Yakiya

My family and I came by for lunch to celebrate my mom's birthday. We managed to snag a 1pm reservation, and while it seemed like availability was a bit difficult to find on Resy, the place was pretty empty when we arrived around 1pm on a Saturday, with just a few other tables there. The restaurant has a very refined and elegant aesthetic (very Japandi vibes) with plenty of spacious seating. We all ordered the yakiniku set, which comes at $78 pp (before tax/tip). It comes with 3 courses of appetizers, 5 courses of meats, a fried rice dish, and a nice dessert. My favourite appetiser was the beef tartare, which was fresh and perfectly seasoned and came with a very tasty chip. The salad and chawanmushi were also yummy too. All the courses of beef were so delicious -- they were so tender and flavourful, and it was lovely seeing them get cooked to a perfect degree right in front of us. It's hard to pick a favourite cut, but I really liked the harami cut (so juicy, just melted in our mouths) and the ribeye, which had a solid and savoury depth to it. The wagyu garlic rice was very tasty, and even though it looked a bit oily/heavy at first, I think it was actually quite a nice complement to the richer flavours of the beef courses. The wagyu was delicious (as always). There was also a hidden course of a small bowl of radish soup, which was an excellent palate cleanser before our dessert, which was a scoop of lemon sorbet with some minty/basil flavouring. All in all, it was a very lovely experience with amazing food, service, and ambience. The price point is definitely on a high side, but certainly worth a splurge :) Would love to come back again someday.

Absolutely incredible experience! TJ and his team delivered true world-class hospitality. The Wagyu melted in my mouth, and the 12-course menu was beautifully curated,each dish perfectly balanced and flowing seamlessly into the next. The drink pairings complemented every course so well and elevated the entire experience. Beyond the amazing food, TJ and his team were humble, warm, and welcoming. They made me and my friends feel right at home while maintaining a high level of professionalism. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a refined, high-end 12-course dining experience. Truly unforgettable!l Thank you TJ, Chef Vincent and team!

Yakiya is located on the corner of colima and azusa inside a big strip mall plaza. Plenty of parking in there and super easy to locate this since you can drive past it on colima on your left hand side driving West. This is a Wagyu fine dining experience restaurant. If I remember correctly, it was opened back in 2016 or around that year. There is omakase option and à la carte option. I came last night for its DineLA menu which it is only $68. It was a great dining experience and the price was just about right. The previous time I came before last night was 8 years ago for their $150+ omakase experience. It was a decent experience with good wagyu meat but I wouldn’t come here for their omakase again with that price since this place is like a less expensive clone version of Yazawa. If I can pay similar price or a little more for better quality food then what reasons do I have for choosing this place? This is a good place, I would still give this place a 4.5-5 star rating based on their service, setting and food, don’t get me wrong but if i have a choice of picking the 2, I would pick Yazawa in Beverly Hill. 8 years later last night, I came here for the DineLa menu because their price of $68 caught my attention. It did not disappoint me and I felt like it was worth it. There were like 7-8 courses including soup and dessert. All tasted unique and good. Servers were quick to attend when we had questions and food came out fast. The only thing that bothered me a little ( not going to take away their star rating, just ranting ) was their water. The server asked me about the water I wanted to get giving me different options. She mentioned bottle of still water and without thinking that it would cost me money, i picked the still water ( the other 2 water options sounded more like I have to pay) . Not until when then bill came that I realized that it was $8. So please keep in mind to make sure to ask if the water is free before telling them know what kind of water you would like. Other than that, everything else was great.

One of the best meals we’ve ever had, and we’ve had a lot! Every single course was excellent. Service was impeccable. Jason was so kind and informative about every course. Highly recommend the chef’s tasting menu, $128pp. I can’t wait to come back!

We’ve come here a few times now and each time has been having that special feeling we had the first time around. The photos I’m adding are from one of our past visits. Each item you get is masterfully put together and you definitely get to enjoy the entire experience from start to finish, almost like going through an entire ceremony of food. For the price, you’re getting really great value.

Well this has to be the first! We know there's omakase for sashimi and sushi but to be honest, this is very intriguing to have omakase for meat! Specifically beef! So we sat down and waited and kind of don't know what to do. There's menu but don't understand how to order. They have us water and towels to clean hands and stuff but didn't really explain things. So when a water walk by, I ask him how to order it what they recommend and he told us that the menu is fixed. Only omakase! (Chef's choice). Well we thought that cool, we didn't have to worry about what to eat. Seems like everyone else there was enjoying themselves, so why not take a chance. We got there at 6:30 and didn't finish until almost 9. The meal took quite a long time. If you have good companion, great place to relax and talk. Every plate is quite small so even though there was like 12 plates, you won't feel overwhelmed. Great meat, great good, great service. Waiters are very attentive. They kind of have to because they cook for you. You really don't have to do anything. It was a very interesting experience to say the least! So if you have some time to spend and want to try great wagyu beer, you will just love the place. FYI, not place for vegetarian.

We have been here for a couple times and we enjoyed both the foods and the service very well. We came here for the special promotion on `Dine LA' and both the foods and the service are still outstanding. We highly recommend this place to people who enjoy high qualuity Japanese BBQ at an upsacle environment.

1000% recommend this restaurant. From the moment you walk in you're transported to and through a dining experience. Everyone was friendly and our server C. was cool and skilled at guiding us through the courses. And the courses were phenomenal. Phenomenal. The plating, the fluidity of the server's actions, and the flavours. Truly a special experience. We didn't want the meal to end. Again, I fully recommend this restaurant, one of my new faves and definitely the most sophisticated dining experience I've had.

