i Yakiniku i 烧肉 - Sri Hartamas — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

I’m writing this review as an amateur yakiniku diner, as I often avoid it for the reason that it’s always too expensive for what it’s worth, and the fact that you pay to cook your own food. I guess with the right people and environment, this could be fun. Insta being always the culprit, saw this jap guy’s video and thought of giving this place a go. Summary: few hundred grams of thinly sliced meat, ikura donburi, 2 veg and soup, and a misunderstanding, cost 500+. I left with dissatisfaction. Bear with me. We wanted house pouring sake, but not a bottle. We asked if they do a smaller sized bottle heated up, like the usual ones you get from jap restaurants. She led us to order something completely different, turned out to be a glass of yuzu something that didn’t taste of alcohol. Since it’s served, I didn’t really want to send it back cause I didn’t want to get her in trouble, and the fact that she repeated “you confirmed the order”, but based on your misunderstood recommendation. Fine, I put it as miscommunication. Then came the food, the only thing that I would consider coming back for is the 99bucks ikura donburi, which was delicious. The meat itself, pork, wagyu and tongue slices, while nice and fresh, did not justify the amount and price ratio in my opinion. Everything shrunk to a single bite after grilling. You get more bang for your bucks in a moderately styled Korean bbq restaurant. Grilled zucchini and mushroom were nice, tasted like you grilled them anywhere else? The clam soup were okay, fresh clams in otherwise average tasting broth. And oh 3 glasses of non-refillable iced ocha which cost 8bucks each. So, this place reinforced my own judgement for yakiniku establishments, stated at the start of the review. I really wanted to like the food and experience, but it left me wanting more. Oooh and another point of annoyance, you know how servers speak out enthusiastically “irasshaimase!” when diners enter the restaurant, one lady server here was screaming it so loud and so high pitched, so often, to the point that it was annoying. Please if possible dial it back in. Food: too high-priced for otherwise unseasoned fresh thin slices of meat. Atmosphere: dark and clean, great suction with no effect of smelly clothes Drinks: 8bucks for non-refillable ocha? 38bucks for a yuzu something drink? You get the gist. Service: quite attentive, would have been 4 if not for the misunderstanding and...

I rarely leave negative reviews unless i felt i really need to do it. This dining experience was truly disappointing — especially given the price point (we spent over RM150 per person). The food was average , the service was poor, and overall, it just wasn't worth it.

Poor welcome and lack of basic service: When we arrived, the staff simply pointed to a table and told us to seat ourselves. No greeting, no menus, no introduction — we were left unattended for nearly 5-10 minutes until we raised our hand to request a menu.

Confusing menu: The menu was unclear. For example, “Beef Set – RM1xx” and “Pork Set – RM1xx” — with no details on what’s included, how many portions, or what sides come with it. We asked a staff member to explain, but had to guide her step-by-step on what to describe. This is basic training — your staff should be equipped to walk customers through the menu.

No grilling guidance or support: When the meat arrived, no one explained how to grill it, what the sauces were for, or how long to cook the items. I had seen food bloggers mention that the staff would help with grilling — so I asked. They said they were busy and would return later, but never did. If you’re promoting a premium experience, service should reflect that.

Not value for money: There were 4 of us. We ordered 2 sets (pork and wagyu), 3 bowls of rice, drinks, and some kimchi. The portions were so small we had to go for snacks after the meal. For RM160+ per person, I would honestly prefer spending that on a proper BBQ buffet. At least I’d leave full.

This place seriously needs to improve on both service and value. Right now, it feels overpriced...

One of the best Japanese bbq experience I've had. Shout out to their waiter, Bong, for servicing us. He was attentive enough to see that our grill was not hot enough, and proceeded to change for us and grill the meats for us. He even gave us a complimentary ala carte meat because they got our order wrong. Best service ever!

As for the food, we had the overflowing ikura donburi which was rich and flavourful, albeit quite pricey for the portion. We also ordered the iberico pork platter which is enough for 2-3 pax, and the beef tongue. All the meat cuts were fresh and tender. They also offered a complimentary meat cake for the birthday girl in my party, including a lighted candle and song.

Overall, the ambience and the service really reminds me of my time in Japan and it transports you back to the restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto. Thank you to the staff for bringing back the Japan experience to us. Would definitely...