Meghana HarikumarLet’s be honest, New Year’s resolutions are usually abandoned by the first weekend of January. We promise ourselves we’ll eat more salads, save more money, and stop staying out late on weekends. But then, a place like Yazu opens its doors, and suddenly, those resolutions feel like ancient history.
If there is one resolution I am actually committed to keeping in 2026, it is this: I refuse to settle for mediocre dining. Life is too short for lukewarm soup and uninspired gin and tonics. We are barely a few days into the New Year, the holiday glitter hasn’t even fully settled, and the city is buzzing with a frenetic, fresh energy. Naturally, for my very first significant restaurant visit of 2026, I wanted something that felt like an occasion. I didn’t just want lunch; I wanted a “moment.”
I found exactly that at Yazu.
Located in the heart of the city at Marks Square on St. Mark’s Road, this isn’t just another eatery throwing open its doors to the hungry hordes; it’s a full-blown mood. Bringing its celebrated “Supper Club” culture from high-energy hubs like Mumbai, Goa, and Chandigarh, Yazu has finally arrived to stake its claim as the most exciting, ambitious, and aesthetically stunning new Asian restaurant in Bangalore.
The Vibe: Where Tradition Meets the Terrace
Bangalore has a complicated relationship with “rooftop” bars. We love them, but often they are either too loud, too weather-dependent, or too casual. Yazu changes the narrative. Walking in here feels like exhaling after a long, chaotic week. The space, designed by the brilliant architect and interior designer Sumessh Menon, manages to be spectacular without screaming for attention. It exudes a “quiet luxury” that is rare to find.
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The layout is anchored by a stunning Open Terrace Bar that blurs the lines between the indoors and the breezy Bangalore outdoors. It is the kind of spot that looks beautiful at lunch—bathed in natural light that bounces off the cutlery—but truly comes alive as the sun sets. The transition from day to night here is seamless; the energy shifts from a relaxed, sun-dappled lunch spot to a sultry, high-octane evening destination.
The design details are where the real storytelling happens. You aren’t just sitting in a room; you are sitting in a curated narrative of Asian heritage. You are surrounded by handcrafted wooden rafters that mimic the architecture of traditional Japanese homes, creating a sense of shelter and warmth. Life-sized figurines of rural women unveiling a scroll add a touch of rustic, earthly charm that grounds the modern luxury of the space. There is even a tranquil water body that shrouds the terrace in a gentle mist—a mood that is both meditative and vivid.
But the centerpiece? You have to look up. The ceiling features hand-painted scrolls suspended from wooden frames, depicting Buddha resting in serene radiance amidst “burgundy turbulence.” It is a visual representation of finding calm within chaos—a fitting metaphor for Bangalore traffic and life in general. As far as setting the scene goes, this new asian restaurant in bangalore creates an atmosphere that is sophisticated, culturally rooted, and effortlessly soulful.
High Spirits of Asia: A Cocktail Journey
We need to talk about the bar, because in 2026, a restaurant is only as good as its signature pour. At Yazu, the bar isn’t an afterthought; it’s a destination in itself. Helmed by Beverage Manager Kaustubh Sawardekar—a man who has been recognized among India’s Top 100 Bartenders—the cocktail program is titled “High Spirits of Asia.” It is less of a menu and more of a travelogue in a glass.
Kaustubh believes in storytelling through flavor, capturing the spirit of Asia’s streets and markets. I started my journey in Thailand with the Tomm Yummm. Now, I know what you’re thinking—soup in a cocktail? But trust me. It is a clarified gin cocktail that takes the bright, aromatic profile of the iconic soup (lime leaf, lemongrass, galangal) and transforms it into something incredibly refreshing. It’s a clean, crisp slap of freshness to the palate.
If you prefer something with a bit of sass, the Pickle in My Tickle is non-negotiable. An Indo-Korean fusion featuring clarified pickled raw mango and ginger seltzer, it is tangy, smoky, and undeniably playful. It’s the kind of drink that makes you sit up and pay attention.
For the whiskey lovers, the Umami Cloud is a revelation. It mixes whiskey with coffee and shiitake mushrooms, topped with a savory miso foam. It sounds intense, and it is—rich, complex, and deeply indulgent. It’s rare to find a new asian restaurant in bangalore that puts this much intellectual weight into mixology, ensuring the drinks stand toe-to-toe with the complex flavors of the food.
From the tropical notes of the Indonesian Rasa Tropis (lychee, pandan, coconut) to the Japanese-inspired Umi-so (sake, plum wine, miso liqueur), every sip feels like a stamp in your passport. And for the purists? They elevate the classic G&T with artisanal gin infusions made from globally sourced botanicals.
The Culinary Experience: Refined, Robust, and Savage
The menu at Yazu is a beast. It spans the greatest hits of Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. But unlike those confused “multicuisine” buffets that try to do too much, Yazu keeps it refined. Under the guidance of Chef Tenzin Khetsok—whose pedigree includes stints at Yauatcha and JW Marriott—the focus here is clearly on craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients.