If you're craving a fine-dining experience that truly delivers on value, Yakiya is the place to go. I first visited their Pasadena location on Valentine's Day and knew I had to return. They recently launched a new 10-course yakiniku menu for just $78 per person, offering an interactive culinary journey featuring Japanese Wagyu. We started with the A5 tartlette and USDA prime ribeye tartare. The tartlette, topped with Wagyu and Kaluga caviar, was unforgettable. Next came the chawanmushi and A5 nigiri, followed by a rich, buttery sea bass that melted in our mouths. One of my top highlights was the beef tongue--perfectly tender. After that, we enjoyed their local farm greens before moving on to the main beef set: short rib and skirt steak. The ponzu tomato provided a refreshing break, and we ended with their Wagyu garlic rice and a yuzu cheesecake. From start to finish, the experience felt elevated. The servers walked us through each course and cooked portions tableside, adding to the uniqueness of the meal. We also tried a few cocktails, with The Imperial Palace and Soft Pagoda being the standouts. If you love yakiniku and want to explore new flavors at a reasonable price point, this is the spot. Reservations are highly recommended, and the service is consistently exceptional. Yakiya is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion!

My husband and I came in for our anniversary. We were around the area and looking for somewhere good to eat. Found this one on yelp and decided to reserve last minute. We were able to reserve the next one which is only 30 min. When we came in, the guy was very friendly. We were seated about 5 mins after coming in. We got the 15 course meal which is $128/person We started off with the appetizer. I forgot what all three of them were, but my favorite was the egg with caviar and uni. That was a very scrumptious and stood out for me. The other 2 were also very good. The next one was abalone chawanmushi. I dont really know what was on it but it tasted good. It kinda felt like gelatinous with a miso hint. It was different but good! Then we were served with some vegetable snacks with a miso dip i think? The meat followed. Everything was soooo good and tender! My favorite was the american wagyu short rib served with wasabi. Honestly all meat tasted differently but all of them were good and tender! I also like the beef broth which they said was good for digestion. It was served towards the end. They also served ponzo tomato. That was the most refreshing tomato I have ever had! So juicy. Not much fan of the sauce with it but still not that bad. The bone marrow rice with kimchi, nori, and garlic miso was a surprise! I love bone marrow but this one was really something else. Allthe flavors blended in one into the rice made the taste so flavorful and somewhat sweet but still umami. The fat gave such a beautiful taste but the sauce and the kimchi gave it a nice balance. I didnt like sherbet that much, i thought it was too sour but it's okay. We also got a complimentary dessert. I didnt know what it was but it was a chocolate with something inside, kinda tastes like matcha? That was good! This was an overall great experience! Expensive but the service and food was exceptional! Giving only 4.5 stars because I said my husband's name was Jeff but they wrote frank on the chocolate but they replaced it. That was funny haha

My family and I came by for lunch to celebrate my mom's birthday. We managed to snag a 1pm reservation, and while it seemed like availability was a bit difficult to find on Resy, the place was pretty empty when we arrived around 1pm on a Saturday, with just a few other tables there. The restaurant has a very refined and elegant aesthetic (very Japandi vibes) with plenty of spacious seating.  We all ordered the yakiniku set, which comes at $78 pp (before tax/tip). It comes with 3 courses of appetizers, 5 courses of meats, a fried rice dish, and a nice dessert. My favourite appetiser was the beef tartare, which was fresh and perfectly seasoned and came with a very tasty chip. The salad and chawanmushi were also yummy too. All the courses of beef were so delicious -- they were so tender and flavourful, and it was lovely seeing them get cooked to a perfect degree right in front of us. It's hard to pick a favourite cut, but I really liked the harami cut (so juicy, just melted in our mouths) and the ribeye, which had a solid and savoury depth to it. The wagyu garlic rice was very tasty, and even though it looked a bit oily/heavy at first, I think it was actually quite a nice complement to the richer flavours of the beef courses. The wagyu was delicious (as always). There was also a hidden course of a small bowl of radish soup, which was an excellent palate cleanser before our dessert, which was a scoop of lemon sorbet with some minty/basil flavouring. All in all, it was a very lovely experience with amazing food, service, and ambience. The price point is definitely on a high side, but certainly worth a splurge :) Would love to come back again someday.

I came here for my mom's birthday before COVID and Yakiya did not disappoint!!! And I've come three times after that haha - It is not cheap but you definitely get your money's worth in quality and entertainment. By entertainment, I mean the wait staff put in so much care and effort to explain where your next bite from the course meal was sourced and how it was prepared but ALSO... using the bone (that was used for the bone marrow fried rice) as a birthday shot luge - I hope that's still a thing after COVID because it was entertaining to watch my mom's inner party girl come out! Typically, I like leaner cuts of meat but Yakiya serves such high quality Japanese and American wagyu that I make an exception to that general rule. The course meal is engaging as the serving staff I always appreciate the explanation so I have an easier time estimating items to put in MFP. Also the atmosphere is so calming, and a total experience. Highly recommend to check it out!

