Yamagata & Zao Gourmet Guide! 8 Must-Eat Restaurants: Yamagata Beef and Local Cuisine Dinner Guide Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Apr 9, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Izakaya Shabu Shabu Yakiniku Sake Sashimi/ Seafood

Yamagata & Zao Gourmet Guide! 8 Must-Eat Restaurants: Yamagata Beef and Local Cuisine Dinner Guide

Zao Hot Spring in Yamagata is a popular hot spring spot with a history spanning over 1900 years. It is known as a hot spring for beautiful skin. Brand Yamagata beef is an excellent choice to enjoy during a trip to this very charming hot spring. Here are 8 recommended restaurants in Yamagata City for fully enjoying the tastes of the rich red meat and wonderful flavors that are characteristic of Yamagata beef.

1. ZAO stand MY

ZAO stand MY is a popular café and bar providing a restful retreat in Zao, a destination famous for skiing and hot springs. Welcoming both local and international visitors, the establishment offers a diverse menu featuring Japanese wagyu shabu-shabu, fresh vegetable dishes, and luxurious eel rice. Guests can explore a curated selection of sake and whiskies or enjoy a specialized lunch menu of unique ramen. Located just a short walk from the bus terminal, it provides a memorable space to experience Japanese food culture during your journey.

ZAO stand MY

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from the Yamako Bus Zao Terminal
Address: 25, Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

2. Yakiniku Miyabi

Yakiniku Miyabi offers a chic monochrome atmosphere where diners can enjoy meticulously selected Japanese BBQ, including premium Yamagata beef. The restaurant head leverages a family butcher background to ensure only the highest quality cuts, such as the signature Miyabi Select Skirt Steak, reach the table. A homemade sauce crafted with Aomori apples and garlic perfectly complements the charcoal-grilled flavors. With versatile seating options from tatami rooms to private spaces, it provides a relaxing setting for everything from casual meals to special celebrations involving reserved meatcakes.

Yakiniku Miyabi

Open: [Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,500 JPY
Access: 25 minutes walk from the east exit of Yamagata Station. Head north on National Route 112. Turn right at Nanukamachi Intersection, then turn left at the second corner an it will be on your right
Address: 1F, Shibata's Nanukamachi 3-chome Store, 3-3-3 Nanukamachi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

3. Yakiniku Senka Gyuriki

Yakiniku Senka Gyuriki, situated near AEON MALL Yamagata Minami, offers a welcoming atmosphere where families across three generations can gather comfortably. The spacious interior features sunken kotatsu and table seating, creating a true sense of home. Specializing in hand-cut Yamagata beef, the restaurant highlights premium selections like the beautifully marbled Yamagata Beef Tokujo Karubi and fresh Rare Steak Yukke Style. Complementing the high-quality meats are local vegetables and Tsuyahime rice. With versatile all-you-can-drink banquet plans and celebratory meat cakes, it provides a thoughtful dining experience for any special occasion.

Yakiniku Senka Gyuriki

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *Closed between 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *No lunch menu on Sunday, National Holidays
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,440 JPY
Access: 15-minute drive from JR Yamagata Station. It is located across from Nitori Yamagata Minami Store, near AEON MALL Yamagata Minami.
Address: 1F, Game Plaza Be-in2, 1352-5, Maeakashi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

4. Ajinosato Bandai

設定

Ajinosato Bandai offers an authentic robatayaki experience where guests dine at a counter featuring a vibrant display of seafood and mountain delicacies. Chefs prepare daily catches from fishing ports alongside locally grown vegetables and mushrooms to order, serving them directly with a traditional large rice scoop. Beyond the interactive counter, seven private rooms overlook a serene Japanese garden, providing a relaxing setting for dates or families. These versatile spaces can also accommodate large parties, ensuring locals and tourists alike enjoy this immersive style of fireside grilling to the fullest.

Ajinosato Bandai

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / [Monday - Saturday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: Take the Ekimae Boulevard toward the Prefectural Office from the East Exit of Yamagata Station. Turn left at the 7th traffic light, then right at the 2nd traffic light, and the building is on the right.
Address: 1-C, Build Sakai, 3-8, Kosho-machi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

5. Yakiniku Stage Kaki

Enjoy A4-A5 rank Yamagata cow beef in a relaxing space.

Yakiniku Stage Kaki only deals in Yamagata cow beef. Its appeal lies in being able to enjoy A4-A5-rank cow beef at reasonable prices. Recommended options include the menu items with around 400g clumps of beef carefully cooked on a mesh, the Masshin Tongue with beef tongue roots, and the Wagyu Tender Gopchang, made with small beef intestines. Guests can enjoy a variety of flavors as much as they like, from standard options such as red meat and galbi to offal and rare cuts.

