Yakiya

For those in California who appreciate the finer things in life, especially when it comes to exceptional culinary experiences, Yakiya in Hacienda Heights offers a truly unique and highly sought-after Japanese dining adventure. Unlike a traditional à la carte restaurant, Yakiya specializes in "meat omakase" – a chef's tasting menu meticulously curated to showcase the finest cuts of beef, particularly premium Wagyu, grilled to perfection right at your table by attentive servers. This isn't just dinner; it's an immersive and luxurious journey for your palate, making it a standout destination for discerning locals in Los Angeles County. Yakiya provides an intimate setting where every course is a discovery, making it ideal for special occasions, romantic evenings, or simply an indulgent escape.

Yakiya is conveniently located at 17188 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA. This address places it within the bustling community of Hacienda Heights, easily accessible for residents across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. Situated in the Bixby Hacienda Plaza on Colima Road, the restaurant benefits from its position on a major thoroughfare, making it straightforward to find. For those arriving by car, Yakiya offers complimentary parking within the shared plaza lot, a significant convenience in a busy area. While the dining experience itself encourages a leisurely pace, the accessible location ensures that your journey to this culinary gem is as smooth as possible.

Yakiya offers a refined and highly personalized dining experience, focusing primarily on its unique meat omakase concept.

• Meat Omakase / Chef's Prix-Fixe Menu: The signature offering is a multi-course tasting menu featuring various cuts of premium beef, including highly sought-after A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, American Wagyu, and USDA Prime cuts. The chef curates each dish, eliminating the need for guests to choose.
• Tableside Grilling and Service: A key aspect of the experience is that skilled servers or chefs cook each piece of meat directly on a grill at your table. This ensures perfect doneness and allows guests to relax and enjoy the show without having to cook themselves.
• Curated Courses: The omakase menu includes a variety of courses beyond just grilled meats, such as various cold and hot appetizers (e.g., Wagyu Tataki, USDA Prime Ribeye Tartare, Chawanmushi, Crudités), and often a unique rice dish (like Bone Marrow Rice or Clay Pot Rice).
• Extensive Beverage Program: Yakiya boasts a well-curated selection of craft cocktails, a fine wine list, a diverse beer selection, and a notable Japanese whiskey collection, all designed to perfectly complement the meat-centric menu. They also offer a variety of sake.
• Dessert: Each meal concludes with a delightful dessert, often a Japanese-inspired option like Japanese cheesecake.
• Attentive and Knowledgeable Staff: The service is consistently described as impeccable, with staff who are not only attentive to dining needs but also highly informative, explaining each course and cut of meat in detail.
• Reservations Required/Highly Recommended: Due to the exclusive nature of the omakase and limited seating, making a reservation well in advance is essential to secure your dining experience. They use Resy for bookings.
• Private Dining Options: While not explicitly detailed, the intimate setting suggests potential for private or semi-private dining for special occasions.
• No Substitutions on Omakase: Given the chef's carefully crafted menu, substitutions are generally not permitted for the omakase, ensuring the intended culinary journey.

Yakiya distinguishes itself from typical Japanese restaurants with several standout features that create a truly memorable experience for locals.

• Innovative Meat Omakase Concept: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The idea of a chef's choice menu specifically for high-grade beef is a unique and intriguing concept that sets Yakiya apart, offering a curated and surprising culinary journey with each visit.
• Premium Wagyu and USDA Prime Meats: The restaurant's commitment to sourcing top-tier beef, including A5 Miyazaki Wagyu and high-quality American Wagyu and USDA Prime cuts, ensures an unparalleled flavor and tenderness that meat connoisseurs will appreciate.
• Expert Tableside Preparation: Having knowledgeable staff cook each delicate piece of meat directly at your table is a luxury. It allows for perfect doneness and prevents guests from overcooking expensive cuts, adding to the enjoyment and relaxation of the meal.
• Impeccable Service: Reviewers consistently praise the service as "impeccable," "kind," and "informative." The attentive nature of the staff, who are there to guide you through each course and cook for you, elevates the dining experience significantly.
• Sophisticated Ambiance: Yakiya offers a luxurious and inviting atmosphere with "smoke-free downdraft vents along with warm woods, brass, and leatherwork," creating a comfortable yet upscale environment ideal for a refined meal.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Due to its unique concept, high-quality ingredients, and attentive service, Yakiya is highly recommended for celebrations, anniversaries, or any occasion where an exceptional and memorable dining experience is desired.
• Relaxed Pace: The multi-course omakase format encourages a leisurely meal, allowing guests to relax, converse, and savor each small, exquisite plate. It's a place to linger and enjoy good company.

While Yakiya's primary offering is its premium omakase experience, which is priced at a set rate (around $128 per guest for the Original Dinner Menu), they do offer some specific pricing and occasional events that local users might find appealing:

• Kids Meal Option: For families, Yakiya offers a kids meal for guests under 12 years old at a more accessible price (around $28).
• Happy Hour Menu: Yakiya offers a "Happy Hour Menu" available at both its Hacienda Heights and Pasadena locations, typically Monday-Friday from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This menu includes a selection of à la carte items and smaller portions like Wagyu Potstickers, Bone Marrow Toast, and A5 Japanese Wagyu Nigiri, which can be a great way to experience their quality at a slightly lower price point.
• Special Events: Yakiya occasionally hosts special events, such as "Wine & Wagyu Series" collaborations with renowned vineyards, offering an 8-course dining experience with expertly paired wines. These events are promoted on their website's "Events" section.
• Loyalty Programs/Newsletter: While not explicitly stated, signing up for their newsletter on their website is often a good way to stay informed about any future promotions, exclusive events, or news from Yakiya.

Given the premium nature of the dining experience, it's always best to check their official website or contact the restaurant directly for the most current pricing and any upcoming special events.

To embark on your meat omakase journey at Yakiya, here's how you can connect with them:

Address: 17188 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA
Phone: (626) 581-0080

Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Dinner service, as the omakase is a lengthy experience).

It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for the omakase experience, as seating is limited and the dining duration is extended. You can typically reserve through their website or platforms like Resy. For parties exceeding six people, it's advised to email the restaurant directly.

Yakiya in Hacienda Heights is perfectly suited for locals in California who are looking for an extraordinary and memorable dining experience that transcends the everyday. Its pioneering meat omakase concept offers a unique opportunity to explore premium cuts of beef, including exquisite Wagyu, prepared with expert precision right at your table. This interactive and chef-driven approach provides a level of engagement and personalization rarely found in other Japanese restaurants.

For those celebrating a special occasion, seeking an indulgent treat, or simply desiring a relaxed evening of exceptional food and conversation, Yakiya delivers. The impeccable service from knowledgeable staff, who act as your personal grill masters and guides through each course, ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience. While the dining experience is a leisurely one, perfect for unwinding and connecting with companions, the quality of the ingredients and the artistry of the preparation make every moment worthwhile. Yakiya isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination where the art of Japanese grilling meets the luxury of omakase, creating an unforgettable culinary journey that truly resonates with the discerning tastes of the Southern California community. It's a high-end experience that’s worth the investment for a truly unique and delicious adventure.

Yakiya

17188 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA