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Came here for a birthday celebration on a Friday night with 7 people. Six adults one child. We got the omakase for adults and asked to order à la carte for the kiddo when checking in but our waiter told us they had ordered the kids meal for us. Odd but we went with it. Service was ok. The waiter left the beef tongue table side and walked away for a long time. Long enough for us to wonder and start grilling ourselves only for another waiter to come by and grill our meats. Quality of food was good but lacked flavor which can make it hard to handle richness of wagyu. Easy parking and good for special occasions if they up their seasoning game.
I've dined at the Hacienda Heights multiple times before and wanted to check out the Pasadena location. I was disappointed of the value of the "original" set especially since they no longer offer the bone marrow fried rice (it's on the lower tier one though). For $128 set and you only get 5 pieces of grilled meat and they count the starter drink as a course is disappointing. Yes there's meat in the starter courses but when the restaurant is focused on grilled meats, it's kinda sad you only get 5 pieces (unless you order more). The food quality is good but the value isnt there like it used to be. The biggest disappointment was the service though. We were never asked if we wanted to order drinks and was not asked if we wanted to add anything else at any point of our meal. Could we have asked? Yes. But there's a level of expectation from the service with a restaurant like this where they're promoting an exceptional dining experience. The courses felt rushed at some points and then other times there was a longer wait in between. It wasn't consistent. Knowing how it is at the other location, the hospitality level was not on par. Also separate from the dining experience - one of the bidet toilets in the womens restroom wasn't working, but there was no out of order sign and BOTH stalls had no toilet paper for quite some time until we had to ask a worker to restock it.
Came to Yakiya in Pasadena with my friend to celebrate her birthday and try their Dine LA menu. The Dine LA menu was $78 per person, and after finishing the entire meal, I thought it was the perfect amount of food. I left satisfied without feeling overstuffed like I sometimes do at Chubby Cattle, but definitely wasn't hungry either. First piece of advice: make a reservation! This place gets busy, and I can see why. From the moment we checked in, the experience started off great. We were greeted at the front, our table was ready, and we were quickly introduced to our server, Jeffrey. I have to give Jeffrey a huge shout-out because he took our dining experience to another level. From his warm smile to his attentiveness and genuinely friendly personality, he was just an excellent human being. I would honestly come back just to chop it up with Jeffrey again. My water barely made it to half empty before he was already refilling it. More importantly, he paced every course perfectly so we never felt rushed or like dishes were piling up on the table. For drinks, I ordered the Imperial Palace made with Suntory Toki and yuzu, which was delicious and refreshing. My friend ordered the non-alcoholic yuzu lemonade, and that was really good too. Now for the food. The quality of the ingredients and meats here is no slouch. We started with the A5 Wagyu tartlet topped with caviar. This was one of those single bites where you immediately wish you had five more. So good. Next was the smoked ribeye tataki, which was another hit, followed by the chawanmushi with uni and okra. Everything was well balanced and beautifully presented. Then came the miso seabass, and I have to say it was right up there with Nobu's version. The fish was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. For the main meat courses, we had USDA Prime ribeye, American Wagyu short ribs, and A5 Wagyu filet mignon. The Prime ribeye was incredibly flavorful and well seasoned, while the American Wagyu short ribs practically melted in your mouth. Pairing the meats with freshly grated wasabi made them even better. Another reason Jeffrey deserves recognition is that he actually cooked our meats for us. Even while taking care of multiple tables, every piece came out at a perfect medium rare. That level of attention and consistency was impressive. Jeffrey then prepared the bone marrow rice and cooked our A5 Wagyu filet mignon to pair with it. By this point in the meal, I was completely satisfied without feeling overly full, which is exactly what I want from a tasting-style experience. For dessert, we finished with the Miso Cappuccino ice cream. Since we were celebrating my friend's birthday, the restaurant added a really thoughtful personal touch to her dessert. They made a handwritten cracker with her name on it along with "Happy Birthday." It was a small detail, but it made the celebration feel much more personal and showed the level of attention Yakiya puts into the overall experience. The ambiance matches the food and service. Yakiya has a modern, elevated Japanese BBQ feel without being overly stuffy. The restaurant wasn't too loud, and the tables were spaced far enough apart that we could actually have a private conversation. For a birthday, date night, anniversary, or another special occasion, the setting works really well. Parking was surprisingly easy for Pasadena. They have a huge free parking lot, and we had no trouble finding a spot. Overall, the $78 Dine LA menu was a great introduction to Yakiya. The portions were just right, the meat quality was excellent, and every course felt thoughtfully put together. But what really made the night memorable was Jeffrey and all the little details the restaurant added to make my friend's birthday special. Great food can bring you into a restaurant, but service like this is what makes you want to come back. I'll definitely be returning with friends and family for future special occasions. And if I'm lucky, hopefully we'll get Jeffrey again!
