Yakiya Photos
Business Info
YAKIYA ATMOSPHERE
More like Yakiya
Recommended Reviews - Yakiya
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
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.
This is my first at their new Pasadena location. I believe it was $128 per person and you are definitely satisfied by the end of the pre fixe. The beef is always tender and perfectly cooked by the staff. One thing to keep in mind is the bone marrow fried rice is no longer park of the omakase, but is available for an additional $24.
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
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.
This is my second time at Yakiya, and I think it was better than the first time! I'm not sure how it's even possible. Food: AMAZING. The cuts were perfection. The first cold dish is so beautiful. I do not usually eat raw meat, but my experience is pretty pleasant here. The beef tartar tasted very fresh. The cooked cuts melt in your mouth! My favorite dish was actually the miso cod! It's sooooo flavorful. I dream about it still. It's comparable to the black cod dish from nobu. The bone marrow fried rice is just as great as the first time I had it! I want to come back everyday to eat it! Service: Our server is amazing! He cooked everything so well. He made small talk with us and was pretty attentive. Parking: FREE PARKING LOT OUTSIDE! Overall: Their restrooms bring me back to Japan. The seats automatically open up when you enter a stall. All the courses were definitely unforgettable. For the price, everything was unbeatable. It's a wonderful celebratory meal or a regular date night meal. I will definitely be back in the future!
Was in the area and decided to try due to the good reviews. Was worried it was going to be like Chubby Cattle which we didn't like. Thank goodness the food was good. Got the original set. Liked how they asked if we all eat raw meat because of the tartare. They were and to substitute for an extra piece of meat for the non raw meat eater. All the food and meats were well seasoned and spot on. The only negative was the rice was at the end was a like bit too sweet. Servers came around often refilling drinks and were friendly as well. If i lived in the area, I would come more often.
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
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.
Having visited both locations multiple times, I can confidently say the new spring menu is the best I've experienced at Yakiya. The focus on seasonality is fantastic, and at $128 for 15 courses, the value is unbeatable. Highly recommend!
Came for DineLA! We got the lunch set course for $68 which included tartare, chawanmushi, black cod, A5 zabuton nigiri, Wagyu skirt and short rib, crudités, garlic rice and yuzu sorbet. We added bone marrow to the garlic rice and a A5 ribeye with poached egg. We had reservations and for a set time, as the servers have to prepare some dishes tableside. Most tables seem to also do DineLA so the tables got served the courses together. Nine other dining parties came at the same time as us with three servers taking care which could be a little short staffed. Since we came late by five minutes we were seated last of the time slot and didn't get offered a drink menu. While the dishes seemed small, by the end of the meal we were quite full! The A5 dishes were quite tasty. The Wagyu ones in comparison were less rich but the chimichurri sauce helped. We got some extra dishes not on the menu (Wagyu ribeye and tomatoes) which were a pleasant add! Plenty of parking in the lot shared with Hook burger and various cooperate offices that are not open on weekends.
