Hailing all the way from Japan is one of Tokyo’s most reputable restaurants, Aragawa which is opening its very first London outpost and bringing over the incredibly rare Tajima beef which is seldom found outside of Aragawa in Tokyo to Mayfair.
Aragawa has been serving the finest specialist beef in Tokyo for over 50 years and is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth supremely high-quality wagyu beef, so it’s no surprise that Forbes has billed it as one of the world’s most expensive restaurants. Founder Kotaro, along with Head Chef Fumiya Kase (previously of one Michelin-starred L’orgueil, Tokyo) and ‘steak master’ Kazuo Imayosh, who has worked for Aragawa Tokyo for the entirety of his career in this ultra-specialist role will introduce London to these truly luxurious steaks.
Tajima beef has been raised under the watch of Japan’s leading producers to create the finest beef that can only certified if it meets a strict list of criteria. This includes marbling, texture, firmness and age of the cow, which must be at least 28 months, although Aragawa’s Tajima is aged far beyond the minimum standard. Each year only a few Tajima cattle are certified Kobe making the beef exceedingly rare and sought-after.
Preparation of the beef is done the classic way at Aragawa, broiled over Binchotan charcoal in a specially built kiln, seasoned only with salt & pepper and served with seasonal ingredients so that the beef can speak for itself. There will be an extensive wine list highlighted by the restaurant’s wine walls that wrap around the restaurant and showcase over 1,000 bottles and a private dining room that can seat 12 for a more intimate occasion.
Hand-painted panels that adorn the main dining room form the centrepiece with burnt orange and gold motifs of blossoming trees inspired by traditional Japanese symbols, pendant motifs inspired by Japanese lanterns are found throughout the restaurant which is designed by Rosendale Design. With a restaurant this luxe, Wagyu beef this exclusive and a ‘steak master’ at hand, it’ll certainly be a meal to remember and one to save for a special occasion.
The restaurant will be located at 38 Clarges Street, W1J 7EN, and will be open for lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm, Tuesday to Saturday with its launch day still to be announced.