Food and service was amazing. It was my first time dining here with a friend and we both enjoyed it. We tried out their Original Chef's Tasting Menu ($128pp). I think the highlight course for us was the A5 Wagyu pieces. It was my friend's birthday and they surprised us with a bone marrow shot.
Came here for their 10-course yakiniku experience and thought it was a great way to try a variety of dishes and wagyu cuts. The course featured both A5 Japanese and American wagyu and there was a lot of attention to detail throughout the meal. We started with the wagyu tartare and hamachi and both tasted super fresh. The steamed egg with abalone was silky smooth and comforting, while the cod was rich, buttery, and fatty in the best way. I also enjoyed the fresh crudité with the red miso dip as a lighter bite in between courses. The meats were definitely the highlight. The beef tongue was thick and flavorful, and I especially liked the scallion kosho because it balanced out some of the richness. The ribeye, short rib, and chuck were beautifully marbled, and the fresh wasabi was a nice touch that complemented the meat well instead of overpowering it. We also ordered the bone marrow rice on the side and I'm glad we did. It was rich, packed with flavor, and had chunks of meat mixed throughout. Our server also brought out birthday shots poured through the bone marrow which made the experience extra fun and memorable. Finished everything off with mandarin sorbet and vanilla ice cream which was refreshing after such a rich meal. Overall a fun dining experience with quality ingredients and good service.
Have had this place bookmarked on my list for a while and was super excited to hear that they partnered with DineLA. Made reservations on a Friday night at 5:30 PM. Parking was pretty easy as the lot was large enough. The interior was super sleek and modern, but it was quite dim since the colors were mainly black. Got seated right away and was presented the DineLA menu which was a 10-meal course, $78/person. Out of all the dishes we tried, my favorite was probably the A5 Wagyu Tartlette. Although I'm not a huge fan of raw meat, this was seasoned well and didn't taste raw at all, instead very fresh. Everything else was pretty basic in my opinion. The uni on the chawanmushi didn't taste too fresh and it was a bit hard. The meats were all grilled by the waitress but it was a bit too hard and not soft. The bone marrow rice I was really looking forward to it but because there was so much rice, I couldn't really taste the individual bone marrow which was disappointing. The miso sea bass was also slightly a bit salty for me, felt like the miso overpowered the fish. There was also way too much garlic in the rice so it was oily as well. While the experience itself felt very fancy as the waitress explained each course of the menu, I didn't think the price was worth it for the quality of the meal. Overall, it was okay but didn't really live up to my expectations. Probably won't come back because of the price.
Everything was so good! We really enjoyed the service and how all the meats just melted in your mouth. This is a great splurge place, and the ambiance was really nice. Thank you Yakiya team for everything last night.
Three for three, Yakiya has yet to disappoint. We celebrated our anniversary at Yakiya again, this year at the Pasadena location. It's good to know that the amazing quality is consistent between branches, both in terms of food and service. There is a lot more space between tables here, making the Pasadena location feel considerably more intimate than the Hacienda Heights location. The calm atmosphere at 8:30 on a Sunday evening was everything. Everyone who waited on us was incredible, but Jeffrey especially was an absolute delight.
Honestly, doing the 10-course menu at Yakiya is the move-every course came out super flavorful, and timed out perfectly so you don't even have to think about what to order. I was actually surprised it wasn't more crowded for how good the food is, especially with how welcoming and attentive the staff were the whole time. From the melt-in-your-mouth beef, everything hit the spot, and pairing it with a quick drink made for a great meal.
