If you’re looking for the best 烧肉 in 池袋-whether for a casual dinner, a date, or a business meeting-there’s one name you need to know: 黑5. Today, 黑5 has multiple locations including 歌舞伎町店, but the origin of the brand is 池袋, and the main branch is now 池袋 West Exit.
In this article, we’ll share the inspiring story of how 黑5 was born in 池袋 in 2008, and introduce the unique charms of both the West Exit Main Branch and East Exit Branch, along with their must-try menus.
The Beginning of 黑5｜A Small 8-Tsubo Shop in 2008
黑5 first opened on April 8, 2008, at 2-11-5 池袋, Ayumi Building 1F. The restaurant was only 8 tsubo (about 26㎡) in size, with a maximum of just 16 seats. The concept was simple but ambitious: “Better and more affordable 和牛 烧肉 than anywhere else in 池袋.”
But the location was in the middle of a love hotel district, where few people came to eat. The restaurant struggled at first. To attract guests, the founder grilled meat outside on a shichirin (炭火 grill), offering samples to passersby. From this effort, a new style was born: staff would grill the meat for customers so that everyone could enjoy 和牛 at its very best. This is now known as 黑5’s signature “Yaki-Bugyo” (Grill Master) service.
Word of mouth spread quickly. The tiny shop soon became packed, and expansion was inevitable.
The West Exit Main Branch｜A New Beginning in 2010
To welcome more guests in a better environment, 黑5 opened its current 池袋 West Exit Main Branch on January 5, 2010. This was the true turning point. From a small 16-seat shop, 黑5 grew into one of 池袋’s most well-known 烧肉 destinations.
Today, the West Exit branch offers a refined atmosphere where you can enjoy top-quality 和牛 in comfort-perfect for casual meals, romantic dates, or business dinners.
黑5 in 池袋｜Two Convenient Locations
池袋 West Exit Main Branch
- Hours: 17:00–24:00 (Last Order 23:00)
- Access: A few minutes’ walk from JR 池袋 Station (West Exit)
- Feature: The flagship store of 黑5, offering a calm atmosphere and exceptional service
池袋东口店
- Hours: 17:00–24:00 (Last Order 23:00)
- Access: A short walk from JR 池袋 Station (East Exit)
- Feature: Extremely convenient location-ideal for stopping by after shopping or work
Both locations are only minutes from 池袋 Station and open until midnight, making them easy to enjoy before catching the last train.
Must-Try Menu Items at 黑5
Premium 和牛 牛舌
Only about two whole 牛舌s can be supplied to each branch daily, making this a rare treat. The most premium part-the 牛舌 base-is even scarcer. Enjoy it simply with salt and lemon, or try it with a touch of wasabi for a refreshing accent.
黑5 牛五花 (眼肉 Cut)
Unlike most restaurants that serve 牛五花 from belly meat, 黑5 uses 眼肉. Why? Because 和牛 belly has become fattier in recent years, and many guests prefer a lighter yet still rich cut. 眼肉 provides a perfect balance-melt-in-your-mouth texture without being too heavy.
Set Courses (From ¥4,800)
First-time visitors should try one of the recommended set courses, starting at just ¥4,800. These courses feature a carefully selected range of 和牛 cuts, making them ideal for dates, celebrations, or business dinners-all with outstanding value.
Why Choose 黑5 in 池袋?
- Prime Location: Both West and East Exit stores are only minutes from 池袋 Station.
- Open Until Midnight: Perfect for dinner before catching the last train.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Suitable for dates, family meals, or business gatherings.
- Exceptional 和牛 Quality: From rare cuts to 眼肉 牛五花, unmatched in flavor.
- A Proven History: From humble beginnings in 2008, 黑5 has been loved in 池袋 for over 15 years.
Conclusion｜For 烧肉 in 池袋, Choose 黑5
黑5 began in 2008 as a tiny 16-seat restaurant in 池袋. Out of that humble start came the “Grill Master” style that defines the brand today. With the opening of the West Exit Main Branch in 2010, 黑5 has grown into a must-visit destination for 和牛 lovers.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a business gathering, 黑5 offers the ultimate 烧肉 experience in 池袋. Visit the West Exit Main Branch to experience the roots of 黑5, or drop by the East Exit Branch for convenience and comfort. Either way, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable 和牛 journey.
和牛 烧肉 黑5
IKEBUKURO Main Restrant
1F Shima 100 building ,2-46-3, 池袋, Toshima-ku , Tokyo 171-0014
https://en.黑5.net/restaurant/honten
和牛 烧肉 黑5
IKEBUKURO East Exit Restrant
2F Need Building, 1-42-16 Higashi-池袋, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
https://en.黑5.net/restaurant/higashiguchi
和牛 烧肉 黑5
歌舞伎町店
1F Sankei Building, 2-21-4 歌舞伎町店, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
https://en.黑5.net/restaurant/kabukicho
Official Instagram: @黑5烧肉
