Black smoke and an unbearable stench pollute the air throughout the year, without pause. For nearly five years, residents of the surrounding area have been suffering and repeatedly filing complaints with the city council, yet no action has been taken. Such negligence and corruption are among the root causes of decline in any country. Many of us left our homeland in search of a better future, only to find ourselves in a society sliding into disorder due to unregulated immigration, often exploited by organized groups. Sadly, this is the reality of Canada today, under Prime Minister Trudeau’s government.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ishara Tabassum
Best Charcoal BBQ Chicken in Ottawa! 🔥 So flavorful, juicy, and fresh, hands down my favorite. Perfectly paired with naan or paratha. This has become my go to takeout spot on no-cook days, and it never disappoints. So yum! 🤤
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken
Siriki Cissé
They have to make a lot of effort to become a real restaurant. They are famous for the African food but they are not good ambassadors for Africa. Also, the smell of cooking is everywhere at 200 hundred meters around. That's bad 👎
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken, Alloco, Atiéké
Dan Cano
Excellent takeout. Service was quick.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Sam
Very bad service they give me the food super spicy I go back to the store asking kindly to change my plate they give one pace of chicken wich was subused to be hlaf chicken they didnt refuse to change the rice after paying 47dollars for 2 meals when I ordered the food I asked 5 times not to be spicy I don't recommend nobody eats there unless you want wasit your money and your time
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Faith Sham
Concern About Recent Chicken Price Increase
Dear Ykossngrill Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been a loyal customer and recently made the trip—30 minutes one way—to buy grilled chicken, only to be told the price has now increased to $27. I understand that prices have gone from $20 to $25, and now $27, but this latest increase feels excessive, especially with no clear explanation from management.
I was surprised to hear that the staff are not responsible for the change and that it was introduced by the owner. I fully understand the cost of living is rising and that chicken in stores can cost between $12 to $14. However, as a bulk buyer, a business like yours should be able to maintain more reasonable prices, especially when buying at wholesale.
Raising the price to $27 per chicken—with no additional value added—seems unfair to loyal customers, and honestly, disappointing. I’m not usually one to report businesses, especially African-owned ones I support, but I believe this type of pricing should be reviewed by Ontario’s consumer protection authorities if it continues without justification.
I urge you to reconsider the pricing or at least provide transparency about the reasons behind these increases.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Miss Nino
This location is horrible! I don’t understand why they give u a number when u call to place an order yet once u arrive in person to pick it up, they don’t recall the number given and oblige you to wait in line no matter what. It’s misleading. The service really needs to change. The front desk/ Cashier should not be the same person cooking in the back. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to support Afro-businesses… now I have to scratch this one off my list.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Sujit Sur
One of the best barbeque chicken, bar none! Take out only.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Suad Mohamed
Very bad experience with YKO BBQ Chicken at 375 McArthur Ave., Vanier. This is the second time I’ve had a problem.I ordered a meal with half chicken and plantain, but they gave me old leftover plantain and chicken with no leg. The food did not look fresh, and I didn’t get what I paid 23$ for. Very disappointing. I don’t recommend this place.
Courtney Boudreau
Been going here for 16 years as an African Nova scotian mixed heritage. I recommend you try this delicious food and this traditional chicken. It's out of this world. I promise you you won't be disappointed. I will continue to go here for the rest of my life. Thank you for your delicious food
My favorite chicken by far, almost addicted to it😂 got 2 whole chickens and I almost ate an entire one over the counter. Delicious, halal, & 10/10
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken BBQ
Sadia Y
Sometimes they get your order right, other times it’s way off. Either way, they never acknowledge when they’re wrong. Customer service isn’t expected. Rudeness is expected. Being ignored, having the employees roll their eyes at you is all normal here. But we never say anything. Because when they do get it right, it’s the most amazing well seasoned chicken on a grill you’ve ever had. Lately they have been getting it very wrong, but still I line up, on my best behaviour, hoping wishing and praying that they do get it right.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Rhedo H.
The restaurant has taken a nosedive in recent times. The food quality has plummeted to a point where it's simply horrible, and unfortunately, the same can be said for their customer service.
Despite giving this place multiple chances, the consistent letdowns in both the quality of the dishes and the customer service have left me with no desire to return.
As echoed in numerous reviews, the process of ordering through the phone is utterly pointless. Not only are you forced to wait in line alongside people who didn't place an order, but you also end up having to repeat your order, adding to the frustration. The wait time of 20+ minutes further tests your patience, making the experience even less enjoyable.
The ambiance at the Vanier location is far from ideal. The kitchen smoke and uncomfortable heat create an environment that's far from pleasant. Waiting for your food inside results in leaving the place sweaty and smelling like food. Oddly, this issue seems to be absent at the downtown location, leaving me to question the consistency in their standards.
While the food does possess a unique flavor profile, it's overshadowed by the consistent poor quality and shockingly inconsistent portion sizes. The price, coupled with the horrible customer service, makes it impossible to justify a return visit.
I strongly recommend that the management seriously reevaluates the direction the Vanier location is headed. Perhaps, focusing their efforts on maintaining the standards of the downtown branch would serve them better. It's a pity to see what was once a promising dining option turn into a disappointing and regrettable choice.
