Welcome to YAKO - Pinner HA5 5PW, a captivating Sri Lankan restaurant located at 6 High Street, Pinner, just a stone's throw from the bustling heart of the community. Here, the culinary traditions of Sri Lanka come alive in an inviting and cozy ambiance—a welcome transformation from its previous Italian roots. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the warmth of the kitchen and the delightful nooks that make every dining experience feel personal and special.
The menu at YAKO is a testament to authentic Sri Lankan flavors, showcasing a variety of mouthwatering dishes that pay homage to the island's rich culinary heritage. From vibrant Vegetable and Chicken Biriyanis that tantalize the palate with their aromatic spices, to the deep-fried goodness of Mutton Rolls, every bite tells a story. One standout that has received rave reviews is the Mutton Kottu, celebrated for its authentic taste that transports diners back to Sri Lanka.
For those seeking something lighter, the Pol Roti and Garlic Roast Paan offer a delightful contrast, with the latter being a perfect pairing for rich curries. Not to be missed is the Watalappam, a traditional dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of spices—though some patrons suggest it could use a touch more refinement in presentation and texture.
Reviews praise not just the food but the attentive service that mirrors the restaurant's ethos. Customers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the manager’s genuine interest in feedback—a refreshing touch in today's dining scene. Whether you're here for a casual meal or planning a celebration, such as the well-received catering for a birthday party, YAKO puts a personal spin on everything they do.
In summary, YAKO - Pinner HA5 5PW is more than just a restaurant; it is a portal to the vibrant culinary landscape of Sri Lanka. With dishes crafted from the heart and service that makes you feel like a valued guest, it’s a destination worth visiting for anyone looking to indulge in a truly special dining experience. Come discover for yourself why patrons are singing its praises and why YAKO is a beloved addition to the Pinner dining scene.
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MelodeeS
10/10/2025
Glad to see the kitchen and cosy nooks retained from the previous Italian restaurant that occupied this space. It was an early Monday evening visit, and it got quite busy as the evening went on - as usual this pleases me to see :) We ordered: Mutton rolls - good Devil chicken - yum Mogo - yum Yako special chicken - nice Chicken curry sharing pot - good Dhal - yum Egg fried rice - good Pol roti - a bit dense, the sambal it came with was rather nice Garlic roast paan - tasty, but tricky to eat with curry The staff were polite and did their job well. The owner/manager also came over and seemed genuinely interested in feedback, taking the time to explain things without judgement or negativity (for clarity, our comments were purely about how we interpreted the menu, not about the food or staff). The food was solid, we didn't specify the spice levels, but what we received was just right for a Monday night!! I would visit again as I'd love to see this restaurant continue to thrive. However, between now and then, I have to learn how to de-shell a crab properly so I can try the crab curry!
Atul Thakrar
23/09/2025
We stopped by for a drink in the terrace and ended up spending the evening there. Beautiful Sunday weather so nice to sit in the back on the benches. Very crowded (large parties) so the service was rather slow. The drinks took a very long time to be served and no one came to ask if we wanted anything. So little disappointing service.
Dharani Madugoda
01/09/2025
Loved the vibe and the setting. The mutton kottu was amazing, and my husband said the Lankan Chinese fried rice tasted just like we remembered from back home. Every dish we tried had that authentic Sri Lankan flavor, with the spices perfectly balanced (which is great because some places tend to go overboard with them). The Watalappan was good but could use a little improvement in color and texture. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the tableware and embroidered napkins with devil masks were a really nice touch. Overall, a special Sri Lankan experience and I would definitely go there again ????????
Judy Ponnambalam (Judeebee)
19/08/2025
Had a fantastic experience at Yako in Pinner! The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was equally impressive: attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they take pride in what they do. A wonderful dining experience all around — highly recommended!
Ann Luc
13/08/2025
Yako restaurant catered for our birthday celebration. The food was excellent all our guests had a lot of positive feedback. Organising the order was very straight forward. The manager responded promptly to our emails and delivered the food on time as per order. We were very impressed with the service, choice and the quality of the food. Anusha
Arosha Nishani
07/08/2025
Attended Yako with colleagues from work. Simple, elegant decor with exposed beams and ambient lighting. We were welcomed with mocktail drinks and enjoyed a variety of traditional Srilankan starters. I must say this was one of the best mutton rolls I have had in a while! Very yummy. Buffet was lovely too, home cooked Srilankan food. The mutton curry and fish curry is a must try! Great place for functions or dinning in with your family.
Ames Nauroos
06/08/2025
I just left the restaurant and is was amazing. I am Sri Lankan and the food was VERY authentic and tasted very good, it was set at a reasonable price for its quality. Since it was my mums birthday they gave a birthday cake with a candle on it along with playing a song for her. It was amazing and would definitely recommend! The waiter Dantha was very engaging with us and asking us if it was good, had a nice conversation with my mum in Sinhalese and he was very nice in general. The place was warmed up enough as it was freezing outside and the food was also fresh and warm.
Claudine Ratnayake
01/08/2025
Authentic, home style Sri Lankan food. Tasty and delicious! Fab fresh hoppers! Great friendly and attentive service. We enjoyed the music too!