Yakiya are two words meaning grill store which sounds a bit stilted in Japanese. Yakinikuya is the usual default word for a grilled meat restaurant. I then found out this is the high-end restaurant for the Panda Express group using a Japanese format with all things Wagyū (wah ghee yu). Being in Los Ángeles, there are other culinary influences seeping in such as Korean, Argentinean, Indonesian, etc. and of course Chinese. Decor can be described as contemporary East Asian with touches of Japanese Wabi-Sabi understated minimalism & refined Chinese accoutrements such as the gold tone metal chop sticks at the table which continues the motif. There is a bar which was manned by Billy who is a polished, suave barman comfortable and capable enough to perform in a Guide Michelin Trois Étoiles restaurant. He entertained us showing us rare ultra premium Suntory Hibiki Whiskey aged 30 years and Yamazaki Single Malt aged 25 years. 1) Wagyū Smoked Tartare is plush, lush topped with a quail egg yolk and microgreens ceremonially mixed sur la table while there is a wafer of burning Hinoki Japanese Cypress to give off incense like smoke. Placed on a crispy square toast point. 2) Crudité of carrots, crispy cucumber, purple bell pepper with Aka Miso/ red Miso paste. Huge, airy, Indonesian Rengginang/crunchy fried rice chip. 2) Chawan Mushi: A more viscous version of Japanese egg custard soup garnished with woodsy Shītakè (shee tah keh) & what may be Chinese dried Abalone. 3) Miso Black Cod: Sweet white Miso caramelized and cod slightly burnt, sprinkling of Asatsuki/Japanese chives. 4) A5 Zabuton Nigiri: Wildly marbled Kagoshima Wagyū. Zabuton, meaning seat cushion, is the chuck area, located between the neck and the rib of a cow. Plush Zabuton wraps around a small Nigiri of Sushi Rice and topped with Kuki Wasabi/fermented, pickled Wasabi stems. Underlying flavoured soy sauce in the dish. 5) SRF American Wagyū Tongue: Thin disks with hash grill marks chewy yet soft eaten with a flavourful rough chiffonade of green onions, aromatic, toasty sesame oil, sea salt which seems to have Chinese sensibilities. 6) SRF American Wagyū Harami Skirt Steak: Harami means belly meat and it came out pleasantly chewy with good, fatty beefiness. Deliberately cooked to medium to emphasize the chaw. Excellent Chimichurri sauce of green herbs, aged garlic, thick olive oil that complemented the beef. 7) SRF American Wagyū Shortrib: Another wildly but not as marbled, thicker slice that had a pleasant chaw. Used the green onion chiffonade. 8) Wagyū Garlic Rice: Korean Bibimbap like crispy yet moist rice texture augmented with green onions, toasted ground garlic and fatty beefy Umami. Same flavoured soy sauce. Starchy and rich to finish off any hunger present. 1-8a) Kikusui Daiginjō Sakè (sah keh): Using the rare Kikisui Sakè rice, rich body with hints of acid, Kōji/rice earthiness, touch mushroomy, faintly fruity, dry apricot, Japanese Hachiya Persimmon. 8) Yuzu Sorbet with Basil oil: Refreshing mildly bitter sour citrus with slightly musky green herbal. All the staff is very accommodating, welcoming, service oriented. Since they do all the grilling, they instinctively know when to swoop in according to the customers' pace which is amazing. Christian was informative, food knowledgeable, savvy. He helps create a feeling of hospitality that goes a long way in enhancing the Yakiya experience. 4+ stars
Yakiya is a wonderful Japanese steakhouse specializing in yakiniku (Japanese grilled meats) in a center table grill with smoke free ventilation. We went during Dine LA and had the 8 course menu and every one was A+ delicious. It included premium cuts like Japanese A5 Wagyu, American Wagyu, Prime beef and a cod that was so buttery and flavorful it was as good as the beef. Jimmy our server made the whole visit such an enjoyable experience for our table of 4. He was a great storyteller and imparted a greater appreciation for the preparation and the quality of the beef. Some cuts are sourced directly from Japan. Billy took care of us at the bar and made some delicious cocktails notably the Mr. Miyagi whisky with puréed ginger and sweet fruit essence. Form the moment you gaze at the entrance adorned with colorful Japanese lanterns and step into the softly lit lobby, you can feel the amount of attention it took to create a harmonious space complete with comfortable seating, beautiful premium bar area and tastefully designed dining room. Definitely worth subsequent visits and a place to take your best friends and family.
My aunt took me here for my birthday dinner. We came on a Sunday around 5:30 PM. The restaurant wasn't quite full yet, but it does get more busy as the night went on. We loved their decor. We got YAKINIKU TRADITIONAL CHEF'S TASTING MENU | 10 COURSE for $78 per person. All the food was really good, definitely high-quality. The food that needed to be cooked was prepared table side by our server. The timing of each course came was just right. This place is definitely an experience. But for people that don't eat as much, they didn't have a lot of selections for people that wanted to order à la carte. Other than that, the food was excellent.
