Best Yakitori in Auckland (2026)

Auckland now has a few places doing yakitori properly — real charcoal, good technique, not just skewers as an afterthought. These are the best spots.

20 places

$$ Staff Pick

The Cave Yakitori Bar

4.8(1,027)

yakitori restaurant · Auckland CBD

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

grilled chicken japanese sake japanese yakitori

1,027 reviews

$$$

Yakitori Daikoku

4.4(517)

yakitori restaurant · Auckland CBD

Japanese Bistro Zen offers a traditional-modern Japanese dining experience with a wooden interior reflecting historical Japanese architecture.

japanese cuisine omakase sushi

517 reviews

Yakitori Bar 89 K’rd

4.4(367)

yakitori restaurant · Auckland CBD

Reviewers consistently praise the high quality of the food and the authentic atmosphere, making it a favourite spot.

367 reviews

Bonjiri Yakitori Bar

4.5(167)

japanese restaurant · Chancery Street

Bonjiri is a story about tradition, honouring traditional culinary Japanese practices with authentic binchōtan charcoal and a skilled chef from Tokyo.

grilled skewers japanese cuisine saké

167 reviews

Ken Yakitori Bar Anzac

4.6(960)

japanese restaurant · Auckland CBD

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic atmosphere and quality of the yakitori, making it a reliable spot for Japanese cuisine.

960 reviews

Sora Japanese Restaurant

4.6(368)

japanese restaurant · Mount Eden

Step into Sora, a tranquil sanctuary where the aromatic whispers transport you to the heart of Japan. Our chef, a master of his craft with over two decades of experience, weaves culinary tales on each dish, showcasing the freshest, most delicate ingredients.

dumplings japanese cuisine japanese dining

368 reviews

Taisho

4.5(126)

japanese restaurant · Herne Bay

Reviewers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the food, particularly the sashimi and yakitori. The intimate atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.

126 reviews

$$$

MASU by Nic Watt

4.6(2,711)

japanese restaurant · Auckland CBD

Lauded, minimalist, Japanese eatery offering locally sourced sushi, BBQ dishes & veggie options.

bento box contemporary donburi

2,236 reviews

Sake Bar Nippon Epsom

4.6(1,934)

japanese restaurant · Epsom

Sakebar is a traditional Japanese restaurant (Izakaya style) transporting you to the streets of Japan. We have been serving our locals for over 20 years.

authentic japanese cuisine japanese izakaya karaage

1,312 reviews

Azabu Ponsonby

4.7(1,854)

japanese restaurant · Grey Lynn

Trendy venue serving Peruvian-Japanese fare such as tostadas, sushi & dumplings, plus sake & wine.

award-winning restaurant japanese dining modern japanese

1,854 reviews

Yume Japanese Izakaya

4.3(1,653)

japanese restaurant · Freemans Bay

YUME serves fresh sashimi, creative small plates, and seasonal dishes perfect for sharing over sake. Modern yet warm, it’s the place to gather, eat, and celebrate the spirit of Japanese dining.

japanese small plates sake sashimi

774 reviews

Azabu Mission Bay

4.3(917)

restaurant · Mission Bay

Azabu Mission Bay offers a unique dining experience with the best high-end ingredients, wowing Auckland diners with their cleverly devised contemporary Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian influence.

contemporary japanese cuisine peruvian influence sashimi

592 reviews

Taiko Ponsonby

4.7(607)

japanese restaurant · Ponsonby

Taiko’s experienced Japanese chefs serve a range of authentic Japanese dishes to be accompanied by Japanese beer, fine wine and sake in the heart of Kingsland.

authentic japanese cuisine fine wine japanese beer

292 reviews

HEIZO Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant

4.7(481)

japanese restaurant · Newmarket

Welcome to HEIZO; the “Best Little Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant in Newmarket”!

grilled meats japanese cuisine seafood

452 reviews

$$ Metro Top 50

Sake Bar icco

4.8(456)

japanese restaurant · Morningside

‘icco’ means ‘one house’ in Japanese. We aim at making this place warm, cosy and homely as you are invited to your friend‘s house to dine. Please come and enjoy fresh sashimi, sushi and heart-warming Japanese food and sake.

japanese cuisine karaage sake

415 reviews

DANRYU Japanese Seafood Restaurant

4.9(198)

restaurant · Devonport

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the food and the warm, attentive service, making it a memorable dining experience.

198 reviews

Japanese restaurant Okome

4.8(170)

japanese restaurant · Mount Eden

Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional quality and flavour of the food, as well as the friendly and attentive service.

170 reviews

Gurume ponsonby-sushi&Donburi

4.9(143)

sushi restaurant · Shop12/282 Ponsonby Road

Reviewers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the sushi, highlighting generous portions and excellent flavour.

143 reviews

The Donburi House (Japanese)

4.7(97)

japanese restaurant · Auckland CBD

Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions, authentic flavours, and affordability of the dishes. Many describe it as a hidden gem for hearty Japanese food.

97 reviews

Kureta

4.7(48)

japanese restaurant · Auckland CBD

Kureta invites you on a culinary journey shaped by the elements, guided by balance, precision, and seasonality, offering a dining experience that fosters a deep connection between the guest, the food, and the natural world.

fine dining hibachi grilled japanese craft

48 reviews