We came for the 15-course Chef's Tasting Menu. It's normally $128, but they were running a $98 per person special that we had to capitalize on. We began with a couple of drinks: -Skytree ($18): light and refreshing with a mild alcohol taste and subtle lychee sweetness. Was delicate and not boozy. -Cherry Blossom Mocktail ($13): tart yet sweet, somehow balanced in the most elegant way. We really enjoyed this. We opted to substitute out the raw beef (tartare) courses when asked, appreciating that they were flexible and accommodating. The courses: Course 1: A5 Wagyu Nigiri. One of the substitutions. Perfectly seared with a gentle hit of wasabi and citrusy yuzu. Course 2: Chawanmushi. Silky smooth egg custard with shiitake and braised abalone. Course 3: Local Market Crudite. Fresh veggies (cucumber, daikon, carrot) with a red miso paste (ssamjang-like) dip. Tasty, though the rice cracker was a little stale. Course 4-5: Signature & Thick Wagyu Beef Tongue. I normally don't like beef tongue, but the lemony green onion topping was bright, peppery, and addictively good. The thick cut had very fine, even scoring which was impressive. Course 6-8: American Wagyu (Harami Skirt Steak, Short Rib, Ribeye). Each paired with a hoisin-like oyster sauce. The Harami was less marbled but still delicious. The short rib was rich and fatty. The ribeye disappeared so fast I forgot to savor it. Course 9: A5 Kagoshima Zabuton. Buttery soft Wagyu with a wasabi side that cut through the fat beautifully. I didn't think it needed the wasabi, but I still enjoyed the pairing. Course 10: Marinated Refresher. Another course substitution. Tomatoes with kiwi and sesame seeds. Sounds unusual, but it worked...sweet, tangy, and palate-cleansing. Course 11-12: Prime Filet Mignon + Bone Marrow Fried Rice. The server scooped the bone marrow tableside and mixed it into the sizzling rice. The fried rice was crispy, buttery, and rich. The filet mignon was super tender. Course 13: Oxtail Soup with Daikon. Final course substitution. Comforting and clear broth with meaty depth. The daikon could've been a little softer. Course 14: A5 Kagoshima Ribeye + Poached Egg. Pure decadence. Mixing the yolk in created a luscious, savory-sweet bite. I missed the little fire show from last time, but flavor-wise, this was an unbeatable finale. Course 15: Dessert. Lemon sorbet with basil (zesty and herby) and a surprise white chocolate egg with liquid matcha inside. Our server was friendly, attentive, and knew the menu inside-out. He cooked every piece of meat perfectly and offered little insights along the way without hovering. Yakiya is intimate, interactive, and indulgent without feeling pretentious. Between the quality of the dishes, the creative substitutions, and the thoughtful pacing, it's one of those experiences you'll still be thinking about the next day.

Came here for my parents on their anniversary and wow what a great experience. The food was amazing everyone loved it. I wasn't expecting to get full like I did. The crispy nori roll was my favorite and the A5 wagyu tartletttes were great. I never thought I would enjoy raw meat so much. My servers were Hai and Michael and they provided excellent service. The vibes were super chill and high class. Somewhere I would definitely come back for some good quality beef and I don't eat meat often so this should tell you something.

Came here to celebrate my graduation and it was such a special experience. The wagyu omakase was absolutely incredible, every cut of meat was top quality, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. The variety of flavors and textures made the whole meal feel like a journey. The ambiance was elegant and intimate, perfect for a celebration, and the service was warm, attentive, and made the night feel even more memorable. Truly a fantastic spot for any special occasion (or if you just really love wagyu). Couldn't have asked for a better graduation dinner!

Ordered: - 2x Dine LA with uni Caviar Egg and Garlic Miso Bone Marrow (5/5): I haven't had much experience with course menus in general, but I would say this was the perfect introduction to one at a very reasonable price. My gf and I were consistently wowed by the complex flavors of each course, and we loved how intentional the placement of the courses were to cut through the heavy flavors. Some standouts: - Abalone Chawanmushi: the steamed egg with abalone broth gave a warm, savory flavor with a smooth texture. - Uni caviar egg - a little tangy, almost like yogurt but very creamy thanks to the uni. The caviar gave the egg a subtle truffle aroma. - Beef tongue - we always love beef tongue and this did not disappoint. They were perfectly seared, crunchy and juicy and paired well with the provided green onion sauce. - Ponzu tomato - probably one of the juiciest tomatoes we've ever had. The ponzu and citrusy flavors made this very refreshing and cut through the heavy meats we just had. Overall (5/5): Despite the fancy vibe of the dinner, the restaurant was pretty noisy and it was hard to hear each other at times. The location is also not the most spacious, so tables are seated closely - we could hear everything the table next to us were saying! Despite that, our server was super friendly and the food was amazing. We hope to be back in the future!

We finally came here thanks to DineLA. It was such a wonderful experience. The food and service were impeccable! Our waiter was attentive and was so good at explaining what each course was. I love that he grilled our beef in front of us. It was perfection Every course we ate was delicious, even the palate cleansers! If I had to choose, my favorite course was the appetizers. They were mind-blowing in taste and presentation. Unfortunately, we had outdoor seating (which I normally wouldn't mind) but it was the hottest day. To our surprise it wasn't too hot, thanks to the shade the restaurant provided. We have a great time and can't wait to come back.

Yakiya is located on the corner of colima and azusa inside a big strip mall plaza. Plenty of parking in there and super easy to locate this since you can drive past it on colima on your left hand side driving West. This is a Wagyu fine dining experience restaurant. If I remember correctly, it was opened back in 2016 or around that year. There is omakase option and à la carte option. I came last night for its DineLA menu which it is only $68. It was a great dining experience and the price was just about right. The previous time I came before last night was 8 years ago for their $150+ omakase experience. It was a decent experience with good wagyu meat but I wouldn't come here for their omakase again with that price since this place is like a less expensive clone version of Yazawa. If I can pay similar price or a little more for better quality food then what reasons do I have for choosing this place? This is a good place, I would still give this place a 4.5-5 star rating based on their service, setting and food, don't get me wrong but if i have a choice of picking the 2, I would pick Yazawa in Beverly Hill. 8 years later last night, I came here for the DineLa menu because their price of $68 caught my attention. It did not disappoint me and I felt like it was worth it. There were like 7-8 courses including soup and dessert. All tasted unique and good. Servers were quick to attend when we had questions and food came out fast. The only thing that bothered me a little ( not going to take away their star rating, just ranting ) was their water. The server asked me about the water I wanted to get giving me different options. She mentioned bottle of still water and without thinking that it would cost me money, i picked the still water ( the other 2 water options sounded more like I have to pay) . Not until when then bill came that I realized that it was $8. So please keep in mind to make sure to ask if the water is free before telling them know what kind of water you would like. Other than that, everything else was great.