Great service. Didn't have to really do much since the employees here cook for you and always come and check on you. Will come back to try their 11 course menu and see how it defer from the dine in LA special one. Got a few drinks as well to try them out. Their old fashion with the marshmallow was a nice touch and my girlfriend really enjoyed the fog drink. Nice decor inside very modern. Only problem is when I tried calling them to reschedule my reservation that I made a mistake on i didnt get a response when I emailed them and couldn't get through their phone number so I just had to let it go and make another reservation. Which someone would answer or pick up the phone
5 months ago
11 months ago
I've had quite a few beef omakase style restaurants and quite a few yakiniku restaurants. I heard some really amazing things about Yakiya, and my friend said she wanted to come here for her birthday, so we ended up going one night. From a restaurant like this, naturally the service was top notch. It had a classy vibe for sure. There was no menu, everyone got the omakase. I did not take pictures of everything I ate because I was too busy enjoying the food. I did like that not every single course was beef - beef tends to be quite heavy, and I liked that the starter courses were light, such as tuna and hamachi sashimi, pickled vegetables, a yuzu palate cleanser, and a few beef sashimi dishes. Some of the highlights of the night included the Miyazaki A5 wagyu steak, and also the beef that was served to us with a poached egg. I also loved the bone marrow fried rice with beef on top. The fried rice was very rich and flavorful, and bone marrow is an amazing accent for the fried rice. The price tag is quite high, so it's not a restaurant I would regularly visit. However, it was still amazing. read more
I came here to try out their lunch menu with my best friend! By the end of the meal, we were at a good level of full. For dinner, I'm usually rolling out there but lunch was $48 for 5 courses whereas dinner is about $128 for 13 courses. We still got some of the same items during lunch that you would during dinner and they give you a choice for the main. I believe there were 3 choices to be made, the grilled meat, salmon, and something else. Regardless, we chose the beef. It also came with palette cleansers and the most amazing tuna tartar topped with caviar in a wonton shell. We were the only ones there and our server was amazing. I told her how much I loved the matcha balls and she was able to get me some even though it's not typically given at lunch. The vibes are super upscale and clean/modern. I love coming here for special events during dinner so it was amazing to hear that I could come here for lunch as well. Their lunch hours are weekends only at either 11:30 or 1pm. We came on a Sunday that was a little rainy and the parking lot was huge. We parked right at the front door. Overall, I will be back for their lunch menu again with my boyfriend. read more
Ambiance: as soon as you walk in, it feels like an upscale restaurant. Especially when you use their restrooms with their high tech toilets that automatically flush for you. You can see an open kitchen and nice bar setup with the lit-up whiskies! We found out from our server, Lester, this is the high end concept from the Panda group! Aka the owners of Panda Express. Parking: Ample Food was amazing! Guaranteed to have a good meal for your special occasion, or just a Monday night. Partner doesn't like raw. You can opt for raw option or get cooked alternatives. So both of us were so happy getting our preferences! Beef tartare, Egg custard and the meat dipping sauce were some standouts. The sorbet with the basil oil, what a treat! We ordered the crispy pig ear a la carte per recommendation by our server! Service was spectacular!! Lester and other staff were so accommodating. Due to the sick season, they happened to be understaffed that night. But you can see the servers working their butt off to give quality and timely service. We had such a pleasant experience mostly impart to Lester, the staff and the delicious food! read more
3 years ago
Wow! This was a wonderful experience!! I made reservations for my fiancés birthday and I couldn't be happier with the service and time spent here. We had Michael and also Conrad who helped serve us last night. They made our dining experience even better because they were so attentive, personable and super respectful! Each meal came out fairly quickly. We didn't have to wait much at all for the next course. These are the types of food I normally wouldn't go for, but I know my fiance loves. But now I can say Yakiya has converted me. It was about $400 between the two of us including some drinks. It was a beautiful experience, very nice and intimate for my fiancé and I. We would love to come back! P.s. my fiancé enjoyed the bone marrow shot!! Thanks Conrad!!!! read more
Decided to make a reservation here for my boyfriend's birthday. The reservation process was pretty simple and quick as you can make a reservation through their website. This place only has a drink menu that you can choose from as they only serve "chef's pre-fixe menu" style which I like since I don't have to go through the hassle of trying to figure out what to get since I get pretty indecisive. I thought everything was amazing. The meat was really good and some were so tender it was almost melt in your mouth quality. My favorite cold dish was the Miyazaki wagyu and my favorite hot dish was the Miyazaki wagyu strip lion with a pouched egg. You start off with a yuzu refresher follow by some cold dishes and then the warm dishes and end your whole meal with dessert. I thought it was the perfect amount of food for me. I was pretty full at the end. My boyfriend was at an ok full. Our server was really nice and friendly. He was very informative and when I told him we really liked the dessert (the white chocolate) he offered us more to take home. The whole dinner took about two hours which was pretty normal for this type of style. Some dishes came out pretty quick after the one before but some did take a little longer. I liked how our server would bring out the food and when he placed the food on our table, he would tell us he will come back in case we want to take a picture lol Parking was pretty easy to find on a Tuesday night but I would assume it might get pack on Fridays or the weekends. I heard they give out bone marrow shots for birthdays and I was a little disappointed that we weren't offered that. I specifically chose this place to celebrate a birthday since I heard the Rowland Height location does that and when I asked one of the workers who seated us if they do anything for birthdays, she told me that they do a whiskey shot and something else for dessert and asked if I wanted that and I said yes. We only received the birthday dessert but not the shot. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to also let our server know since she told me she will inform my server? read more
1 year ago
Fancy, elegant place. Service is amazing, all the staff is attentive and fast. They cook the food in front of you and there was a lot of new things for me to try. I liked all the details in this restaurant, from the gold accents all around to the smart toilet in the restroom. However, I was not impressed with the quality of the meat and did not like the "miso" stuff they have added to everything. Also the portions are very small and I was still hungry after my experience was over. If you're looking for a cute vibe place, this is it. If you're looking for unforgettably delicious food, pick something else. read more
After having dined in the Hacienda location, I've been waiting for their opening in Pasadena. I can say that my dining experience did not disappoint! TJ is also working here. Hi TJ! He's a very fun and amazing server. I think our main server was named Lester and he was so great. Service is always on point here. As we walked in, the gold and black decor was elegant. The staff were welcoming and warm. It was an intimate dining experience at a classy restaurant. However for the price of the pre-fixed menu, one would be surprised by the value of the quality of the ingredients and the complexity of the dishes in comparison to other fine dining experiences. There's about 17 courses for their pre-set menu. There are slight differences at their Pasadena location versus their Hacienda location. One of them being their tuna tartare with caviar, which is delicousness in a bite. Another is the hamachi passionfruit miso with yuzu, which was a mixture of tartness and sweet fish. Lastly was a rib eye with coach inoculation? - added more flavor to the rib eye. Reservations are through their website and they get booked quickly on the weekends. So plan ahead and bring your appetite yelpers! read more
6 months ago
Business owner information
Panda E.
