Gyu-Kaku Unveils Major Menu Refresh to Enhance Yakiniku Experience
Gyu-Kaku, operated by Reins International, is gearing up for a significant transformation in its grand menu set to launch on October 23, 2025. This substantial change honors the restaurant's foundational element of "taste-making," aiming to deepen the deliciousness of its signature items. The menu revamp includes a remarkable refresh of 23 dishes, including creative yakiniku, noodles, and desserts that promise to deliver an unforgettable dining experience for gatherings with friends, family, or a casual drink.
Ahead of the official launch, Gyu-Kaku held an exclusive media tasting event on October 16, 2025, at its Akasaka location. Attendees were treated to a delightful comparison between the revamped dishes and their predecessors, with many praising the enhanced flavors of the iconic "Gyu-Kaku Superior Kalbi" and "Gyu-Kaku Superior Harami." Visitors expressed that the new offerings brought out a richer taste of meat that made the yakiniku experience feel more genuine and memorable.
The improvement comes from the reintroduction of the beloved GNN (sesame, green onions, and garlic) sauce that enhances the flavor depth of the dishes. This new mixture beautifully envelops the meat, maintaining the original appeal while creating a harmonious taste. The aim is to evoke not just initial satisfaction, but also a lingering memory of the flavors, making diners eager to return for another experience.
Rather than merely making flashy changes, Gyu-Kaku is focused on the deepening of flavor, evolving gradually while preserving the essence of taste established over the years. This next chapter enhances the value of the dining experience, amplifying the enjoyment for all future visits.
The tasting event showcased a variety of innovative new menu items such as the "Cheese Umatoma Chicken" and the "Honey Mustard Pork." These creations incorporate influences from Italian and Korean cuisines, receiving positive feedback for broadening the perception of what yakiniku can be and ensuring diners stay engaged throughout the entire meal.
Among the highlights of the menu, the distinctive "Furisode Special Soy Sauce Grilled" dish raised many questions about its unusual cut of meat. Its charred soy sauce and black pepper flavor were described as irresistibly good, making it a perfect pairing with beer. The new "Authentic Spicy Noodle Soup" also gained accolades, with attendees noting its generous ingredients and expressing a desire to return for lunch.
Gyu-Kaku's "Cold Noodles," a staple that sells 2.3 million servings annually, is set to take on a fresh approach with the new "Gyu-Kaku Oil Noodles" supervised by the renowned "Hoika" restaurant. Diners were pleasantly surprised by its lighter texture and suitability for a post-yakiniku meal. Additionally, a new offering, the "Rich Spicy Garlic Ramen," wowed attendees, who felt that it maintained an impressive quality typically associated with specialty shops.
Desserts also brought out smiles, featuring experiential items like the "Grilled! Donut Ice Cream" and the "Caramel Sweet Potato Cake." These sweet endings incorporate on-table cooking elements allowing diners to share joyful moments at the conclusion of their meal.
The tasting event allowed guests to experience Gyu-Kaku's new "taste, experience, and scene." Many participants left with a sense of the restaurant's evolution and expressed eagerness to return with friends for a more casual outing.
As Gyu-Kaku approaches its 30th anniversary, it reflects on its underlying mission of making yakiniku more accessible while adapting to changing times and tastes. The celebrations for this year's 29 (Niku) anniversary are marked by a return to the original flavors that made it a hit. The updated menu will complement its classic offerings while introducing trendy and fun elements, allowing guests to choose items that fit their mood and occasion.
Continuing to build on loyal support over the years, Gyu-Kaku aims to provide a yakiniku experience filled with new discoveries with every visit.
Comment from Gyu-Kaku's Menu Development Head, Nobuaki Akimoto:
"At Gyu-Kaku, we believe that yakiniku is all about flavoring the meat. Delicious yakiniku is achieved with quality meat and outstanding sauces. For our menu revision, we focused on re-examining the taste of our classics, particularly kalbi and harami. By adding finely chopped green onions, ground sesame, and garlic to the existing sauces, we created a rich, aromatic flavor that highlights the meat's unique taste. We aim to create a memorable first experience, one that customers think about on their way home, encouraging them to say, ‘I want to go to Gyu-Kaku again,’ instead of just wanting to eat yakiniku. We also emphasize the idea that customers enjoy various dining experiences, whether through side menu choices, dessert selection, or any kind of setting."
See more details about Gyu-Kaku's grand menu renewal below.
[Menu Renewal Details Here]
Also, don't miss out on our all-you-can-eat options!
Weekday limited student group all-you-can-eat for ¥2,500
Indulge in over 40 dishes, including kalbi, harami, and popular items like "Honey Sweet Potato Butter" and "Kalbi-Specific Rice."
Usage Instructions: Present the "Dedicated Screen" and "Student ID" (Note: Some locations may not participate).
Official app available on App Store and Google Play.*
Company Overview
Reins International Co., Ltd.
President: Kota Sumikawa
Operators of Gyu-Kaku, Shabu-Shabu On Yasan, Izakaya Doma Doma, Tonkatsu Kagurazaka Sakura, and more.