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Izakaya Yuki

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A hidden gem in Dunedin offering authentic Japanese izakaya fare with a cozy interior and delightful small plates.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Interior

Izakaya Yuki

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden gem in Dunedin offering authentic Japanese izakaya fare with a cozy interior and delightful small plates.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best Japanese cuisine I have ever had, it is so delicious and has a lovely interior."

TIP

Consider the Set Menu

Sharing a set menu for two is a great way to try a variety of dishes and can be very filling.

Warm Sake Recommendation

Opt for warm sake, especially on colder nights, to perfectly complement your meal.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Sunday 5PM

Cuisine

Japanese Izakaya

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+64 3 477 9539

Address

29 Bath Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Izakaya Experience

Authentic Izakaya Experience

Discover a hidden gem with a cozy interior offering delicious Japanese tapas and BBQ sticks, creating a true izakaya atmosphere.

Google Review
Best Japanese Cuisine

Best Japanese Cuisine

Reviewers rave about the authentic Japanese cuisine, with some calling it the best they've ever had, rivaling dishes from Japan itself.

THE BEST 5 Sushi Bars in Otago Region (Updated April 2025)Google Review+1
Delectable Small Plates

Delectable Small Plates

Graze on a wide array of small, delicious dishes perfect for sharing, offering a diverse taste of Japanese izakaya fare.

Best restaurants Dunedin, Dunedin & OtagoGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Consider the Set Menu

Sharing a set menu for two is a great way to try a variety of dishes and can be very filling.

Warm Sake Recommendation

Opt for warm sake, especially on colder nights, to perfectly complement your meal.

Sashimi Freshness Caution

If sashimi freshness is a top priority, consider other dishes as some reviews suggest it may not always be the freshest.

Timing is Key

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential smokiness from the kitchen's proximity.

Tips

from all over the internet

Consider the Set Menu

Sharing a set menu for two is a great way to try a variety of dishes and can be very filling.

Warm Sake Recommendation

Opt for warm sake, especially on colder nights, to perfectly complement your meal.

Sashimi Freshness Caution

If sashimi freshness is a top priority, consider other dishes as some reviews suggest it may not always be the freshest.

Timing is Key

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential smokiness from the kitchen's proximity.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Izakaya Yuki is celebrated for its authentic Japanese izakaya experience, with many praising the delicious food and inviting interior. While the cuisine is often described as spectacular and the best in the region, some reviewers have noted issues with sashimi freshness and the blandness of certain skewers and sauces. The atmosphere is generally loved, though the proximity of the kitchen can lead to smoky clothes and hair.

"Brilliant food and wonderful service. Always recommend Yuki to anyone passing through my hometown. Authentic and cooked wonderfully. We got the group menu for $200 and 5 of us were so full and this included drinks as well."

Kylie Donald

"If you are looking for a nice place to have some drink and catch up with your friends, this is a good place for having some food and alcohol or tea.

Meals are smaller portion, not a proper meal. You have to order a few items to get full. End up pay more than get one meal.

Food were good, I found a bit salty. But good quality and really good fast service. Staff was Very tentative and helpful.

Order green tea, was expecting Japanese green tea but got Korean tea instead. A bit Strange.

However, very cute shop with Japanese decoration. Because hope is small and open kitchen, when you came out you smell so smoky. Your hair and clothes smell like BBQ.

Toilets were very clean but creepy hallway, dark and feel like in scary movie lol.

Floor is. A bit sticky though. Probably from all the smoke from kitchen.

Overall, I had good time. Recommended for go fot drinking after work or catch up with friends. But not recommended for family with little kids."

Lena K

"The only Japanese izakaya in Dunedin, it offers a typical authentic Japanese izakaya or tapas cuisine. The place has a very Japanese ambience, reminds me of my time visiting an izakaya in Nagoya. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the food are very delicious for an izakaya cuisine. Not only that this place is located in the centre of Dunedin but it's also popular with locals. Make sure you make a booking so you won't be disappointed. It's definitely a recommended place to spend an evening with few friends... chatting while sipping a cup of sake and nibbling a selection of delicious Japanese tapas."

Christian Christian

What People Like

Authentic Japanese flavors
Cozy and lovely interior
Delicious small plates and skewers

What People Dislike

Inconsistent sashimi freshness
Bland skewers and sauces
Smoky smell from the kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider sharing the meal for two set menu to enjoy a variety of items. Many reviewers recommend ordering several small plates to share.

Google Review

Some diners have noted that the sashimi may not always be fresh, suggesting to consider other dishes if this is a priority.

Google Review

The restaurant has a cozy and authentic Japanese ambiance, reminiscent of izakayas in Japan. It's a great spot for relaxed dining and catching up with friends.

Best restaurants Dunedin, Dunedin & OtagoGoogle Review

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure you don't miss out on a table.

Google Review

Yes, due to the open kitchen, diners may leave smelling of smoke. Visiting during off-peak hours might help mitigate this.

Google Review

While not explicitly detailed, the menu includes various vegetables and tofu which may be adaptable. It's best to inquire directly with the staff.

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Lonely Planet

Best restaurants Dunedin, Dunedin & Otago

Cute and cosy, with a huge array of small dishes on which to graze, Yuki is a lovely spot for supper or a relaxed, drawn-out Japanese meal.

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lunchtime.co.nz

Sushi Otago Restaurants and Takeaway Menus

Yuki Izakaya in Dunedin has no menu available, but can choose from many other options such as Shrimp Crackers or Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup from Nanking Palace Restaurant and Takeaways. Monty's Bar & Restaurant offers many options including Chunky Fries GF and Chilli Cheese Fries GF. Saffron Restaurant includes a wide range like Vietnamese rolls of crisp fried Mutton Bird with Asian salad, Miso Aioli & Sesame dipping sauce, pickled Cucumber or Prawn & water Chestnut Dumplings, Duck and Ginger consomme.

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Wheree

THE BEST 5 Sushi Bars in Otago Region (Updated April 2025)

We both agreed each item was the best version of that thing we had ever had. This little restaurant may not look like much from the outside but inside is the best Japanese cuisine I have ever had.

Visit Source →
localista.com.au

Japanese restaurants in Dunedin Region, NZ

Some of the top choices include The Jitsu, Futomaki Town (Hanover), Jizo Japanese Restaurant, Kamome, Takeichi, Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro, and Izakaya Yuki.

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