Zakkushi on Carlton

Coming here made me feel like I stepped into a restaurant in Osaka. Service was absolutely amazing. As soon as we picked up the last skewer, the plate was whisked away. Anything that was more liquid came with extra bowls for sharing so flavours never mixed. Zakkushi set was one of my favourites along with the hojicha pudding. No idea how they made it so strong in flavour!

Last night was our first visit. We didn’t know what to expect but we had wonderful food and drinks. We loved all the meats on sticks which were perfectly grilled and seasoned over charcoal fire. We loved the yakitori, pork, duck and even the waygu A5 beef sticks. The garlic beef and grilled leeks and mushrooms were also fantastic. They were charred nicely and super flavorful. The hamachi sashimi options were so good we got seconds. Our kids enjoyed the lamb chops and they picked the bones clean. We wanted to try even more items from the menu but we left nicely full. Try the snow crab hand roll which was delish. The service was prompt and on point. They pampered us all night long even though they were busy and had big groups around us. The atmosphere was a bit noisy and fun with lots of holiday groups celebrating which made for an enjoyable and totally festive experience. It was a super authentic atmosphere that made us miss our trips to Japan. We will be back and highly recommend.

Went to celebrate a special occasion and ordered a LOT of food including skewers and various other hot and cold items. Everything was delicious but we particularly liked the the grilled thick cuts of beef tongue (very meaty and juicy), the grilled rice ball with salmon roe on top, the monkfish liver (delicate and tasty almost like crab roe), and the chicken karaage (surprisingly tender and very satisfying). Service was attentive and friendly, and the vibe was fun and authentic with the open kitchen, wooden booths and just the smell of the grill suffusing everything. Definitely want to go again.

A very good experience in total. The vibes were energetic and friendly. The service was good and the food was amazing. Apart from a wrong choice of beverage, we had a delicious dinner including Wagyu skewers, sesame icecream with sticky rice, pan fried noodles etc.

Zakkushi on Carlton used to be an easy five stars. Great service, perfect skewers, and that lively izakaya buzz you can’t fake. My first few visits were flawless. Lately, though, the spark’s dimmed. Service feels off, and the spicy edamame (once a must-order) just isn’t the same — the flavour balance is gone. Still a solid spot for yakitori and good vibes, but it’s lost some consistency. Here’s hoping it finds its old groove again — because when Zakkushi’s good, it’s really good.

You will not find a better robatayaki experience - especially if you are on the pickier side and do not want an omakase-type experience. The menu offerings are expansive giving diners plenty of choices and im sure they are all done well. I recommend starting with a set and some add-ons and expect to do 2 rounds or more of ordering. Do not order too much at once, everything is best enjoyed hot. And make sure to pair your meal with a drink, like beer! Or if you dont consume alcohol, I would recommend one of their mocktails. If your diet includes all proteins, definitely spring for the wagyu or premium pork options. Also note that some meats offer a sea salt or teriyaki version. The teriyaki is a light sweet sauce that enhances the meat, it doesn't overpower it at all! But also try the sea salt to experience a more natural flavor. The duck breast was also great! Any option with the yuzu citrus chili is also delicious (a little will go a long way). My boyfriend lucked out that they had Yellowtail skewers, but I would recommend asking the waitstaff what specials are available and be sure to browse the monthly special menu. Beware that they might not have some options in stock, but it will give you a reason to get back. The atmosphere and experience feels very authentic and the setting is great for family, friends and lovers. If you are seated facing the grill it is fun watching them cook. Reservations are accepted but I personally havent had issues getting a table. Additionally, they have a 2 hour eating period, but that is plenty of time to enjoy your meal. Very hopeful that I will get to return in the next year.

I just ordered a few skewers to try this time. I can't deny it gets that real charcoal flavour, but some of the things they cook aren't quite good. Like the scallops—they use good ingredients, but they don't grill them in a good way. Then there are some dishes that are really good, like the chicken gizzards and thick-cut beef tongue. They're so tender and juicy. That new seaweed taco they brought out is just so-so. The seaweed isn't crispy, and the rice has no flavour. It's basically just a bland rice ball. I've been there a few times over the past ten years or even different location and they just never really left a big impression on me.

Visited early Saturday evening and was greeted by friendly staff. Until six o'clock there shouldn't be an issue with obtaining a table, however by seven o'clock the venue was crowded. There is a two hour limit for a table. I tried the sake flight and it was quite nice with some average sake, however, I found the Raifuku Nadeshiko the best of the flight. I met a friend for a quick drink and tried the zakkushi beer (lager) and this was good value for the price. I understand that yakkitori does take quite a few to fill you up and I had eaten elsewhere, however, I did try the chicken thigh (momo) and the beef and both were good. The decor is nicely done and the facilities appear clean. The prices were a range some inexpensive, some reasonable and some not really value for money, however, you are paying for the atmosphere.