My husband and I took a trip to Uptown Waterloo with our daughter, looking for a fun dining experience. We landed at Kin Gyu Japanese Grill, a spot where grilling your own food is part of the meal. No reservations here—it’s first come, first served. With a grill at every table, we knew this wouldn’t be an ordinary dinner. Keep reading to see how it all played out.
Location and Ambiance
Kin Gyu Japanese Grill sits among a mix of trendy restaurants and casual spots in Uptown Waterloo. As soon as we stepped inside, the sleek, modern design stood out—bright lighting, clean lines, and a minimalist aesthetic that made the space feel open and inviting. The restaurant provided enough room at each table room to cook comfortably without feeling crowded, but the space can get loud with so many diners grilling at once.
Dining Experience
Cooking at the table made the meal feel interactive and fun, but it also meant keeping an eye on the grill to make sure nothing overcooked. I had to pace myself, as the process took time, and managing different cuts of meat required some attention. While menus are accessible via QR codes, a server still takes your order, balancing tech and personal service. I appreciated that the menu included pictures, making it easier to know exactly what we were ordering, especially for dishes we hadn’t tried before.
Pro tip: Order most of what you want early—cooking takes time, and portions are small. During our visit, waiting too long could leave you short on food before last call, which happened to us around 1 hour and 45 minutes into the meal.
Menu Highlights
All-You-Can-Eat Cold Buffet
Alongside the grilled dishes, Kin Gyu Japanese Grill offers a self-serve cold buffet with salads, pickled vegetables, and small bites like seaweed salad and kimchi. A variety of desserts are also available to wrap up the meal. It’s a nice way to snack while waiting for the grill to heat up or to add some variety between bites.
Seafood Tacos
The seafood tacos are one of the most memorable starters on the menu. Made with crispy wonton shells that add a satisfying crunch, they were light yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy, flavorful crab salad inside. The filling struck a nice balance between richness and freshness, making each bite enjoyable without feeling heavy.
Ribeye
One of my favorite cuts of the night, the ribeye came in thin slices designed to cook quickly and evenly on the grill. The marbling ensured each bite was tender and full of rich flavor. Keeping an eye on the grill was essential, as the thin slices could easily overcook if left unattended.
Pro Tip: Scissors are provided at the table to cut the ribeye and other large pieces of meat for easier grilling and eating.
Miso Salmon and Cheese Corn
The miso-marinated salmon stood out with its slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor that caramelized beautifully on the grill. The cheese corn, a mix of buttery corn kernels and melted cheese, came in a foil dish that made grilling effortless. I liked how these dishes added variety to the meal, offering a break from the heavier grilled meats while still delivering bold flavors.
Service and Atmosphere
With the in-table grills running constantly, the restaurant warmed up quickly, making dressing in layers a smart choice. Service was hit or miss—we had to flag down a server multiple times, which became frustrating, especially with the meal being timed. The atmosphere was energetic and bustling, adding to the experience, but also making conversations a little challenging over the noise.
A Mixed Grill of Pros and Cons
I appreciated the hands-on approach at Kin Gyu Japanese Grill, but the experience had its ups and downs. The food was tasty, and cooking at the table was different, but the portions were small, and the time limit meant careful pacing was necessary. Pricing is on the higher side, which is worth noting for those considering a visit. The loud, energetic setting added excitement, though it might not be ideal for those looking for a more relaxed meal. While I wouldn’t come here for a leisurely dinner, it’s a solid option for those who enjoy interactive dining and quality ingredients.