Delightful and very buttery meat, melts in my mouth. Staff is very polite and welcoming. They describe what each dish with detail. Overall great experience.

Yakiya has been one of my favorite dining experience - from the food to the service, everything was pretty much perfect. My boyfriend and I saw that Yakiya was offering a Dine LA menu for a pretty good price, and the menu had a good variety of courses, not like others that only have 2 or 3. Yakiya's menu included 3 cuts of meat, 3 appetizers, fish, rice and broth, and a dessert, along with some palate cleansers and optional add-ons. The appetizers were absolutely mind-blowing; my favorite was the first wagyu tartare, but they all exploded with so much depth and flavor. Each cut of meat was grilled to perfection in front of us by the server, who was very friendly and made conversation with us while doing this. The rice was rich and filling, and the broth was nice to wash it down. Even the cheesecake and tomato palate cleanser were delicious! I think the sea bass stood out the least to me but to be honest, not a single dish was disappointing. The ambiance of the restaurant itself is very nice; it gives fine dining without being too intimidating. The servers and hosts are friendly and look kind. Also, this is an odd detail to point out but the toilets in the restrooms are from Japan and super high-tech! I loved every part of the meal and would come back even when Dine LA is no longer going on, but for those of you who are curious, I would definitely recommend trying this place while the deal is available!

Wow!! If you want to experience fine dining, service, and ambiance, this place is an absolutely MUST!! We had the Yakika dinner last night 10/17/25, it was so phenomenal!! This is what the set menu that I pictured!! This restaurant out of 10 rating is 20!! Yes, it was that delicious!! I have never ever enjoyed Kimchi Fried rice that they serve is the Bomb!! To the staff, Angel our server, and all the other servers, and most especially, Jason, my deepest gratitude for making my birthday very memorable and for taking such good care of us!!!

Fiiiinally came here for our anniversary and were treated like royalty. The service from the women running the floor was flawlessly timed, down to the second. Tables are generously spaced, making the whole experience feel calm, focused, and intentional. The uni appetizer is easily one of the best bites I've had in my life, and their chawanmushi is, hands down, the softest and most delicate I've tasted. The fresh veggie plate offered a crisp, refreshing reset between courses, and the house-made rice cracker was deeply savory and full of flavor. We were surprised with complimentary drinks to celebrate--an alcoholic cocktail and a mocktail, since we drove ourselves. A thoughtful and delicious touch. We'll be back--no special occasion needed.

My friend and I came in to try their DineLA menu. It included everything that was listed on the menu, so we really appreciated being able to try everything and not have to choose between items. The overall menu experience was thought out and balanced as to the refreshers and the fatty elements. We were really surprised with the heirloom tomato palette cleanser and the chawanmushi, that we wanted more. The service was top notch, especially since our server explained every dish that came out, but also gave us time to take pictures and document our experience. We also loved the atmosphere and design. It feels like every part of the dining experience was well-thought, and even us sharing a table with others didn't take away from that. Overall great experience that I would highly recommend!

Back again at Yakiya since the first COVID wave. Of course, we got to sit indoors this time and tried their DINE LA menu with my husband's family. The appetizers were delicious as always with my favorite being the wagyu tartare. The amount of food was perfect and they all tasted great. Highlights include the ribeye and beef tongue. The miso sea bass was perfectly cooked and my daughter loved it. The bone marrow rice was also a great carb to go with the meal. My only gripe is that each time we come here, the whole experience takes almost 2 hours. We waited 20 minutes for our yuzu cheesecake to arrive after our meal concluded. Besides the extended wait, the service and classy interior led to a good experience.

Obsessed! I'm not even a big fan of hot pot, but this place is so good! The cut of meats are fantastic, the side dishes too! Love the hand rolls. The service is so friendly and kind. The ambiance is very nice, is a small place and parking can be hard to find at night during weekends. Call to make reservation for big parties. They offer a membership that pays for itself if you get it before your birthday,land if you go 2-3 times.

Was invited here tonight to celebrate my birthday! We ordered from the prix fix menu. Food, presentation , service and atmosphere were outstanding! (As I expected it to be.) One of the better restaurant near me ,without having to drive to Los Angeles or Orange County. Definitely a restaurant to consider for special occasions. Please enjoy the pics from tonight.

o3.23.2o25 It's already been 10 years since our discovery of this place. So, we came here to celebrate our 10th anniversary! With two kids...I know, a little bit messy and less enjoyable but their cute little faces made up for it. We were greeted upon arrival and we were asked if we're here for any occasion, and asked for our names. We got seated right the way and a yuzu cleanser and towels to clean our hands. My toldder was very interested in the toddler bc he thought it was candies. Lol The food were good as usual with a minor mix up from time to time but keeping the classics. Whenever a plate gets to our table, our server would always give us a chance to take a picture first. It was kind of funny in a way but also a great advertisement for the restaurant. Who wouldn't want to find out what this place is after seeing the posted pictures of their beautifully represented food? I mean, aside from other who don't eat meat. We got a little nice glass of wine in the house for our anniversary and a printed cracker. It was very cute! Since 10 years ago, this is still one of our favorites even though the price have gone up a lot but that's like everywhere. We really enjoyed our meal.

