Gifu, Japan - Maruaki Hida Beef Yakiniku Specialty Restaurant

When it comes to Japanese wagyu beef, aside from Osaka's okonomiyaki and Kobe's renowned Kobe beef, there's another must-try delicacy in Japan's central Gifu Prefecture—Hida beef (ひだぎゅう) 🐮. Known for its exquisite marbling, tender texture, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this premium wagyu brand originates from Takayama and its surrounding areas in Gifu Prefecture. One of the best ways to savor Hida beef is by visiting the highly popular and long-established restaurant, Maruaki (まるあき).

"Maruaki" is a Hida beef specialty restaurant that combines a butcher shop with a yakiniku (grilled meat) dining experience. Founded in the Takayama area over 40 years ago, Maruaki prides itself on offering high-quality Hida beef sourced directly from the region. It has become a go-to spot for both tourists and locals, providing a refined and comfortable dining atmosphere with professional service, allowing guests to fully enjoy the premium flavors of Hida beef from the Hida mountain range.

Maruaki specializes in "freshly cut and grilled yakiniku," showcasing the allure of Hida beef to its fullest. You can choose individual cuts or opt for set meals that include salad, rice, and side dishes. Here are some must-try recommendations:
1. Hida Beef Five-Cut Platter (盛り合わせ)
Sample various cuts, including shoulder loin, ribeye, beef tongue, hind leg, and brisket. Each cut offers unique fat distribution and flavor profiles, making it perfect for first-time Hida beef tasters.
2. Premium Hida Beef Sirloin (特選サーロイン焼)
Featuring luxurious marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cut epitomizes the artistry of Hida beef's marbled perfection.
3. Seared Beef Sushi (牛にぎり寿司) 🍣
Thinly sliced fresh Hida beef is lightly seared and placed atop vinegared rice, offering a visual and culinary delight that will win your heart with just one bite.
All meats are freshly cut to order, meticulously plated, and paired with special sauces and charcoal grilling methods to enhance the natural flavor and aroma of the beef.

What sets Maruaki apart is that it’s not just a restaurant but also a professional butcher shop. Before or after dining, you can purchase chilled Hida beef cuts, hamburger patties, Hida beef curry packs, wagyu croquettes, Hida beef jerky, and other processed products. Some items are available for frozen delivery or insulated packaging, making it convenient for travelers to take home or gift.

It’s recommended to reserve a table upon arrival and explore the nearby area while waiting, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons (like cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons), as the restaurant often gets fully booked.

Whether you’re a yakiniku enthusiast, a first-time wagyu taster, or a traveler looking to bring home premium meat products, Maruaki has something for everyone. From carefully selected cuts, expert craftsmanship, to attentive service and reasonable prices, Maruaki ensures you leave Gifu with unforgettable "wagyu memories." Next time you visit Hida Takayama, step into "Maruaki," order a thick-cut sirloin, and let the sizzling marbled fat on the charcoal grill redefine the meaning of "melt-in-your-mouth."

⏰ Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
📅 Closed: None
🌟 Recommended Dish: Seared Beef Sushi (牛にぎり寿司)
📍 Address: 6 Chome-8 Tenmanmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0025, Japan