Last review: I gave this place a second chance, but unfortunately, nothing had changed, it only confirmed how little they value their customers.Even when you order over the phone, expect to wait at least 30 minutes,that hasn't changed. There also seems to be favoritism,certain customers will get their food before you while you probably waited 40min. If the person taking your order forgets about you, you're looking at another 30min wait. It's absolutely not worth the hassle.I regret giving it a chance but at least now I know I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Kina D
Food here is amazing. Well seasoned. Price is expensive
Black smoke and an unbearable stench pollute the air throughout the year, without pause. For nearly five years, residents of the surrounding area have been suffering and repeatedly filing complaints with the city council, yet no action has been taken. Such negligence and corruption are among the root causes of decline in any country. Many of us left our homeland in search of a better future, only to find ourselves in a society sliding into disorder due to unregulated immigration, often exploited by organized groups. Sadly, this is the reality of Canada today, under Prime Minister Trudeau’s government.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Best Charcoal BBQ Chicken in Ottawa! 🔥
So flavorful, juicy, and fresh, hands down my favorite. Perfectly paired with naan or paratha. This has become my go to takeout spot on no-cook days, and it never disappoints. So yum! 🤤
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken
They have to make a lot of effort to become a real restaurant. They are famous for the African food but they are not good ambassadors for Africa. Also, the smell of cooking is everywhere at 200 hundred meters around. That's bad 👎
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken, Alloco, Atiéké
Excellent takeout. Service was quick.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very bad service they give me the food super spicy I go back to the store asking kindly to change my plate they give one pace of chicken wich was subused to be hlaf chicken they didnt refuse to change the rice after paying 47dollars for 2 meals when I ordered the food I asked 5 times not to be spicy I don't recommend nobody eats there unless you want wasit your money and your time
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Concern About Recent Chicken Price Increase
Dear Ykossngrill Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been a loyal customer and recently made the trip—30 minutes one way—to buy grilled chicken, only to be told the price has now increased to $27. I understand that prices have gone from $20 to $25, and now $27, but this latest increase feels excessive, especially with no clear explanation from management.
I was surprised to hear that the staff are not responsible for the change and that it was introduced by the owner. I fully understand the cost of living is rising and that chicken in stores can cost between $12 to $14. However, as a bulk buyer, a business like yours should be able to maintain more reasonable prices, especially when buying at wholesale.
Raising the price to $27 per chicken—with no additional value added—seems unfair to loyal customers, and honestly, disappointing. I’m not usually one to report businesses, especially African-owned ones I support, but I believe this type of pricing should be reviewed by Ontario’s consumer protection authorities if it continues without justification.
I urge you to reconsider the pricing or at least provide transparency about the reasons behind these increases.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
This location is horrible! I don’t understand why they give u a number when u call to place an order yet once u arrive in person to pick it up, they don’t recall the number given and oblige you to wait in line no matter what. It’s misleading. The service really needs to change. The front desk/ Cashier should not be the same person cooking in the back. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to support Afro-businesses… now I have to scratch this one off my list.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
One of the best barbeque chicken, bar none!
Take out only.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very bad experience with YKO BBQ Chicken at 375 McArthur Ave., Vanier. This is the second time I’ve had a problem.I ordered a meal with half chicken and plantain, but they gave me old leftover plantain and chicken with no leg. The food did not look fresh, and I didn’t get what I paid 23$ for. Very disappointing. I don’t recommend this place.
Been going here for 16 years as an African Nova scotian mixed heritage. I recommend you try this delicious food and this traditional chicken. It's out of this world. I promise you you won't be disappointed. I will continue to go here for the rest of my life. Thank you for your delicious food
Restaurantji Recommends
My favorite chicken by far, almost addicted to it😂 got 2 whole chickens and I almost ate an entire one over the counter. Delicious, halal, & 10/10
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken BBQ
Sometimes they get your order right, other times it’s way off. Either way, they never acknowledge when they’re wrong. Customer service isn’t expected. Rudeness is expected. Being ignored, having the employees roll their eyes at you is all normal here. But we never say anything. Because when they do get it right, it’s the most amazing well seasoned chicken on a grill you’ve ever had. Lately they have been getting it very wrong, but still I line up, on my best behaviour, hoping wishing and praying that they do get it right.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
The restaurant has taken a nosedive in recent times. The food quality has plummeted to a point where it's simply horrible, and unfortunately, the same can be said for their customer service.
Despite giving this place multiple chances, the consistent letdowns in both the quality of the dishes and the customer service have left me with no desire to return.
As echoed in numerous reviews, the process of ordering through the phone is utterly pointless. Not only are you forced to wait in line alongside people who didn't place an order, but you also end up having to repeat your order, adding to the frustration. The wait time of 20+ minutes further tests your patience, making the experience even less enjoyable.
The ambiance at the Vanier location is far from ideal. The kitchen smoke and uncomfortable heat create an environment that's far from pleasant. Waiting for your food inside results in leaving the place sweaty and smelling like food. Oddly, this issue seems to be absent at the downtown location, leaving me to question the consistency in their standards.
While the food does possess a unique flavor profile, it's overshadowed by the consistent poor quality and shockingly inconsistent portion sizes. The price, coupled with the horrible customer service, makes it impossible to justify a return visit.
I strongly recommend that the management seriously reevaluates the direction the Vanier location is headed. Perhaps, focusing their efforts on maintaining the standards of the downtown branch would serve them better. It's a pity to see what was once a promising dining option turn into a disappointing and regrettable choice.
Last review: I gave this place a second chance, but unfortunately, nothing had changed, it only confirmed how little they value their customers.Even when you order over the phone, expect to wait at least 30 minutes,that hasn't changed. There also seems to be favoritism,certain customers will get their food before you while you probably waited 40min. If the person taking your order forgets about you, you're looking at another 30min wait. It's absolutely not worth the hassle.I regret giving it a chance but at least now I know I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Food here is amazing. Well seasoned. Price is expensive
The food there is delicious.
Loading...