Came here for DineLA with two other friends. We each got a drink to pair with our dinner. FOOD I don't think there was a single dish I disliked. Definitely wished I had more of a few things. The miso black cod was delicious. The different meats were flavorful and rich. I really liked that there is a built-in fan for the grill so the smoke doesn't get on your clothes. INTERIOR Definitely trendy vibes. Great spot for date night or just cozy gathering with friends. They had stations that could seat up to 8 people comfortably. SERVICE Attentive! They refilled my water a few times without needing to ask. They also cook the meat for you too. PARKING They have a spacious parking lot so parking was not an issue for us. WOULD I COME BACK? Yessss
Great service and value for the Original Tasting Menu from the team that brought you the Panda Inn and Express! We went for dinner on a rainy Saturday, lured in by the exotic cuts of beef on a reasonably priced tasting menu. Was it worth it at this famous Japanese beef concept resto? Short answer is yes, and we will be back, having been sucked in by the sleek but classy casual luxe vibe with its gold and yellow hues contrasting with dark stone. But let's find out more about what we ate, if I can remember (it's 15 courses, but the menu doesn't quite match what you might actually get)... Amuse bouche. Right off the bat, a strong starter. If you dig raw meat tartare, this does not disappoint. The tartlet was a nice little bite, and the pastry was crunchy, pairing well with the sour beef. Running tandem with a more classic raw egg shooter wrapped in nori, and you got a winner with the creamy yolk enhancing the meat. Recommend even if you don't normally do raw meat dishes, and they will ask you up front if you can handle it. Wagyu tataki. Thin beef slice with nice sour vinegar dressing. Served with smoke jar, and so the flavor is very much infused with it. Maybe off putting to some since it is fairly pronounced. Chawanmushi. Might have crab flavor in it, but it was definitely the best chawanmushi I've ever had. Super silky smooth, this dish takes it next level with its superior texture. Served with the seafood broth, scallop, and mushroom, this is a treat between meat courses. Miso sea bass. We love sea bass, and we have had miso-glazed salmon before. But this sea bass is infused with it. Cooked perfectly with its flaky soft meat and with a sweet char caramelization on top, this a delicious seafood course that you don't want to miss. Wagyu "sushi". Think nigiri but with grilled beef. The server cooks this one for you before wrapping it around vinegared sushi rice with some real wasabi. Unlike common fake horseradish wasabi, this is not spicy harsh but pleasantly sweet with, wet, and only a hint of heat. Tasty and so fatty, a delicious course with rice, whetting the appetite for more cooked beef to come... Wagyu with onsen egg. A creamy luxury of a dish, the server cooks the meat and egg separately on the grill. When eating, you coat the meat with the runny egg mix for superb bite of creamy beef infused with soy sauce. Fruit palate cleanser. A small dish of wet candied yuzu, wakamomo (sweet picked baby pears), and yamamomo (sweet pickled Chinese bay berries). Delightfully sweet and sour trio. Side dish of veggies. Carrot sticks, cucumber, and lettuce served with a super tasty miso dip. Also comes with a giant rice cracker. Refillable! (We did.) Beef tongue. Server grilled and served it with a slightly sweet and slightly sour green Japanese chimichurri, this was very fatty tongue. Super soft because it's Wagyu. Wagyu platter. Three different meats, each one increasing into fattiness. Server grilled each one to your liking. The filet is left as the last piece to be served on the final meat course before dessert... The garlic miso bone marrow rice. A fantastic savory finisher. The server mixes the bone marrow and miso paste into the rice, and it comes out like fried rice. Then the server places the filet on top like a steak donburi. Meat is so soft you can just bite it with chopsticks as you pair each one with a mouthful of fatty rice. Best food combo, steak and rice, of course. Dessert. The yuzu sorbet (my fave) was sweet and sour with bitter notes, covered a sweet matcha sauce. But the matcha bomb, a white chocolate shell, explodes matcha in your mouth when you bite into it for a fantastic meal finish. Overall, definite recommend. Get the original tasting menu if you can spend the time and have the room for it. It's a great value for the experience and what you get. Until next time!
I haven't been to Yakiya in a while but this was such a good meal. I did the standard 15 course for a birthday dinner and it flies by. Plus they did a great job in dish portions so I didn't feel overly stuffed by the end of this. Every dish was solid and I have such a hard time picking a favorite! Maybe if I had to pick, the Zabuton nigiri was nicely paired with the fresh wasabi and nori powder. Many of the beef cuts were very tender. Dessert was a nice sorbet to lighten up the heaviness from the meal, and they added a birthday cracker. Plus the chocolate was so cool for dessert. It explodes in your mouth but in a good way! Highly recommend for any occasions and easy to get in and out of, with ample parking in the lot.
