Yamano

Lunch — fantastic value. A nice little restaurant on the corner or a busy intersection, 2no floor. Great lunch deal prepared by the chef. Best steak I’ve tasted.

After a long day of stumbling around Kappabashi and then Akihabara, the husband and I were desperate for some food. In our hanger (hungry anger), we happened to stumble upon this restaurant. We have visited this restaurant for lunch and for dinner on multiple locations in both 2014 and 2015.
Yamano is on the second floor via a narrow and step stairwell of a corner building adjacent to Akihabara station. It is small, with 4 counter seats, two 4 person tables, and one 6 person table. Hangers by the door for your coat and baskets under the chairs for your bags. It is well ventilated and cozy. If possible, I would recommend making reservations, especially if there are more than 2 of you.
We spoke to the owner at dinner at one of our visits. The restaurant has been open for 4 years. They only take cash, but don’t worry, there is a 7&i with an international ATM that takes US debit cards within a 5 minute walk.
Yamano serves A5 (the highest grade) of Wagyu beef in a variety of ways. You can cook it yourself at the table or have them cook it for you. We opted to cook it ourselves — ordering the hanger steak, achibone (which I do believe we call boneless beef spareribs in the US), tongue, and rump.
There is an English menu available and the servers do have a limited English vocabulary, but they do understand English very well. It is best if you know at least a few key phrases, like numbers to indicate quantity, yes, no, and thank you. But pointing to pictures or entries on the English menu or pantoming works just as well.
The meat is incredibly succulent and if you order multiple types of meat to grill yourself, they will bring them out one at a time. Which is nice since you know when to stop because you are getting full. Each meat platter is served with its own side and you can dip it in salt or their homemade sauce, or even top it with a little fresh wasabi if you like. Personally, I like to take a bite plain just to get an idea of the natural flavors. This beef tastes like nothing you’ve had in the US.
At lunch, they do have affordable lunch set menus that include soup, rice, and a salad. At dinner, you are required to order a drink (it doesn’t have to be alcoholic, it can be a soda) and they offer you an appetizer of a special prepared item by the chef.
At lunch, this location is a great deal. At dinner, it can be pricey depending on what you order and how much it takes to get you full. I have to say, for several plates of delicious meat and two drink, my husband and I walked out paying about $ 50−60US a person. Which I think is incredibly reasonable considering they are serving you the highest grade of Wagyu beef available.
I think this is a must for anyone who wants to experience Wagyu beef but is traveling to Tokyo on a budget.