Review Yamato Japanese Restaurant

Pavlina F.

Wow, this place is 5 stars plus. The fish was falling apart in my mouth. So tender and flavorsome. The vegetables were prepared so well too, with amazing sauces to go with. The service was fast and friendly.

Aylwyn Gan

Food was good, very fresh serving of sushi but service was kind of slow, maybe it was a crowded midweek. Seems very popular with the locals too for a good Japanese dinner. Prices are quite pocket friendly too

Amelia Jensen

Fabulous food! The staff are amazing and the service is quick. There is tables to sit at around one side of the restaurant or you can sit in area where they make the food in front of you. Delicious food, it is on the expensive side but definitely worth it!

Bill Park

Yamato has always been my favorite. I like the new owner :) she’s very friendly. Food review 1) sushi rice can be less sweet 2) fish and tamago sushi were perfect 3) shrimp popcorn too sweet and too much sauces 4) tofu salad can have more salads? 5) udon was good 6) negitoro was good 7) tataki was good but maybe dressings on the beef might be better? 8) waitresses were bit lost and confused not sure why. I came in and they were busy among themselves so I had to wait in front of the counter awkwardly… Anyhow, definitely good sushi, better than Auckland

Michael C

Sashimi are so fresh and sushi are very yummy. Suggest sitting at the table area rather the sushi bar area.

Vicky Huang

Lovely sashimi boat, and very busy restaurant. We arrived 6pm the restaurant just opened, after sitting down, the restaurant fill up very quickly

houdini 1827

We had the best experience today. The service from all staff was amazing. The manager was so welcoming, friendly and accommodating. The food was absolutely spectacular. My favourite place to eat out. We definitely will be dinning there on a regular basis. Could not fault anything. Great job to everyone. Thank you. Keep up the great work. U guys rock.

Tina Huang

We drove all the way from Hamilton to try Tomato, as friend highly recommended this restaurant. And we love it! The sashimi was so fresh, and the prawn roll sushi was crunchy and fresh. Impressive!

IL Deko

Belated review. Came in on a Saturday afternoon and the place is packed, good sign. The sashimi is fresh and the tempura udon is the authentic Japanese taste, yummy yummy. Will definitely patronize again whenever I'm in Rotorua and crave for Japanese food.

H RY

I used to live in Japan some years ago. This is definitely one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in NZ. Real taste of Japan with reasonable price. We spent $71 for our family of 4 and we couldn’t finish it all and not to mention the food was so delicious. I hope we can find the same quality of Japanese cuisine in Auckland as well. Will definitely go back for more whenever we are in Rotorua. Highly recommend!

Ben Vickery

Lunch bento boxes, good value. Food 4/5. Nice and chewy noodles, good quality beef, deep fried chicken still juicy. Battered fish tempura was a disappointment, tasted like it came straight out of a supermarket unlike the rest of the food. Service was polite, prompt, and helpful, food came quickly. 5/5 Ambience, cute and very Asian. 4/5

Jia Hui Li Quan

Love this place! I live in Auckland and there are nice JP restaurant there. But very expensive. A bit over priced . But in Rotorua this JP restaurant I am highly recommend. The food is nice and the price is reasonable. I went there twice during a 4 days visits. Remember to book before you go. The restaurant is so popular . You may not get a seat if you don’t book.

Jtms.enquiries

Friendly and fast service, our order was served so quickly. The fish is very fresh, sashimi and nigiri were great. We would highly recommend a visit!

Sharon Ngai

Quality food every time I come. Friendly staff and service. Although the wait can be long sometimes, definitely worth it! I will be returning every time I am in rotorua :)

Jerry Liu

Best Japanese restaurant in NZ I reckon. Polite waiter and freshest fish. Booking is definitely recommended or else you will not get a seat and will wait.

Bernardo Jacobi

Amazing quality Japanese food. Only downside was the waiting time. Waiters however were very polite and the sushi chef maintained a calm demeanor despite piling orders. We tried the pork and the chicken Don ... Yum! So good! Also topped with fried calamari tentacles ...it didn't need any soy sauce or anything at all. Food was just amazing. I'm definitely coming back despite the long wait.

Victor Ko

Food is very good, fresh and delicious! Give us a very authentic feel of Japanese cuisine. Considering in such high level of quality, price is really reasonable!

Kimberley

Great place. Some of the best Japanese we have had. Was quite a long wait but we weren’t in a hurry and definitely worth it! Would highly recommend.

