Yaki Ya! Finchley Road — Restaurant in London

A Delicious Adventure at Yaki Ya! Finchley Road

If you're searching for authentic Japanese street food that caters to halal diets, look no further than Yaki Ya’s latest new branch on Finchley Road. This hidden gem is one of the few places in the area where you can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are both flavourful and compliant with halal dietary restrictions.

First Impressions As soon as I stepped into Yaki Ya!, the cosy ambience and friendly staff made me feel right at home. The menu was bursting with tempting options, and I was excited to dive into my culinary journey.

Starters that Wow We kicked off our meal with the Honey Lime Chicken (Boneless). This dish featured crispy Japanese fried chicken, perfectly glazed with a tangy honey-lemon sauce. Topped with sesame seeds and spring onions, each bite was a delightful explosion of flavours. The portion size was generous, making it perfect for sharing—or not!

Next up were the Chicken Gyoza (6 pcs). These deep-fried dumplings were a revelation. Crispy on the outside and filled with a savoury mixture of ground chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, they were served with a delicious Gyoza sauce that perfectly complemented their flavour.

Mains that Satisfy For mains, I couldn’t resist trying the Chicken Yakisoba. The chewy noodles were stir-fried in a fruity and tangy yakisoba sauce, accompanied by tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The sprinkle of spring onions added a nice touch, making this dish both comforting and satisfying.

I also sampled the Beef Yaki Udon, which was a highlight of the meal. The umami-rich flavour from the oyster sauce mingled beautifully with the sweetness of the stir-fried vegetables. Hints of garlic and ginger elevated the dish, while the subtle smokiness from the wok made it feel truly authentic.

Sweet Endings No meal is complete without dessert! We opted for the Mochi Balls in both strawberry and chocolate flavours. These delightful treats were chewy and bursting with flavour. However, the star of the dessert menu was undoubtedly the Nutella Hot Balls. These divine morsels were indulgent and heavenly, leaving us craving more.

To wash it all down, I tried the HUA HUANG Mango Fruit Juice With Bits. It was the perfect refreshing drink to cleanse the palate and complemented the meal beautifully.

Service and Atmosphere The service at Yaki Ya! was impeccable. The staff were attentive and friendly, ensuring that our dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish.

Final Thoughts My visit to Yaki Ya! on Finchley Road was nothing short of fantastic. You can see why they were awarded the best restaurant in North London in 2024. The combination of delicious halal street food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere left me with a sense of satisfaction. I’m already planning my next trip, this time bringing my family along to share in the culinary delights. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by—your taste buds...

Atmosphere: Yaki Ya offers a cozy and authentic Japanese ambiance with minimalist décor, warm lighting, and traditional Japanese music playing softly in the background. The open grilling station adds a touch of excitement as diners can watch chefs expertly prepare skewers and other dishes. It’s perfect for casual dining or small group outings.

Food: The menu at Yaki Ya focuses on Japanese yakitori and izakaya-style dishes, but they also offer a variety of sushi, sashimi, and ramen options. Their standout items include: • Yakitori (Grilled Skewers): Perfectly charred with smoky flavors, the chicken thigh and pork belly skewers are a must-try. Vegetarians can enjoy options like grilled mushrooms and asparagus wrapped in bacon. • Sushi Rolls: Fresh and beautifully presented, the signature Yaki Ya Roll combines tempura shrimp, avocado, and a hint of spicy mayo. • Ramen: Rich, flavorful broth with tender noodles; the Tonkotsu Ramen is a crowd-pleaser. • Desserts: Their matcha ice cream is creamy and not overly sweet, a delightful way to end the meal.

Service: The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They’re happy to offer recommendations and accommodate dietary preferences. Despite occasional wait times during peak hours, the service feels personal and professional.

Value: Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Yaki Ya strikes a good balance between affordable dining and a premium Japanese culinary experience.

Conclusion: Yaki Ya is a fantastic spot for Japanese food lovers, particularly if you enjoy grilled skewers and fresh, high-quality sushi. While it might not be the ideal choice for a quick bite due to its popularity, the delicious food and inviting atmosphere make it worth the visit. A solid recommendation for anyone seeking a taste of Japan in a relaxed and...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Yaki Ya Japanese Restaurant, and I can't stop thinking about the incredible experience! The staff were extremely helpful and took their time to help explain the menu to our kids.

We started with the Chicken Gyoza, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside and bursting with flavor.

We also enjoyed the Chicken Katsu curry, the Duck Teriyaki and the Chicken Ramen Soup!

All of these were cooked to perfection. From the crispy chicken, to the beautifully glazed duck and the hearty broth. The food was just delicious and the portion sizes were easily enough for two people per dish!

We also ordered the chicken Okonomiyaki but couldn't get through it as we definitely under estimated the portion sizes!!

Mid way through the meal, the staff surprised us with free drinks and a free branded flask for my daughters birthday! So generous!! Thank you so much!! You made her night!

We couldn't resist getting an order of Hot Nutella Balls and the fluffy pancake to finish off the meal – just delicious!!

And I also recommend you try their sunset mix drinks! Fruit mixed with lychee juice. Incredibly delicious and refreshing!

Overall, Yaki Ya Japanese Restaurant exceeded all of our expectations. The food, the service, the atmosphere, it was the perfect backdrop to a memorable experience.

I can't recommend this place enough – I’ll definitely be coming...