The Raw Bar & Small Plates:
We kicked things off with the Sushi and Dim Sum, the litmus test for any Pan-Asian joint. The sushi platter arrived looking like a “jewel box of the sea.” The sashimi was pristine, sliced with surgical precision, and the hand-rolled nigiri had that perfect rice-to-fish temperature ratio.
The Dim Sums were equally impressive. The Truffle Edamame Dumplings were delicate, translucent pockets of joy, while the Sriracha Chicken dumplings packed a heat that built slowly and pleasantly. We also tried the ceviche, layered with vibrant dressings and fresh herbs that cut through the richness of the fish.
The Robata Grill
For the main event, the Robata grill is the star. If you order one thing, make it the Miso Glazed Black Cod. It is the dish you will be telling your friends about—buttery, flaky, and charred to perfection. The sweetness of the miso glaze caramelizes on the grill, creating a crust that gives way to fish so tender it practically dissolves. We also sampled the Hokkaido Scallops, which were seared beautifully—golden on the outside, sweet and tender on the inside.
Comfort in a Bowl
What makes Yazu stand out is that it balances high-end gastronomy with comfort. You can get a steaming bowl of Ramen that feels like a warm hug on a cold Bangalore evening, or a fragrant Poke bowl if you’re keeping things light. The menu mentions “comfort in every bowl,” and they aren’t lying. Whether it’s vegetarian fried rice or a spicy noodle dish, the kitchen delivers bold, authentic flavors without compromising on technique.
The Sweet Pause: A Tea Ritual
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly consume another calorie, the staff introduced us to their Tea Ritual. In a city that runs on filter coffee, Yazu is making a strong case for the slow, deliberate enjoyment of tea.
In collaboration with Tea Culture, they offer everything from South African Rooibos to calming Chamomile. I opted for the Kashmiri Kahwa, rich with saffron and spice. Sipping this warm, golden liquid while digging into a Molten Chocolate Soufflé was the perfect soft landing to a high-energy meal.
The dessert menu is short but sharp. The Sesame Crisps add a savory crunch to the sweet end of the meal, and the Tiramisu is a nod to our coffee love affair. It’s these thoughtful touches—the tea, the transition from dining to nightlife, the pacing—that make the experience memorable.
The Vision: More Than Just Dinner
What struck me most about Yazu was the philosophy behind it. Founders Ranbir Nagpal, Atul Chopra, and Columbus Marquis are veterans in this game, and it shows. They haven’t just built a restaurant; they’ve built a “Supper Club.”
Ranbir Nagpal puts it best: “We’ve created a place where people actually want to be. Places that feel right for a family lunch on Sunday, a first date on Tuesday, or that night when your friends are in town.”
And he’s right. The vibe shifts effortlessly. At 1 PM, it’s a bright, airy spot for a business lunch or a family gathering. By 9 PM, the lights dim, the music tempo picks up, and it transforms into a chic, high-energy lounge. It’s a modern Asian escape that appeals to every generation. It hits that elusive sweet spot: elegant enough for a date, vibrant enough for a Friday night out with the gang, and comfortable enough for a Sunday brunch.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Hype?
Bangalore has a discerning palate. We are a city of foodies who care about where our ingredients come from, who is in the kitchen, and what the story is. We don’t just want to eat; we want to know why we are eating what we are eating. Yazu gets that. It’s a restaurant for people who care about craft.
As the first big opening of the year, the pressure was on. But Yazu hasn’t just met expectations; it has set the bar for everything that follows. The service is attentive without being intrusive, the aesthetic is Instagram-gold without being tacky, and the food is refined without being pretentious.
If you are hunting for a new asian restaurant in bangalore to kickstart your 2026 dining adventures, this is the one. It’s polished, it’s pretty, and the food actually tastes as good as it looks.
Yazu has officially set the standard for the year ahead. I’ll definitely be back—mostly for that Black Cod, but definitely for the vibe. 2026 is looking delicious already.
The Essential Fact Sheet for the Social Butterfly
The Place: Yazu – The acclaimed Pan-Asian Supper Club.
The Location: Marks Square, St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001. It’s central, it’s accessible, and it’s in one of the prettiest parts of town.
The Wallet Damage: Expect to spend around ₹2,500 for two people. Honestly? For the quality of the ingredients (especially the seafood) and the ambiance, it is worth every rupee.
The Hours:
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Lunch: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Perfect for those long, lingering business lunches).
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Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (When the lights go down and the mood goes up).
The Reservation:
This is currently the hottest new asian restaurant in bangalore, so don’t just walk in hoping for a table. Call them:
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7411199404
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7411994448
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7411994143
Pro Tip: Request a table on the terrace around 6:30 PM. You catch the sunset, the lighting change, and the cool evening breeze all in one sitting.
What to Wear: Smart casual to dressy. The decor is stunning, so you’re going to want to look good in the photos.
Why Visit: Because Yazu isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory experience. From the “High Spirits” cocktails to the hand-painted ceiling scrolls, it is a masterclass in how to run a modern supper club.
Meghana Harikumar
Editor
