Yuzu Dining Bar — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Newly opened and already setting tongues wagging around Amsterdam, Yuzu still doesn’t get the respect it really deserves. It’s hands down, one of the best Yakitori Izakaya experiences in and outside of Japan. Yes it’s that good.

The level of cooking is a true surprise here for Amsterdam. The menu is full of traditional Yakitori fare such as the usual nose to tail favourites like hatsu (heart) and sunagimo (gizzard) but don’t let that scare you off if you’re unfamiliar. All the familiar parts are elevated with refined touches. The tebasaki (wing) and tsukune (meatball with soft cooked egg dip) are simply sublime.

You definitely must to try all the interesting “lite fusion” dishes (My word for dishes that are elevated by just a touch of inspiration from other cuisines). They are really THAT good.

Grilled avocado - with chilli garlic glaze Corn tempura - with matcha salt Tiger tomato salad

I can heartily recommend all these dishes.

One of my personal favourites was an absolute surprise. Oxheart Cabbage - with honey soy glaze. It came barbecued with a slight char at the tips that gave it a heavenly smokiness matched perfectly with the gentle sweet-saltiness of the soy glaze.

But perhaps the pièce de résistance is the KATSU SANDO - chicken cutlet sandwich with yuzu ketchup. I’m not kidding. This is literally one of the best katsu sandos in the world, hidden away in this little trendy hole in the wall in Amsterdam!??

The drinks menu is also inspired. And the atmosphere and design is trendy yet comfortable, you’ll easily find a spot for an introvert who just wants to people watch, or there’s the bar and community table if you’re feeling extroverted.

The vibe is equal parts mysterious and energetic. I enjoyed the moody lighting that mad everything easy on the eyes and gave me a sense of privacy in close quarters, while the playlist kept me from falling asleep.

Service is just as cheerful. Everyone is passionate about the food and concept and so eager to light up your day.

It’s really a special place which I’m going to be coming back to without fail every time I’m in Amsterdam.

5 stars +++!

Kudos to the amazing team that makes this wonderful experience possible for us avid foodies to enjoy!...

Yuzu Dining Bar in Amsterdam offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience, specializing in yakitori dishes complemented by a variety of signature dishes that blend influences from Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. The ambiance at Yuzu is intimate and stylish, aiming to give diners the impression of dining in Japan, with a focus on high-quality, informal dining akin to the izakaya style. The restaurant’s location is historically rich, previously housing one of Amsterdam’s first gay bars, and today it provides a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern dining.

Visitors can expect an array of expertly prepared yakitori, alongside creative dishes like crispy rice chips with smoked miso butter and chicken gyoza with water-chestnut. The service is noted for being of a high standard, contributing to an overall relaxed yet upscale dining experience. Additionally, the bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and sake, enhancing the dining experience with a touch of local and international flavors.

However, it’s worth noting that the nature of yakitori means the portions may be smaller, which may not be ideal for those seeking a full meal. But for an evening of indulging in unique flavors, enjoying well-crafted cocktails, and experiencing a modern take on Japanese dining, Yuzu Dining Bar is...

One of our to go to places in Amsterdam. They are specialized in yakitori and serve many distinct types of skewered chicken, from classic thigh and wing to adventurous cuts like heart, liver, wing tip skin, and knee bone—all grilled in the Japanese tradition. Some of our favorites are the meatballs and chicken wings ✨

The portions are a little bit small in my opinion if you order just one, so think about that :)

There are also vegetarian options like grilled avocado, miso‑cucumber (super tasteful), asperges (love these), kimchi and corn tempura (this last one is amazing).

Their cocktail menu features many creative blends alongside a curated selection of Japanese whiskies, sake, and beers.

They have an open kitchen which I always find a nice touch and their place just looks amazing. Super stylish and they play good music as well. So overall amazing vibe; perfect for a pre party dinner to get in the mood 💃🏼🕺🏽

Often their service is quite fast and the staff is kind. But when it gets busy and more crowded sometimes things can be a little hectic. Also they turn the music up in the later hours so it can be a bit hard to have conversations. All fine of course since that is the style they want to go for and I’m here for it, but just think about that when...