Hi Lars. Thank you for the kind words! We’re glad you had a great…
2 years ago
We enjoyed an amazing multi course dinner on a Friday night. Every dish of the prix fixe menu was delicious down to the last delectable morsel. Angel was an excellent server who introduced each course in detail so we knew exactly what we were about to enjoy. The manager, Jason, was friendly and checked in an appropriate amount. The restaurant is spacious and I appreciated the space between the tables. I'd recommend reservations as this place gets very busy. read more
3 years ago
Excited to experience the grand opening of Yakiya Pasadena!!! Parking is a breeze - dedicated spots right in front of the restaurant. Decor is absolutely stunning!!! Love the golden lights/chandeliers! The bar is beautiful as well. 17-courses including hot and cold plates, beef dishes and palate cleansers. If I had to pick my top 3 favorites, it would be: 1. Blue fin tuna with caviar - tuna melted in your mouth and the flavors worked perfectly with the saltiness of the caviar; 2. Bone marrow fried rice with filet mignon - c'mon, bone marrow makes everything better, especially when it's paired with filet, garlic and ponzu sauce! 3. Uni with egg custard - not gonna lie, I'm not a huge fan of uni (texture thing), but this dish worked! Loves the sweet/salty combo, it was almost like a stew. But overall, I really appreciated and enjoyed every course because the presentation was amazing! Our server, Jordan, was excellent! Perfectly described each course and tended to our every need! I will definitely be returning here! read more
I had no idea what to expect coming into this experience, but it quickly became one of the best dining experiences I have ever had! We had a reservation and were shown to our table and walked through the courses we would encounter. The staff was super attentive and encouraged us to take pictures and videos to document our experience. This was actually my first encounter with a number of raw dishes, but I fell in love with each one in its own way. If you are weary of trying raw dishes, I would still encourage you to give these a try! Each component of the dishes mixed extremely well and left a lasting impression on me. Everything was so well thought out and prepared with careful attention to detail. The staff cooked the meat to our liking and prepared many of the dishes right in front of us, which was awesome to see. My favorites were bone marrow rice, egg dish, and wagyu varieties. The meat was so tender and flavorful. Many courses came with a few sauces on the side that complemented everything well. The Yuzu Cocktail is a perfect choice as a palate cleanser and something to sip on throughout the courses. It was easy to find parking and the ambiance was fairly quiet for a weekend. I would recommend coming in the late afternoon. The price is definitely on the higher side, but for the quality and service you are receiving, I think it is 100% worth it. Not only are you getting amazing food, you are also getting a great dining experience as a whole. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a high-quality and well-thought-out meal! read more
Introduction: - made reservations online. - took my date here for the first time. Great for first impression. Pros: - walking into this place was extremely stunning! Even the bathrooms were a piece of art. - food was overall an experience worth trying! It is a 10 course meal starting with a bunch of appetizers. - my favorite overall dish was the soup-like pudding. It was a tasty soup based egg in a cup! Absolutely, mouth watering. I wanted about two or three more of those. - Service was spectacular. Cooked out meat for us. Mixed our fried rice. Provided us more knowledge about the dish. We were well taken care of. Cons: - the restaurant was extremely loud. It was difficult to hear the person in front of me. Conclusion: - Highly recommend for a place to bring your loved ones. Totally worth every penny. - this place met my expectations in terms of the quality of the food and the wonderful unique flavors that blossom from each dish. read more
2 years ago
I have to admit that I was unprepared for the culinary experience we had. We stumbled onto this place accidentally and booked a table for the following evening. First, service, was outstanding. Every single employee was fantastic. Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. If you are in any way a whiskey fan, you have to come here and check out the bar. Onto the food. Oh boy, a 15 course expedition of what Japans culinary bbq is all about. From the tuna tartare to the Wagyu beef, it was divine. The setting is open, casual and inviting. The two of us sat at an open table that could hold 4, 6 or 8. Do yourself a favor and experience this Pasadena treasure read more
From Hacienda to Pasadena, I'm so happy they finally opened up a second location! Everything is quite the same as Hacienda - from service to food, that's a great sign. Visited during their soft opening and I must say, it's pretty crowded already for their first week! Getting reservations was kind of tough, but my family and I were still able to enjoy the meal despit sitting on separate tables. read more
