Yaki Soul, KL — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

From the moment you step into Yakisoul, you know you’re in for a treat!! The modern, chic ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The warm, welcoming smiles of the staff further elevate the mood, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable in eating at this place!!

Our culinary journey began with the black truffle steamed egg chawaushi. This dish was a revelation, with its silky texture and earthy aroma perfectly balanced by the rich, umami notes of truffle. The chicken skewer soaked in egg yolk was another highlight, its juicy tenderness enhanced by the velvety smoothness of the yolk. PERFECTION!

The A5 Australian wagyu skewer was, without a doubt, a showstopper. The beef was impeccably marbled and grilled to perfection, each bite a tender, flavorful delight. Similarly impressive was the cheese chicken skewer, where the mozzarella cheese added a sumptuous layer to the savory chicken.

For a lighter touch, the salmon onigiri with ochazuke soup was a refreshing choice. The onigiri, filled with delicate salmon, paired beautifully with the umami-rich ochazuke, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.

The aburi salmon marinated with beetroot salad was a standout for its innovative combination. The marinated salmon, with its slightly charred edges, contrasted wonderfully with the tangy, vibrant beetroot salad.

To complement the meal, we enjoyed a cup of genmaicha tea, whose nutty, roasted notes offered a soothing finish to the meal. The skewer sauces, including the zesty yuzu sauce and unique handmade wasabi sauce, were excellent accompaniments, enhancing the flavors of each skewer.

Overall, YAKISOUL is a gem of an izakaya that excels in both cuisine and service. It perfectly aligns with its slogan “Sip, Savour, Soul” ♥️ With its modern ambiance, top-notch service, and meticulously crafted dishes, it’s a dining experience that leaves a...

Was expecting a lot from the highly positive reviews, but was unfortunately let down.

Service was decent at best. Team seemed disorganized and frequently gathered behind customers for briefings which felt rather unprofessional. Some hardselling of 'seasonal price' menu. A server who was taking a nap on a table spilled some beer from the pint he was serving and still nonchalantly served it to the customer. Used dishes and food shared the same trays. A few wrong orders reached our table and the tables around us.

Price was expensive for the quality of food served. Nothing special or particularly delicious. We had partially raw chicken served to us a few times and had to return one of the dishes because it was too undercooked, which is a health and safety violation. Perhaps this is due to the unusual sand grilling method with less consistent temperatures. At least the dish was replaced with no questions asked. Cold sake was not cold, cocktails were mid.

Perhaps not the best venue for a date or for an authentic izakaya experience. Ambience was more like a club with dim lighting (pardon my low-lighting photos) and old Chinese music admixed with EDM blasting throughout the restaurant by the DJ. We could hardly hold a conversation throughout our meal.

Positive points was the unagi which was grilled well and not too salty. The servers bring the raw skewers to the customer to verify freshness before grilling, which is an interesting practice.

Definitely has room for...

Yaki Soul is not just a restaurant; it’s a delightful experience for food lovers and a perfect venue for gathering friends and family. From the moment we stepped inside, we sensed that we were in for an enjoyable evening. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and we were promptly seated at a high table that comfortably accommodated our group of eight. This arrangement made it easy for us to mingle and share stories throughout the night.

Our server, Ko Pang, truly elevated our dining experience. He was not only efficient and attentive but also perceptive. When he noticed that some of us weren’t fully satisfied with our initial choice of sake, he quickly suggested we try their homemade sake. This recommendation was a game-changer! The dry flavor we were seeking was perfect, and the price was surprisingly economical. Ko Pang's exceptional service deserves recognition—he should definitely be nominated as Employee of the Year! 😉

As for the food, we indulged in a variety of dishes, including an assortment of yakitori, grilled salmon, and grilled squid. However, the Saba fish truly stood out; its flavors were rich and perfectly balanced. The lamb skewers were so delicious that we couldn’t resist ordering another round for the table.

Yaki Soul is the ideal place for celebrations, where laughter fills the air and satisfied appetites are a guarantee. We left with happy hearts and full stomachs, eagerly planning our next visit to Kuala Lumpur just to dine here...