Yamato is a quiet, classic restaurant that’s highly respected for its quality, and frequented by those in the know. Its menu is an authentic local showcase of some of the best that Japanese cuisine offers.

Food

The ingredients used at Yamato are exceptionally fresh. Those not found locally are imported from the motherland and are therefore the real thing. The menu is extensive and warrants a number of visits, especially for those not familiar with the variety and delicacy of Japanese cuisine. There are à la carte choices as well as set menus and dinner combos. Start with their mouth-watering Wakame (seaweed) salad, or share a selection of their famous flavour-packed dumplings (Gyoza), often made from rice flour, fried, then steamed and wrapped around fillings. Standouts include the pork dumplings and the excellent tempura choices. Their top-class sushi and maki also tempts the taste buds. Favourite mains include the crispy chicken, as well as the oyster sauce beef with rice and egg on the side. The bento box – a Japanese-style lunch box the composition of which changes daily – makes an ample meal for two.

Sushi on a plate at Yamato Japanese Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Drinks

Sake comes in different varieties – and qualities – and Yamato‘s is very good – served hot or cold. There’s Japanese beer as well as a good wine list. Tea is also served.

A meat dish at Yamato Japanese Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

The servers are reasonably informed and do the job adequately.

The interior at Yamato Japanese Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

The food, as well as the open-plan sushi kitchen, creates the atmosphere in this smallish space.

And …

For those a little confused by the range of options and choices, try one of a number of tailored mini-menus, such as the Yamato Bento (excellent miso soup, sashimi, a vegetable dish, and delicious battered and deep-fried prawn tempura and fried rice).

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read the editorial policy here.

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