Yori Oki Sushi & Grill — Restaurant in KwaDukuza Local Municipality

Finally had a chance to go to this restaurant on our wedding anniversary and we walked out!. Firstly, when we walked in there were some decent tables that offered us some nice time alone and the waiter told us we can’t sit there (we had to sit where he wants). The only seat that was available was in the middle of a restaurant and it gave off cafeteria vibes and the seats by the bar. It’s important to note that we went during the week and the restaurant only had 2 people inside. When we told the waiter that we would like to sit elsewhere he told us we can’t, which is when we asked to speak to the manager so we can ask him if we could sit there or if there is any other alternative. Long story short, no one came back to us not the waiter or the manager so we left to spend our money elsewhere.

I decided to call the restaurant about 2hrs later to find out about this whole seating arrangement thing and the manager said a few things that made me to question a lot.

1. If it’s a couple (2 pax) you can’t sit inside except for that middle table that feels like u at a food court. So the only option u have is to sit at the Bar which is ridiculous if u want to eat or sit outside which is also not so great especially now in winter.

2. If it’s a table of 8 or more for example, u can’t sit inside. So if you decide to go there with ur family and it’s a family of 8 or more, no matter how cold it is u will sit outside because the restaurant is “too small”. It doesn’t matter whether there are tables available inside or Not.

3. if you wish to reserve a table u have to pay R100 per head lol so if it’s a family of 8 u will pay R800 to reserve a table and by the sound of it it’s like this applies always when u reserve a table and not seasonal

After speaking to the manager he tried to gaslight me and told me that he saw us walking out while he was busy. My argument was no one came to us to tell us that the manager is still busy, so it’s either the manager neglected to inform the waiter that he will attend to us or the waiter didn’t bother to inform us that the manager was busy. It was a horrible experience!.

I would definitely not recommend this place at all! When u try and speak to the manager he argues with u instead of acknowledging your concerns and trying to address them in a professional manner. When i continuously asked him questions he ended up keeping quiet because he knew he was in the wrong for either not communicating with his staff or not giving a flying kite about customers walking out.

I would rather go to a restaurant that will offer an option to sit where I will be comfortable or at-least accommodating by giving customers a different alternative. I’m asthmatic, I can’t sit outside where it’s cold and people are smoking. Now i understand why this restaurant is usually empty and people go to the other restaurants.

On ur camera did u see the waiter or manager coming to our table afterwards?? Maybe let’s start addressing what the manager said. So was he lying about charging people R100 per head for reservation?? Was he lying about the restaurant being “too small” to accommodate a table of 8 inside if that was the case?? And yes it does feel like a cafeteria! This is my opinion as I have traveled so many places in the world. The table we were told to sit at would have felt like we were sharing a table with other people. Your response is evident that u don’t acknowledge or address the issue but u are trying to push the blame on a customer. It’s simple, we wanted to sit elsewhere and ur workers refused while it was quiet. Also if ur reputation is so great why there were only 2 customers inside the restaurant and it wasn’t packed??. There are plenty of good restaurants where we spend our money on, not worth spending money on...

Title: A Culinary Journey to Japan: Yori Oki, Where Cushions and Cuisine Coalesce

Rating: ★★★★★

Yori Oki, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ballito, is not just a restaurant - it's an elevated dining experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Japan. Christos and Tracey, the maestros behind this small and exclusive cushion restaurant, have flawlessly carved a niche for themselves with their penchant for culinary artistry and warm hospitality.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a serene ambiance that reflects the traditional Japanese aesthetics. The subtle fragrance of freshly brewed green tea and the gentle sound of flowing water intertwined to create an atmosphere of tranquility, perfectly setting the stage for what lay ahead.

The menu at Yori Oki is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece, a reflection of the owners' deep appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine. Every dish traverses the vast spectrum of Japanese flavors, impeccably executed and thoughtfully presented. Each bite felt like an exploration, a journey through the diverse regions of Japan.

As we indulged in the sushi platter, every piece was a work of art, showcasing the chefs' precision and commitment to quality.

The main courses at Yori Oki are an absolute revelation. The meticulously prepared Wagyu Beef, seared to perfection, left us in awe of its sublime tenderness. The accompanying Hiyayakko Tofu, delicately seasoned, acted as the ideal companion to this culinary masterpiece. The Vegetarian Tempura, a medley of fresh local vegetables, was a crispy delight that satisfied even the most discerning palates.

It is worth noting that the exceptional service at Yori Oki is an integral part of the dining experience. Christos and Tracey's genuine passion for Japanese culture and cuisine shines through in their attentive and personalized service. They graciously guided us through the menu, taking the time to explain the origin and significance of each dish.

Yori Oki is a testament to the dedication and artistry of Christos and Tracey, offering an intimate experience that transports you to the heart of Japan. Whether you're seeking a romantic date night or a culinary adventure, this small exclusive restaurant promises an unforgettable evening of gastronomic bliss. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as tables are limited due to its popularity.

In conclusion, Yori Oki is an absolute culinary treasure, where outstanding flavors and a captivating ambiance converge to create an ethereal dining experience. Prepare to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine, expertly curated by Christos and Tracey. We cannot recommend Yori Oki enough - it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your taste buds...

Review: Yori Oki – A Mixed Plate of Hits and Misses

Our evening at Yori Oki began on a slight low note, as our online booking hadn’t reached reception. Fortunately, we were graciously accommodated at a cozy table near a stylish heater—much appreciated on a chilly Ballito winter evening.

The wine list, while featuring South African selections, felt oddly foreign in composition. We first opted for the De Toren Délicate, a red blend that proved a little too harsh on the palate. It found a second life as a cooking wine after we moved on to the Diemersdal Chardonnay—a far superior choice that was buttery, smooth, and an ideal pairing for the sushi that followed.

The menu was diverse and refreshingly unique, though a bit overwhelming in its scope. Some dishes didn’t quite meet expectations. The pork skewer was unfortunately bland, lacking seasoning, marinade depth, or the charred caramelisation one might expect from a Japanese grill. In contrast, the dim sum was flawless—delicately wrapped with flavourful filling, rivalling some of my best overseas food experiences.

The Salmon Futomaki, however, leaned too heavily on mayo and sauce, which masked the natural taste and texture of the sushi—an attempt at boldness that missed the mark for traditional purists. That said, the poke bowl was a standout: fresh, generous, and vibrant, perhaps even a touch too generous in portion size.

Service was a highlight, with Anele offering a lively, personable approach, blending humour with attentiveness—he certainly added warmth and character to the evening. We also appreciated the manager’s effort to hear our feedback. No refunds or gestures were sought—just a shared passion for improving the experience.

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Verdict: Yori Oki offers a stylish and contemporary take on Japanese cuisine with flashes of brilliance—especially in the dim sum and poke bowl. There’s room for refinement in consistency and flavour profiling, particularly on the grill and some of the fusion sushi. With a warm team and open-minded management, it has the bones to be something truly special with a few refinements. Then came the make-up dish as we were about to leave…Anele, feeling all bad about the skewers, suggested we try the pork belly with ginger and sauce. Wow,...