I've eaten here a few times for their weekend lunch menu. After being denied service today for their DineLA menu, I've decided never again. Despite being willing to accommodate me for their regular menu (seating available), the hostess told me I would need to use their reservation system for DineLA, which doesn't accept reservations for solo diners. After driving 25 minutes to dine here and being told that I could only be seated for their regular menu (higher spend) but turned away for the DineLA menu, it didn't make sense for me to continue patronizing a restaurant that makes a return customer drive *almost one hour* (round-trip) for absolutely nothing at all but bad vibes. Our time on this planet is limited; there's almost nothing I dislike more than someone completely wasting it. Never another cent Yakiya; I'm done with this place My silver lining is that I was fortunate enough to have dinner at a Michelin one star in Barcelona three nights ago and am dining at another Michelin one star in Los Angeles tomorrow. So this unfortunate blip won't kill the good vibes for long. It's just sad that you have to actually go upstream to Michelin caliber restaurants for quality service nowadays Since I won't be back, I'll post some photos of previous visits I never had a chance to post in the past read more
We came here when they were offering Dine LA in 2025. The menu had A5 Japanese wagyu tartare, nori ribeye tartare, abalone chawanmushi, miso chilean sea bass, American wagyu beef tongue, American wagyu, ponzu tomato, wagyu garlic rice, oxtail broth, A5 Kagoshima ribeye, and yuzu cheesecake. The meats overall were very tender and melted in our mouth, as well as the sea bass. The items that were less amazing were the ribeye and short rib but all were overall still good. For the price point of 68pp, it felt like a good curation and way to sample their menu. read more
3 months ago
A really amazing fine dining experience. It was my first time trying this level of dining, and everything was so elevated and delicious. We tried the 10 course yakiniku set, which included a ton of different bites, and everyone was satisfied at the end. We especially loved the miso black cod and obviously the wagyu cuts. The service was so attentive, friendly, and informative. I would highly recommend. read more
8 months ago
My first wagyu omakase experience & definitely won't be my last. Yakiya will keep you coming back. Dinner Omakase - ribeye, skirt, A5 miyazaki chuck - bluefin tuna, hamachi - wagyu beef tongue - chawanmushi - A5 miyazaki wagyu strip loin w/ poached egg - wagyu ponzu jelly - filet mignon on bone marrow rice - ribeye tataki - local farmer's veggies, multigrain cracker - strawberry lemonade - lemon olive oil sorbet read more
1 year ago
A Truly Exceptional Family Dinner at Yakiya Pasadena My family and I, my wife, two kids, our parents, and Ihad a fantastic experience at Yakiya Pasadena. We opted for the Original Course (their celebrated chef's pre‑fixe menu), and it was a hit across all five of us! Food & Presentation From the first bite to the last, every dish showcased top-tier quality. The premium beef (both U.S. and Japanese cuts) arrived beautifully marbled and was expertly grilled right at our our table. It was thoughtfully paced, small enough to sample plenty, yet satisfying enough that we all left thoroughly full, just as other diners have noted . Pre-fixe Course Highlights We started with tantalizing raw dishes like the tartare with caviar and it set the tone for an elegant and elevated tasting journey. Each meat course was rich and flavorful, and even the bone marrow fried rice felt indulgent yet balanced. Family-Friendly Vibe Bringing both kids and grandparents can sometimes be tricky but not here. The intimate, dining room and attentive staff made the experience seamless for all ages. We appreciated how they made my children feel welcome and comfortable, while still delivering that upscale yakiniku experience. Service & Atmosphere Service throughout was outstanding. Our server guided us through each course thoughtfully, making sure everyone was happy and at ease. The combination of warm woods, leather accents, and a gentle hustle behind the scenes created a refined, welcoming space. Parking is plentiful so there is no need for valet parking. read more
