Bar Yoku

The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special. The small family run restaurant offers an authentic experience of modern Japanese cuisine with a kiwi twist in a unique setting within the oasis of The Welder.  

Lunch or dine within the indoor courtyard and find yourself seated amongst a jungle of greenery, bathed in natural light and with plenty of space to spread out. This is the perfect spot if you happen to come with kids in tow – it’s a casual setting with safe space to roam, including a kids’kids play area just around the corner. 

Inside the restaurant offers a completely different kind of experience. Step through the door into the darkness of the den and you’ll instantly feel miles away from the streets of our southern city. There are options of parking up at traditional Japanese sunken tables, along the low yakitori bar or within the bar at tall tables. 

The food at Bar Yoku is designed to be shared amongst the table. Give your tastebuds a run for their money with a selection of small dishes from the obvious stars of the show – grilled skewers of premium meats – to raw plates and sushi tacos. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options make it easy dining amongst a group of various dietary needs as well. 

The drinks side of things is just as important as food when it comes to the real izakaya experience, and this is no different at Bar Yoku. The tap beer of choice here is Asahi; there’s a great selection of New Zealand wines not to mention the variety of sake, which is also available as tasting sets; plus a plethora of in-house infused Japanese influenced cocktails.