Restaurant Review: East City Grill & Yakiniku: Cape Town’s Newest Luxury Dining Duo
Two new bombshells have entered the Cape Town food scene just in time for summer — and in true The Guide fashion, we had to experience them for ourselves. Meet East City Grill and Yakiniku, sister restaurants located on the first floor of 84 Harrington Street in the East City Precinct. The 12-storey building is currently the world’s tallest hemp-constructed structure, as certified by the International Hemp Building Association, making the setting as impressive as the dining itself.
A Farm-to-Fire Philosophy
What truly sets this duo apart is the story behind the meat. Their Wagyu is sourced from Elandsberg Farm, where a breeding programme began over a decade ago by introducing Australian Wagyu embryos into a Bonsmara herd. The result is ethically raised Wagyu/Angus cross beef, graded A8 and A9 — beautifully marbled, deeply flavourful and sustainably produced. It’s luxury with integrity.
East City Grill: Elevated and Refined
East City Grill is an elevated contemporary South African steakhouse with an Asian sensibility. The space is warm and intimate, layered with Japanese-inspired design. A sculptural tea lounge inspired by Kaiseki greets you on arrival, while the bar offers refined cocktails, an excellent wine list and premium sake.
Led by Executive Chef Jaycee Ferreira, alongside sommelier Marc Botes (formerly of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in London) and General Manager Wilmo van Zyl, the experience reflects precision, quality and a genuine love for exceptional produce.
The Menu: Bold, Indulgent, Memorable
The menu celebrates premium local meat with an Asian twist. Standouts include beef fillet tataki, Wagyu tartare, Wagyu boerewors with a braaibroodjie, tempura calamari and fresh nigiri. The tomato and burrata starter was fresh and beautifully balanced, while the Wagyu tartare was easily one of the best in the city.
For mains, the rib-eye, Wagyu short rib and fillet were grilled to perfection — tender, juicy and deeply satisfying. The indulgent potato selection, from triple-fried crispy potatoes to baked Gruyère mash, is worth every bite. The menu is diverse, also featuring chicken yakitori, grilled prawns, Wagyu burgers, and fire-grilled salmon. Dessert, particularly the Hokkaido cheesecake with matcha and toasted rice ice cream, offered a refined and memorable finish. View full menu here: https://www.eastcitygrill.co.za/menu/
Yakiniku: Interactive and Intimate
If East City Grill is refined and bold, Yakiniku is intimate and immersive. Modelled after a traditional Japanese grill house, guests cook bite-sized Wagyu and vegetables over a fire at the centre of each table. The smokeless grills, imported from Japan, are a first for South Africa and ensure you enjoy the theatre of grilling without the lingering smoke.
Together, East City Grill and Yakiniku bring sophistication, sustainability and theatre to Cape Town’s dining scene. Whether it’s a cosy date night, a celebration or a relaxed evening with friends, this luxury duo delivers flavour, experience and value — all under one roof. Cape Town, your next reservation is sorted.