Yuzu dining bar
If you’re in the “business” of food reviews in Amsterdam, you couldn’t miss reels and millions of posts about one of the newest spots: Yuzu dining bar. So naturally, I had to make my way over there before they get to 50 Google reviews.
The first thing that sets this place apart is the setting. There are a couple of small tables, but most of the space is occupied by a big, central table that you share with others. It’s different to the usual Amsterdam setting, and it brings a good, community vibe. I like it.
Now, let’s talk about their menu: it’s specialized in modern-style Japanese yakitori dishes. You’ll find loads of skewers. What they do here is that they use the whole chicken when cooking – so you can enjoy heart skewers, achilles skewers, or liver ones. Loving the no waste approach! Of course, they’re all marinated and spiced with beautiful Japanase flavors.
For our veggie friends, don’t worry about it – they make 3 vegetarian skewers, plus the (amazing) sides, that we’ll discuss in a bit.
As most sharing style, street-food, modern Asian spots in Amsterdam now do, Yuzu dining bar also offers a great selection of cocktails. I’ve had a really good Bloody Mary here, and Hayden had a beautiful, fresh basil smash-style drink. Very yum!
On to the food!
The staff will advise you to order in rounds, so opting for 2 yakitori dishes and 2 sides is a good start. And then again. And again – ’till you’re full, or broke. We’ve started with the wing yakitori, the hearts one, some edamame and rice chips. The wings one was probably my favorite meat option throughout the night – very fatty, crispy, what’s not to like?
However, the rice chips were the bomb. I could’ve eaten 10 of those. The smoked miso butter is to die for, too. We ended up dipping all sorts of other sides in there.
Later on, we’ve also tried the chicken thigh (juicy, lean and some fat in there – a good combo), and the achilles one. We’ve liked all the meat yakitori dishes. However, I think mixing some up could have some great results when it comes to texture. For example, the heart one is very lean – combining that with chicken skin (fat and crispy) could be a great skewer.
Another side I really liked was a deep-fried corn ball…in burnt butter, I think? Great texture. It could have used more salt, though.
And that’s pretty much what we tried at Yuzu dining bar! Plenty more options to go through, though. We left with a good impression of the new spot – it’s different, it’s tasty, it’s a whole concept and vibe. They also serve Asahi (one of my favorite dry beers) for 3.5 EUR which is almost unheard of. +1 from me. Definitely worth a visit for a date night, night out with friends or an after work (fancy Japanese) borrel.
Value for money: 8
Food Quality: 9
Location: 9 (Kerkstraat 59 H)
Service: 9
Website: https://www.yuzu-diningbar.nl/
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