I love going to hidden gem restaurants. Nikutoieba Matsuda (肉といえば松田), a Michelin-starred Wagyu Kappo restaurant that serves local Yamato beef, located in some lost city one hour from Nara. It deserves more of a mention now, so I decided to tell you more about my recent trip to this wonderful hidden gem.

Website: https://nikutoieba.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikutoieba_m2d/
Lean´s Instagram posts:
My first visit to Nikutoieba
Location: Nara, Naizencho
As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was struck by one of those only-in-Japan-moments when I saw beautifully decorated bonsai and illumination that created an elegant and subdued vibe.

This place has a bar style counter that can seat probably seven to nine people with the grill and chef’s table in front of them.
The meal started with a cold soup with fresh peas. Wagyu Ichibo (aitchbone), with bamboo shoots and glutinous rice, followed, to warm up your appetite. Next came charcoal grilled rump, which was a little bit smoky and delicious. It was fun to watch them prepare with a fire straw. It’s like entertainment!

Then grilled Wagyu beef tongue skewers were served. It had an intense flavor and nice texture. Things were just getting started.

Now you could see the Michelin-starred chef put his culinary skill on display with beautifully decorated, delicious, crispy green asparagus tempura with Wagyu Loin that looked like a piece of art. I was thinking… this is genius and what an innovative recipe!

Some seasonal vegetables from Terada Farms, with a slide of roasted beef were served. A variety of texture, crispy and juicy.

Charcoal-grilled aged Wagyu Loin with eggplant sauce. Wow, I love it. Really tender and it melts in your mouth. Crispy outside, tender and juicy inside.
The show continues but why not take a break with a tomato as a refresher? Ok I am ready for the next round!
Before you know it, I was already taking a bite of Wagyu Sando (sandwich). Delicate and Delicious!

Then on to a cold pot of Japanese wagyu beef loin. Onions, jellyfish, new ginger, fried cooked rice.
Lastly, I had a chance to enjoy quintessential Japanese dishes albeit with a unique twist: a small sukiyaki, beef curry topped with flower pepper and beef sushi. This was not expected. Really delicious.

I went to this restaurant all the way from Tokyo, but I must say it was worth the 4-hour trip.
Thanks Chef Shinji Masuda san for your kindess and professionalism !!! looking forward to visiting you soon again!

Here a few pic of this wonderfull hidem Wagyu gem !!