0 Followers
Niku Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Niku Steakhouse
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Japanese-influenced steakhouse centered on binchotan grilling, dry-aging, and rare A5 wagyu cuts. A destination for celebratory meats with polished service and a deep wine program.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 wagyu striploin by the ounce, Chawanmushi with wagyu fat, Binchotan-grilled vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Rare Japanese A5 wagyu and in-house dry aging over binchotan.
Who should go: Steak and wagyu obsessives
When to visit: Prime evening slots for full grill show
What to order: A5 wagyu flight; chawanmushi; grilled maitake
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu cuts sourced in limited quantities.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available in the evenings (around $15); limited metered street parking nearby, fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; blazers or dresses common, jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation possible at tables, bar and grill-side seats are louder.
Weekend wait: Book weeks in advance; without a reservation, likely no availability or 90+ minute wait at bar.
Weekday lunch: Generally no lunch service; evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful—mushroom dishes, sides, and select starters.
Vegan options: Very limited; a couple of vegetable plates with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide; many steaks and sides naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an impressive, luxe experience—though it feels more celebratory or milestone than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends; bar seats sometimes open for walk-ins but expect long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really; suited for adults. No kids’ menu, long meals, and upscale atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Premium Japanese A5 wagyu and steakhouse-level wine pairings, with precise binchotan grilling rarely matched in the city.
Skip if: If you want casual sushi, lighter Japanese fare, or budget-friendly dining—other Japanese spots in the area are more appropriate.
Niku Steakhouse
8.8
MICHELIN-starred, wagyu-driven steakhouse anchored by a binchotan grill and in-house dry-aging program. Best for high-stakes executive meals where precision cookery and rare A5 cuts matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Japanese Wagyu Ribeye, Prime Ribeye, Beef Tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dry-aged and A5 wagyu program cooked over binchotan.
Who should go: Executive diners seeking wagyu
When to visit: Early evening seatings for focused pacing
What to order: A5 wagyu cut; prime ribeye; bone marrow fried rice
Insider tip: Request counter seating to watch the grill and faster turns.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available in the evenings (~$15). Street parking is limited and often difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages in Showplace Square are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Business casual to upscale; jackets and dresses are common. Dark denim is acceptable if styled smartly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations at a table are possible, though peak evenings can have a buzz from the open grill and bar.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; without one, expect no availability or a 60+ minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Generally no lunch service; evenings only. For midweek dinners, book at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options—seasonal vegetable plates and sides can accommodate, but steak remains the focus.
Vegan options: Very limited; request modifications but not a primary fit.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most steaks and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can advise on sauces and cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want to impress—its MICHELIN star, luxe interiors, and wagyu program create a memorable experience. Be prepared for a high spend.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The counter occasionally has last-minute seating, but walk-ins are rare. Always reserve ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—focused service, upscale setting, and limited kid-appropriate dishes. Suitable only for older teens comfortable with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Premium wagyu and dry-aged steaks in a design-forward setting—ideal for high-stakes executive meals or luxury date nights.
Skip if: You want casual portions, broad menu variety, or a family-friendly vibe—choose more traditional steakhouses instead.
Niku Steakhouse
8.8
Michelin-starred, wagyu-focused steakhouse in the Design District with an 18-seat chef’s counter and in-house dry-aging. Chef Dustin Falcon’s team blends Japanese technique and wood-fire cooking for a polished, special-occasion date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese A5 Wagyu tasting, Prime Ribeye, Beef Tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Michelin-starred wagyu program with in-house dry-aging and chef’s counter.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking a refined splurge
When to visit: Prime evening reservations; book well in advance
What to order: A5 wagyu tasting, prime ribeye, beef tartare
Insider tip: Request chef’s counter seats to watch the binchotan grill in action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically available in the Design District, with limited metered street parking nearby that fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended—smart casual at minimum, though most guests lean dressy for a special occasion.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, with energy around the chef’s counter but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; without one, expect no availability or very long waits.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch—dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options, but the kitchen can accommodate with vegetable-focused starters and sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—menu is meat-centric with only a few plant-based sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes, staff can guide toward naturally gluten-free dishes and adjust certain items on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want to make a strong impression. The Michelin star, chef’s counter, and wagyu program create a polished, memorable evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. Niku is small and sought-after—book weeks in advance for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The atmosphere, pricing, and wagyu focus are designed for adults, not children. Consider alternatives for family dining.
Best For
Better for: A premium wagyu and fine-dining steakhouse experience with Japanese techniques that most competitors can’t match.
Skip if: You want a casual steak night, a budget-friendly option, or a menu with broad family appeal.
Niku Steakhouse
9.0
Michelin-starred, wagyu-focused steakhouse with an in-house dry-aging program and a binchotan-fired grill. Locals book it for precision-cooked tomahawks, rare Japanese A5 cuts, and a chef’s counter that turns dinner into theatre.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tasting of Japanese Wagyu, Westholme Wagyu Tomahawk, Bryan Flannery Dry-Aged New York Strip
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: One of the country’s few Michelin-starred steakhouses with A5 wagyu and live-fire cooking.
Who should go: Wagyu enthusiasts and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Book evenings; weekends fill fastest
What to order: Wagyu tasting, tomahawk for two, dry-aged New York
Insider tip: Ask for chef’s counter seats to watch the binchotan grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is available in the evenings (~$15). Limited metered street parking nearby, but it fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale. Jackets or dresses recommended, though stylish jeans with dress shoes are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are possible at tables, though the grill counter is more energetic.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; walk-ins are rarely seated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited – usually one composed vegetarian entrée and several sides.
Vegan options: Very limited – sides may be adapted but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff accommodates with gluten-free sides and grilled meats.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the Michelin-star polish, intimate lighting, and wagyu-focused menu make it an impressive choice for a first date, especially if you want to set a memorable tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Occasionally a bar seat may be available on a slower weekday evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children. The space is formal, menu pricing is high, and there are no kid-specific options. Best suited for adults and teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Unparalleled wagyu quality and live-fire binchotan cooking make it superior for diners seeking luxury beef experiences.
Skip if: If you want casual steak, generous sides, or family-friendly portions, a traditional steakhouse like House of Prime Rib will be a better fit.