process by preventing fat from dripping onto the fire. The result is a unique grilling technique that enhances the flavor of the meat while preserving its juicy tenderness.

One of the unique aspects of dining at Casa Julian is the pairing of Chuleton with local delicacies from Rivas’ home region of Navarra, such as white asparagus, served as an appetizer, and piquillo peppers as a side dish—experiences that are distinctively exclusive to Casa Julian.

The Ingredients Behind the Flavors

A defining feature of Casa Julian is its use of European Matured Beef, sourced from select cows aged between six to nine years. This beef had not been available in Japan due to import restrictions until now. Thanks to a unique import channel established by WDI Japan, Japanese diners can experience the rich flavors of quality beef that differs considerably from the Japanese Wagyu, including a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids and enhanced flavor as the cattle age.

Acclaimed Culinary Recognition

Casa Julian’s outstanding quality has earned it top accolades, including a seventh ranking on the coveted “World’s Best Steak 101” list for 2025, which evaluated over 300,000 steakhouses worldwide. Additionally, the restaurant received two Soles from the Repsol Guide, the Spanish equivalent of Michelin stars, further solidifying its reputation in the culinary world.

Words from the Owner

Matias Gorochategui, the current owner of Casa Julian, expressed his excitement about opening in Tokyo. He stated, “Our passion for meat is what drives us, and I am thrilled to see our culinary artistry flourish in such a vibrant city. With our tradition of Chuleton, I hope to bring smiles to the faces of our guests, treating them as part of our family.”

Casa Julian Tokyo Store Details

• - Planned Opening: Fall 2026
• - Location: 1-chome, Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo
• - Reservation Start: September 2026

About Casa Julian in Tolosa

• - Address: Calle de Santa Klara 6, 20400 Tolosa, Spain
• - Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday 13:00 – 15:30, Friday and Saturday 13:00 – 15:30 / 20:30 – 22:30 (Closed Mondays)
• - Website: Casa Julian

With its wealth of culinary history and commitment to quality, Tokyo’s Casa Julian is set to become a gastronomic landmark. Keep an eye out for its opening and prepare for a sumptuous dining experience that promises to resonate with the heart and soul of Spain.