What a wonderful place this is. In the heart of Chinatown and up a laneway is this great japanese restuarant.
I've been here a couple of times and on my latest visit I had a banquet dinner which was superb.
We had some delicious sushimi, fried gyozas, seaweed, tempura, a yummy soup, a BIG hot pot (I forgot the pic) and some green tea ice cream and a vanilla ice cream with red bean.
Everything was really tasty and for a city restuarant this was excellent value.
They also serve some Japanese rice beer and a variety of sakes.
I had the best time and I'm definitely going back! Happy days.
Previous review - February 2017
Dropped in here for lunch. I had the large sashimi plate which was really good. A selection of kingfish, salmon and tuna. Served w a miso soup. Yummmm haha
The service was really friendly and happy, and this was a really good reasonably priced choice for lunch.
Worth a visit of your looking for some fresh food tasty food.
Yamato is like a hidden gem in China town. Perfect place for a couple or small group drinking! (But not for loud rowdy group though). So 5* for the ambiance.
Food is hit and miss so I’d rate 3.5*. Some dishes are quite little and too salty. Bear in mind it’s a bar, not a place to have a meal or proper food.
Would love to come back for a slow drink next time!
Cosy little restaurant tucked in Corrs Lane in Chinatown, you would miss it if you weren't looking for it. The ambience seems very authentic Japanese, it initially feels very cramped but after you getting settled in it just feels cute and cosy. The service was great and the wait staff were very polite. We ordered the eggplant and I got the tempura udon noodles. The wait was a little long but I guess it's because there was only one chef and everything was made as fresh as possible. The other table ordered sushi which looked incredible, so I'm coming back to try that. Overall, probably one of the cosiest little Japanese restaurants you can find in Melbourne and would definitely recommend their food.
Yamato is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. Lovely cosy atmosphere and carefully prepared authentic food. Moderate price range, but definitely excellent value ♡
Really cute and tiny restaurant in China town. Beautiful sushi, tempura and gyoza! The Japanese curry was a bit bland but otherwise great selection. I would suggest booking here, especially if more than 2 people!
The salmon steak and the sauce it came with was delicious and perfectly cooked! 5/5
Hotpot was okay, thought the beef could've been better.
Cute restaurant, very Japanese styled.
Firts of all — BIG LOVE for the ambience. It’s such a small but pretty restaurant, makes you feel that you’re actually at Japan, not Melbourne. As for the food i love their ika butter, but i warned you, it’s salty. I’m into salty dishes so this one becomes my favorite instantly.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Yamato is one of the few places that has hyped me up for my first trip to japan. Location is very Melbournian in that it is tucked in the end of Corrs Lane. You can even enter through a narrow slip lane from Lonsdale St.
Ordered:
🍜 Zaru Soba: Buckwheat noodles with special dipping sauce ($11.30)
🍤 Tempura: prawn, fish & vegetable Tempura ($10.30)
Review:
I had a heavy craving for soba. Luckily, Yamato provided but it wasn't prepared as I normally had it. I expected the buckwheat noodles to be heaped by itself, to be dipped into a smaller separate sauce on the side. Instead, I was presented with a cold noodle bowl, with broth, with ICE IN IT and a dollop of wasabi on the side.
However, I did not let this deter me from a great experience!
Batter was crispy, nice and thin. Trying to capture the last few crumbs on my plate before it was taken away.
Interior was incredibly cute, with yellow light creating a warm atmosphere. Although the tables were a bit tight where you could hear the conversation of the people next to you, it was still okay. The decor is astounding. Peppered with trinkets everywhere, there's lots to stare at and be amused by!
+1 Yamato can do split bills. 😂
This is place is small, cute and tucked away at the end of the lane which makes it more exciting. It's a very cosy atmosphere - exactly the kind of place I would want to spend a cold night. Staff are friendly and the food is delicious - I particularly liked the salmon sashimi on rice (served in a sizzling stone bowl with a pat of chive butter I think). Also try the plum wine with honey - it's heaven.
4.5
This was exactly like stepping into an izakaya in Japan, complete with waitresses that could barely speak English. We started with crab n potato croquettes, yakitori and a salad with fried prawn. All dishes were top notch. A couple of serves of the perfect pork gyoza followed along with miso and the seafood tempura. All dishes were fantastic. This place is definitely worth checking out.
The food here was quite good, I got the takoyaki which was made so well, the kimichi which really hit the spot, not to mention that the vegetarian gyoza was delicious and I’ll definitely be ordering that again. The atmosphere was very pleasant and quite enough that I was yelling or straining to hear my partner rather we were able to have a pleasant conversation with out going horse! The only thing that could stand to use improvement was the music, it was a very short playlist with only a few songs personally I’m not usually bothered by this but I know some like my partner can find this slightly jarring.
Came here with a friend and we had a feast. We ordered a variety of things, the standouts being the okonomiyaki and marinated eggplant. The marinate for the eggplant had a touch of sweetness, it was lovely and the okonomiyaki was fresh and tasty, there was a lot of octopus too.
The service and restaurant was friendly and good. Definitely worth a visit.
A+ for authenticity. I really felt like I was back in Japan. It’s a disarmingly simple looking restaurant in a narrow alleyway serving very good food at reasonable prices.
Yes Yes Yes! Yamato has it all. The food is delicious. The small dishes are perfect for sharing and at their price, you can share many. The larger dishes are more substantial but I usually pick the smaller ones. The sushi is always good, the tempura outstanding and the agedashi tofu should be put on a pedestal. A good range of sakes tops it off. Just go here.
Such a great little Japanese place tucked away out of sight. Worth the time to find it. Always packed, with a couple of tables at the back you need to take your shoes off to eat at.
The food is really nice and well cooked. We only had vegetarian so can't speak for other options.
Ambience - tiny, tucked in a quiet lane, gives off an authentic Japanese escape you wouldn't even know you're only metres from the hustle and bustle of the city
Food
Tonkatsu Bento - filling, reasonably priced for a lunch special, taste is good although the rice seemed to be a little dry but the noritama topping made up for it, pork is crunchy lightly seasoned, it also came with a spoonful serving of beef sukiyaki of some sort, the seaweed salad provided a nice balance
Matcha Cheesecake
Delicate, beautiful texture, matcha not too overpowering
Store accepts cards for bills over 25AUD
Service is quick. We ordered some sushi and ramen and they came out pretty quick. Food is good and the price is reasonable. We definitely will come back
My favourite hidden gem of Melbourne. Took my boyfriend here as he was sceptical of Japanese cuisine having only ever tried sushi sushi... needless to say, thus changed his opinion pretty quick!
Love the service, it is very small and crampt but the food is worth it!
I’ve been meaning to visit this place for ages. Its a nice cozy little place that reminds me of my time in Japan. Service was fast and the food we had was good. Really enjoyed the udon and the sukiyaki. I probably wouldn’t do the katsu curry again though.
A hidden gem!
So so good and well priced. Sushi and sashimi is always perfect. Quick service in a tiny back alley restaurant, has a very authentic feel.
Charming little Izakaya restaurant hidden away in Corrs lane. Decent traditional Japanese food at without the hipster-non-Japanese-opened restaurant price tag. All the basic Japanese fare and shabu shabu/sukiyaki (cheap at $30) Expect about $40 per person, slightly cramped seating though. This is what you can expect from a small suburban restaurant in Japan.
Really good spot for a quiet sushi lunch. Small dining room and decent prices given the fish quality. Haven't been here for dinner but not sure I would given the ambience. Recommended for lunch though!
Sooo authentic! Delicious food and warm, traditional izakaya feel! Just like being back over there again. Hardest part is having to decide from so many great things on the menu!
Great little spot, food and service were excellent! Sushi and sashimi combo and spiced salmon role was highlight. Also great to bring your own wine along
Very authentic Japanese food, melt in the mouth sashimi! The spring rolls are the best I've ever had! Would recommend this restaurant as it is also very close to her majesty's theatre.
Ordered the Sukiyaki hot pot and it was the bomb when you come in during winter time. Such a warming meal to enjoy with your friends or family. We ordered 3 pax for 4 people eating and the quantity was enough to make us full, don't forget to eat it with rice too. The meat was tender, soup was so flavourful and there are plenty other of toppings such as tofu, mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables. A must try dish when you come here! Will come here again.
