Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Bar Yoku

The Welder 20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Recommended by 30 people

Updated

Find Bar Yoku

The Welder 20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Directions ↗
+64 3 365 1055
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Bar Yoku

Inside The Welder, Bar Yoku pairs Japanese share plates with an energetic room that never drowns out conversation. Word-of-mouth directs diners straight to the counter—front row for skewers searing over the hibachi. Crisp sushi tacos packed with duck or braised beef rib lead the spread, followed by wagyu and burnt broccoli. Dishes land at a steady rhythm, right alongside a Banana Manhattan.

  • Open Hibachi Counter: Front-row counter seating puts diners face-to-face with the chefs turning skewers over the open grill.
  • Signature Sushi Tacos: Crunchy seaweed shells stuffed with savory fillings like rich duck, tender beef rib, and rotating unagi.
  • Charcoal Kushiyaki: Charcoal-grilled skewers ranging from tender momo chicken and wagyu to adventurous tail and heart cuts.
  • Plant-Forward Small Plates: Substantial vegetarian dishes that pull equal weight, led by smoky burnt broccoli and crispy mushrooms.
Restaurantrestaurantbar

What's On at Bar Yoku

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Bar Yoku

Discover Christchurch’s vibrant modern izakaya experience—reserve your table at Bar Yoku today.

  • Front-Row Hibachi Theater

    Counter seating places diners directly before the charcoal hibachi, turning dinner into an engaging display of open-fire skewer craft.

    Sit at the yakitori bar for a special experience watching the hibachi-master do his magic.

    Noel Livick

  • Engaging Countertop Hospitality

    The open-grill layout creates direct camaraderie with the chefs, delivering high-energy culinary immersion right from your seat.

    Engaging chefs by the grill made for an all-inclusive experience.

    Ben McNab

  • Conversational Energy for Gatherings

    Bar Yoku strikes the elusive izakaya balance—upbeat and energetic enough for a lively night out, yet acoustic-friendly for easy conversation.

    The vibe was lively without being overly noisy, so it was easy to chat while enjoying the food.

    Zack

  • Memorable Date-Night Ambience

    Tucked inside The Welder, the cozy dining room and share-plate format offer a warm, stylish backdrop for date nights and celebrations.

    Thanks for another beautiful date night!

    Jenny Cameron

  • Signature Crispy Sushi Tacos

    Crispy nori shells packed with rich proteins like duck, beef rib, and bluefin tuna form the venue's celebrated handheld signature.

    the sushi tacos are world class, be sure to try the bluefin tuna.

    James Ashwin

  • Inventive Japanese Fusion Tapas

    The kitchen departs from orthodox izakaya constraints with playful Japanese fusion plates, balanced marinades, and charcoal-grilled skewers.

    It’s not strictly traditional. It’s more of a Japanese fusion style and everything was super tasty.

    Red River

Explore signature share plates and front-row grill seating at The Welder—reserve your table or counter spot today.

  • Sushi Tacos

    the sushi tacos are world class, be sure to try the bluefin tuna.

    James Ashwin

  • Hibachi Yakitori Counter Dining

    Sit at the yakitori bar for a special experience watching the hibachi-master do his magic.

    Noel Livick

  • Burnt Broccoli

    Out of everything, I highly recommend the burnt broccoli and the Karaage (normally I wouldn't recommend fried chicken but their is very special).

    Kiran Skelton

  • Pork Belly Yakitori

    The pork belly yakitori was the highlight, perfectly tender and full of flavor.

    Natasha S

Other favorites

Complement your skewers and sushi tacos with inventive cocktails and standout sides—reserve your table today.

  • Banana Manhattan

    I also had the banana Manhattan (i cannot remember the actual name of the drink), but it was decadent, 10/10 wonderful.

    Rachael Segraves

  • Choya Plum Sour

    I started off with the best cocktail called Choya Plum Sour

    Tata Teata

  • Pickled Cucumber

    Be sure to try the pickled cucumber dish- Amazing!!!!

    Jenny Cameron

  • Agedashi Tofu

    The Agedashi Tofu is a must try for carnivores and omnivores alike 😊

    Krystyna Walsh

Beyond the menu

Personalized grillside hospitality, seamless service touches, and thoughtful culinary care. Book your table to secure your spot.

  • Front-Row Hibachi Counter Magic

    Sitting directly along the yakitori grill pairs the meal with lively culinary theater, where the hibachi chefs interact with guests and grill skewers right in front of you.

  • Attentive Allergy & Table Adaptations

    Waitstaff readily adjust table setups and tailor kitchen preparation for specific dietary needs, modifying dishes seamlessly for guests with chilli allergies.

  • Seamless Neighbor-Bar Waitlist Hosting

    When the floor is at full capacity, the team coordinates seamlessly with nearby iMoto bar so guests can enjoy a drink before being personally welcomed back to their table.

  • Paced Solo Unwinding in Quiet Corners

    Solo diners seeking to decompress are accommodated in quieter nooks with personalized dish turnaround pacing alongside curated sake and craft beer pairings.

Before you head over

Practical advice for ordering, seating, and timing your visit. Reserve your table now for an unforgettable izakaya night.

  • Ask for the Yakitori Grill Counter

    If you are visiting solo or as a duo, ask to sit at the yakitori counter by the grill. You get an up-close view of the chefs working over the charcoal and easy interaction with the kitchen team.

  • Order Extra Tacos to Share

    Plates are built for sharing, but a single sushi taco will not stretch across the table. Order extra tacos so everyone gets a portion alongside skewers and hot dishes.

  • Reserve in Advance or Wait at iMoto

    Tables fill quickly during peak dinner hours. Book ahead to secure your seating, or if waiting for a table, relax with a drink at iMoto bar directly opposite inside The Welder.

Explore more places in Christchurch

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Christchurch.

Discover more in Christchurch

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Christchurch venues