On a recent expedition to Ishigaki Island, I was eager to try Ishigaki beef. With evening plans, I asked on Twitter for a lunchtime recommendation. A friend suggested “Ishinagiya,” a dedicated Ishigaki beef restaurant where you can even get a beef bowl for under ¥1,000 at lunch. I decided to splurge on their Special Ishigaki Beef Assortment!
Ishinagiya: Affordable and Authentic Ishigaki Beef
Ishinagiya is a short walk from Ishigaki’s town center.
Opposite, a shop sells gift-grade Ishigaki beef.
Inside, sleek black decor—when I arrived at opening, it was empty, but soon tourists and locals streamed in for lunch.
The lunch menu starts with a beef bowl (regular ¥780) and goes up to a yakiniku course at ¥1,800.
I chose the Special Ishigaki Beef Assortment (¥2,980)—what a treat!
Marvel at the Beautiful Marbling—No Words Needed
The platter arrives with five cuts: sirloin, premium sirloin, misuji (chuck flap), kalbi (short rib), and premium kalbi. Just look at that marbling…
They provide rich sauce, light sauce, and Ishigaki salt for dipping.
Then it’s all about grilling and eating—grill, eat, repeat!
Photographing yakiniku is tough, but trust me, each melt-in-your-mouth bite was heavenly.
As staff suggested, the salt particularly let the beef’s pure flavor shine.
Afterword
On Ishigaki, alongside Yaeyama soba, Ishigaki beef is a must-try. Among the island’s top spots, Ishinagiya comes highly recommended!
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