Just about the most perfect dining experience. I've been wanting to try Yakiya in Rowland for awhile, so I was pleasantly surprised to see Pasadena opening. I booked through Resy easily and ended up with a Thursday 4:30pm seating during opening week. The building itself is beautifully redesigned with sleek blacks and modern finishes; plus, they have a large parking lot, just designated for restaurant customers. There is no menu, except a cocktail one, since they only offer an exquisite chef tasting menu. So once you sit down, the dinner starts. All the courses were stunning, perfect one biters, and all were balanced with tons of flavors or simply with salt to highlight the quality of beef. There's no need to list my favorites because they were ALL my favorite! We had several cocktails, whiskey bone marrow shot, and sake so go with the courses just to make the night that much better. Our waitress Tiffany was so thoughtful and sweet and made the experience that much more memorable. So thank you Tiffany for taking care of us the whole night. The courses do fly by fast, so do not be be late for your reservation because you're losing time on amazing dining experience. read more
8 months ago
After seeing this restaurant on social media, I had my husband take me here for Valentine's Day. This Pasadena location has been open for 3 months while their Hacienda location opened in 2016. Ambiance: This place is very modern and clean from the exterior to the interior. Very romantic during the evening. You can tell by the plates, dishes, glasses, and table settings that they were high end. Service: Our server Logan was very knowledgeable about the dishes, the food, and the history of the restaurant. He was able to answer all of our questions. Your server grills all the meats for you so he's very attentive and made sure all our needs and wants were met. Food: Oh man, it was a 14 course prix frixe menu so there's a lot to cover. I included the entire menu so feel free to look. Many of the dishes were really good, but I'll just go over my top faves. -nonalcoholic yuzu drink was so flavorful and yummy -bluefin tartlette with caviar and gold specks were nothing I've ever tasted. So full of flavor and textures! I can eat 10 of those -A5 wagyu with ponzu jelly was the first dish after the yuzu cleanser and it did not disappoint -Dungeness crab tofu was soft, savory, and spot on -all the meats were soft and high end -my husband loved the gyu tongue (I just don't like tongue texture but the flavor was there) Overall: A great experience with amazing service. The manager came by and gave us complimentary sake for Valentines (which was light, refreshing, and yummy). Logan hooked us up with an item from their bar menu and a surprise dessert (white chocolate covered matcha tea, so good and different). Just know that you'll have a big check at the end to pay, but it was definitely worth the 2 hour experience for us. read more
Walking into Yakiya's new location felt like stepping onto a dazzling stage - sleek interiors, luxurious vibes, and the promise of culinary theater. We were eager to see how their latest offering, the highly anticipated Shabu Experience menu, would take this performance to the next level. But honestly? What unfolded felt less like Broadway and more like an offbeat rehearsal where everyone forgot their lines. Act I: The Menu Mystery Let's start with the menu. The whole "Chef's Pre-fixe Menu" idea, now adapted for their new Shabu Experience, sounds amazing on paper, but no one explained how it actually worked. Should we all order the same thing? Or mix it up? The waitstaff didn't really know either, so we were left guessing. It kind of felt like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Act II: A Restroom Odyssey This one's a head-scratcher. We showed up at 4:30 PM, and the place was basically empty, yet the restroom was out of order for almost an hour. No one gave us a reason or an alternative. It was just... unavailable. At one point, I started wondering if this was supposed to be part of the "experience." Act III: The Appetizer Surprise Before things went sideways, the appetizers brought a glimpse of hope. They were beautifully presented, almost like works of art, and the flavors were surprisingly delightful. For a brief moment, we thought this might just be the culinary journey Yakiya had promised. Unfortunately, this was more like the highlight of an opening act that the rest of the performance couldn't live up to. Act IV: Sauce Shenanigans Now for the sauces. One server brought out something and confidently called it by the wrong name. Then she came back and said, "Oh, actually, it's sesame sauce. Sorry, it's a new item!" A new item? At a place that prides itself on chef-curated perfection? The irony wasn't lost on us. Act V: The Hotpot Horror This part was almost painful. They turned on our hotpot stove - or at least they thought they did. Twenty minutes later, we realized it wasn't even on, so we just sat there waiting for lukewarm broth to do... something. By the time it finally started boiling, our patience had already boiled over. Act VI: The Dry Ice Drama Ah, the dry ice. Or, actually, the lack of it. We were supposed to get this cool smoke effect, but it never happened. For a moment, we thought the ice was edible. My wife even poked it with her chopsticks until a manager finally came over and apologized. Apparently, they "forgot" to set it up. Classic. Act VII: Meat Matters Let's talk about the meat. Most of it was, frankly, chewy and disappointing. The only highlight was the A5 Wagyu Chuck Rib, which was fantastic... but it was served in portions so tiny it felt like a teaser instead of a main event. If you're coming here hungry, good luck. Act VIII: Waiter Swap Chaos Halfway through our meal, they switched out our waiter without saying anything. This caused all sorts of confusion because we kept asking the wrong person for things, and they just stared at us like we were speaking another language. A simple heads-up would've made a world of difference. Act IX: The Space-Age Restroom Now, let's give credit where it's due: the