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The Cave Yakitori Bar

4.8(1,027)
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About this score

A weighted average across available review sources.

Google 4.5 ★ (1,027)
Our Rating 5.0 / 5

The Cave is Auckland’s Japanese yakitori and kushiage bar, offering a wide variety of meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes grilled on bamboo skewers.

“Great Japanese Yakitori. The chicken thigh and pork belly are great. Weirdly the cabbage with Kewpie mayo is also worth it.

Just keep ordering more plates and enjoy with an ice-cold Japanese lager on tap!

I usually finished with a glass of umeshu (Japanese plum wine) as a dessert.”

Chris Ward, Food Guide NZ · Rated 5/5

What to Order

Eggplant specialFried prawnsFried snapperKushiageMummyOctopus ballsScotch Fillet SteakScottish beefVienna sausageYakitorifry Tofupopcorn chicken

What People Say

"How fortunate and lucky are those that get to experience The Cave."

Reviewers consistently praise the fun atmosphere and delicious food, particularly the unique yakitori offerings.

"It shares the same bar with Tanuki, and the food was absolutely delicious. You should definitely try the Mummy — the mix of pork and shrimp is perfectly balanced, with the prawn flavour not too overpowering. The texture and taste blend nicely, making it one of the standout dishes of the night."

"Absolutely amazing restaurant. The vibes are always on point, yakitoris are delicious and great range of sake too. Sometimes you may have to wait for a seat but you can get started with drinks while you wait so its never bothered us. We try to come every couple of months, our fave restaurant!"

"We went on Tuesday and arrived at 6pm and need to wait around 30mins. Love the charcoal bbq! Especially like the sweetcorn, salmon, fry Tofu! Will go back again!"

The Vibe

amazing vibe fun great music perfect lighting always on point couples food enthusiasts regulars

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Last reviewed April 2026 · Suggest an edit

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