It’s been a while since my last visit here, and I was so excited to get back again; this is exactly the type of place I look for when I’m travelling and in search of an authentic food experience without the bells and whistles. And while that’s great, it’s important to remember to look for these places in your own backyard, too.
Nice homy japanese fare here for a reasonable price. Tried the sukiyaki bowl and tempura and both were solid. Really enjoyed the atmosphere here and the service as also nice, although food took a little while to come out, but not too long.
Very cute hidden away little restaurant! The atmosphere inside is very nice and warm. Staff are friendly and the food is decently priced and tastes good/good quality. Always come back here :) I recommend
Tucked away in a suspicious looking alley way. Dare to walk in to a cozy yet authentic place. Try everything I've had all vegetarian and seafood options and was impressed. Well priced and fast service if you're lucky to find a table the place fills up quickly. Worth a visit to delight your senses with Japanese flavours.
Been here on multiple occasions and ordered different things - today we ordered the first banquet menu - with crab gyoza, cucumber salad (which was literally two mouthfuls only), pork cutlet and marinated chicken as entrees, followed by sukiyaki hot pot and matcha ice cream. Service was average in terms of speed - it is quite a small place so understandable. The portions ARE on the small side (apart from the hot pot which we struggled to finish between the two of us - very generous with the beef!), but overall a very authentic location and interior with many many options on the menu to try. Do book beforehand to avoid queues however!
love their interior japanese design, feels very homey and comfy with selections of foods that remind me of home cooked meals. sushi rolls are good. would definitely come back to try other dishes.
Second night in Melbourne on this trip and this is the second Japanese restaurant. Obviously that's the theme.
A tad hard to find but well worth it.
100% authentic, I'm in Japan!
My sizzling salmon was fresh, tasty and not smothered in sugar. A side of pickles and a bowl of rice. Add 200ml of the house sake and you to can order like a boss.
This is my favourite Japanese restaurant in the CBD- small, intimate and cosy setting, always friendly service and the food never disappoints. Everyone I take here also loves it 👌
Yamato is a Japanese restaurant tucked away in the quieter side of China town in a laneway pass the popular Shanghai Dumplings restaurant. There are many types of Japanese restaurants in Melbourne but the majority of them do not appear authentic, which is why I did not consider this place at first despite it catching my eye whenever I walk past. After checking some reviews, and the menu, I saw that they had Unagi which was the deciding factor to give it a go.
This little place doesn't have the best location but is great value! The food was tasty, especially for what we paid and the portions were generous.
Yamato is a Melbourne institution & never disappoints. Has a comprehensive traditional Japanese menu, with a good sake selection & is very reasonably priced. Food is great & the staff are very friendly. Features two traditional Japanese dining tables as well as regular seating. A welcome relief from the plethora of modern/fusion 'Asian with a twist' dining options that have inundated Melbourne in recent years. Highly recommended.
Rememver to take cash with you, cause the minimum card eftpos is $25. Just because of the minimum and I have no cash on me, I have to order two sides and the lunch box... But the food is really really delicious. Highly recommended.
Tucked away in an alley is Yamoto - a little slice of Japan in Melbourne. It's small and cosy, with lovely staff and yummy Japanese food. Will always return for the hotpot!
Pretty traditional Japanese beer spot and serve lots of typical Japanese snacks! The price was quite reasonable and we ordered one Japanese hot pot was absolutely taste and worth its price. The other side dishes were good. The atmosphere within the restaurant was great, always packed with customers and table turnover rate were frequently high, nice trendy place for dining and hopefully can order more dishes next time when coming with more friends
Husband & I went there on a Tuesday night. Few people in there. Pretty small restaurant but cosy. The two Japanese waitresses were really nice and friendly. We ordered the banquet for 2 (sukiyaki) which was $28 a head. Miso soup & 4 small entrees, main meal was sukiyaki then ice cream. We also ordered house sake which was nice. Loved the whole atmosphere and food. Would definitely come back. Would be a good place to come for a meal before a show as located top end of little bourke St.
This is a very genuine Japanese restaurant with a warm atmosphere and lovely food at a very reasonable price. We enjoyed the miso soup, gyoza, edamame, sashimi and tempura vegetables - all were fresh and delicious. Customer service was wonderful. I will definitely return here next time I'm craving authentic Japanese food.
