Although it seems that Korean BBQ is vastly more popular than its Japanese counterpart, if you love simple and good meat, the Japanese yakiniku options seal the deal.
Aburiya
This place has a reputation for being a no-frills but good DIY grill joint. Each table comes with a charcoal grill and the restaurant usually draws in the Japanese crowd (always a good sign). There’s a lengthy menu with cuts like skirt, short rib and tenderloin, but what seals the deal is the variety of sauces you get with the meats.
Ito-Kacho
Probably one of the glitziest yakiniku places in town, the Mandarin Gallery restaurant sign is even decked out in bling. It specializes in Japanese black wagyu with cuts like flank steak, skirt steak and short rib. There’s also the usuals like Kurobuta pork jowl and pork belly. Although the location is ideal, cuts like Karubi beef won’t be cheap. Go here if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Prime Gyu-Kaku
This yakiniku restaurant needs no introduction being an international chain. We particularly love the new CHIJMES renovation that makes the space a little cozier and more modern. It’s added a new “prime” option, which means better meats like Australian wagyu and Kurobuta pork. The place also has a variety of appetizers, Japanese and Korean rice and noodles.
Rocku Yakiniku
A little edgier than the rest, this place is all about kooky Japanese culture and barbecued meats. The industrial space is designed with graffiti brick walls that doesn’t look out of place in Tokyo. On the menu are the usual suspects like beef chuck tender, pork belly and salmon, but this place has nailed it with Asahi beer towers to fuel the night.
Tajiyama Yakiniku
The zen place is perfect for some calm grilling action. This one’s in VivoCity, so you may need a little time to scout the location but we love their range of wagyu beef options that come with miso, lemon and kuri marinades. There’s also wagyu tongue and wagyu harumi for those who are more adventurous.
Yakiniku TEN
A semi-fine dining concept, this one may be a little more chi chi than the rest (golf club location). It’s located right next to an izakaya restaurant Enmaru and peddles high-grade beef like A5 wagyu from Oumu. Don’t be shocked at the higher price tags as the Oumi moriawase with different cuts of meats comes at a whopping $120.
Yakiniku Yazawa
Robertson Quay may have tons of Japanese places but this BBQ joint specializes in Yazawa wagyu beef from Japan. It does come at a pretty penny with cuts like a chuck-eye Zabuton costing $60 per serving. The place also has other beef options like kalbi, Kurobuta pork and some chicken in spicy miso, too.