5 recommended restaurants to visit for Yamagata Beef during a Zao Hot Spring trip / Yamagata

The relaxing atmosphere with its calm, dark brown-toned interior decorations is incredibly appealing. They have a lineup of alcohol varieties, including Yamagata local sake and recommended wines that can be enjoyed with the Yamagata beef. The course menu includes an all-you-can-drink package that allows guests to fully enjoy the charms of Yamagata beef. Guests can consult with the restaurant for surprises on anniversaries, giving them precious memories of their Yamagata trip.

Yakiniku Stage Kaki

Open: [Sunday - Wednesday,Friday,Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 10:30 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 15 minutes walk from Yamagata Station
Address: 2-7-33, Nanukamachi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

6. HANABI

Guests will feel excited at the wonderful performance in which flowers are set on better-than-average Japanese BBQ

Gensen Wagyu Yakiniku Hanabi lets guests fully enjoy better-than-average Japanese BBQ. The meticulous meat quality carefully selected by Mr. Takada, the chef who sincerely faces meat, as well as the moderate and delicious marbling, are both deeply moving. Recommended options include the HANABI Assortment, which lets guests enjoy the uniqueness of each cut of meat, as well as the Yamagata Beef Chateaubriand, which goes well with wine. The rich flavors of the actual meat are deeply satisfying!

The restaurant interior is gently enveloped in warm lights. It has table seats, sunken kotatsu-style seats, and private rooms that can all be used as one wishes, making this restaurant very convenient. Their restaurant concept is "making ordinary days into anniversaries." They have salads that look like bouquets and drinks set with flowers, adding flowery colors to Japanese BBQ dates.

HANABI

Open: [Wednesday,Thursday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (last order 1:00 pm)[Sunday,Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 9:00 pm)
Closed: There is irregular holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: Yamagata Station
Address: 3-3-3, Nanukamachi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

7. Gyuniku Senmonten KAZU ~Beef Dinning~

A beef restaurant with only local food, including Yamagata beef, beef ham, and wine

The appeal of KAZU -YAMAGATA BEEF BAR- is being able to casually enjoy high-quality Yamagata beef. Guests can fully enjoy Yamagata beef carefully judged by a meat professional and the Yamagata rice brand Yukiwakamaru. Must-try menu items include the homemade Wagyu Ham Assortment and the Yaki Suki, made with shoulder loin cooked quickly on an iron griddle. The unique flavors of Yamagata beef will spread in one's mouth.

Guests will feel at ease in this somewhat nostalgic restaurant located on a back street. They have a rich lineup of drinks, including local wines and Japanese sake, as well as shochu. All-you-can-drink plans are also available. They have semi-private rooms for up to 6 people as well as table seats lined in a row that can seat 20 people, making this restaurant perfect for family anniversaries and celebrations.

Gyuniku Senmonten KAZU ~Beef Dinning~

Open: [Monday - Thursday] Dinner 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Yamagata Station on Senzan Line, or 2 minutes walk from Yamagata Station on JR Ou Main Line (Yamagata Line)
Address: 5-2, Saiwai-cho, Yamagata city, Yamagata Map
More Details Reservation

8. Osama Yakiniku Kuronuma Yamagata Nishiko-mae Branch

Guests can always feel like royalty as they enjoy high quality Yamagata beef in this modern Japanese space.

The Osama Yakiniku Kuronuma Yamagata Nishiko-mae Branch is a long-standing restaurant with over 70 years of history since its founding. Here, guests can encounter fresh, high-quality Yamagata beef from the company Kuronuma Chikusan. The name "Osama Yakiniku" means "King's Japanese BBQ" in Japanese, and it comes from the restaurant wanting guests to feel like royalty when they eat Japanese BBQ. Guests can enjoy menu items that immerse them in a blissful feeling, including the glorious King's Assortment as well as the Flamed Beef Sushi 3 Variety Assortment, which lets them enjoy the melty fat of the marbling.

Guests can enjoy an elegant time with a relaxing feel while truly feeling the charm of the ingredients. The restaurant also has private rooms where one can enjoy Japanese BBQ in an even more relaxing way. They have individual items and courses that are suitable for various situations, including anniversaries and gatherings, so orders can be made depending on the group. A Japanese BBQ restaurant where guests can feel immensely satisfied, thanks to the popular banquet usage options for 30 or more people and the all-you-drink options with no time limit.

Osama Yakiniku Kuronuma Yamagata Nishiko-mae Branch

Address: 6-33 Wakabacho, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata
Access: 14 minutes walk from Yamagata Station

More Details

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

Thank you for reading our article.

Our goal is to take your culinary journey to the next level by helping you find the best restaurant. With SAVOR JAPAN, you can search and make reservations for

the Izakaya, Shabu Shabu, Yakiniku, Sake and Sashimi/ Seafood restaurants found in and around Yamagata that fill your needs.