Lunch yakiniku feels a little indulgent… and that’s exactly why it’s so satisfying
“I really want to eat proper meat today.”
Do you ever have days like that?
This time, Peli headed to “Yakiniku Horumon Ichiei,” located near Keikyu Kurihama Station.
I heard they recently started serving lunch, so I stopped by during the daytime.
Most people probably think of yakiniku as a nighttime thing.
But Ichiei lets you slowly grill meat over charcoal even during lunch hours, which makes it feel surprisingly special.
And once I stepped inside, I immediately realized this wasn’t just another casual neighborhood BBQ spot. You can really feel how serious they are about their meat.
Today, I’d love to share all the reasons why Ichiei left such a strong impression on me!
“Lately I’d only been to gas-grill yakiniku places, so cooking over charcoal felt really refreshing!”
Highlight #1: Charcoal grilling completely changes the meat
The very first thing I noticed when I walked in was the smell of charcoal.
Each table comes with a traditional charcoal grill, and you cook the meat yourself.
This time, Peli ordered:
• Fresh lamb — 790 yen
• Premium loin — 1,300 yen
• Beef tongue — 1,300 yen
• Mixed horumon (small / 150g) — 1,000 yen
And I also added grilled rice balls to the order. (Price unconfirmed)
The one that impressed me the most was definitely the premium loin.
The charcoal heat slowly cooks the meat from the outside, creating a beautifully fragrant surface while still keeping all the juices inside.
The beef tongue had a nice thickness while still being tender, and even the horumon was surprisingly easy to eat without any unpleasant smell.
I had read reviews saying “This place completely changed my impression of horumon,” and honestly… I totally understood why.
“Charcoal grilling somehow turns even familiar meat into something that feels like a real feast.”
Highlight #2: The ventilation system seriously solves the “BBQ smell” problem
You know how yakiniku is delicious… but your clothes end up smelling like smoke afterward?
Ichiei’s tabletop ventilation system is honestly impressive.
Even while grilling, the smoke gets pulled upward almost immediately.
I’d read reviews mentioning their “powerful exhaust system,” but experiencing it in person made a huge difference.
There is one thing to note, though.
This restaurant is smoking allowed throughout the entire restaurant.
Luckily, no one was smoking when Peli visited, so it felt very comfortable. But depending on timing, it could be something sensitive guests may want to consider.
So if you’re someone who wants to:
• enjoy a serious yakiniku meal
• have drinks during lunch
• relax and grill with friends
…then this place feels like a fantastic match.
On the other hand, families with very small children may want to choose their timing carefully depending on the atmosphere that day.
Highlight #3: The owner was actually a former bartender
The owner of Ichiei, Yuichi Sakai, actually used to work as a bartender.
Later, he decided he wanted to create a place where people could genuinely enjoy food and feel happy through the experience of eating.
What surprised me was that he didn’t originally come from the yakiniku world.
Before opening Ichiei, he spent months learning the basics at another yakiniku restaurant, and even after opening his own shop, he continued researching and refining his craft.
One thing he especially focuses on is meat preparation.
By carefully adjusting cutting methods and prep depending on the origin and condition of the meat, he works to bring out the best flavor possible.
Honestly, all the meat at Ichiei felt surprisingly easy to keep eating.
It’s not just heavy fat overwhelming your palate.
You can actually taste the natural flavor of the meat itself.
“Making something both affordable and genuinely delicious sounds simple… but it’s probably one of the hardest things to achieve.”
※The owner story section was rewritten based on a Newcal feature article.
Highlight #4: A yakiniku spot that’s comfortable even if you come alone
When people think of yakiniku, they usually imagine going with a big group.
But Ichiei feels surprisingly natural even for solo diners.
There are counter seats inside, and apparently many customers casually stop by alone for a quick charcoal-grilled meal.
I’d also seen reviews mentioning “lots of solo customers,” and after visiting, I completely understood why.
The atmosphere is relaxed in the best possible way.
The interior still has a little bit of old-school Showa-era charm, while somehow also feeling slightly like a casual bar.
That balance is what makes Ichiei feel unique.
Baby & Family Note
There are tatami seating areas, so visiting with children seems possible.
However, since smoking is allowed throughout the restaurant, families with very young children may want to pay attention to timing and atmosphere before visiting.
The tabletop ventilation system is extremely strong, and smoke itself didn’t feel overwhelming.
They also offer lunch set meals, so families looking for a hearty meal may really enjoy it.
Dog Information
Information regarding dogs inside the restaurant was unconfirmed.
We also could not confirm whether terrace seating is available.
Access Information
Yakiniku Horumon Ichiei
Address: 4-16-2 Kurihama, Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30–23:00
※Lunch service timing was referenced from local resident information. Please confirm details directly with the restaurant.
Closed: No regular closing days
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Keikyu Kurihama Station
Parking: None
Instagram: Unconfirmed
Website: Unconfirmed
Summary: Relaxed, satisfying, and seriously delicious — a yakiniku spot you’ll want to return to
Ichiei is a little different from luxury yakiniku restaurants.
But the aroma of charcoal, the careful preparation, and the relaxed atmosphere all come together to create a place that makes you think, “I want to come back here again.”
Beef tongue grilled over charcoal at lunchtime.
Fragrant lamb.
Horumon bursting with juicy flavor.
That kind of truly satisfying yakiniku experience is actually pretty rare.
“Today feels like a meat day.”
If you ever feel that way, this is definitely a place worth visiting.
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【Sources & References】
・Newcal “Yokosuka | Craving Meat? Try the Satisfying Four-Meat Charcoal Grill Set at ‘Yakiniku Horumon Ichiei’”
・Tabelog reviews
・Restaurant information listed on Tabelog
Hello, I’m Peli from Hayanavi!
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