Restaurant Yamazato is one of The Netherlands leading Asian restaurants. It is located on the ground floor of the prestigious Okura Hotel in Amsterdam. The Okura hotel is a true food lover’s paradise with – besides Yamazato – also the 2 Michelin star fine dining Ciel Bleu restaurant, Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka and the all-day restaurant Serre.

In the kitchen, Chef Masanori Tomikawa and his team serve the authentic kaiseki cuisine. The kitchen of kaiseki is partly influenced by the ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony. A style where the Zen philosophy of minimalism and control is used. Yamazato Restaurant is the first traditional kaiseki restaurant outside of Japan that is awarded a Michelin star. This is one of the very few traditional Japanese restaurants in Europe and takes you as close as possible to the genuine cuisine from the East without actually travelling there.

The restaurant is designed in true Sukiya style based on the centuries old Japanese houses with a clean and simple look and feel. It has a classical atmosphere and this gives you an instant feeling of being in Japan. Yamazato is divided into different dining areas, making it also an ideal choice for groups, and a live sushi counter where guests can watch the sushi-masters at work. The typically ambiance at Yamazato is further complimented by the excellent service. Waitresses in traditional kimonos serve you with professionalism and elegance.

What is very interesting with Yamazato Restaurant is that the team cares for their carbon footprint and does not import everything from Japan. On the contrary, most of the ingredients including the seafood are coming from Europe and that works brilliant. All the flavours are spot on so no lacks when it comes to having an authentic Japanese cuisine experience of top quality.

In addition to the sushi counter and the very interesting à la carte dishes, you can also enjoy a seasonal “Hana Kaiseki” menu with the recommendations from the chef. This menu will start with some Tsukidashi or appetizers, such as the “Karashi Miso-ae (scallop marinated with Japanese mustard and Miso-), or the “Tazuna sushi” (sushi of shrimp laced with egg, eel and cucumber). This entertaining start is followed with various light dishes like sashimi, fish soup or variations of lobster tempura. As a main course, “Shiizakana”, or grilled filled of beef with minced chicken and Miso sauce is served on a hot stone. The “Mizukashi” (selection of seasonal Japanese desserts) is a great and light end of your meal. Do not forget to match your menu with a pairing wine & sake menu!

Visiting Yamazato restaurant in Amsterdam ensures a true Japanese experience. Tomikawa’s presentations of the food and his cooking look simple, but are always executed with extreme precision and skill. The elegance in both preparation and seasonal taste will leave a great memory for everyone.

The Restaurant

The Food

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Written by Sven & Frank