More than just noodles…
Stepping off Bree Street into the dark and moody interiors, a riot of seductive cherry blossoms in the windows, with sizzling-hot beats and a buzz emanating from the open kitchen, it’s clear that Yatai is set to join the Mother City’s must-visit hotspots. Immediately below sister restaurant Nikkei, it shares the same contemporary Japanese inspiration, but here chefs Rikku O’Donnchu and Warwick King put the spotlight on ramen, street food and a sparkle of sashimi. And from our experience at the pre-launch they really do pull it out of the top drawer.
More than just noodles
The chef’s set menu gives a delicious overview of the offering. We’re talking a spectacular red roman sashimi with pickled guava (subtle but distinctive), superb confit duck gyoza, and a rapturous wagyu beef ramen bowl full of deep smoky flavours. Then there’s the robata grill, a chicken tsukune with sweet soy glaze and confit egg yolk, and there are vegetarian options all the way through: think miso butter eggplant and a marinated tofu and sea veg ramen with miso dashi.
Ramen for the win
As the name says, Yatai is set up as a ramen bar, so you can also just pop in quickly to satisfy a craving for a slurpworthy bowl of next-level ramen. Sit at the counter at the open kitchen to feel part of the buzz or grab a table for two, and choose between Shoyu, Miso, Paitan, Tonkotsu and Tsukemen styles of ramen (the menu helpfully explains each one so you can choose according to your mood). The bowls come in medium or regular, each one thoughtfully balanced for flavour and texture.
With a vibey bar delivering house cocktails, sakes and Japanese whiskys, a late night happy hour Thursday to Saturday and a playlist of hot beats, Yatai adds another dimension to Bree Street’s nighttime vibe.
Opened 14 November 2024
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 109 8094, capetown@yatai.co.za
Where to find it 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
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