Yaki Yaki Korean Restaurant — Restaurant in North Island

We were told there were great Korean BBQ in Rotoroua, and did research and found Yaki Yaki and wished I headed the bad reviews. We are most likely spoiled coming from California eating at AYCE KBBQ like Gen, Seapot, and Qpot in San Jose - but we came with an open mind and positivity.

When we first came in around 5:30p, there was only two other tables that were eating. The atmosphere at first was dingy and grunge. We had no idea where to go but I first saw the tiny buffet right at the entrance. Was not sure if there was a host or not, but found the cashier counter. We walked there and waited to be noticed with an obvious confused tourist look on our face hoping to be asked if we needed help. Someone came up and asked how many. 2! They lead us to a little area with two sofa seats facing each other. Initial thought was “awww this is cute” — but upon closer inspection and the fact this is a kbbq with smoke, I thought this might not be sanitary. I looked closer and touched the sofa/settee, and felt a layer of grime on it from all the oil that splattered.

Anyway! I think it was the owner that finally came to us to ask if we were ready. We made a point to let him know that this is our first time here and please tell us how this works. He gave us each a 6” plate and told us to go grab stuff at the buffet. It was vague. It was obvious he was trying to get ready for a 40 person tour group coming in half an hour.

So, I’m used to banchan coming to us in small little bowls. As we walked to the buffet, the owner told us to take our 6” plate. ???? Okay. So at the buffet, there is a sauce station with small bowls underneath that I wasn’t sure if for sauce or for the banchan. But I started using the small bowls for each banchan and got schooled that those are for sauce and to use our 6incher for everything else. Okay! Needless to say I’m trying to keep an open mind but this is the first time in my life that AYCE KBBQ has all banchan together in one small plate. Whatever, as long as the food is good!

So we learned very quickly that there’s only three types of meats and your first order, you do not have a choice. Lol. So we had to eat the chicken that we are not a big fan of (we normally do pork belly, pork cheeks, short ribs, galbi). Second order we for more pork belly and beef, only cuz we were hungry.

Anyway, meat was okay. The beef was way too marinated and tooo sweet. The pork belly was standard at best, and chicken was also too sweet and cut in small strips which was weird.

Buffet bar had greens, shredded cabbage salad, kimchi, seaweed salad, marinated tofu skin, edamame, pineapple, fries, potato chips, some egg rolls, mayo cabbage salad, and pasta salad.

Everything was standard or below. Nothing stood out except the rice when it came out hot and fresh.

There was one waiter that was really good. He was younger and at least he asked the other new tables if this was their first time here and explained everything clearly to them. Keep it up! If we had that service, would have at least given 3 stars. For someone who’s first visit to Rotoruoa and KBBQ in New Zealand, I must say I was either disappointed (that this place has such high reviews), culture shocked (that Korean BBQ are so different here), or have higher standards coming from California (but we tried to have an open mind, I promise!!)

Is there a secret menu or experience that we missed out on from all the ppl who gave...

We (3 girls) came here for dinner on a rainy Saturday night, they were at 80% occupancy so we waited a bit for a table which was understandable. Service was slow, at least 10mins wait until someone came to take our order. They gave us a bottle of water for the table but no cups..ok...lol.. so we went to get our own cups. Asked about the serving size for their Korean Chicken soup (which was $36 so naturally we wanted to know of it was worth it) and the waitress said the size is quite big, too much for 1 person to finish. So we got that and a large seafood pancake and other stuff. Food did not arrive until 30mins later and while waiting we did not even get a dish for the self service side dishes. When we asked the waitress for a dish (bcz we were starving at this stage), her attitude just really put us off. She said with a flustered annoyed face, "Yes I know that, I will bring it to you soon". By this time, the restrnt was more than half empty. When our chicken soup came, it was just the size of a regular 1 person serving! WTAF. I could literally finish it all by myself. Totally NOT worth the $36, even though it was actually tasty, but it was waaaay overpriced for the size (see photo). We were all shocked at my table. It appears this place is well known for their Korean BBQ which we didnt try on the night, but I would not recommend coming here for their other menu items, just waaaay too overpriced for their serving size, unless u like to be overcharged and be treated like u are an annoyance rather than a paying customer. The boss at the counter was super nice though, lovely guy. Just please review ur menu prices & train ur staff more on customer service... 😐😐 1 star only for the tasty but frickin overpriced chicken soup & lovely boss. This place could do so...

Had just arrived to Rotorua from Auckland and was in dire need for some food. Yakiyaki always provides delicious meals and amazing service each visit, and tonight they did just that.

Amazing hospitality, before, during, and after my dinner. The lovely Korean man, had greeted us upon entry and shown us to our table. It was a quiet time when we arrived so plenty of tables available.

I had the KBBQ and compared to some places in Auckland, the meat was delicious and they don’t use tinfoil which is a big no no for me. So I can always expect to have a great experience when having bbq at Yakiyaki. Side dishes are always yummy, and because it was a quiet period it was no trouble going up for refills- the apple, cabbage salad is my favourite!

Chicken nibbles were delicious and crunchy. Miso soup, I’ve personally had to build my tolerance up over the years, and the Miso at Yakiyaki was delicious.

Easy to request refills, again QUIET period, so understandable if it’s different for those that come in busy times. Food came out in a considerable amount of time that matched the busyness of the restaurant, waiters were kind, and easy to communicate too, and the atmosphere was cozy- great after a 3 hour drive from Auckland.

Would recommend this place 100% or their sister store Seoul Restaurant- which I’d say, I’ve had the same amazing...