Yakitori 38

In the heart of Canberra’s city center, tucked into the historic Sydney Building on East Row, you’ll find a dining experience that captures the electric energy of a Tokyo back-alley izakaya. Yakitori 38 brings the authentic spirit of Japanese communal dining to the Australian Capital Territory, offering a late-night haven where sizzling skewers, expertly crafted cocktails, and a moody, atmospheric setting come together for unforgettable nights out. The space is designed to feel both intimate and alive, with dim lighting, carefully curated music, and the constant, comforting aroma of binchotan-grilled specialties wafting from the open kitchen.

From the moment you step inside, the focus is on quality, simplicity, and genuine hospitality. The team prides itself on attentive service that matches the precision of the kitchen, ensuring every visit feels like a special occasion—whether you’re dropping in for a quick bite and a beer or settling in for a full evening of shared plates. Yakitori 38 is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those who appreciate the craft behind every skewer, the balance of every cocktail, and the warmth of a space that invites you to linger long after your plates are cleared.

What We Offer

The menu at Yakitori 38 is a celebration of Japan’s beloved izakaya culture, centered around the art of the skewer but extending far beyond it. The kitchen uses traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients to produce a range of dishes that are bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. You’ll find an extensive selection of yakitori, featuring perfectly grilled chicken in various cuts and marinades, from succulent thigh with scallion to crispy skin and tender meatballs.

Beyond the grill, the menu includes a vibrant mix of small and shareable plates. The takoyaki arrives at the table piping hot, with a crispy exterior giving way to a molten, octopus-filled center, drizzled with signature sauces and dancing bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki, the savory Japanese pancake, is another highlight—packed with cabbage, topped with a symphony of flavors, and customizable to your liking. Noodle dishes and fresh, creative salads round out the food offerings, ensuring there’s something for every palate, from the adventurous eater to the comfort-seeking diner.

Skewers from the Grill

The heart of the experience is the yakitori itself. Each skewer is carefully threaded and seasoned, then grilled over a special high-heat charcoal that sears the outside while keeping the inside incredibly juicy. Whether you prefer the classic salt-seasoned shio style or the rich, slightly sweet tare glaze, the menu offers dozens of combinations. It’s the perfect food for sharing and pairing, encouraging a relaxed, communal way of eating that defines the izakaya tradition.

Handcrafted Cocktails and Drinks

No izakaya night is complete without a drink in hand, and the bar program at Yakitori 38 takes this seriously. The cocktail list is a thoughtful mix of Japanese-inspired creations and modern classics, all prepared with the same attention to detail as the food. Sip on a highball made with premium whisky and perfectly carbonated soda, or explore seasonal specials that incorporate yuzu, matcha, shiso, and other distinctive Japanese flavors. A curated list of sake, Japanese beers, and plum wines provides the ideal accompaniment to your meal, while non-alcoholic options are crafted with the same creativity.

Why Customers Choose Us

Walk through the doors on any given night—especially as the clock pushes toward midnight—and you’ll understand the magnetic pull of Yakitori 38. The atmosphere is often described as the best part of the experience: a perfect blend of relaxed and energetic that makes it suitable for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a lively weekend celebration. The space is moody and intimate, with a buzz of conversation that somehow still allows for private moments. It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a 21st birthday in style, catch up with old friends over a dozen skewers, or enjoy a low-key date night that feels effortlessly cool.

Service is a cornerstone of the reputation here. The floor team, including standout staff members praised by name in reviews, operates with a professional warmth that makes you feel both cared for and totally at ease. The kitchen’s consistency also earns high marks; dish after dish arrives beautifully presented and packed with flavor, demonstrating a team that respects the ingredients and the craft. For those looking for a reliable late-night dining option in Canberra, the extended hours—until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday—make Yakitori 38 a rare and valuable gem in the city’s food scene.

The Izakaya Experience in Canberra's City Center

Location plays a huge role in the appeal of Yakitori 38. Situated on the ground floor of the iconic Sydney Building at Shop 19/21 East Row, it’s a convenient and atmospheric destination for anyone in Canberra. After-work crowds drift in from nearby offices, pre-theater diners stop by for a quick and delicious meal, and night-owls from across the city make it their final stop of the evening. The central City address makes it an easy meeting point, well-served by public transport and surrounded by parking options.

The restaurant’s ties to the local community go beyond its address. Yakitori 38 has quickly become a part of Canberra’s vibrant dining culture, drawing visitors and locals alike who are searching for an experience that feels both global and uniquely intimate. With its sister concepts and connections to 38 Katsu, the venue shows a deep commitment to bringing diverse and high-quality Japanese food experiences to the capital. The social media presence keeps the community engaged with mouthwatering photos of specials, new cocktails, and the restaurant’s signature moody visuals, ensuring there’s always a reason to plan your next visit.

Functions and Group Gatherings

For those looking to bring a larger group, Yakitori 38 offers a setting that is both impressive and accommodating. The communal nature of the menu makes it ideal for functions, birthdays, and corporate gatherings where sharing plates and passing skewers creates an instant icebreaker. The space can cater to special events with a level of service that ensures the guest of honor and every attendee feels looked after. Inquiring about a private function opens the door to a personalized experience, with food and drink packages tailored to your group’s preferences and the kitchen’s ability to serve a crowd without sacrificing the quality that defines the restaurant.

The celebration of a 21st birthday at the venue, as mentioned in glowing reviews, highlights how Yakitori 38 can become the backdrop for life’s most memorable moments. The combination of a stunning setting, exceptional food, and a team that goes above and beyond transforms a simple dinner into a landmark event. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a farewell party, or a corporate win, the team is ready to make it special.

Hours, Location, and Planning Your Visit

Planning your night out at Yakitori 38 is simple, but a few key details will help you make the most of your experience. The restaurant comes alive in the evening, opening its doors at 5:30 p.m. and serving well into the early morning hours. With last orders at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, it’s one of Canberra’s premier destinations for a late dinner or post-event gathering. While the kitchen focuses on the dine-in experience, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the space fills quickly with energy and hungry patrons.

You’ll find the entrance on East Row, within the heritage-listed Sydney Building. The area is easily walkable from all parts of the City, and numerous bus and light rail stops are just a short stroll away. For those driving, paid street parking is available around the city center, and several public parking structures operate nearby. When you arrive, look for the warm glow and the subtle sign that marks the entrance to a space that feels exclusive yet completely welcoming. From the first skewer to your final cocktail, Yakitori 38 invites you to eat, drink, and visit in a way that lingers in your memory long after you’ve stepped back out onto the Canberra streets.