Wakana beef restaurant in Morioka 和かな

Wagyu 和牛 A5 grade beef

Japanese beef or simply Wagyu 和牛, is one of the most famous types of beef in the world. There are 4 Japanese cow breeds used for wagyu: Shorthorn, Polled, Brown and Black cattle. The beef is ranked carefully: there are 15 different ranks, from A-C and from 1-5. A5 is the highest rank. The rank is brought by the amount of marbling (intramuscular fat) and the yield grade (proportion of eatable meat) the cow has. Its the marbling that makes the beef juicy, tender and succulent once its cooked. A must try!

Japanese black beef from Iwate prefecture / Maesawa beef

Maesawa beef comes from the Japanese Black breed. Raised in north Iwate, the beef is equal in quality to the more famous Kobe. It has a fine, marbled and moist texture. According to the website of Japan Geographical Indications, the cattle is fed with high-grade rice straw grown in the area and the breeder’s affection is bestowed on each and every cattle.

Wakana beef restaurant in Morioka, © Rekall

Wakana

Wakana is a quiet, relaxing place with a certain 1980’s western feel to it. The main room is composed of a blinking circular teppanyaki plates with sitting arrangements around them. There are a few more rooms arranged in the same way but smaller. A chef is assigned to each customer, or group. He will take care of you and prepare the food in front of you. He will just pass it across when ready. Meanwhile you can enjoy the show.

Wakana beef restaurant in Morioka, © Rekall

The food

We took the “Special steak course” for 8,000 yen pp. which included an entry course, the steak of your choice (either Sirloin 150gr or filet 100gr), a salad, grilled veggies, fantastic garlic rice, miso soup and fruit. The veggies, meat and rice were all prepared by the chef in front of us. We added a great bottle of Fontanafredda Barolo 2014 which paired perfectly with the steak. The evening flew by, chit-chatting and observing the meals elegantly being made ready by our chef. The meat was excellent, the atmosphere and the setting very comfortable. A 10 out 0f 10. On our way out we received a gift from the restaurant, a small bottle of bubbles. The Japanese hospitality proves again to be high on the ladder.

Wakana beef restaurant in Morioka, © Rekall

Fontanafredda Barolo at Wakana beef restaurant in Morioka

Practical info

The restaurant is located in the the city center of Morioka. Reserve a few days in advance – we asked our hotel staff to do that for us the day before.