Came here for Father's Day and parents liked it! And despite the small portions that come out at a time, we left full and satisfied. This time we got their new $78 tasting menu, as well as their $12 Matcha IPA (soooo bitter, dad was OK w it tho) and $9 Strawberry Lemonade (refreshing but prob wouldn't get again) This time around they made a good amount of changes to their menu. The most noticeable for me was the picanha switch from the filet mignon. I found the picanha to be more chewy than I would have liked, and because it's topped on the rice, it was hard to bite (our plates had already been swapped for bowls so we couldn't cut it). The extra yakiniku sauce to drizzle on top of the rice as well as the garlic bits were great tho. Things that were kept from previous menus include the beef tongue and scallion kosho which was one of my faves as well as the chawanmushi - hearty and oh so yummy. The lemon sorbet w/ basil oil and the cuts of meat that sit on plated nitrogen gas are all great too. Dad is usually not a fan of raw food items, but surprisingly really liked the starting tartare course! I was too, whilst mom had to ask for lemon to squeeze on which ended up also being tasty. The only main downside was the wait time in between portions - I think it's because of how busy it was - all the tables were taken and had to wait for our table for our reservation at 6:30pm (we were seated about 15 minutes after.) They asked for my dad's name and was hoping they would laser it onto the meringue cookie at the end like how they do for other occasions but that wasn't the case this time :,) Shout out to Team S for the smiles and thoughtful explanations and cooking! We left this place with a renewed appreciate for quality beef and various cuts :,) read more
It's been awhile since I've had fine dining and Yakiya definitely did not disappoint! Came here to celebrate my son and his mom's bday and from start to finish it was a fun and tasty experience going through all the courses! Everything tasted fresh, peak of their flavor and was cooked perfectly. Highly recommended and will definitely be back read more
2 months ago
Wonderful experience, the food was great and the service was also very nice. The restaurant was quiet as well. Would definitely recommend the food was very good. read more
8 months ago
Can't go wrong with a restaurant where you don't really have to decide. We got the 10 course menu and luckily not the 15 course. Surprisingly we got full before the 10th. I think because it takes awhile for each course a little too long. But overall it's a okay dining experience. If you have the luxury of time then you would love it. read more
9 months ago
This is one of the better dining experiences I've had. Unlike Korean barbecues, they prepare everything for you and the quality and the service are all first rate. In my opinion, the food is worth more than the price point. read more
1 month ago
I loved the overall vibe and experience of this place. If you are looking for AYCE, then go to Chubby Cattle. I made reservations online for a party of 3 to celebrate a bday and a graduation. They seated me earlier than expected and I was able to get a cocktail while I waited for the rest of my party to arrive. The interior is very modern, sleek, and pretty. The servers were very personable and approachable without any pretense, which I appreciate at such a nice atmosphere! I am willing to pay the money so I was able to relax as much and enjoy my time. We ordered the Original set for all 3 of us and ordered multiple rounds of their tasty cocktails. They let us take our time and ENJOY the meats. I spent $800+ on the 3 of us for a special occasion and it was well worth it. One of my friends compared it to Chubby Cattle, UM DON'T. This is not AYCE and you can taste it... also you can experience it, too! The cockails made by Sean were amazing. Service by Angelo and Tiffany were humble, attentive, and efficient. I will come back again. I've been to IWagyu which is somewhat comparable to this, but this place is definitely in a higher level in terms of service, ambiance, and quality of meets. read more
8 months ago
I BEEN wanting to review this place for the past 3 weeks and finally have the opportunity to sit down and discuss my experience !!!! 1. We got the full service yak yak experience or the meat omakase party or "the full experience" ... service was excellent and i learn more about my meat then i should have 2. Service was excellent and value was right 3. Panda Express owns them !! Yes that Panda Express. Instead of me rumbling on ... make an appointment and ... eat ... there are more pictures but I don't want the world to see all the secrets !! read more
Came here to celebrate my birthday over the weekend. Husband made the reservations and it was easy. They even called to confirm if we wanted the Prix fix menu vs Shabu. Based on the pricing of the sample menu on their website, husband thought Shabu would be the better option. Parking was easy and plentiful, decor and ambiance was very nice. It's on the darker side inside with no TVs (thank goodness, since the Dodgers were playing, we really just wanted to enjoy the evening). We were seated quite quickly and the Host was very nice, even asking where we normally have Shabu and jokingly agreed with us and asked for honest feedback but didn't follow up at the end of the meal. Both he and our waitress informed us that the Shabu menu was printed separately on a paper but never brought it to us. We started by ordering our drinks but it took a while to get them. The drinks saved them a Star. We ordered the Fog on Mt Fugi and Skytree, they were visually appealing. Fog came with some smoke in a bubble. They knew that we were doing Shabu, so the menu is set already and a kids meal that