Hidden above the nightlife complex that’s home to EDM-focused bar Do Not Disturb, Kukkuuk Yakiniku offers grill-it-yourself stoves and a vintage-Japanese atmosphere. The wood-dominated room evokes iconic Japanese film Always: Sunset on Third Street (2005) with its playful Japanese manga figures, including a huge Astro Boy and shelves lined with Japanese manga heroes and ultraman masks.

You might have a hard time choosing where to sit between the dining area with its long table and Mt Fuji wallpaper, the onsen-stylized private rooms, and the cactus garden rooftop balcony. All have a playful character that is also reflected in the iPad menu with its manga animations for every dish.

Beef takes center stage here, but only the premium stuff like fatty wagyu from Oita province (B990) manages to shine. The tokujo karubi (selection of sliced beef with fat, B380) has a gummy texture, and it’s a similar story with the yaki hire (sticks of tenderloin, B150), though both are saved somewhat by the aromatic yakiniku sauce. The fresh kitchen actually does a better job with its sashimi tuna wasabi (B35)—delicious cuts of fish and a pungent wasabi sauce. 

But the menu doesn’t just do Japanese. Risottos and pastas both make an appearance, as does surprisingly competent Thai food. The yam nua (Thai spicy beef salad, B180) is spicy and tangy, while the beef is actually more tender than the imported yakiniku choices. The crispy wonton pad Thai with taraba crab (B350) is also delicious, albeit made with crabmeat that’s far too dry. We also don’t recommend the lobster baguette (B390) with its doughy bread and cheese topping.

Kukkuuk is by no means quality dining, but it hits the spot when you want to mix bottles of Absolut (B3,500) with a few pre-night-out plates of food in a lively, themed setting.

This review took place in November 2015 and is based on a visit to the restaurant without the restaurant's knowledge. For more on BK's review policy, click here.