Looking for a cosy spot to unwind with great food and even better vibes?
A yakitori restaurant in Malaysia is where you can catch up with friends over drinks or indulge in expertly grilled skewers after a long day.
Yakitori delivers a flavourful, fun, and shareable dining experience. Juicy chicken thigh, crispy skin, and smoky tare-glazed bites bring traditional Japanese street food into a full izakaya dining experience.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots across KL and PJ to satisfy your cravings, including Izakaya Group’s authentic Japanese restaurants.
1. Yakitori Kakasu @ Bukit Bintang
Yakitori Kakusu feels familiar the moment you walk in, with its warm, laid-back atmosphere and a palpable sense of good energy. The smell of charcoal hits you before you even sit down. Skewers come out one by one, each grilled with care. The chicken thigh is tender, the skin crackles just right, and the tsukune is something you’ll keep thinking about. A cold highball on the side just makes everything better.
Address: 20, Changkat, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +6011-3993 7622
Opening Hours: 4:30 PM – 12 AM
2. Butaya Izakaya @ Taman Sri Hartamas
This Hartamas Japanese restaurant is a flavour-packed haven for pork lovers. Serving pork belly, cheek, and bacon-wrapped skewers, Butaya Izakaya combines a rustic setting with rich, satisfying taste. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with your crew while enjoying next-level kushiyaki and drinks in a cosy izakaya atmosphere.
Address: 14, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +6011-3993 7622
Opening Hours: 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM
3. Tansen Izakaya @ Damansara Jaya
Craving something unique at a Japanese restaurant in Damansara Jaya? Tansen Izakaya delivers a seafood twist to the yakitori experience, featuring scallops, prawns, and tuna cheek grilled over charcoal. With its stylish setting and premium offerings, this spot is ideal for chill evenings or casual dates.
Address: No. 36, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone Number: +6011-3993 7622
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 3 PM; 5 PM – 11 PM
4. Teppan Sakaba @ Taman Desa
This buzzing Japanese restaurant in Taman Desa offers a little bit of everything – teppanyaki, kushiyaki, and of course, yakitori. The smoky grill action and lively izakaya energy make it a crowd favourite. Expect flavour-packed skewers, such as pork belly, wagyu, and chicken thigh, perfect to pair with sake or Japanese beer.
Address: Faber Towers, Lot G13, Jalan Desa Bahagia, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +6011-3993 7622
Opening Hours: 12:30PM – 3PM ; 5 PM – 10:30 PM
5. Sumi-Ka @ SS15, Subang Jaya
Sumi Ka is tucked away in Subang, the kind of place you hear about through word of mouth. It’s small, quiet, and focused on doing one thing really well: grilling yakitori over binchotan charcoal. The smell alone pulls you in. The space feels personal and the food speaks for itself. Nothing fancy, just honest, carefully made skewers in a calm setting.
Address: 19, Jalan SS 15/4, SS 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Phone Number: +6012-301 6268
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); Closed on Monday
6. Toridoki (Itsumo) @ Desa Sri Hartamas
Toridoki (also known as Itsumo) serves every chicken imaginable. Heart, liver, skin, gizzard, and more that you can name, so they can grill them for you. With a buzzing open kitchen and vibrant izakaya feel, this is where you go to eat like a local Tokyoite.
Address: 40, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +603-62064676
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 12 AM (Sunday – Thursday); 5:30 PM – 1 AM (Friday – Saturday); 12 PM – 3 PM (Saturday – Sunday)
7. Maruhi Sakaba @ Old Klang Road, KL
Loud, lively, and unapologetically fun. Maruhi Sakaba is the place for late-night skewers with character. The vibe is retro-Japan, and the food? Bold, juicy, and made to go with beer. Perfect for night owls and after-work yakitori adventures.
Address: 6B, Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +603-7972 1049
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 11:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); Closed on Monday
8. Ossu! Kushiyaki @ Section 17, Petaling Jaya
Ossu! Kushiyaki is the kind of place people keep coming back to. It’s busy, straightforward, and doesn’t try too hard. Just solid skewers at good prices. You’ll find chicken tail, pork belly, and sometimes chouchin on the menu. Nothing fancy, just tasty food that hits the spot without burning your wallet.
Address: 938, Jalan 17/38, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone Number: +6011-5933 1738
Opening Hours: 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM (Monday – Sunday)
9. Toritama Yakitori @ Solaris Dutamas
If you think you’ve tried every skewer, think again. Toritama takes yakitori to new heights with over 20 chicken parts to choose from, seasoned to perfection. The elegant vibe and curated sake list make this a favourite among serious foodies. It’s refined, exciting, and full of surprises.
Address: Publika Dutamas, D3-G3- No. 1,, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +603-6211 0306
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 3 PM (Monday – Sunday); 5:30 PM – 10PM (Sunday to Monday; 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Tuesday)
10. Yakitori Izakaya Kin no Tsubo @ Bukit Bintang
Kin no Tsubo doesn’t try to stand out, but it leaves a strong impression. The space feels lived-in, with simple Japanese touches that make you feel at ease. Skewers are grilled right, nothing overdone. If oden’s on the menu, order it. A cup of sake, some quiet, and you’re sorted.
Address: 13, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: +603-2110 3577
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 12 AM (Monday – Friday); 3 PM – 12 AM (Saturday – Sunday)
Explore the best Japanese restaurant & Japanese bar options in KL and uncover authentic flavours of must-eat Japanese food & dining experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
5 Dining Tips to Elevate Your Yakitori Experience
Turn your next yakitori meal into an unforgettable dining experience with these tips:
- Reserve early and arrive hungry: Seats fill up quickly at popular yakitori spots. Secure your place and get ready for a flavour-filled feast.
- Try a mix of skewers: Explore beyond the usual cuts with options like skin, liver, soft bone, and even chicken tail for bold textures and flavours.
- Follow the flavour flow: Begin with lighter skewers, such as chicken breast or wings, and work your way to richer cuts like pork belly or tsukune.
- Pair your meal with Japanese drinks: Yakitori is best enjoyed with cold beer, highballs, or smooth sake to balance the smoky, savoury flavours.
- Go omakase for a curated experience: Let the chef surprise you with their best selections, served in the perfect order for a full tasting journey.
Curious about the difference between smoky skewers and sake-filled nights? Discover the key distinctions in our guide on izakaya vs yakitori and what to expect at an izakaya Japanese restaurant.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s yakitori scene offers exciting flavours, unique textures, and cosy dining spots that deliver a taste of Japan right here at home. Each restaurant brings its own twist. Some focus on charcoal-grilled chicken, others highlight pork or seafood delights.
Izakaya Group’s outlets stand out with their authentic atmosphere, expertly grilled skewers, and top-tier service.
Make your reservations with Izakaya Group and experience one of the best yakitori spots in Malaysia.
