Ken Yakitori Bar Anzac

Reviews

1. Joanne Lim ★★★★☆

   If you are looking for a true Japanese Izakaya experience in Auckland, Ken Yakitori Bar on Anzac Ave nails the atmosphere. The smell of the charcoal grill and the cozy (slightly cramped) seating makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a back alley in Tokyo. The Food: We tried a variety of skewers, the beef tataki, grilled corn, and croquettes. Everything was tasty and well-seasoned. The free cabbage with miso/mayo dip is a classic touch that I always appreciate. The Reality Check: However, the portions are very small. If you are a "big eater" or bringing the whole family for a "family day out," be prepared to order a lot (and I mean a lot) to feel full. The price can add up quickly because of this. Verdict: • Great for: Hanging out with friends, late-night drinks, and light snacks. • Not recommended for: A hungry family dinner or if you're looking for value-for-money "filling" meals. Come here for the vibe and the Sapporo, but maybe have a bowl of ramen somewhere else first!

   almost 5 months ago
2. FIRE Smith ★★★★★

   I visited KEN Yakitori Bar in Auckland recently, and the experience was surprisingly close to what you’d find in a small yakitori shop in Japan. The place is simple, a little old-school, and not overly decorated — which actually makes it feel more authentic than most “Japanese-themed” spots. Most of the staff seemed to be Japanese, and the owner had that familiar quiet, focused attitude you often see in traditional shops. Service was straightforward and efficient. And here’s a small tip worth remembering: even saying a couple of simple Japanese greetings like “konbanwa” or “arigatou” can genuinely make a difference. When they see that you respect their culture and the care behind their food, the smiles get warmer and the service naturally becomes more attentive. It’s true anywhere, but Japanese restaurants tend to respond especially kindly to that small gesture. The food itself was consistently good. The yakitori was properly grilled, with clean seasoning and a balanced charcoal flavor. The tongue skewer was soft and well prepared, and the classic chicken-and-spring-onion skewers tasted exactly like what you’d expect at a local bar in Japan — simple, honest, and done right. The draft beer was cold and fresh, and the sake selection was decent for a small place. The restaurant is also kept clean, including the restroom, which I appreciated because not many Auckland eateries maintain that level of tidiness. It shows a sense of pride in the business. Price-wise, if you order a good mix of skewers, grab a few drinks, and try a couple of sides, the bill usually ends up around $90–$110 per person. It adds up, but considering how rare good yakitori is in New Zealand, it feels reasonable for the quality. Overall, KEN is a reliable spot if you miss that relaxed, no-nonsense Japanese yakitori experience. The food is well made, the atmosphere feels familiar, and the small cultural touches make it even better. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys simple, well-executed yakitori.

   almost 6 months ago
3. Benedict Amandus Hananto ★★★★★

   Authentic Yakitori bar in Auckland, you must try the prawn with pork, it was juicy and delicious!

   almost 7 months ago

1. JJ M ★★★★★

   Amazing Yakitori place!! Just got back from Japan and tastes just the same. Couldn’t recommend this place more. Only thing they could change is maybe their music, but the food is impeccable and so authentic. My wife and I love this place and it’s now our new favourite restaurant. We will definitely be back. Try the grilled rice valls, beef skewers, chicken wing skewers and matcha ice cream.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Mario Uribe ★★★★★

   My wife and I just landed in Auckland and had to try some delicious. Ken was just the right place to have dinner. We order the nigiri, scallops, beef tongue, squid balls, and steamed buns (dumplings). Every item was delicious. Highly recommend it.

   almost 11 months ago
3. Darren Ren ★★★★★

   An old favourite from even 15 years ago. Every time we come here we have a protein galore. Special mentions: beef tongue, pork belly, chicken mince.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Adrian Aguirre ★★★★★

   We had read about this place before coming to Auckland for the World Cup and it did not disappoint. The portions are perfect and allow you to try multiple without getting full quickly. Definitely come here! Staff is all very friendly and attentive and made the experience pleasant along with the food. Worthy mentions: chicken with spring onion, okra wrapped with pork.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Regan Doyle ★★★★★

   This is the best yakitori place I've been to in Auckland. Ken is legit. The offering is real and reflective of a typical yakitori bar in Japan. The service could be better but I'll get over it. It's mainly if I compared it to Japan.. otherwise fine.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Li뜌뜌 ★★★★★

   All foods are perfect. The chicken skin is good, and i like unlimited cabbage. Sashimi is delicious but expensive. Highball is bland.Draft beer is fine. The food here is perfect. sometimes its added twice (Check the receipt carefully when paying)

   almost 3 years ago

1. Kaz Sat ★★★★★

   The best & authentic Yakitori joint I have ever been to in my life!!! Not only all the foods and drinks were great and authentic but also service provided was the one that made me really enjoy the whole experience while I was dining there. Its decors and atmosphere reminded me of good & traditional Yakitori venues in Japan as well. I found this place by accident. I went to a ramen joint nearby there and had a ramen and dumplings. I also wanted to have fried rice since I was super hungry without having lunch today. But that ramen joint don’t have it tonight (they had run out of it), so I checked if there was any other Japanese restaurant nearby. Ken Yakitori was just a minute away from there, so I went to check it out. They were full but there was a table open which was the smallest one they had. I took it since I was by myself and had no issue with it. Maybe after 30 minutes or so passed, 2 ladies at the counter left. Soon after that, 2 new customers arrived, so I thought they would give that space to these 2 new customers. To my big and pleasant surprise, one of the servers came up to me offering to move to that counter since it was more comfortable and I was at their venue before these new customers. He got me there! It was totally unexpected him to ask me if I wanted to move at all. What a caring person he was! I obviously declined since my table was too small for 2 people. 10 minutes or so passed and he came by asking me if I wanted to order more food or drink. Instead of ordering foods/drinks, I told him how much I appreciated his thoughtfulness and great hospitality. He then just said it was a natural thing for him to ask!!! What a great person he is and hospitality it was!!! With all that being said, I highly recommend this venue to everyone. I’ll definitely go back there next time when I’m in town without a doubt. FYI, all foods there were awesome but their Gyu tan (beef tongue) was my most favorite & AMAZING and the BEST I had ever had❤️❤️❤️

   almost 3 years ago

FAQs