"Sirloin," "fillet," "chateaubriand," and "lean" line up on a steak menu. Even those who know the names often can't explain how they differ. And the prices, even for the same 160g, range from ¥7,040 to ¥25,630 (incl. tax).
In this article, we organize the cuts we actually serve (KOBE BEEF FACTORY Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden) by three points: flavor character, price, and who they suit.
Which Part of the Cow Are You Eating?
First, the positions. Sirloin is toward the back of the loin; fillet is the long, thin muscle on its inner side. Chateaubriand refers only to the center of that fillet. "Lean" is used as a general term for cuts with little fat.
Only a small amount of fillet can be taken from one cow, and chateaubriand is a further part of that fillet. Its rarity is directly reflected in the price.
Flavor Character and Price by Cut
Sirloin | The Classic Marbling
This is the cut where the sweetness and aroma of the fat come out most. If you want "a steak that's truly a steak," start here. However, because the fat is rich, it can feel heavy for those eating a large portion.
Kobe Beef Sirloin Set: 100g ¥11,880 / 130g ¥15,510 / 160g ¥19,140 (incl. tax)
Fillet | Fine-Grained and Tender
Because this cut isn't exercised, its fibers are fine and the texture is soft. The fat is modest and the aftertaste is light. It suits those who find sirloin heavy.
Kobe Beef Fillet Steak Set: 80g ¥11,880 / 120g ¥17,930 / 160g ¥23,980 (incl. tax)
Chateaubriand | Only the Center of the Fillet
It is the center of the fillet, where the meat quality is most uniform. Tenderness and fine grain stand out. It is also the most expensive dish we serve.
Kobe Beef Chateaubriand Set: 80g ¥13,530 / 120g ¥19,580 / 160g ¥25,630 (incl. tax)
Lean | The Taste of the Meat Itself
This is a cut for savoring the meat's natural umami without relying on fat. For those who dislike fat or want to eat heartily. It is also an accessible price range within Kobe beef.
Kobe Beef Lean Steak Set: 100g ¥7,040 / 130g ¥8,360 / 160g ¥9,680 (incl. tax)
Quick Selection Chart
| For guests who... | Recommended cut | Guide price (Kobe beef) |
|---|---|---|
| Want to enjoy classic marbling | Sirloin | from ¥11,880 (incl. tax) |
| Prioritize tenderness | Fillet | from ¥11,880 (incl. tax) |
| The finest, for a special day | Chateaubriand | from ¥13,530 (incl. tax) |
| Find heavy fat too much | Lean | from ¥7,040 (incl. tax) |
| A little of several cuts | Supreme Set | ¥21,340 (incl. tax) |
How to Decide the Gram Weight
We offer 80g, 100g, 120g, 130g, and 160g. As a guide, for the set (gozen) style that comes with rice and soup before and after,80–100g for women or light eaters, and 130–160g for those with a hearty appetiteare most often chosen.
Cuts with light fat, like chateaubriand and fillet, feel easier to eat than sirloin even at the same gram weight.
Choosing Something Other Than Steak
If you're unsure about the cut, you can also choose by cooking method. The Kobe beef yakiniku set starts from ¥4,620 (incl. tax), and the sukiyaki set from ¥11,880 (incl. tax). The yakiniku juu (from ¥4,290 incl. tax) also suits a break during sightseeing when you want to enjoy Kobe beef in a short time.
Summary
The differences between cuts can be organized along two axes: "amount of fat" and "rarity." For savoring fat, sirloin; for tenderness, fillet, with chateaubriand at its peak; for the taste of the meat itself, lean.The more expensive cut is not necessarily the right answer for you.
The cuts, gram weights, and tax-included prices for all 46 items areFood Menu.