was $20. The kids meal came with a 3rd of an apple, 2 halved raw carrots and 2 strips of cucumber with sesame dipping sauce, egg fried rice with a couple slices of beef sprinkled with seaweed, and chiwanmushi (steamed egg custard). Our kiddo's meal came first with our appetizer tray that came with the A5 wagyu spoon, uni egg, and ribeye tartar. Then came the Chiwanmushi shortly after and all of the dipping sauces, sesame & ponzu. But we couldn't eat anything because we had to wait for the soup base. There are only 2 options and you don't have a choice, spicy miso and dashi kombu. They weren't flavorful at all. The following plates/dishes came in increments of about 15-20 min. First came the seafood and veggie platter. Then came the prime chuck, then the wagyu chuck eye and a5 chuck rib (the best tasting beef offering). And that was it for the Shabu menu. Once the plates were cleared we waited about 20 min for the birthday treat, which ended up being 3 individual melon ball scoops of lemon sorbet with basil oil with a flat piece of meringue printed with Happy Birthday and my name. And 2 balls of chocolate filled with a liquid matcha surprise inside. Overall the slow service for us, because we ordered Shabu. There were 3 tables seated after we had been seated and they had the prix fix menu and were finished with their meals and gone before us. We rarely saw our server because she was overseeing 2 tables with the prix fix menu and was cooking for them. And NO ONE else, besides her, checked in on us during those time gaps. We got no information or guidance on how long to cook each of our items for tastiest results. We weren't full because of the wait time in between dishes, so we actually left the restaurant still hungry and ended up going somewhere else to pick up something on the way home. Our total time seated at the table was nearly 2 hours. If you want to try this place, go try the Prix fix instead of the Shabu. Keep in mind the pricing on the website is not always accurate because it is a sample menu based on season. Also considering on Yelp they have $$$$ and is a self proclaimed sophisticated luxury dining experience, there were lots of people casually dressed, in sweatpants and a hoodie, or shorts and baseball cap. read more
2 months ago
Came here via car for my birthday dinner in early March 2025. The parking lot was free with plenty of parking spaces. FYI, they will not seat you early if you come early. Service was great. Food was beautiful with lots of flavor. We went with the grilling prefix instead of the shabu version. Was not disappointed. They have this scallion sauce that was SO good! I love that they put yuzu in many of their dishes. We ordered a side of Crab Salad with our meal because my partner wasn't full yet. Plus, we needed the extra veggies. Make sure to bring GasX with you for this meal. read more
4 months ago
A great experience food that tingles your taste buds and you can taste the quality of food with every bite. read more
Business owner information
Panda E.
Hi Barbara. Thank you for the kind words, we look forward to seeing…
8 months ago
Yakiya gave us an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. Our group enjoyed the ten course prix fixe menu, and each course was beautifully prepared with rich flavors and elegant presentation. The pacing felt perfect and the entire evening flowed with a calm and refined rhythm. We were a party of ten seated at a comfortable two grill table. The staff worked both grills at the same time with skill and confidence, which is not easy to do. They handled a group of our size with ease, and we never felt crowded or overlooked. One of our guests has celiac disease, and from the moment we arrived, our host addressed the allergy with sincere care. Our host, servers, and chefs made every effort to modify dishes when possible and clearly identify each plate as it arrived. They made our allergy guest feel valued and included, not like an inconvenience, which is something very rare in most restaurants. Even though the grills are built into the tables, the room never felt smokey and our clothes did not absorb any cooking smell the way they do at many BBQ spots. Their venting system works extremely well and makes the entire experience more comfortable. The decor is attractive and modern without feeling over the top, creating a warm and relaxed setting. Service and food were exceptional in every way. The entire staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and truly focused on giving us a great evening. This is a wonderful place for a celebration or any special occasion. We left completely satisfied and excited to return. read more
this was an unforgettable dining experience. from excellent service, to perfectly moody ambiance, to unique flavors, i would 100% recommend this place to my friends and family. as we went through the multi-course meal, it just got better and better. the starters were unlike anything ive ever tried-- in a good way! all the slices of meat were buttery and melted in your mouth. cant wait for the special occasion that i can visit again! read more