restroom. Once it was finally available, it turned out to be one of the evening's most memorable features. The high-tech toilet felt like something out of a futuristic spaceship, complete with sleek design and functions that made it feel more luxurious than the dining experience itself. Honestly, it left us more impressed than the food. Curtain Call: A New Location Still Finding Its Footing This Yakiya location feels like it's still figuring things out, even though it's been open for a year. The service was chaotic, the details were all over the place, and the whole experience was frustrating. It's so weird because their Hacienda Heights location, which I've been to many times, is always flawless. How can the same brand feel so different? Final Bow: Room for Redemption If Yakiya's team can get their act together - better training, clearer menus, and more attention to detail - this place might actually live up to its potential. For now, though, it's more smoke than fire, and not in the way they intended. Would I come back? Only if they can bring this performance up to Yakiya's usual standards. Right now, it's a show that definitely needs a few more rehearsals. read more
1 year ago
We enjoyed a lovely evening with friends at Yakiya. The 11 courses DineLA menu was superb and service was impeccable. The restaurant's elegant and beautifully designed interior added to the charm of the night. Special thanks to Eve and Jason for ensuring a memorable experience. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
This review is long overdue, my girlfriend brought me here for my birthday, and I have to say this is probably the best meal I've had in a long time! Everything was amazing, the service the ambiance, the pacing in between courses, it blew my mind. The bone marrow rice, dungeness chawanmushi and the A5 wagyu and egg were my absolute favorite dishes But the one that blew me away, with it's simplicity and flavor was the tomato dish, it was so good i forgot to take a picture but I was about to pay for a re-pass cause it was amazing Our server, I forgot her name but she was awesome, made the experience great explained every dish perfectly and was interactive with us Overall yakiya was amazing, definitely have to come back soon! read more
1 year ago
I had the pleasure of celebrating a birthday dinner at Yakiya with a large group of 18, and from start to finish, the evening was simply unforgettable. We opted for their omakase prix fixe menu (approx. $180/person), and I can confidently say--it was worth every penny. Service & Atmosphere: The staff were exceptionally polite, attentive, and organized, seamlessly accommodating our large party. The ambiance was refined yet welcoming, and a surprising highlight was the restroom--spotless, upscale, and outfitted with a heated-seat Japanese bidet toilet. It's the small details like that which make Yakiya a cut above the rest. Drinks: I enjoyed a yuzu cocktail and a refreshing Japanese beer, both perfectly paired to complement the courses. The finale was especially unique--an after-dinner whiskey served from a charred bone, adding theatrical flair and flavor. The Courses: We were treated to around 8 exquisite rounds, with standout highlights including: * Beef Tartare Trio: A delicate amuse-bouche featuring wagyu tartare with uni, caviar, and crisp rice paper served inside a half eggshell--a beautiful presentation that set the tone. * Premium Tongue Sampler: Thinly sliced beef tongue seared tableside, with accompanying pickled vegetables and two housemade sauces (one spicy and one umami-packed green onion blend). * Marbled Wagyu & Grilling Experience: Rich cuts of A5 wagyu, kalbi, and other prime selections served over dramatic dry ice smoke, then grilled over a gold-rimmed yakiniku setup. * Bone Marrow Bibimbap: Served in a hot stone bowl with two thick cuts of roasted marrow resting over seasoned rice, topped with seaweed and spicy kimchi. Comforting, bold, and beautifully balanced. * Filet over Garlic Fried Rice: One of the most comforting bites of the evening--seared beef tenderloin atop smoky, umami-rich rice. * Citrusy Yuzu Sorbet: Light, refreshing, and floral--served in a delicate bowl with edible petals and a golden spoon to round off the meal. Each dish felt intentional and curated, blending Japanese tradition with modern presentation. While this is a higher-end experience, the quality, service, and atmosphere make Yakiya an easy recommendation for special occasions. Final Verdict: If you're looking to indulge in an upscale yakiniku experience with top-tier wagyu, stunning presentation, and hospitality that truly feels elevated, Yakiya delivers. read more
9 months ago
So yummy! went to the hacienda location back in march and the menu set was slightly different today in the pasadena location. i like the different set because it gives a new experience! our server angelo was so sweet and made the dinner just better, he was able to explain the menu so we'll and give us tips on how to eat it! he also is very observant w his guests and noticed our preferences! typically i like my beef a lil more on the cooked side, and he let my piece cook perfectly! read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
I tried their hot pot dinner. The food was delicious, very generous portions and high quality. The hot pot set comes with a couple hors d'oeuvres. A seafood plates, a veggie plate, three sliced beef plate including an american wagyu and Japanese wagyu. Ending the set with a couple of small dessert. read more
1 year ago