This place was sooo bussin. We went for Mother's Day and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better dinner. It was such a good time. They had a prix fixe menu and the portions were perfect! You're full by the end but not overly stuffed. The food was astronomical. Everything tasted amazing and the presentation was beautiful. The drinks were great too. We even did a bone marrow whiskey shot, where they pour it into your mouth through the bone and it was so fun! Our waiter made it really special too he was super funny. The space is gorgeous both inside and out. I really have no complaints. Everything was super yummy and the whole experience just felt special. I'd go back again and again. Love this place!

Wow my palate is definitely spoiled now. What a great experience from the pre-fixe/omakase menu, allowing us to trust their chef in providing their best bites for us! Not only is the restaurant beautiful, the service was exceptional as well. The entire experience was incredible, starting with a refreshing yuzu cleanser drink, followed by the wagyu, tataki, chawanmushi steamed egg, and finishing with a delicious wagyu bone marrow fried rice to make sure we're completely full and satisfied. It was definitely a hearty and filling meal! They also presented the certificate of authenticity for their A5 Wagyu which added a nice touch of upscale and professionalism to the experience. Come here if you enjoy quality food, outstanding dining experience, or for a special occasion!

It's been 3 days since I've eaten here, and my stomach is still in chronic pain from food poisoning. I tried this place once when it first opened and wasn't very impressed especially with the price of what you get and how the food tastes. However, its been a couple years now, and a friend wanted to come here for her birthday. Not only was I still disappointed leaving this restaurant, but now I'm wondering how they're still open. I am still suffering from food poisoning from here. We did the DineLA menu since it seemed more reasonable for what you get. Sadly we were wrong! Every plate we received were bite sized. Not only that, but you can tell it was full of butter/oil. There was also rice on the menu...we had a party of 4 but got the size for a party of 2! Yes, the servers said the chefs still prepared the same portions per person, but there was a party of 2 next to us, and it sure seemed like they had a lot more rice to eat. They advertise some of their meats coming from Japan, which I hope is false advertisement. Because if they do, the vendor should be embarrassed for providing this kind of meat. $$$$$ (five dollar signs later), we were still hungry and the quality was terrible. I'm pretty sure their poached/raw egg gave me the food poisoning or maybe it was the entire meal. The one star is for losing a few pounds. Yaki-Yuck

It was a 5/10 but sure why not. I do have to throw out a disclaimer and personal opinion that DineLA (program and menu) is not worth. A little more than half the price to be a little less than half full... My company (who has a small appetite) and I left hungry but shoutout to 85° right across the lot for the carbs. Ambiance - moody and great for casual attire date night 'cause no one dresses up in SoCal Service - face value politeness, can't go wrong with that Food - you're just paying for the quality of the cuts and effort placed into aesthetics. Highlights: 1) Wagyu Tartare w/ ponzu jelly 2) Miso Chilean Seabass 3) Ponzu Tomato (Palette cleanser, although there was hardly anything to cleanse) 4) Yuzu Cheesecake Ironically, none of the notable dishes were any of the... (*insert punchline* ya-ki-ya) Overall, not the best first impression. Probably wouldn't give the original menu a try any time soon, but keep your staff and ambiance. I'd suggest refining the menu, sequentially & qualitatively, for a more fulfilling experience. Fatty meats first, poached egg prior to rice, more rice and kimchi... a real-sized spoon, more cheesecake, etc etc. P.S: Missing a photo of the radish soup. The "oxtail broth" - soup with a piece of daikon radish, no hint of oxtail nor the umami

Yakiya has been on my bookmarked list for a while. I finally had a chance to dine for my cousin's birthday. Vibes and service were amazing. It's such a nice upscale dining experience! There were two options, and we picked the one recommended for first timers. We had a variety of dishes and they grilled the meat for us! Seems like such a luxury since I'm used to doing it myself at this type of style of restaurant. I loved everything! Next time I want to try the higher end option. It includes bone marrow rice and elevated cuts and types of meat. One downside is their portions are small. You may still be hungry but I think you could always order additional items! Their drinks were delicious. I tried their lychee martini. The portion was also disappointingly small- wish it was larger. Definitely recommend this for a nice night out. Our waiter went above and beyond, and it was refreshing !

Came here for Valentine's Day with my husband. we were lucky to snag a reservation. They asked us for our names at the door and brought us to our table. The service was a bit slow to start, but the food came at a reasonable pace after the first item came. Our server was super friendly and enthusiastic! He definitely made our experience much more positive. We also ordered the drink pairing with the Valentine's Day menu. It came with a yuzu mimosa (11/10), a his/hers cocktail (his was whiskey sour (9/10) and hers was a martini (4/10-way too potent?), a red wine (not a fan of red wine so won't rate this), and sake (8/10). The food and drinks were all amazing. It made me want seconds of everything, especially the wagyu tartare

Went here for my Birthday in December, and it was absolutely phenomenal! The pre-fixe meal is a mix of raw and cooked meats. Everything is cooked for you. I won't be redundant and restate my experience as it's basically everyone else's. My favorite dishes was the beef tartare- absolute banger to start off the night, and the A5 miyazaki wagyu with poached egg. A highlight was the bone marrow kimchi rice and grazing plate -- that miso sauce i addicting. Service is phenomenal as well. Super attentive and great at cooking the dishes. This place is definitely worth coming for a special occasion.

