+1 714-434-1023
Nestled inside the vibrant Mitsuwa Marketplace in Costa Mesa, Gyutan Tsukasa U.S.A. is a culinary haven for lovers of Japanese cuisine—more specifically, those who crave the rich, distinct flavors of beef tongue. This cozy, unpretentious eatery may appear modest in size, but its dedication to perfecting gyutan (grilled beef tongue) has earned it an enthusiastic and loyal following throughout Orange County.
The menu at Gyutan Tsukasa is a celebration of beef tongue in all its delicious forms. Signature dishes like the Gyutan Bento Box offer a satisfying harmony of grilled beef tongue paired with fragrant white rice mixed with roasted barley and accompanied by original pickled vegetables, achieving a balance of texture and flavor that is both comforting and exciting. For those who love a hearty and aromatic meal, the Gyutan Curry Set and the Gyutan Curryburg Curry with its tender beef tongue patty, served alongside the savory beef tongue soup, create a deeply soulful experience with every bite.
The Miso Gyutan and the Grilled Beef Tongue Set showcase expertly seasoned slices of beef tongue, seared to perfection with just the right hint of char that enhances the meat’s naturally chewy yet tender texture. The careful grilling technique infuses each slice with a smoky depth that lingers delightfully on the palate. Meanwhile, dishes like the Volcano Bowl and Gyutan Balls bring a playful twist, blending freshness and rich flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Dining at Gyutan Tsukasa feels like discovering a hidden gem within Mitsuwa’s bustling atmosphere. The wooden tables lend a warm and inviting touch, perfect for savoring traditional Japanese fare casually yet meaningfully. Despite its location in a food court, the restaurant's attention to detail—from the preparation to the service—elevates the experience well beyond your typical quick meal stop. Customers often report a welcoming staff who know their menu inside out and help guide even first-timers through the nuanced offerings.
Scott L, a devoted fan, describes Gyutan Tsukasa as "a hidden gem for beef tongue lovers," a sentiment echoed by Aria A, who praises the grilled beef tongue for its "next level" quality—perfectly sliced, impeccably seasoned, and grilled just right to preserve the tender texture and bold taste. Emma Yuko recalls the deliciousness of the Gyutan Bento Box as "tender, flavorful, and totally worth the hype," while Stephanie Bernardino encourages newcomers not to "diss it until you try it," highlighting the authentic smoky flavor that sets this place apart.
Whether you’re a gyutan connoisseur or someone eager to explore a unique slice of Japanese cuisine, Gyutan Tsukasa U.S.A. promises a memorable taste journey. From the savory and slow-cooked richness of the curry to the satisfyingly grilled texture of each beef tongue slice, every dish here is crafted with passion and precision. The experience is elevated further by attentive service, ensuring that every visit leaves you not only nourished but eager to return.
For an authentic and flavorful dive into one of Japan’s most cherished meats—right in the heart of Costa Mesa—Gyutan Tsukasa is simply not to be missed.
Gyutan Tsukasa – A Hidden Gem for Beef Tongue Lovers in Costa Mesa Located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace’s food court, Gyutan Tsukasa is a must-visit for beef tongue enthusiasts in Orange County, particularly near the Irvine-Costa Mesa area. Though its storefront is small and unassuming, it consistently draws a crowd—especially on weekends during peak lunch and dinner hours. The wooden tables and chairs provide a cozy, communal atmosphere shared with other food court vendors. Ordering & Service Ordering is simple: place your order at the counter, receive a number, and wait to be called. The menu is clearly numbered and displayed above the counter, making it easy to choose—even for first-timers. Despite a busy atmosphere, service is efficient, with most meals ready in under 10 minutes. --- What to Try #3 – Tsukasa Set (Highly Recommended) This all-in-one set includes: 4 pieces of expertly grilled gyutan (beef tongue) – tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a slight smoky char Beef curry with chopped beef – rich and savory, great with rice White rice (default portion is small—consider ordering a large bowl if you’re hungry) Pickled veggies – refreshing and tangy, a great contrast to the rich meats Beef soup – intense beef flavor, though my bowl only had one small piece of meat This set gives you a little taste of everything, making it ideal for first-timers or anyone who wants the full gyutan experience in one meal. Also Recommended: Gyutan Set (8 or 12 pieces) – Grilled to order, and the star of the menu. You can even watch the grilling process through the kitchen window. Gyutan Curry – A hearty, comforting option with slow-cooked beef tongue in a savory Japanese curry sauce. --- ???? Parking & Other Notes There are limited surface parking spots, and a B1 underground garage is available. However, during busy weekend hours, both outside and garage parking can be difficult to find, so plan ahead if you're visiting at peak times. Inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace, dogs are not allowed, so it's not pet-friendly for dine-in. --- Final Thoughts Gyutan Tsukasa delivers an unforgettable dining experience with its perfectly grilled beef tongue and well-balanced sides. Whether you're already a fan or trying gyutan for the first time, this spot is a standout. The Tsukasa Set is the perfect entry point into everything they do best.