Yamato's restaurant facade seems inconspicuous. It's walls and sign looked worn down and a bit neglected. All the more, it made me curious.
You enter through this door that leads to a quaint, cozy and homey place. I was instantly transported to Asia; reminded me of my mum and how she would collect several tiny odd things that never seem to match each other. The place would be as what it might an Izakaya style restaurant in Japan.
Their lunch menu was impressive to me. They offer a variety of delightful menu. More so, they were cheap. Was impressed again by their servings - generous. Had a bite and, yup, I might be a regular here. Ordered a Yakiniku that came with Miso soup and rice. Though the rice serving was really small, I didn't mind since I don't each much of it. The taste was great, service was quick, place is fascinating.
Curiosity was rewarded.
Simply nice Japanese food in a great little place in China town. Tried a few main dishes (pork belly, sea food and salmon steak); great taste and reasonable pricing. As always amazing customer service that comes with Japanese people. Will return for sure.
Food: 8/10
Service : 9/10
Price : 8/10
The ramen was really nice, the pork soup was rich with the seafood mixture, definitely worth a try! However the rice was so disappointing, the sushi was hard and felt like overnight rice and falls apart when you pick it up! Also the steam rice felt under cooked as well!!!!!
Traditional Japanese at its best. Love the cozy seating and the local Tokyo downtown touch to the way this casual joint is made. Tempura is just about ok, however gyoza is one of the finest I have had here. The hotpot is amazing and very generous when sharing for two or more. Salmon steak is my favorite. Warm service and great experience overall.
The one in little china town I think it's Corrs lane, is fab... tiny but loads of atmosphere with tiny bespoke furniture and loads of Japanese styling on the walls and surfaces. It's anything but slick and minimalist but the food is to die for and it has the ONLY eggplant dish I'll eat. It's a regular!
We had dinner at Yamato on Friday.
It is indeed a super tiny place that makes you feel you're holidaying in Japan. Luckily, we arrived just before 6:30 without a booking a got a table straight away. Less than 10 min later the restaurant was full and people started to wait outside.
Very good service.
We ordered Takoyaki, seaweed salad and tempura to start, then continued with katsu nabe and tonkatsu.
The food was delicious and we left the restaurant with a full belly.
The only critique is on the katsu nabe. The dish was too sweet to our taste. My partner couldn't finish the dish because of the sweetness.
Apart from that, it was a very good experience and we'd happily be back next time we crave for Japanese food.
Yamato is a very Japanese place. Papers and posters are plastered everywhere in the typical busy Japanese fashion. It was small and quiet and warm. For most of the meal I was their only customer, which was fine with me.
Everything was yum and fresh, service was fantastic considering that in this weather all I would want to do is swat at people who constantly ask me for water. We will be back when the air con works properly and it's a little cooler.
Yamato is located in the deep end of Corrs Lane, the restaurant is cosy and busy. It must have gained its popularity through number of years in the Cheap Eat Food Guide, plus the freshly served food and its good menu attracted many Melbourne diners. I have taken photos of the entire menu, you can find them in the gallery below this post.
The food reminded me of Ootoya in Singapore, however, of slightly inferior quality and taste. It was a normal homemade Japanese fare in a cosy layout.
Bad day?. Yamato has been my favourite casual restaurant in Melbourne for 3 years now. I eat there maybe every couple of months, and usually come away very satisfied. However, last night (Jan 9, 2015) left me very disappointed. Maybe they had a different chef or new management (fingers crossed it was a one-off), but the Nasu Dengaku has turned from a beautifully prepared dish to a gelatinous mess. The salmon steaks were so half the size they normally are, as was the sukiyaki (there wasn't enough liquid in the bowl to actually cook the vegies). I write this not to put people off, but more in the hope that they can lift their game.
The food is alright,can be better,keep it up guys!!!
Magical. Honest and scrumptious food with a touch of elegance. Get the golden flake sake. Fell in love at this place and will always have a soft spot in my heart.
Excellent.. Godly. That's all you need to know.