I came here with a friend for lunch to celebrate our birthdays yesterday and we had an amazing dining experience! We opted to go for the full pre-fixe menu which costs $128 and it comes with a variety of cooked and raw dishes and everything is cooked and prepared by the staff. My experience overall was the same as what other reviewers have posted before and the service here was simply excellent. The staff were welcoming and friendly when we walked in and throughout the course of our meal, they were attentive and they were superb at cooking the meats on the grill. The ambience overall is on the more upscale side but can be intimate for dinner. Some of my favorite dishes included the Filet Mignon cooked to perfection and then placed on top of the garlic fried rice which was mixed with the bone marrow and kimchi. The A5 Miyazaki Wagyu was another favorite which melted in my mouth as I chewed through it and the wagyu tartare that started off our meal was also a burst of richness and a great way to start off the meal. We also enjoyed the vegetable plate that came with the huge multigrain cracker and an assorted variety of vegetables to dip into the miso paste. It was refreshing to eat in between all the rich dishes we were having. The cocktails we ordered were refreshing and I got the Pagoda and loved the additional yuzu gummy that came on the side of the glass and the overall flavor was sweet and yuzu and gin are a great combination. The dessert was a good way to end our meal with the lemon sorbet and I loved how they individually wrote our names on the meringue chips to celebrate our birthday and we also got offered a bone marrow whiskey shot which was a fun thing to do to celebrate and we loved it. This place is definitely worth coming for a date night or special occasion to celebrate and I can't wait to come back again soon!

Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 First time here and wasn't sure what to expect, but it far exceeded my expectations. Need to make a reservation here, inside seating only. Clean, japanese infuenced, dark and modern interior. They have two pre-set "experiences" that they offer. You can choose from the "Original" ($128/person) and the "Yakiniku" ($78/person). For a first timer like me, it is recommended to get the Original experience. It is a full service, Omakase-like experience where the cuts of meat and extra dishes will vary depending on the day. But this place definitely values quality over quantity. Each dish is a small bite, but feels like an elevated experience with exotic ingredients with unique flavors. The cuts of Wagyu we had came from Idaho and all the way from Japan. The waiters cook the meats for you and they were all so buttery and melt in your mouth delicious. Only thing is that if you are hungry and have a big appetite, this might not be enough food. Luckily, they do offer side dishes, which we got wagyu dumplings (only came with four and felt like a hybrid between a dumpling and a XLB because it was very soupy inside). Only downfall is the price of this place. Our two dinners, a wagyu dumpling and 2 glasses of plum wine each came out to over $400 with tip. However, will be back to try the Yakiniku experience.

I had the Original Course menu which was $128. The food was well-presented and delicious! I was really surprised by the tartare which was a stand out to me. They also served me free sake for my anniversary and decorated the desserts with a Happy Anniversary sign. The overall service was great too! The waiters were super attentive to the little details like refilling water and making sure once we finished the dish, they're serving the next dish. The ambiance is great for the price point too. The restrooms have a heated seat and a full toilet service for you

Still one of the best restaurants locally. I can't say enough good things about the staff and service. They are thorough and diligent in every way. If you're a beef person it's pretty much an omakase of the best cuts that will leave you full at the end. It's got a relaxed environment and is good for groups and families. My wife and I have been coming here for years and will continue to go for years to come. It's also fun to come again and again to see what chef has iterated with the menu.

This is a 4.5 star review, rounded up. It's actually our second visit to this location, but the first time was pre-covid so I just remembered it being good enough that we'd want to return despite the price tag. This time we were a party of 8, with an age range from 3 to 95. We got kids meal for the three kids aged 3 to 11, and regular meal for everyone else. Great grandma seemed impressed for sure! The first few courses were raw. I really loved the tartare with caviar, but they were all excellent if you like raw. The various grilled beef were all melt-in-your-mouth excellent. Chawanmushi tasted smooth and flavorful. The bone marrow rice was good, though great grandma thought it was on the greasy side. One thing about the bone marrow rice was that two were brought to our table for our 5 adult meals. But was it because we had an odd number of adult meals and each one were to be shared by two people? If we had ordered only 4 adult meals would it have been two as well? The half a star I deducted was on the kids meal - the beef there was chewier than the adult ones. I understand that it's cheaper meat but it was also tougher for kids to eat. Portion-wise: the fried rice bowl was sufficient for our 3 year old, though the elementary school boys were able to eat all that plus a lot more from the adult meals. Overall presentation and service were both excellent. Definitely a treat we look forward to returning to before long!

The food was amazing all the different cuts of meat were outstanding and were expertly paired for the perfect bit. The appetizer was three good bites; the egg with uni caviar and crème fraiche was the exact bite and tartness needed for two bites of beef. The last bite of beef with the chichicharone was yummy. We loved the tongue and for all of its goodness and tenderness paired either green onion, ginger and lemon citrus to cut through the all been tongue. The three cuts of meats with the soy, radish and green onion sauce was like biting into a sophisticated piece of meat. The bite of the filet mignon and bone marrow rice was extremely satisfying. The last bite of the wagyu beef and poached egg was really filling as the beef and the egg made a sauce that was hearty, smoky and filling. The lemon sorbet and basil oil brought much anticipated relief to end the meal of a carnivore. It was extremely with white chocolate matcha that dissolved in the mouth and smoothed the palate to help the end the symphony of flavors. Forgot to note that the chuwanmushi was really good and had nice depth of flavor with the dash and the sweetness of the crab. We also enjoyed the plum tomato salad that was refreshing and did its job of clearing the palate. Loved my two old fashions as they also brought a smokiness to the meats and the foods was biting into. Loved it so much that I took home their specially made makers mark home with me. Service was very good and attentive. The servers were all engaging and appeared that they loved what they were doing in preparing this meat experience. The restaurant itself was minimal clean. I fell in love with the bar and wish I could have stayed there all night.