Foodie

Sashimi was nice. Service was good. The only disappointing dish was tempura. I thing they didn't mix the better properly and it was like eating lumps of flour. That was actually horrible. Other than that it was OK.

Jan

Craving for Japanese food, friend and I decided to come here at 6 on a Wednesday evening. Packed as we walked in, the manager kindly shuffle a few things to create more seats for us. The place was buzzing - by the entrances was a large U-shape dining area surrounding the chef, busy creating sashimi art in the middle. We got seated right by the action, watching the chef work his magic made the long wait for food more bearable . I had the 18 pieces sashimi on rice, amazingly fresh fish and generously cut, this cost only $23. Will definitely be back next time I am in Rotorua.

Hilary Campbell

Came here for lunch. I ordered the steak on rice bowl which comes with miso soup and pickles. Everything was cooked really well and the meat was really tender but there just wasn't alot of flavour going on which was disapointing. I added alot of soy sauce and the chilli powder mix that were on the table to it to give it some flavour, it was much better then. It would have also been nice if there was some sauce on it. The miso soup was nice though.

TaystèBhud

After reading several reviews on here I decided to go and see for myself.. as it turned out..it was my mistake.. service was pretty slow.. the food .. well.. sh1t... I've had much much better Japanese food from standard sushi bars.. the worst karaage chicken I've had.. sorry guys. I'm being generous with a 2/5. By the way I mark on food and service only.. decor means nothing to me.. sort it out yamato.. my innards and outards need and deserve better. Thankfully i dont need to go back. Patrick Mullen

Petitesweetsnz

Chirashi and deluxe chirashi were the best value items in the menu. Big pieces of fresh sashimi. We also had the unagi (eel) don and the tempura udon. Nice service and busy place.

Mighty Will

Excellent food. Good value and tasty! Would definitely come again when in Rotorua. We had, chicken karaange, squid karaange, yakitori octopus balls, sushi selection and eel on rice. Delicious! I'd recommend making a reservation or get there early cos within 10mins of opening, the place was packed.

Jelly

Waited a very long time for lunch 40 minutes and I was dining alone not acceptable and they weren't apologetic. Very average food not value for money

Daeosjun

The service here is terrible. Had to wait ages just to order. I honestly don't mind waiting a bit for my food but when people who ordered way after you gets served first..its just not acceptable

Gatel Banget

Just ok food with ok service. Nothing special. Came with other 8 mate but not really impressed with their service. We ordered chicken n beef but the rice not warm just dry n cold.

Paul O

I'm not sure if it was a case of having low expectations or if Yamato is really that good, but I think it's the latter. The dining room and decorations are nothing flash but it's the sushi and sashimi chefs doing their thing in an island-style open kitchen who attract the attention of the diners. The sashimi was very fresh and had been beautifully sliced and assembled. The agedashi tofu was probably the tastiest I have tried. The salmon sushi was very nice and the plain udon was packed with flavour. Takoyaki were not perfect but still very good. Overall service was attentive and prices were very fair.

Henri

Always go to his restaurant when I am in Rotorua on Business. Was there last week for dinner and also last night. Always welcoming and plenty of seats. You can have a table or sit around the Sushi bar which I prefer. The food is always fresh and comes out quickly no matter how busy it is. My favorite is the Sashimi and the Udon noodles. They have different sizes and depending on how hungry you are they cater for you. Service great, Saki always good and the fish is always fresh. Highly recommend this place if you like traditional Japanese.

Carli

Authentic and delicious Japanese food! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and fantastic service. I come from a family of VERY fussy sashimi eaters, and our deluxe sashimi was perfectly fresh with the texture you hope for. From the photos I could tell that the Tuna wouldn't quite be up to my standard (a bit too bright/artificial pink), so we replaced this with salmon. Enjoyed every minute of our meal while sat at the sushi bar. It was exciting to find beautiful Japanese food whilst in NZ.