The service here was amazing! Shoutout to the wonderful manager, Jason. He was very attentive! The food was so yummy. I liked every single item they brought out. I lost count of how many I ate that night. We got the shabu experience. I'm going to try the bbq one next time. The ambiance was awesome as well. The decor shows that someone put a lot of thought into it. Even the bathroom was cool. The toilet lid was down and as I walked up about to use it. It opens up and it's one of those fancy bidet toilet. read more
9 months ago
11 months ago
Came here for lunch during the weekend for Fathers Day. The food and service were amazing. I do appreciate the fact that they sped up the tasting per our request since we had two little ones with us and they could barely sit still. Anyway, I would love to come back again. read more
1 year ago
We came here to celebrate my dad's birthday and it was an awesome experience! The service was extremely attentive and friendly and even noticed that my dad loved the dodgers and came out with a dodgers and happy birthday design on dessert. All the courses were beautifully presented and the server was so considerate and kind about all the pictures my mom and I took . Everything was so good as it every cut of meat felt premium. The server cooked to perfection right in front of us and thoroughly explained each dish we were eating which made the experience feel so special! Overall, it's a hefty price tag but worth it for the experience and great food, read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
1 year ago
The entire experience was except. The food was absolutely amazing. Our party of 7 indulged in a 17 course dinner. Each course was well prepared and delectable. The ambiance and the staff rounded out what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience. read more
2 years ago
My friends and I are big foodies and we love to go out on dates and eat out often. This place is definitely in my top 5. I have been to Yakiya a few times and feel treated special every time I come! I have been to other places around the San Gabriel Valley such as Ominiku but the authentic service here brings me back. We asked our server Conrad for an extra side of lemon scallion (which is soo good!!) and he even recommended some a la carte bar items from this new bar menu they have and we ordered the crispy pig ear to pair with our drinks. It was to die for. As my friends and I went to the bathroom (which was super fancy and clean) , Conrad folded our napkins and made sure our utensils looked nice and neat when we came back. I don't see that too often nowadays and its nice to feel special especially when you spend a good amount of money on food. It makes it worth it!! Anyways, the food is always sooo good and my friends and I never leave hungry. Try to save your stomach for the bone marrow rice would be my advice because it is super good. Highly recommend the bone marrow shot. read more
Very unique experience- and you can tell the meat is of high quality! Server was great and had good interactions with her. The vibe is upscale but not too fancy, I'd recommend it as a good first date spot. Would come here again for another special occasion! read more
I think Yakiya is a great place for any casual celebration, but I would 100% say I am mostly paying for the amazing service and environment. Food: At Yakiya, there isn't a menu. Everyone gets the same set menu. Everything was always very nicely plated and they have really nice lighting inside the restaurant for pictures. However, I would say certain items were better than others. I think the meat was really good quality, but not the best I've ever had. Portions are a bit small but by the end of the meal, I was definitely full. Service: I came to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Not only did they acknowledge this in the beginning, they also made an effort to make him feel so special on his birthday. At the end of the service, they even gave him a small dessert that had a piece of chocolate say "Happy Birthday Kenndrick". We also ordered some cocktail and although it wasn't our favorite and we didn't complain about it. Our waiter noticed we did not touch it and offered to make us a better one without charging the first one. I am so pleased by the attention to detail during this meal! Ambiance: The interior is beautiful and everything about the restaurant was amazing. Honestly, even the restroom was nice. They literally had the Japanese toilets where you are about to play music. I honestly have no complaints at all read more
1 year ago
More info about Yakiya
3455 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
Chapman
Directions
(626) 514-2147
Call Now
Visit Website
https://yakiya-us.com
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Ask the Community - Yakiya
Hi. Anyone know the all month 10 course is mean August or till end of September ? I just saw the promotion in FB. Thanks. Aug 22. 2025
I think the end of Aug., but may extend it. Call the restaurant directly for confirmation!
What is the dress code for this restaurant? Are shorts okay?
No dress code. You can even choose to sit at a patio dining for less noise!
What is the difference of yakiniku dinning room with shabuya dinning room?
Yakiniku is BBQ, Shabuya is Hot pot
Are food allergies addressed and honored?
Not all the time. What restaurant put on their menu that they add MSG? I am highly allergic to MSG and trust me when somebody doesn't put it on their menu. I suffer from it.. I get the wonderful trip to the hospital.…
Do the guests cook the meals themselves or is someone cooking it for them table side?
They cook for you.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
23 reviews that are not currently recommended
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