this has been a review that i've been wanting to write for so long! honestly, the first time i went here was when i turned 21, so about 4 years ago. let me tell you, this was one of the best experiences that ive had ever been able to do. the food is absolutely incredible, everything melted in my mouth and was cooked to perfection. the service and ambiance was amazing! they gave me a free shot when it was my birthday and i'll never forget that bone marrow shot that i had done! i've been here once more with a couple of my girlfriends and they had a great time as well. it was their first time at yakiya and they said they would definitely come back for special occasions. if you're looking to try some great japanese bbq where it comes in courses, this is definitely a place you should try. it is a little pricey but in my opinion i think it's worth it! i love this place and i can't wait to come back with my husband :)

My close friend took me to Yakiya to celebrate a belated birthday and I was thoroughly satisfied! First, I want to say that the service was great here. The ambiance was interesting. I think they were trying to go for the dimly lit romantic/luxury vibe, but it was hard with their front curtains that were see through and facing the parking lot haha. I didn't care too much, I thought it was nice to see the chefs work in the open concept kitchen. I also didn't mind the short dividers on the table, I think some reviews mentioned that. My focus was just on the food! I'm so thankful they started a lunch menu, it is PERFECT for those of us who don't eat too much for lunch and just simply want a nice tasting meal. It is a nice way to catch up with friends and feel bougie without ripping your wallet. At $48/pp, it was not bad at all! The dungeness crab salad was good. The crab portion was very minimal, so you really need to ration a small piece of crab with some lettuce haha. The flavors were good though. The sashimi of the day (bluefin) was one of the best things on the menu! I was concerned the caviar was going to be overpowering, but surprisingly it was not! I really really enjoyed this dish! The ribeye was tasty, but not too special. The short rib was actually too salty for my liking, but the wagyu chuck was tasty with the wasabi side. Surprisingly not AMAZING, but not bad. I think I've just had too many places that were equally as good or better, we're spoiled in socal. The ponzu tomato palette cleanser was SO GOOD. Man oh man, I really didn't think I'd enjoy those tomatoes so much haha. It was a nice break from the fattiness of the meat. Seabass - we ordered this a la carte. We were warned it takes 20min to come out, but I think it was well worth it! The texture of this seabass was similar to crab! I don't think I've ever experienced that before, but it was delicious and memorable! It was well-seasoned too! The bone marrow rice was just ok for the both of us. The kimchi was an odd addition. I feel like it didn't flow too well with the meal as a whole. Maybe kimchi fried rice is a common thing, but I felt I would've enjoyed it better without it. We tried to order the clay pot rice and bone marrow toast, but they ran out. We opted for the pot stickers, but we regretted it. They made the dumplings like Xiao long baos in that they have juice inside the dumplings, but the dumplings were pretty oily/fatty, so it was hard to really enjoy. Next time, I would have rather tried the lettuce wraps haha (or hopefully the clay pot/bone marrow toast). I wish we had the lemon sorbet, but we had black sesame. It was still great, but some bright citrus flavors would have been a great way to end the meal. They have a birthday tradition where they pour a shot of whisky down a bone marrow for the birthday guest. I am super lightweight so I asked for half a shot. Boy was that strong lol this isn't some watered down alcohol they give you! Overall, the experience was great and I would love to come back again. I may also want to check out their other location as I heard equally good reviews for it! Come enjoy this luxury lunch! We left feeling pretty full after, surprisingly haha.

It was a great experience. The menu changes from time to time. The smoke capsule was from the last time I was here. I was kind of sad it wasn't available during the most recent dining experience. Although the food was great still, the service was not as spectacular as last time. Over all, still a great experience. Would return

What a gem. It's nice to have high end meal at a reasonable price in the suburbs. The service is great and the prepare/cool The meats for you as you dine so you don't need to worry about over cooking the meat. The space is modern and a perfect place for a nice occasion

If you love steak you will love this place. Super cool options and all kinds of ways to experience beef. I went for my birthday and they even gave me a shot of Japanese whiskey out of the bone they use for our bone marrow fried rice lol. The little ice cream at the end was tasty. Dope experience overall and a fun course dinner to go to with the homies.

Went here for DineLA and it was a great experience. The menu was prix fix and everything came out quick, one by one in small bites and all delicious. You're able to order a la carte if you wanted more, but we were actually pretty full towards the end. I can't tell what we were eating, but it was all yummy!

Sunday lunch menu was very good... added on sea bass, beef tongue, A5 carpaccio with egg(?). Friendly and knowledgeable service. Highly recommend.

I'm on a mission to find the best deals in SoCal so today we were at Yakiya, one of the most popular Japanese fine dining restaurants in the SGV, to try their brand new lunch prix fixe menu. So I've had their dinner before but was blown away by how well they captured the highlights of their dinner menu to feature for lunch. Starting strong with Dungeness crab salad, chawanmushi, and a delicate sashimi tartlet topped with caviar that needed its own moment. She was literally so beautiful, so delicious. Next up was a choice between A5 wagyu or Chilean sea bass. I don't usually order fish at restaurants but I'm so glad I did because this was literally melt-in-your-mouth goodness, sooo buttery and flaky. My boyfriend went with the A5 wagyu course that they're most known for, with 3 select cuts more decadent than the last. But my favorite course had to be their bone marrow rice with the housemade garlic miso glaze. For all this for $48, would you try this? Thanks for reading! ^-^

The food was delicious. Although picking the A5 menu if you asked and inquire closely, only 3 of the courses were A5. The beef was still melting in my mouth though. Majority of the entrees were full of texture flavor