5 months ago
Truly exceptional service from beginning to end. The staff certainly made my boyfriend's birthday feel extra special. Every bite was an explosion of flavors familiar and new. It's definitely a must try if you're in the area. read more
8 months ago
I stumbled into Yakiya blindfolded. Dragged in by a degenerate drinking buddy. A gun pressed into my ribs essentially. Fully convinced I was about to be financially violated. That part did happen by the way. But, I still thanked the old bastard afterwards. Somewhere around the second or third course of this meat-omakase-ish prix-fixe lunacy, reality peeled off like bad wallpaper. I realized I was trapped inside a very expensive and very delicious hallucination. This place does not serve meat. It seduces you with it. You do not come here to eat. You come here to confront the lie you have been telling yourself about what good beef actually is. The plates arrive like controlled narcotics. Not big. Not generous. Precise. Deliberate. Fucking surgical. Each cut lands harder than the last. Like a dealer who knows exactly how much you can handle before you start sweating and smiling at nothing. Meat so tender it feels like it is trying to escape the burden of being solid. You chew slowly. Not because you are polite. Because your brain is buffering. Your body does not know how to behave when confronted with this much pleasure in public. You nod. You go quiet. You start having thoughts like, oh, so this is why people believe in God. The service is unsettlingly good. Not fake. Not theatrical. They refill your glass before you notice it is empty. They solve problems before you realize you have them. It is competence verging on telepathy. And here is the real mindfuck. Why is this place not busier. This should be crawling with expense account assholes and anniversary couples pretending not to check the bill. Instead it feels like a secret. One you hesitate to tell people about because it might ruin it. I am still not convinced writing this review is the right move. Oh well. Too late. Five stars. Nirvana.This place is my new fucking obsession. Eating at other restaurants now feel like a cruel joke. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
Came here twice for dineLA cause it was really good. Came here once with friends and then had to visit the Hacienda Heights restaurant also cause I wanted to bring my parents. Yes it's that good. Wagyu meats were top notch and the chawamushi was so delicious. Chef's kiss read more
service is always exceptional here!!! the staff and management is always so interactive with guest ensuring we enjoy the meal and experience they have to offer here. they are always super attentive as well. I came to try their shabu menu and it was extremely filling, came with the normal vegetables & I think 3 rounds of high quality meat. the cocktails and drinks are super delicious as well. i always go with anything yuzu or lychee. parking is easy to find as well, always make a reservation when coming here :) the interior design is always pleasant and allows a comfortable luxurious feel and the tables are within a good distance from each other read more
1 year ago
Been wanting to try and have heard amazing things so waited for Dine LA so we could try a tasting menu. Mmm everything was very.. raw egg yolky? Best part was the ribeye and the yuzu cheesecake was to die for. The servers cook the meat for you just FYI. I think the dinner is supposed to last 90 mins but they were so overwhelmed that night it ended up being 2 hours! I've read reviews of ppl saying the inside is loud I didn't think so when we got there, still opted to sit outside since we have a toddler. Oh by the way the kids meal was the best thing ever!!! Rice with meat, fresh veggies and fruit, well balanced and delicious. Anyways when we left it was super loud inside would have been hard to hear the rest of your party. Make sure to indicate where you'd like to sit for your reservation because they plan for that. All in all, glad I tried, likely won't be back. read more
Excited to try this place for the dinela menu. The decor was and ambience was upscale but parts of the service felt needed fine tuning. They noted on our reservation card that we were celebrating my sisters bday but at the end of the meal didn't do anything special what so ever which I thought was odd. Why ask and note and then nothing?! The courses start very very strong and they were very very tasty and I was very excited for the 11 course journey. But the time we got to the fried rice.. the food was not at the same level as the first 4 courses and I did NOT care for the poach egg wagyu dish or the oxtail soup which was overly seasoned dashi. I didn't even finished those courses and I finish everything at these kind of places. I'm glad I tried it but I think I got rid of the itch. read more
