We arrived at YU Asian Tapas and Bar with the sense that we were stepping into a space shaped by the rhythm of modern Cape Town living. Set within The Onyx Hotel, the restaurant reflects the same contemporary edge that defines the property—sleek lines, a considered palette and an atmosphere that balances elegance with approachability. YU has earned a reputation for offering an Asian-inspired dining experience that leans into bold flavours and refined presentation, but what stands out most is how well it fits into the city’s evolving culinary landscape. It feels distinctly Cape Town in its energy, yet comfortably international in its influences. From 30 November to 7 December, YU will be undergoing a soft refurbishment in preparation for a refreshed dining experience. In this time, guests can still enjoy a curated YU menu at Granite Lounge on the 4th floor of The Onyx Hotel.

The menu is designed for sharing, which suits the restaurant’s casual yet polished sensibility. Plates arrive with enough time for proper appreciation, allowing a natural progression through different textures and tastes.

We started with the sticky ribs from the nibbles section, a dish that quickly signalled the kitchen’s understanding of balance. The ribs were marinated in Sichuan pepper, soya and ginger, each element contributing something different: warmth from the pepper, umami depth from the soya and that familiar aromatic lift from the ginger. The meat carried the kind of tenderness that suggests slow, careful cooking, and the glaze clung to the ribs without overwhelming them. It set a promising tone and hinted at the layered flavours to come.

From there, we moved on to sushi—another area where YU has built a following. The California sushi and tuna rolls were served as eight pieces each, offering a generous portion that was easy to share. The California roll was clean and well-structured, the seafood and avocado supported by a subtle sweetness that worked without tipping into heaviness. The tuna rolls, meanwhile, had that fresh, lightly firm quality that good tuna should have, with the rice calibrated to hold its shape without becoming dense. While Cape Town has no shortage of sushi options, what made YU’s offering memorable was the clarity of flavour and the confidence of its execution.

The tapas section of the menu provided the next round of dishes. First came the dim sum—two different sets of three pieces each. The chicken moneybags offered a comforting, familiar flavour, wrapped in delicate pastry that held together just long enough to be enjoyed properly. They were satisfying without feeling heavy, well-suited to the style of dining that encourages trying a bit of everything.

The duck dim sum carried a richer profile, with the filling offering depth and a slight sweetness that reminds one why duck is such a favourite in Asian cooking. The dumplings were well-steamed and balanced in proportion, showing attention to detail in both technique and presentation.

The bao buns arrived as a pair, each filled with beef short rib dressed with chilli, garlic and oyster sauce. These stood out as one of the meal’s highlights. The buns were soft and warm, holding their shape without losing their pillowy texture. The beef was flavourful and tender, the sauces adding dimension rather than distraction. The combination of richness and mild heat created a satisfying contrast, and the portion size was enough to be rewarding while leaving room to enjoy the rest of the meal. It was a dish that felt complete in its composition, the kind that one could easily return for.

Throughout the evening, the flow of service matched the relaxed but attentive pace that defines many of Cape Town’s best restaurants. Plates were cleared discreetly, and courses arrived with natural timing. The staff engaged easily, offering guidance when asked but never hovering. There is a sense that YU is comfortable with what it offers—neither trying too hard to impress nor taking its popularity for granted. That confidence makes the dining experience feel assured and thoughtfully curated.

What enhances the overall experience is the setting within The Onyx Hotel. Its location in the Foreshore district positions it close to the Artscape Theatre, the V&A Waterfront and the increasingly vibrant culinary scene stretching towards Bree Street, making YU a practical choice for both hotel guests and city diners. The design of the restaurant reflects the building’s aesthetic identity, with a mix of contemporary finishes and warm lighting that encourages lingering over shared plates and conversation.

A meal at YU Asian Tapas and Bar is well suited to travellers and food lovers looking for an accessible yet polished encounter with Asian-inspired dining in Cape Town. The combination of familiar dishes and more expressive flavours makes it appealing to a broad range of diners, while the atmosphere supports both casual visits and special outings. For those staying at The Onyx, it offers the convenience of excellent dining just steps from the lift. For those visiting from elsewhere in the city, it fits naturally into a night out in one of Cape Town’s most connected neighbourhoods.