❤️Irene

My favour restaurant in Rotorua! I come here if I stay in Rotorua~ As usual, we ordered deluxe sashimi set, nigiri and yakitori. I love the sashimi as they are fresh enough. I finished 48 pieces in total wiz my boyfriend. We are satisfied I will definitely come again next time

Rosemary Young

One of my favourite restaurants in Rotorua. I have been here serveral times and it has never failed me. This place is one of my must visit places when I am in Rotorua, I am also willing to drive from Taupo to Rotorua just to dine here - which I have done so in the past. The food here is not only fresh and authentic, it is also delicious. One of the favourite things I like to do is sit on the bar, watching the sushi chef perform his trade. Please check out website for an indepth review

Supergirlnz

Below average at best. I ordered the oyaki-don and there was so much liquid it was pretty much soup and rice was really soggy. Bland tasting as well.

Alayna

Yamato sushi is always made fresh right in front of you and the quality of food is consistent and is nothing short of perfection every time. My family and I have eaten here many times over the years trying a variety of different dishes and have never been disappointed.

Rachel Gao

The food is okay, however I waited for 1 hr, the service is terrible, they didn't even welcome you but just letting you stand there and wait. I'll never come back again.

Steven Mitchell

Shocking service. Expect to have to risk looking like a shouting maniac to get any sort of attention from the rude staff. We got the sashimi deluxe, along with a few more meals and beer. The kingfish was not fresh, but on mentioning it to the waitress, who just walked off without even bothering to give us any sort of response, the manager came out just to say the kingfish is fresh. He just came out to tell us we were wrong with not even a single apology. So we finished our meal, obviously except the terrible kingfish, and settled our bill. Again, no apology. The service and attitude of staff is even worse than the food and the cold, dim, unwelcoming atmosphere. The place needs a good clean, but more importantly, for sashimi, they should be making sure it's served fresh! I honestly hope no one gets food poisoning from what was served tonight at Yamato, a disgrace of a so-called-hospitality business.

Sara Shi

The worst Japanese restaurant I have ever been,we have waited for almost one hour to have the thing that we have ordered.and it tastes very badly,the fish on sushi tastes like fat.definitely not coming again !

Wd276428644

taste badly, cant understand why rated 4.0. There wasn't too many people but we waited for more than 40 minutes. Its really a horrible experience

Farran Jonker

Yamato is amazing. It has to be the most authentic Japanese cuisine experience since being in Japan itself. The set up reminds me of the Katsu and Ramen places around Tokyo. The food tastes the same and that is awesome! I also love how you can see them making the sushi with fresh ingredients, and they are very generous with servings. All in all a must do, wish they were in Auckland!!

Cindy Ong

They serve sushi, sashimi and reasonable bento lunch set. The fish used to make sashimi and sushi is very fresh. If you opt for Asian food in Rotorua this is a good place.

John Chin

Visited Rotorua on a work trip and decided to give Yamato a try. Over ordered a bit due to hunger but struggled to finish the food at the end. The Tempura was average, wasn't as light and crispy as the ones in Auckland and a bit oily. The Sushi roll was good with nice fluffy rice. The Chirashi was the last course and when the time comes, I was almost packed. Ate all the raw fish on top leaving the rice. Didn't like the Chirashi that much as IMO it was wrong to serve cold fish on warm rice.

Chloe-Mae

Came here for take sways tonight, got 2 tuna 2 salmon 2 egg nigiri and a salad was yummy :-) have had better but it was decent nice Quilty fresh ingredients next time I'm down for business il be sure to try again also had a glass on red while I waited $5 and glass was huge great stuff

Eatyofeelings

Out of the Japanese run restaurants I have been to in New Zealand, Yamato is definitely one of the best. Highly recommended. Quite authentic and try out the side dishes it won't disappoint.

MoFoZed

One of the best sushi places I have been to, a bit pricier than the simple takeaway ones but the food is really worth it! I have eaten here a lot of times & brought friends along. Also, I only experienced one time ordering something else other than my usual sushi--and it was superb, good serving size and yummy! Update: took a Japanese friend to Yamato and she was just ecstatic! She claimed the food was superb and definitely authentic! I was so glad to have taken her to the right place! I definitely recommend this place!

Updn

Despite sudden partial power outage to the lights above the chefs station, he still managed to delivered his prestigious knife work and flavoring to each of the dishes. There are a few interior renovation improvements they can consider but the quality of their food made up for it. We're amazed by how busy this restaurant can get, we were advised a 30mins wait on the food...and they delivered bang on the dot! Really did enjoyed the food, the presentation and it's customer service level. Will visit again in my future Rotorua trips.

El Adlam

food was yum, very authentic loved it! great experience lovely, attentive staff, just a bit small in size, waiting time was fabulously short.

