There’s something wonderfully convivial about gathering around a fire to share a meal. It slows you down, invites conversation and turns a meal into an experience rather than simply something to eat. That’s exactly what awaits at Yakiniku, the intimate Japanese-style grill house tucked away on Cape Town’s Harrington Street, where exceptional ingredients, glowing coals and a little culinary theatre come together beautifully.
I was recently invited to experience Yakiniku’s Winter Surf & Turf special (R695 per person sharing), and from the moment we took our seats, I knew this would be far more than an ordinary lunch.
Modelled on the traditional Japanese yakiniku dining style, Yakiniku offers an interactive experience centred around communal table grilling. The restaurant seats just 16 guests, creating an intimate and atmospheric space where the focus remains firmly on the food, the company and the ritual of cooking together.
One of the things that makes Yakiniku so unique is its imported smokeless grills – a South African first. Rather than the overhead extraction systems found at many local table-grilling restaurants, these cleverly designed grills draw the smoke downwards through ducting beneath the floor. The result? All the wonderful aroma and theatre of cooking over an open flame, without leaving smelling like your meal.
Once seated, our table was quickly transformed into a feast for the senses. Small dishes of pickled cucumber and Japanese kimchi arrived alongside four beautifully seasoned salts – plum, yuzu, matcha and mixed peppercorn – accompanied by the restaurant’s signature yakiniku and tonka sauces. It’s these touches that elevate the experience, encouraging diners to experiment with flavours and create their own perfect bite.
Then came the stars of the afternoon.
Three jewel-like plates of delicately sliced Wagyu – rump, skirt and Denver – were placed before us, alongside six plump queen prawns and individual bowls of Koshihikari rice. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest rice varieties, this fragrant, slightly chewy rice is grown in the Niigata prefecture and gains its distinctive flavour from the mineral-rich melted snow that flows from the surrounding mountains. It’s a simple accompaniment, but one that deserves every bit of its celebrated reputation.
After a brief rundown from our waiter, we were handed our miniature tongs and invited to begin grilling. There’s something undeniably satisfying about watching the finely marbled Wagyu gently caramelise over the flames before dipping it into your sauce or seasoning of choice. The queen prawns were equally delicious – sweet, succulent and perfectly complemented by the citrusy brightness of the yuzu salt.
The beauty of yakiniku lies in its simplicity. Grill it, dip it, layer it, top and enjoy – there are no hard and fast rules, only the joy of discovering your favourite combinations as you share the experience with those around the table.
Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly eat another bite, dessert arrived.
We were treated to a delicate coconut and rice milk sherbet paired with cherry blossom granita, followed by Asian pear and cherry crumb served with rooibos ice cream and miso caramel – a sophisticated finale that perfectly balanced sweetness with subtle savoury notes.
Yakiniku isn’t simply a place to eat; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, quality ingredients and connection. From the carefully sourced produce and exceptional Wagyu to the incomparable Japanese rice and warm hospitality, every detail feels considered.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s a little different – one that invites you to slow down, savour every bite and perhaps linger a little longer around the fire – Yakiniku’s Winter Surf & Turf special is well worth discovering.
Yakiniku is located at 84 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town, and is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Book online via www.eastcitygrill.co.za.