A little random cause I live in RH but yea...I came here for dinela deal and it was pretty worth. This is strictly for the dinela deal because $68 is honestly pretty good especially in merica'. They were super busy when we arrived on Sunday and everybody like us was there for the DineLA deal. Service was ok...it's ok though cause they were rightfully busy so it was understandable. While the DineLA is honestly pretty worth, prob won't be back for awhile unless there's some kind of deal like that. Did think the dessert was pretty bad...(that cheesecake) and the tomato that once was one of my favorite(and I know it's not that anymore) is prob one of the worst now. read more
10 months ago
We had the Yakima set dinner menu last night (10/17/25), it was the most phenomenal meal I have ever had!! It was one of the best meals, and worthy of Michelin Star!! I have never had Kimchi Fried Rice ever made like they served!! It was the "Bomb" To the staff, Angel, our server, and all the other servers, and most especially, Jason, my heartfelt and deepest gratitude for making my birthday dinner a memorable celebration, and taking good care of us!! read more
2 years ago
Came here because we went to the one in Hacienda Heights when they first started. While we liked it, we wanted to see what was different about this location. The atmosphere and build out were really modern compared to the other one with hints of wood trims. I like there's basically no choice (LOL), it's a set dinner per person at $128. It comes with various dishes starting with a yuku drink as a palate cleanser (the other place had a yuzu jello that I enjoyed more). Appetizers: Smoke infused carpaccio beef and a caviar tartare tart Main: BBQ with various cuts of wagyu beef (tongue, ribeye, sirloin), mostly in small slices along with a veggie platter. Bone marrow rice topped with filet mignon Japanese wagyu (with their birth certificate) with a poached egg Ending with a surprised dessert (cant tell you) It was a fun experience, but I only took a star away because the cocktails were so expensive. I felt the meal was already quite expensive and we really wanted to drink, but at $20+ a cocktail, we only opted for 1 and a shared sake. Service could also up a notch with a little more dialogue on the dishes, but we understood she was quite new to the restaurant. The location is off East Pasadena, very close to the metro station. Plenty of parking. read more
1 year ago
We got the dineLA menu and thought it was great! It was easy to make reservations by calling. My favorites were the abalone chawanmushi, beef tongue, short rib, wagyu garlic rice with the upgraded additional bone marrow. It was pretty busy while we were there, and our dinner took awhile (almost 2 hours!) The service was wonderful and they take notes if you're celebrating anything special. We were celebrating a birthday and at the end of the meal they put a personalized "happy birthday ___" lasered onto an edible cracker. The decor and ambience were upscale, great place to celebrate a special occasion or for business meals! read more
11 months ago
Wow! The original tasting menu was amazing!! Everything was so good. Of course the A5 wagyu was out of this world! The wagyu beef tongue was amazing too. Service was also amazing. And don't forget about their cocktails and mocktails too. Restaurant was very nice. The ambience was very cool and elegant. Worth the price! read more
Finally got to try this restaurant as it's been on my try list for a long time. Inside is modern minimalist decor with spacious booth seating. I like that it's a prix fix menu so I don't even have to decide what I want. Soon as we sat down and got some water the dishes start coming. They are served one at a time and each dish is picture worthy. Presentation is def something they put effort into here. All the dishes were absolutely wonderful. The bone marrow rice was so good and if all the dishes before it hadn't filled you up, the rice helps. The service was fantastic and they cook all the meat for you and explain how it should be enjoyed which is nice. One star less because we ordered alcoholic drink and didn't get it until about four dishes in. Also I'm not a big eater so I was full but others in my party were still a bit hungry after. read more
1 year ago
Dine LA was decent. The prefix menu started off strong, but it ended a bit weak for my own tastes. Their appetizers were so delectable and addictive. I wanted more. The wagyu tartare and uni caviar egg were delicious. The beef tongue was good. I am not really a wagyu person, but I enjoyed it very much. The garlic fried rice was ok. I'm not really a rice person. The yuzu cheesecake was alright. The service was great though. The decor and the ambiance were really nice. It felt fancy. I would come back again where I can choose all the dishes I want. I definitely would come back for the wagyu and appetizers! read more
9 months ago
More info about Yakiya
3455 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
Directions
(626) 514-2147
Call Now
Visit Website
https://yakiya-us.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
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?
