Today’s mission: Hamburg steak!
But first—let’s make a quick stop at Takashimaya Department Store to pick something up.
After grabbing what I needed on the 4th floor, I headed straight up to the 7th floor—aka the “food heaven.”
Honestly, choosing lunch here is always a struggle… There are just too many tasty-looking restaurants.
But today’s winner is… TOUYOUTEI (東洋亭), a Western-style restaurant with over 100 years of history!
As I walked up, the display models were already calling my name.
“TOUYOUTEI” literally means "Eastern Pavilion," but the vibe is pure yōshoku—that unique Japanese take on Western-style cuisine.
I was instantly curious: What’s the story behind this place?
Time for a quick deep dive on their official website.
A Bit of History
Touyoutei was founded in Kyoto in 1887 by a young entrepreneur, Takahashi Ginjirou, who opened the restaurant with his wife when he was just 30 years old.
The main store is housed in a gorgeous Western-style building—an ambitious and stylish start!
http://www.touyoutei.co.jp/company/history/
Opening a Western restaurant in Kyoto back in the 19th century? Pretty bold if you ask me.
Okay, history lesson over!
Philosophy Check 🧐
Let’s take a quick look at the company’s mission—and see if that philosophy lives on in this Osaka branch.
Their corporate philosophy is divided into three parts:
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Our Mission:
To create a stylish and joyful space where customers can enjoy consistently delicious food made with quality ingredients—and warm, thoughtful service. -
Our Goal:
To become the No.1 favorite spot for “Touyoutei fans” throughout Kyoto and the Hanshin area! -
Our Guiding Principles:
Our team strives to stay curious, take on challenges, and grow with gratitude. We want our staff to lead fulfilling, happy lives—and our company to be a valuable workplace that supports those dreams.
(Source: Touyoutei Official Website)
Back to the Meal…
Let’s see if this philosophy is truly reflected—not just in the food, but in the whole experience.
First up: their signature Tomato Starter.
It’s so glossy and perfect it almost looks fake!
These days tomatoes are everywhere, but back in the late 19th century? They were considered very exotic.
Originally from South America, tomatoes were brought to Europe by Spain. At first, they were grown as ornamental plants, not food. Europeans didn’t start eating them until the mid-1700s!
Japan probably got them post-Meiji Restoration. That’s just my guess—but the timing lines up.
Anyway, this shiny red vegetable (yes, technically not a fruit) is served chilled, whole, and paired with Touyoutei’s original sauce.
You slice it like a steak and dip generously.
It’s sweet, tangy, refreshing—next level tomato.
(I personally love it with beer 🍺)
And Now… The Main Event
Here comes the Hamburg steak.
I love that little touch with the foil—you have to peel it back yourself. Feels dramatic!
I waited a bit before digging in… just to enjoy the moment.
Peek-a-boo, Mr. Hamburg!
(And yeah, my foot made it into the shot.)
I ordered mine with rice.
I went for the cheese-topped version, and wow—it was so soft, juicy, and flavorful without being too sweet.
The mashed potato? Add a bit of butter and it’s heavenly.
Even the asparagus hidden in the steak was tasty!
Service & Atmosphere
All the staff were dressed neatly in classic Western-style uniforms, and the teamwork was clearly top-notch.
It really did feel like being served in a traditional European restaurant.
Now, let’s check their philosophy in action:
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Consistent Taste?
Yes! Every visit has been equally delicious, and the food is served piping hot. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -
Business Goal?
Let’s skip that—goals are for them, not for me 😅 -
Service with Sensitivity?
My server kept an eye on my beer glass and swooped in just as I was finishing to offer another.
That’s what I call responsive and thoughtful.
I even asked for extra butter—and got two instead of one.
Someone definitely read the room. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In the end, Touyoutei was a total win—delicious food, excellent service, and an inspiring philosophy rooted in tradition.
It was satisfying not just for the stomach, but also for the mind.
That’s it for today’s food journey.
Until next time…