If you’re a fan of Japanese BBQ, this spot cannot be missed. The beef tongue here is next level—perfectly sliced, seasoned just right, and grilled to tender perfection. You can really taste the quality of the meat, and the texture is exactly what you’d hope for: slightly chewy, incredibly flavorful, and insanely addictive. What sets this place apart is the attention to detail. From the service (friendly and attentive without being overbearing) to the presentation (clean, organized, and traditional), everything is dialed in. I also appreciated the variety of dipping sauces and sides—especially the citrusy ponzu and freshly grated wasabi. The ambiance is cozy and authentic, with just the right amount of energy. Great for a casual dinner or a fun group night out. Highly recommend starting with the beef tongue sampler if they offer it—you’ll want to try every cut. I’ll definitely be coming back (and bringing friends). Arigatou gozaimasu!
I visited Gyutan Tsukasa U.S.A. and used a gift certificate to try their beef tongue bento box (normally $26.50 + tax). It was absolutely delicious — tender, flavorful, and totally worth the hype. I loved it! We also ordered the Volcano Bowl, which was fresh, tasty, and full of great flavor. The shop is inside Mitsuwa, and it was pretty busy. It took about 20 minutes for our food to be prepared, but we went on a Saturday night around 7:30pm, so it made sense. Honestly, the wait was worth it. I’ll definitely be back!
Gyutan Tsukasa is located inside the Japanese grocery store, Mitsuwa. This place offers dine in or take out options as well. Place your order and keep your receipt as you will need this to see the number and to pick up your food. This place specializes in serving grilled beef tongue, and don't diss it until you try it!! It has a very nice texture, and you can taste the char from the grill. They are open from 11am to 8:30 pm, last order at 8:30pm. You can get the bento box in a set of 4 or 12 pieces of Gyutan beef, and it comes with rice and gyutan soup. I opted on the 12 piece with extra rice, and it's so delicious. The soup is very tasty. It kind of reminds me of the Filipino soup called "Nilaga." I can literally eat a big bowl of this soup. We also ordered Gyutan balls, which come with 3 big balls. This is a must-have, very soft and crunchy at the same time, and it came with furikake and kewpie mayonnaise with teriyaki sauce. This is vary savory and so good. We also got the Gyutan stew. This one is good. However, it's a little too sweet for my liking. Every time I come here to Orange County, California, I make sure I come to this place at least once during the trip. It's always worth it.
Arlene is the MVP! For every ingredient, every stage of the cooking cooking process she was able to reason through whether I would be able to eat it. Even when her (dare I say overconfident?) coworker contradicted her, she thought things through, explained her reasoning, and gave me one of the most credible assurances of food safety in my memory. I don’t know if this is reflective of her general work ethic and interpersonal capacity, but I smell upward mobility and managerial potential.
I love tongue, so I visit this store quite frequently. I prefer regular Set over Miso. From what I recall there is only a limited orders of Miso Gyutan available daily and they don’t put the Miso Gyutan on the charcoal grill! The wait can be long; they are usually the last eatery to close at the food court.
Located in Mitsuwa Food Court, seating can be daunting, otherwise fast order processing, friendly cashier and great Gyutan / Beef Tongue. Flavorful and juicy, pricing on higher side but it is worth it. It could be better if they use better wasabi (more spicy or more kick).
Literally one of the best grilled beef tongue in SoCal. So tender and juicy yet the right texture. The price is very reasonable. One of the spots to frequent and leave satisfied every time!