Michael Poole

Rotorua's Yamato Japanese Restaurant came as a pleasant suprise. This was our second visit, and we expected it to be good again, and it was. Authentic Japanese food in Rotorua? Yes, it is possible, and here's where you get it. They're not gourmet dining by Japanese standards (i.e. in Japan itself), but their authenticity and good quality earn them a well-deserved 4 stars from us. We'll be back!

Renee Wright

I love going to this restaurant. I used to live in Rotorua and when I go back for work or to visit family I always go there. I have taken so many people to that restaurant!! Go there!! Beautiful food!! My only concern is that it doesn't open on Mondays!!!

Rayner Akurangi

I had tried a couple of sushi places previously but didn't think too highly of the food. Over priced for little portions of raw fish and I love big chunks of salmon in my sushi rolls. Then my wife made me try the food at Yamato's and it was delicious. Compared to takeaway sushi bars Yamato's is slightly cheaper, and to watch them make the different types of fresh food before your eyes is another experience. I've been getting out of my comfort zone and trying squid and everything I thought I'd never try. I've tried many different sushi restaurants around NZ since and only Nelson came a little close. I recommend them to anyone.

Ryan Parkin

This place is what dreams are made of, talk about great food and service, the fresh Sushimi was just great, the service for the kids and the quality of the food blew us away, highly recommended as a good well priced Japanese resto, Bravo. Negatives are the decor, it does not match the high level of food presentation.

Dave Jillett

I have dined at yamato since it opened. I usually take novice Japanese food diners there as I know the quality is always high. Top food, top service and friendly. their Karaage is the best I've eaten in NZ and Asia

Kristy Tuhura

Absolutely love the food here, great menu with nice variety. My partner had steak on rice and steak was cooked to perfection. Couldn't get better service either. Lovely atmosphere.

Sam

Having read a somewhat negative review of yamato the same evening before going there, I was sceptical as to how good the food would be. I can now say that yamato has some of the best japanese food I've ever had. The sashimi was fresh and flavoursome, and the service was both friendly and timely. I would definitely recommend yamato to anyone looking for an authentic japanese meal.

Maria Ambags

After reading all the brilliant reviews about Yamato we decided to try it out for ourselves. We eat Japanese 2-3 times a Month and were really looking forward to this experience. Sorry to say it was a big disappointment. Service was very friendly, no problem there, but food was not very good. Tataki was far to thickly sliced, therefore hard to digest, and still partly frozen. Sashimi de luxe was very fresh but over prized. Tempura soggy and not crisp at all, presented flat on a plate on top of each other did not help to keep it crisp. After I complained about it it was put back in the fryer, that made it even soggier and fatty. Sorry that I can't be more positive, but I had expected better.

Earnie

Love coming here. Friendly welcome, can sit at the sushi bar or in the restaurant. The food is always great even as take away. Its been my education on Japanese food. Can not recommend it enough.

Izzi Q

Delicious fresh food. My family come here often. Very good friendly service and a highly skilled chef. Meals are priced affordable. If you enjoy Japanese cuisine, put Yamoto on your list of must go cafes. The beer is nice too.

Merejoy

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!! This is an amazing Japanese Restaurant. Love it. Love it. Love it. We always take friends and family to Yamato's when a dinner out is on our plan. It is FANTASTIC!

Pauline Rothman

I have dined at the Yamato Restaurant for a number of years, I just love the food and the service is excellent. I enjoy the California Sushi. Just the best.

Andrew Perkins

My partner and I travel to Rotorua about four times a year just to go to this restaurant. The menu is authentic and service is excellent - quite clearly one of the best Japanese restaurants in New Zealand.

Romanes

would have to be the best japanese restraunt in the country, ive been to many and been to japan. Service is excellent and is the best value for money

Anne M

I have been to many Japanese restaurants and this by far in the Bay of Plenty is the best! I have visited Japan regularly and this is as close as you will get to sampling the many traditional foods. The service is authentic and the food is devine! I throughly enjoy dinning at Yamato and recommend it to all who enjoy satisfying food.

Ted Ronayne

Excellent food and service, I can't recommend Yamato highly enough. Even if you are not into Japanese food there's plenty on the menu, like katsudon, that isn't too challenging. Try it once and I'm sure you'll be back.

A Beets

Great food at great prices. I often eat here for lunch or dinner. Always busy.

Review Yamato Japanese Restaurant - Rotorua