21 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 months ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Yakiya - bars - Updated August 2026
Best of Pasadena
People found Yakiya by searching for…
Trending Searches in Pasadena, CA
All You Can Eat Crab Legs near Yakiya
Appetizers And Drinks near Yakiya
Barbecue Restaurants near Yakiya
Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna near Yakiya
Famous Chef Restaurants near Yakiya
Fantasy Football Draft Bar near Yakiya
Hole In The Wall Restaurant near Yakiya
Korean Cold Noodles near Yakiya
Laptop Friendly Bars near Yakiya
Non Alcoholic Drinks near Yakiya
Raw Marinated Crab near Yakiya
Restaurants Open Sunday Night near Yakiya
Restaurants That Cook In Front Of You near Yakiya
Browse Nearby
BEST of Pasadena, California Parking near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Restaurants near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Coffee near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Things to Do near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Desserts near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Happy Hour near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Dinner near Yakiya
BEST of Pasadena, California Brunch near Yakiya
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Pasadena, CA
All You Can Eat Sushi Buffet Deals in Pasadena, California
Authentic Izakaya Dining Experiences in Pasadena, California
Best Appetizers to Enjoy Around Pasadena, California
Best Bagels Available in Pasadena, California
Best Bar Food and Snacks Served in Pasadena, California
Best Bar and Grill Experiences in Pasadena, California
Best Chicken and Waffles Available in Pasadena, California
Best Clam Chowder Options in Pasadena, California
Best Fish & Chips Restaurants Near Pasadena, California
Best Fish Restaurants to Try in Pasadena, California
Best Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Deals in Pasadena, California
Best Places for BBQ Ribs in Pasadena, California
Best Places for Bottomless Mimosas in Pasadena, California
Best Places for Brunch in Pasadena, California
Best Places for Margaritas in Pasadena, California
Best Places for Poke in Pasadena, California
Best Places to Enjoy Curry in Pasadena, California
Best Rooftop Restaurant Experiences in Pasadena, California
Best Shabu Dining Options in Pasadena, California
Best Sit Down Restaurant Options in Pasadena, California
Best Soul Food Dishes in Pasadena, California
Best Teriyaki Chicken Meals in Pasadena, California
Best Vegan Restaurants to Try in Pasadena, California
Crispy French Fries Favorites in Pasadena, California
Crispy Fried Chicken Favorites in Pasadena, California
Delicious Onigiri Options to Try in Pasadena, California
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Pasadena, California
Discover All You Can Eat Sushi Spots in Pasadena, California
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in Pasadena, California
Discover Authentic Indian Food in Pasadena, California
Discover Authentic Italian in Pasadena, California
Discover Delicious Noodle Soup Options in Pasadena, California
Discover Korean Cuisine and Culture in Pasadena, California
Discover Popular Sports Bars in Pasadena, California
Discover Popular Sunday Brunch Places in Pasadena, California
Discover Top Fast Casual Spots in Pasadena, California
Discover Top-Rated Noodle Dishes in Pasadena, California
Discover the Best Breweries in Pasadena, California Today
Discover the Best Craft Beer in Pasadena, California
Discover the Best Ribs in Pasadena, California
Discover the Best Rice Dishes in Pasadena, California
Discover the Best Romantic Restaurant Options in Pasadena, California
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in Pasadena, California
Enjoy Authentic Gyoza Dishes in Pasadena, California
Enjoy Authentic Tempura Dishes in Pasadena, California
Enjoy Classic Hamburger Options in Pasadena, California
Enjoy Conveyor Belt Sushi Dining in Pasadena, California
Enjoy Delicious Hot Dogs in Pasadena, California
