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Yakitori1
Yakitori1: Fresh Japanese flavors by the Mermaid Quay waterfront.
4.6
Japanese
$$
Yakitori1: Fresh Japanese flavors by the Mermaid Quay waterfront.
Yakitori1 brings Japanese dining to Cardiff Bay’s Mermaid Quay, offering a vibrant waterfront setting with an open-plan kitchen. The menu spans sushi, skewers, and Cha Han fried rice, with standout hits like teriyaki chicken skewers and Rainbow & Dragon Maki rolls. Guests praise friendly, attentive service, quick preparation, and good value, with a welcoming vibe. Booking on weekend evenings is advised, and a loyalty card is noted by patrons.
No photos available
Juicy, perfectly grilled chicken, beef, and vegetable skewers with traditional Japanese seasonings.
Freshly prepared sushi including Rainbow and Dragon rolls, featuring crisp tempura and creamy fillings.
Sizzling teppanyaki beef fillet and other grilled mains served with flavorful sauces like soy, mirin, and sake.
Hearty kare raisu and other curry dishes, though some note variable depth in sauces.
Edamame with sea salt and chilli flakes, miso soup, and other traditional starters to complement your meal.
Welcoming waterfront dining with attentive service; booking recommended for weekend evenings.
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Overall rating
Joshua Loretto
Ate at Yakitori in Cardiff Bay tonight and it was outstanding. Started with two teriyaki chicken skewers — juicy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour. For my main I had the Cha Han fried rice with teppanyaki grilled beef fillet, served with miso soup. The beef was tender and beautifully seasoned with a soy, mirin and sake sauce, and the portion size was very satisfying. We also had the edamame with sea salt and chilli flakes, which was fresh and moreish. On top of the incredible food, the service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and timed perfectly. You feel genuinely welcomed here. For an independent restaurant, this place really punches above its weight. Amazing food, great value, and brilliant staff. Highly recommend and will definitely be back.
David Payne
Great venue, extensive menu, attentive and friendly staff. Will def be back. Recommend booking table at weekend evenings
Food Lover
(Based on two visits; good casual spot for quick Japanese cravings, but falls short on authenticity, value, and consistency.) Location & Atmosphere • Prime spot in the heart of Mermaid Quay – vibrant, waterfront vibe. • Low-lit, open-plan kitchen creates an intimate feel. • Staff give a warm, friendly welcome on arrival. Food Highlights Hits: • Rainbow & Dragon Maki Rolls – Tasty, well-executed, and the standout items. Tasted fresh and balanced flavors. Misses: • Beef Kare Raisu – Sauce lacked depth and sweetness; underwhelming for the price being the most expensive curry on the menu. • Beef Fillet Skewer – £7.50 for one small piece felt overpriced. • Chicken Karaage Noodles – Used sōmen (thin wheat noodles) that tasted stale; toppings (red onion, peppers, salad leaves) felt inauthentic and mismatched. Would prefer traditional garnishes like boiled egg, nori, bean sprouts, and wood ear mushrooms. Service • Polite and attentive when welcoming me and taking my order. • However didn’t check if my food was ok on both visits. Inconsistent finish: no goodbye on the second visit, which felt abrupt. Verdict If you’re in Mermaid Quay and craving Japanese food, Yakitori 1 will satisfy a basic hunger. But for authentic flavors, better value, or a memorable experience, look elsewhere in Cardiff (e.g., dedicated sushi bars or izakayas). Not a destination restaurant.
John Murdoch
Absolutely brilliant. I had a beef Cha Han which was fantastic. Lovely staff and super quick service. Two mains with Robata Nigiri and a bottle of wine £75. Booking advised. Definitely would go back as I have a loyalty card now
Rita Maidre
Had a great time there. The food was really tasty and well balanced. Wok was delicious and the sushi was fresh and crispy at the same time with beautifully combined fresh and creamy taste with the crips of tempura shrimp. Definitely will visit again when im in the area.