I made a Valentine's Day dinner reservation for me and my wife and was pleasantly surprised by their exclusive menu with optional drink pairing! The price was the same for their standard dinners which was nice. The food was delicious, pace was great, and we will definitely be back to try their regular pre-fixe menu for lunch or dinner! French 75 - yuzu forward, very refreshing and not too dry Wagyu Tartare - great first bite, good balance of umami and tart Bluefin Tartelette - fresh and flavorful Whiskey Sour - Japanese whiskey made it more mild which I typically like in whiskey sours Royale Martini - too floral and spirit heavy, the only part of the dinner that I was not a fan of Market Crudite - getting the veggies in before all the fatty marbled meat for balance, the miso almost has a pleasant peanut butter taste to it Chawanmushi - like a savory silken tofu umami from mushroom and crab Chilean Sea Bass - cooked perfectly to a firm but flaky texture, packed with flavor in every bite Wagyu Beef Tongue - super tender, the scallion kosho reminds me of a ginger scallion sauce that cuts through the fattiness very well Prime Ribeye and Short Rib - I didn't think it could get any more tender than the last meat, the wasabi compliments this dish quite well too Ponzu Tomato - good palate cleanse, great balance of sweet and sour Kagoshima Ribeye and Bone Marrow Rice - saved the best for last, insane level of fattiness but it was very much to make liking Happy Bride Sake - kinda like a dessert still sake, very fruity and not too sweet Matcha Truffle and Vanilla Ice Cream - great matcha flavor and didn't expect it to be all liquid in there lol

If visiting, ask for Hai. He was our server. We had an amazing experience at the Japanese omakase beef dinner, and a huge part of it was thanks to our server, Hai. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming. He guided us through each course with great detail and made sure our table was always taken care of without ever feeling rushed. What really stood out was his thoughtfulness--he surprised our birthday girl with complimentary more marrow whiskey celebratory shots, which made the evening feel even more special. Small gestures like that show how much Hai cares about creating a memorable dining experience. If you're planning to visit, I highly recommend asking for Hai--he truly elevates the whole experience.

Years later & it's still hands down my favorite restaurant. Birthday, anniversary, date night or just a rough day, Yakiya always hits. The 15-course omakase is a full-on experience that leaves you full and smiling every time. Favorites? The A5 Wagyu spoon with ponzu jelly, white truffle, and sansho pepper is purely additicting. The bone marrow rice is rich and unforgettable--and if you're celebrating a birthday, you'll be treated with a bone marrow shot! Such a fun and cool experience. The matcha balls... The best balls you'll ever have in your mouth. Drinks are stunningly presented and perfectly crafted. Saving the best for last, the service... is truly TOP TIER--inviting, warm, attentive, and always on point. Yakiya just gets it. Always worth it.

One of our fav restaurants! Their menu does not change often. It's pretty seasonal but pretty consistent. Our top top fav: Bone Marrow fried Rice. I crave it all the time. I should have gotten to go last time we went. I was obsessed with their rice crackers and miso too. I'd eat that as a snack anytime! The chawanmushi has me making my own all the time. The end of the feast is the chateaubriand think slice wagyu with the egg dip. Just soooo good. The pictures just don't do justice! They do cook for you but it's timed well and based on the pace of how fast you eat. Great service all the time. it's a nice dim restaurant which is perfect for date night. I recommend that you get reservation cause it does get booked up

Food: a pre-fixe menu to die for, but it isn't cheap ($130/person for the meal only); the food looked & tasted spectacular!!! It was good to compare USDA Prime Beef vs. US Wagyu vs. Japanese Wagyu!!! And I must say Japanese Wagyu is AMAZING!!! Service: great, personal service that felt like our own butler; the hand towel at the start was a great touch; they even gave me a personalized dessert for my birthday Design: interiors is very modern with beautiful detail touches, like the straps on the bench seating to the chrysanthemum flower ceiling light fixtures Overall: This was one of the best all-around meals I've had in a long time. Eventhough the it is pricey, it was well worth every bite both visually and to my taste buds. It almost felt like a DTLA high end dining experience, but right here in Rowland Heights. Definitely a place to go celebrate your birthday or anniversary.

If you're looking for an unforgettable Wagyu experience, Yakiya is the place to go. Their 15-course tasting menu is nothing short of spectacular--every single bite is perfection. From the moment the first course arrives, you know you're in for something special. The Wagyu sashimi? Absolutely to die for--buttery, delicate, and packed with flavor. Each dish that follows is just as incredible, showcasing the highest quality Wagyu in ways that keep surprising you. Grilled, seared, raw--every preparation is executed flawlessly. The experience itself is just as exceptional as the food. The service is top-tier, the atmosphere is intimate yet upscale, and you can truly taste the passion and precision in every course. If you love Wagyu, this place is a must-visit. Yakiya doesn't just serve food--it delivers a dining experience that stays with you long after the last bite. I'm not sure why this place isn't Michelin-rated, but I'm glad the wait isn't on par with those impossible-to-book, months-out fine dining spots. Yes, they are owned by Panda Express, who also owns the Uncle Tetsu in the mall, which just means your experience isn't complete without hoofing it a few doors over to pick up a killer Japanese soufflé cheesecake.

An amazing dinner experience! I love the service and extra care and detail in every dish!! This was a great meal for our wedding anniversary! I loved how they don't pack the restaurant, rather seat you and give you plenty of time to enjoy each dish. The restaurant is beautiful and decor is minimal and modern. it was also very clean. I would recommend coming here for a special occasion as it's not cheap. . All the steaks were exquisite and presentation was excellent. The drinks were amazing!

Delicious set style course featuring various cuts of delicious Wagyu beef from all around the world. If you have been there you should try it! The service is attentive and they cook the meats for you. The decor is clean and inviting. Definitely a great date place