1,500 yen (10 USD) for 60 minutes of all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue, Yakiniku-zanmai Gen might be the best buffet restaurant in Osaka!
Located in Osaka’s Naniwa ward just around the corner from Ashiharabashi station, Yakiniku-zanmai Gen is a cheap all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurant and one of the best I’ve been to!
For less than 1,500 yen (10 USD), you get to enjoy an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet-style dining experience for 60 minutes.
I visited this restaurant on several occasions because of how budget-friendly it was. 60 minutes is typically considered a short amount of time, but if you’re on your own (or with one other person), it’s plenty of time to get nice and full as you will have the big grill all to yourself!
Awesome Meat Varieties
For a small humble establishment, Yakiniku-zanmai Gen has a surprisingly wide array of different meats.
From tenderloins to ox-tongue and even chicken and seafood options, there was plenty to choose from and something for everyone.
To maximize your time here and get the most out of the 60-minute limit, I suggest stacking up your plate as much as possible with each buffet trip, because the time you spend away from the grill adds up fast!
Succulent Results
The grill is quite powerful here at Yakiniku-zanmai Gen, and unlike Nikuya, it doesn’t excessively charcoal your meat or cause a great deal of smoke.
Fast and effective grilling is key to a good Japanese barbecue experience, particularly when time is of the essence.
While the meat tastes exceptional even on its own, there are several condiments to choose from to further enhance the flavor as preferred.
All-You-Can-Drink!
Yakiniku-zanmai Gen markets itself as a “1,200 yen” all-you-can-eat restaurant, but in truth, purchasing a drink is mandatory here (talk about false advertising).
However, the good news is your total cost will still be less than 1,500 yen, and you get to refill your drink at the drink bar as many times as you like!
They have plenty of variety of soda, juice, tea, and coffee to choose from, so you definitely get your money’s worth!
Plenty Of Sides!
It’s easy to fill up your stomach at this budget buffet restaurant, especially when there are plenty of side dishes to go with your grilled beef.
Unlimited steamed rice, curry, pickled vegetables, and miso soup make it impossible to leave Yakiniku-zanmai Gen hungry!
So if you’re looking for a delicious yakiniku dining experience, be it for lunch or dinner, then Yakiniku-zanmai Gen in Osaka will keep you and your wallet full and happy!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!