Sunday 15 November 2026
Just a short walk from Hampton Court Palace, on Hampton Court Parade in East Molesey, Sakura Yakiniku serves something you won’t find on many Surrey high streets: authentic Japanese smokeless barbecue. At yakiniku, the meat arrives at your table raw and you grill it yourself, turning dinner into a fun, interactive experience. Alongside the barbecue there’s a big menu of sushi, sashimi and Japanese favourites. Here are five reasons to book a table.
1. You Cook It Yourself, Without the Smoke
The big draw at Sakura Yakiniku is the table grill. Your meat, seafood and vegetables come to the table raw, and you cook them exactly how you like them, which adds a real bit of theatre to the meal. The restaurant describes itself as the first in the area to offer authentic smokeless Japanese barbecue, using grills imported from Japan with a down-draft vent that pulls the smoke away underneath the table. That means no smoky haze and, as diners often point out, no smelly clothes when you leave. If you’re new to yakiniku, don’t worry: reviewers say the staff are happy to explain how to cook each item.
2. Japanese Wagyu and Premium British Beef
The barbecue menu includes imported top-grade Japanese Wagyu beef, which is the ultimate treat for meat lovers, as well as British premium steak beef for something a little more everyday. There’s also chicken, pork and seafood to throw on the grill, along with a selection of vegetables. Everything comes with the restaurant’s own home-made sauce for dipping. Diners recommend ordering plenty of vegetables to go alongside the meat, and sharing a few different cuts so everyone at the table gets to try something new. It’s a sociable way to eat, which makes it great for groups, birthdays and family meals.
3. Sushi, Sashimi and Rice Bowls Too
If someone in your group doesn’t fancy cooking, there’s a full à la carte menu. The sushi selection is impressive, from salmon nigiri to signature inside-out rolls such as Sakura’s Dragon Roll (£25.90) and a Rainbow Roll (£23.20), plus a 23-slice Premium Sashimi Platter (£33.30) for sharing. Hot dishes include donburi rice bowls such as grilled rib eye steak (£20.90) or grilled chicken thigh (£17.80), chicken katsu curry (£16.50) and yaki soba or yaki udon noodles from £13.90. There’s tempura too, including soft shell crab (£12). It means everyone at the table can find something they love, whether or not they want to grill.
4. Plenty for Vegetarians and Small Plates to Share
Vegetarians are well looked after, with lots of dishes marked as vegetarian on the menu. Start with edamame (£6), agedashi tofu (£7), pumpkin or sweet potato croquettes (£7 each) or vegetable gyoza, then try shojin tempura (£9.80), a garden roll (£11.30) or a pumpkin katsu curry (£15.80). Reviewers have praised the avocado maki, agedashi tofu, spinach salad and edamame as great options for plant-based diners. Meat eaters can add chicken gyoza or tori kara-age fried chicken to share. Save room for dessert, as the mochi (from £5.40) and Japanese ice cream make a sweet finish to the meal.
5. The Perfect Meal After Hampton Court Palace
Sakura Yakiniku sits on Hampton Court Parade, a short walk from the palace and right by Hampton Court station, which makes it an ideal stop after a day exploring the palace gardens or a walk along the Thames. Coming by train is the easiest option, as diners note that parking nearby can be tricky. The restaurant opens for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, so it suits both a weekend lunch and an evening out. You can also order for delivery or collection online if you’d rather enjoy the à la carte dishes at home.
Book
Sakura Yakiniku, 13-14 Hampton Court Parade, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9HB
Opening hours: Monday closed; Tuesday to Thursday 5pm–10.30pm; Friday and Saturday 12.30pm–2.30pm and 5pm–11pm; Sunday 12.30pm–9.30pm
Phone: 020 8941 8088
Email: info@sakurayakiniku.co.uk
Nearest station: Hampton Court
Please note: a 10% service charge is added
Would you like your restaurant, venue or event featured on 5 Things To Do Today? Email us at 5thingstodotoday@gmail.com and tell us what’s on.