Japanese restaurant chain Wagyumafia is set to open in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai.

It will be the franchise’s first international location since launching two years ago. Wagyumafia is known for its premium beef and members-only business model. The brand has gone through an extended promotion under co-founder Hisato Hamada, who has hosted pop-up events for the franchise in top international locations – including Paris, London, Singapore and New York.

The new Hong Kong location will be open for 18 members at a time, serving an omakase menu focused on choice Wagyu and Kobe beef yakiniku and shabu-shabu dishes.

Hamada said “Wagyumafia seeks to buy only the top 1 per cent of Kobe beef. To ensure our premium quality standards are met, we source our products from the top 20 best farmers in Japan.”

Reservations will be opened to non-members sometime after the first month of trading.