01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
When the craving hits for sizzling, fragrant grilled beef, the set menus at Daijo in Koraku, Bunkyo Ward, make for a dependable choice. The lunchtime yakiniku sets arrive in classic fashion alongside rice, soup, cabbage, and kimchi, allowing diners to select meat portions that match their appetite. The lineup spans straightforward, satisfying US beef kalbi to thicker, richer cuts like wagyu cut-off kalbi or rib finger kalbi sets.
A standout specialty on the menu is the house thick-cut harami (skirt steak). Available as both a complete meal and a half-portion à la carte, the generously sized cut is snipped with kitchen shears right at the grill, preserving the distinct elasticity and deep savor typical of harami. Condiments like coarse-grated daikon with ponzu, three-scallion salt sauce, or chopped wasabi offer plenty of ways to switch up each bite.
Beyond grilled table fare, the midday menu includes non-grilled alternatives such as bibimbap topped with house-made namul and slowly stewed simmered offal sets. The red gukbap (spicy rice soup) is another daytime highlight; diners can dial in the heat level anywhere from mild to fiery, and can even ask for the broth and rice to be served in separate bowls.
In the evening, the restaurant caters to group dining and all-you-can-drink parties with a wider selection of premium cuts like premium salted beef tongue and tomo-sankaku (tri-tip), as well as various types of offal to pair with beer or highballs. Table reservations are accepted for those wishing to secure a spot, making Daijo just as suited to a relaxed solo lunch as to an evening gathering.
