Yayakiya, The Grill Room, Townhouse

Barbecue Party

Newly opened Yayakiya (29-31 Chatham Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2723-9833) in TST will be dishing out Hakata-style yakitori, a specific Fukuoka-originated type of barbecue that emphasizes beef and pork rather than chicken—the animal for which yakitori is named (yaki=grilled, tori=chicken). Grilled items are also served on top of pieces of cabbage for a refreshing counterbalance—and a somewhat healthier spin. Besides grilled items, diners can also dig into sashimi “waffles,” tempura and other quintessential Japanese specialties in a dark, izakaya-like setting.   

The Holy Grill

We’re talkin’ burgers and steaks at The Grill Room (5/F, The L Square, 459-461 Lockhart Rd., Causeway Bay, 2897-6838), a casual hangout with your typical industrial-chic touches. On the menu are dry-rubbed pork ribs, beef short ribs, steaks, wagyu burgers and even South African-style piri piri chicken—in other words, lots and lots of meat. Pay extra attention to the signature pork ribs, which have been chargrilled for eight hours and seared at high heat to finish. Lunch sets that come with a drink and starter are available during the day, and there are also happy hour deals where first drinks cost $20.

Get Out of Town

Gaia group has decided to expand on its westernized Asian concept with Townhouse (23/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2344-2366), sister restaurant to Glasshouse at IFC. Occupying the twenty-third floor of newly built California Tower, Townhouse will be serving dishes such as duck-meat-topped noodles; pizza with salted eggs and black truffle; and cheesy bacon-y rice noodles that hopefully combine the best of east and west. Its sky-high location will also mean some impressive LKF views.

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