Wagasa Yakiniku is a contemporary Japanese BBQ restaurant that brings the artistry of yakiniku grilling to the heart of Malaysia with a strong focus on premium ingredients, notably the A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, and an impressive selection of seafood. Located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Wagasa Yakiniku is the brainchild of two brothers who decided to bring private dining to the next level during the pandemic.
Their concept is no open dining space at the restaurant. Everyone gets VIP treatment with private rooms in various sizes to suit romantic couples or business bigshots discussing the details of the next important deal.
The NHA Top 10 Awards review team recently experienced what Wagasa Yakiniku has to offer.
A highlight is their specialty—the A5 Japanese Wagyu beef sourced directly from the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan famed for its fine marbling, with fat distributed in a delicate, snowflake-like pattern throughout the meat. The A5 Japanese Wagyu beef is coupled with an exotic range of seafood that includes crabs from Chile and Russia, and live oysters from the United States, to name just a few.
The name “Wagasa Yakiniku” is inspired by the traditional Japanese oil-paper umbrellas known as wagasa (和傘), which symbolises a blend of elegance and craftsmanship—traits the restaurant embodies through its approach to the dining experience.
Kagoshima Wagyu is regarded as one of the finest varieties of Wagyu, prized for its texture and rich marbling. Every bite of the A5 Wagyu served at Wagasa Yakiniku is an indulgence—“its tenderness and deep umami flavour can only be experienced firsthand.”
Tim, the younger of the two brothers, said, “What makes us stand out from other Wagyu restaurants is that we focus on the best cuts from the best part of the beef. This means we pay attention to the details, which is not easy as it means our team needs to have a deeper knowledge of the meat.”
While Wagasa Yakiniku offers an all-you-can-eat approach, there are some standout options: for those who know their cuts, the Kainomi, Misuji and Ichibo cuts caught our eyes. For those who need to learn some of the lingo when it comes to this kind of dining, take the time to learn these:
- Ichibo, also known as Picanha or Sirloin Cap in English, is a popular cut of Wagyu beef, prized for its high quality, tender texture, and bright marbling pattern.
- Misuji refers to a rare cut of beef taken from the inside of a cow’s shoulder blade, known for its exceptional tenderness, fine marbling, and balanced fat-to-lean ratio.
- Kainomi is a tender cut located near the short ribs and tenderloin and is known for its unique texture and flavour.
The seafood selection includes a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients that perfectly complement the grilled meats. From succulent freshwater prawns to delicate scallops, each seafood dish is prepared with the same level of precision as the meats, offering a balance for those who are not used to huge amounts of meat during a meal.
Grilling seafood at the table ensures that each piece is cooked just right, bringing out the natural sweetness and tenderness of the catch. The best part is you can either have the staff grill them for you or do it yourself.
Wagyu enthusiasts will be captivated by the restaurant’s meticulous approach to grilling. The yakiniku dining style encourages interaction with the food, so you can also take charge of grilling meats to your preferred doneness. This interactive experience enhances the dining journey, creating a fun atmosphere and appreciation for the fine ingredients used in each dish.
Wagasa Yakiniku’s diverse menu also features a range of side dishes that elevate the main courses. Fresh vegetables, house-made sauces, and Japanese rice accompany the grilled meats and seafood, allowing us to craft a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving. The restaurant’s ambience—modern yet infused with Japanese aesthetics—creates a comfortable and elegant dining experience, perfect for special occasions or business dinners.
For those seeking an exceptional yakiniku experience in Kuala Lumpur, Wagasa Yakiniku is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a Wagyu connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates high-quality, expertly grilled dishes, this restaurant delivers a memorable dining experience that blends tradition and innovation. That is why Wagasa Yakiniku has been nominated for our NHA Top 10 Awards – Best Wagyu Experience in Kuala Lumpur.
To learn more about their artistry, check out Wagasa Yakiniku’s website or if Instagram is more your thing follow them on @wagasayakiniku for some of their latest photos and videos. Better yet, experience it yourself!
| Wagasa Yakiniku |
| C-18-G, The Link, 2, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W9hbW2k8e4y5KsMw9 |
| Tel: +603 9766 3447 |
Open from 5 pm to 12 am daily  |