Yakikami
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In South Yarra’s ever-evolving dining scene, Yakikami stands out as a refined yet relaxed destination where premium ingredients meet the soul of traditional Japanese cooking. While some may come for the theatre of the omakase, it’s the à la carte menu that truly captures the restaurant’s versatility — offering a choose-your-own-adventure experience that’s equal parts comfort and culinary craftsmanship.
The menu is anchored by an elegant array of small and large plates, each designed with balance, texture and purity of flavour in mind. It opens with fresh, clean profiles like the Kingfish Carpaccio, a beautifully plated dish accented with a citrusy yuzu miso dressing and delicate shards of rice cracker for crunch. Light and bright, it’s the kind of dish that instantly sets the tone for what’s to come.
From there, heartier dishes reveal Yakikami’s mastery of umami and charcoal-kissed depth. The Jidori Kara-age is a standout — perfectly fried morsels of chicken thigh that are tender on the inside and shatteringly crisp on the outside. It’s comfort food, elevated, and pairs brilliantly with one of the restaurant’s Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Seafood lovers will gravitate toward the Silver Cod, a rich Patagonian toothfish delicately marinated in sweet white miso. Cooked to silky perfection, the fish flakes effortlessly and practically melts on the tongue, delivering savoury-sweet notes that linger in the best possible way.
Those craving classic Japanese flavours will be rewarded with the Chicken Teriyaki, which reimagines the crowd favourite with thigh fillets glazed in a glossy soy mirin reduction, served alongside crispy kale and an indulgently creamy mashed potato infused with mayo — a delicious nod to Japanese yōshoku (Western-influenced) cooking.
But if there’s one dish that sums up Yakikami’s signature style, it’s the Yakitori Don. This deeply satisfying rice bowl stars Sher Wagyu M9+ and tender chicken thigh, layered with seasonal vegetables, seaweed, and a marinated egg yolk that you stir through for richness. It’s comfort in a bowl, but done with unmistakable finesse.
No visit is complete without trying the Tsukune – Meatball Cheese, Yakikami’s clever twist on the traditional chicken meatball skewer. Served with sweet tare sauce, caramelised onion, and a decadent shower of grated Parmigiano cheese, it’s a playful and indulgent dish that straddles both Japanese and European influences in a way that just works.
Thoughtfully designed and expertly executed, Yakikami’s à la carte menu invites diners to explore Japanese cuisine through a contemporary lens — one that prizes quality, celebrates nuance, and delivers every time. Whether you’re settling in for a casual dinner or celebrating a special night out, Yakikami delivers a dining experience that feels both polished and personal.
Location: 150 Toorak Rd, South Yarra
Phone: (03) 9989 9312