Nice little eatery. Pretty cute place. Small but I liked the seating arrangement and how I was a little confused by the outside. It’s just a door at the bottom of an ally. I had the deep fried chicken which was served with some lettuce and a bit of mayo. I loved the dressing they used but was a little disappointed that it wasn't served with rice. For the price it wasn't too bad though. I’d definitely go back and try the rest of the items on the menu. I couldn't stop looking at what everyone else in the restaurant ordered and it looked great.
The service was also really good. I liked the fact that they weren't standing over you watching you eat, didn't harass you into ordering and didn't hurry you along soon as you finished eating.
Authentic foods with authentic settings!
Tried to visit this place about a year or two ago but was closed. This time, came across this place again and decided to give it a try.
We came here around 5pm and the tables started to fill up. The place isn't that big so I suggest to come early otherwise you may have to queue.
We ordered their banquet no.3 and the foods were very delicious. There were 8 courses including the appetizers, main, and desserts.
The salmon sashimi was very fresh and the nabe soup was very memorable! They put the chicken balls and the taste was like dumpling fillings.
The set was very good choice especially during cold weather. It warmed up or body and soul.
Will definitely come back next time to try other dishes.
Manatsawee LIMPRAPUWIWATTANA
+4
This secret Japanese restaurant is a must! Brilliantly cooked food and heaps of perfect Japanese drinks. The sushi roll was very nice. Price is affordable. Only one thing is space, booking is probably needed for 4 diners ++
Such a homey, authentic and atmospheric restaurant and truly feels like you're back in a family restaurant in Japan. One of Melbourne's hidden gems for sure, down a small alleyway and with a humble entrance with an old sign and handwritten notes, you wouldn't think too much of it were it not for the lines of people queuing in front once it's past 7. My friend and I came at 6 on a Tuesday and it was already very full in this small place, and we were asked to take our shoes off before seating on the tatami mats and cushions, and it already felt so homey.
There was a huge variety on the menu and the food was amazing. Would absolutely come back again.
I straight up blew away so much money here recently. Cosy, Authentic Japanese Izakaya hidden in an alleyway. Doesn't really promote themselves but it's always full. Perfect place for a couple or a small group drinking. Not exactly spacious inside but the interior was on point with Japanese songs playing in the background.
Tried most of their dishes and I highly recommend their Sukiyaki, Beef Tataki, and this Japanese cocktail in a jug (forgot the name!) Their Sukiyaki = best value-for-money. Light, simple, and delicious. Huge portion size too.
FYI, their beer is a bit expensive ($10.50 for a glass). So if you are planning to drink drink, bring a bottle yourself ($10 corkage fee). Definitely my new favourite place!
What a wonderful place this is. In the heart of Chinatown and up a laneway is this great japanese restuarant.
I've been here a couple of times and on my latest visit I had a banquet dinner which was superb.
We had some delicious sushimi, fried gyozas, seaweed, tempura, a yummy soup, a BIG hot pot (I forgot the pic) and some green tea ice cream and a vanilla ice cream with red bean.
Everything was really tasty and for a city restuarant this was excellent value.
They also serve some Japanese rice beer and a variety of sakes.
I had the best time and I'm definitely going back! Happy days.
Tight cozy Japanese restaurant hidden off in Chinatown area. Tasty food with good portion sizes. Not great for a big group. Ideal for couples or 3-4 people. Very enjoyable experience there.
Very cosy Japanese restaurant, gotta take off your shoes to sit in a Japanese style chair and table. We had standard Japanese dishes like sashimi and nigiri. Entries we had Nasu dengaku, tayoyaki katsu don and tempura. The pokka lychee was an ultimate thirst quencher in that hot day but it was only 300ml. Pretty standard, good taste and good atmosphere. They play some jpop songs.
This is probably the cutest and most authentically Japanese restaurants I’ve been to in Melbourne. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in Chinatown with a second location on Exhibition. It’s full of Japanese knick knacks and offers a menu that rotates (or at least during covid it does). On the night I visited, it was izakaya style.
I ordered satisfyingly chewy agedashi mochi served in a flavourful broth, tender and flavourful nasu dengaku, greens in a sesame dressing and a side of rice. I didn’t try any drinks but from what I saw on offer, the beer selection is great.
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