Yakikami

Inspired by the fiery and fierce god of the grill, Yakikami draws on the expertise of Emily and Roy Yu (South Yarra's Wagyu Ya and Niku Ou) paired with a sophisticated take on traditional Japanese barbecue. 

But as per all of the Yu's restaurants, what you're assured to receive at Yakikami is produce of pristine province, cooked to flavoursome perfection over hot charcoal Josper grills.  

As expert sleuths of sourcing only the finest products and then enhancing with only the slightest intervention of a French sauce or a sprinkle of white pepper; Emily and Roy are one of only two Australian restauranteurs who possess the KOBE Golden Calf certificate of authentication. 

Much like exclusive membership to a private club, Emily and Roy have been ordained by choosy Kobe buyers in Japan, as the preferred supplier of the rare and delicious Kobe beef here in Australia. And now, they have also a preferred supplier of Nomad Summerland heritage chicken from Adelaide.

At Yakikami, a unique restaurant experience beckons guests: One where rare Kobe beef is cooked to succulent perfection on the Josper.
 We left our gastronomical journey to the experienced Chef's selections ($285 per person). The chef’s selection menu is an absolutely breathtaking experience which includes A5 Wagyu Tartar with caviar, poached green lip abalone with foie grass, Kobe A5 sushi with Tasmanian truffles as well as ikijime Hokkaido scallops.

A brand-new dining concept, Yakikami menus have been created by Michelin star Chef Hirokazu Sasaki. Hirokazu Sasaki has worked in one of the best Tokyo based restaurants including the Michelin star Niku Kappo Black. 

Aside from the best in show produce that Yakikami serves, what sets Yakikami apart is its approach to sauces. Relying not only on Japanese traditions and superlative knife skills, Yakikami has a very specific sauce regime steeped in French technique. Roasting beef bones and then reducing the bones to create a delicious, viscous stock, Yakikami will offer patrons the choice between Japanese and French style sauces to accompany their beef. 

Paying homage to this unique experience, Wine Industry Advocate, Phillip Rich has curated an exceptional wine list that compliments every morsel on the menu. With wines matched for the quality of the food that will appeal to different dishes, tastes and wallets. 

The Yakikami sake list is something to applaud. Ultra-rare and difficult to find Sake’s have been sleuthed out from Japan’s Islands and include the Juyondai Honmaru at $1,350per bottle, to delicate and exquisite Sakes such as the Souhomare Junmail Namagenshu Yamadanishiki that commence from $60 for 240ml.

Offering exquisite Japanese fine dining, Yakikami is capable of starting a legacy in the upper echelon of Melbourne’s culinary institutions. Certainly, a restaurant worth visiting, and revisiting, for the quality of its food and warmth of its service.

Location: 150 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Phone: (03) 9989 9312 

Link: yakikami.com.au