The Place I was researching for a Japanese yakiniku restaurant to try in Taipei and decided on Rakuten Wagyu Yakiniku (樂軒和牛專門店). Located in Da An district within walking distance from my hotel at Kimpton Da An Hotel, the restaurant has been around for about five years, and it specialises in Japanese barbecue using mainly Australian and Japanese beef parts. 

The restaurant interior is simple and casual (though the prices are not that casual), with limited counter seats, regular tables and a private room. 

The Food There are three types of set menus meant for a two pax dinner (ranging from TWD6,600 to TWD8,800) along with an ala carte menu selection as well. I decided on the TWD6,600 which showcases a mix of Australian and Japanese Wagyu beef. 

The meal started with some appetisers where I had a sesame sauce chicken topped with a slice of beef along with fish maw in a broth. 

Next up is a delicious vegetable and tofu skin cooked with Shaoxing wine and beef fat. 

What I like about the dining experience here is that the staff helps to grill the meats, which is great service in my opinion as they have the best know-how on the best doneness of each different part of the beef.

I started with the Australian Beef Tongue which is delicious. 

Next up was the Australian Oyster Blade which spots a crisp and slightly burnt edges, a much more flavourful cut as compared to the beef tongue where it also goes well with a pinch of salt. It also comes with small bits of grilled tendon by the side, which is chewier. 

The staff then proceeded to grill the Japanese Oyster Blade, where the flavour is richer and also fattier as compared to the Australian Oyster Blade. 

I also had a series of grilled vegetables with an assortment of Taiwanese organic mushrooms and assorted vegetables. 

Next cut of meat was the Japanese Wagyu Chunk served with black sesame sauce. 

I then had the Australian Outside Skirt accompanied by radish with yuzu pepper. 

The last meat cut was the Japanese Wagyu beef done sukiyaki style. I love sukiyaki and I really enjoy dipping a good piece of beef in raw egg. So good! 

The last savoury dish is a fragrant and delicious fried rice which I was already too full by this point to finish it all.

For dessert, I had a Taiwanese-style soybean milk with bird’s nest. Quite an indulgent way to conclude the meal. 

Rants The space is not huge, so do plan ahead and make reservations rather than walk-in.

Will I Return Again? Overall, I had a great dining experience here and for the price, it is very good value as I get to try a good variety of various beef parts with a personalised service. I doubt I can enjoy a similar dining experience at a similar price point in Singapore, so I highly recommend this restaurant in Taipei if you are a yakiniku lover. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Rakuten Wagyu Yakiniku (樂軒和牛專門店) 
No. 9, Lane 91, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 
Tel: +886 2 2731 2233 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 11:30am to 2:30pm; 5:30pm to 10pm 

Ranted by The Ranter