Yamato Japan
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine, from world-class sushi to diverse noodle dishes, in a uniquely stylish setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Great value lunch specials
Yamato Japan
Best Time
Great value lunch specials
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine, from world-class sushi to diverse noodle dishes, in a uniquely stylish setting.
"Still South Africa's leading Japanese Restaurant. Authentic Japanese cuisine."
🍣 Sushi is a Must-Try
Reviews consistently praise the sushi as 'world-class.' Don't miss out on this signature dish!
✨ Insta-Worthy Ambiance
The restaurant features a unique interior with gold accents and inspiring quotes, perfect for photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World-Class Sushi & Sashimi
Main Dining Area
Experience incredibly fresh and expertly prepared sushi and sashimi that reviewers rave about. A must-try for any Japanese food enthusiast.
Authentic Bento Box Lunch
Lunch Service
A fantastic value, this lunch special offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, including pickles, teriyaki, and miso soup.
Golden Samurai & Minimalist Decor
Restaurant Interior
Enjoy the unique ambiance with minimalist decor, golden samurai accents, and inspiring quotes. Perfect for those seeking an 'Insta-worthy' backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations & Peak Times
Beyond Sushi Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍣 Sushi is a Must-Try
Reviews consistently praise the sushi as 'world-class.' Don't miss out on this signature dish!
✨ Insta-Worthy Ambiance
The restaurant features a unique interior with gold accents and inspiring quotes, perfect for photos.
📅 Book Ahead for Weekends
Popular for celebrations, booking in advance is highly recommended for weekend dining.
🍜 Explore Beyond Sushi
While sushi is a highlight, reviewers suggest trying their ramen, tempura, and noodle dishes too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍣 Sushi is a Must-Try
Reviews consistently praise the sushi as 'world-class.' Don't miss out on this signature dish!
✨ Insta-Worthy Ambiance
The restaurant features a unique interior with gold accents and inspiring quotes, perfect for photos.
📅 Book Ahead for Weekends
Popular for celebrations, booking in advance is highly recommended for weekend dining.
🍜 Explore Beyond Sushi
While sushi is a highlight, reviewers suggest trying their ramen, tempura, and noodle dishes too.
💰 Lunch Specials Value
The Bento box lunch special is highly recommended for its variety and amazing value.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yamato Japan is widely praised for its exceptional sushi and sashimi, often described as 'world-class.' The restaurant also boasts a unique and 'Insta-worthy' ambiance with its minimalist decor and golden samurai accents. While the sushi is a definite highlight, other dishes like ramen receive mixed reviews, and some find the overall pricing on the higher side, especially for dinner.
"Tucked away in the middle of slick Melrose Arch, where even the asphalt shines, is a "Japanese" restaurant with a minimalist interior, golden samurai on sarcophagi, and a piece of wisdom on the wall that makes you run away: "People who love to eat are always the best people." Thanks for nothing, Pinterest. The restroom is only accessible after successfully completing a key quest. At least the food came quickly. Sushi was world-class. Ramen was more meh, and my chicken stir-fry in vinegar water was more of a culinary attack. For the price, I expect more than half-decent main courses and Insta-worthy wisdom. Sushi 100%, the rest was rather meh."
Tilman Benecke
"Still South Africa's leading Japanese Restaurant.
Authentic Japanese cuisine.
Today I had a variety of dishes, including the lesser known Natto (fermented soya beans). The Bento box lunch special was absolutely amazing! There were Japanese pickles, katsu don (crumbed pork), with salmon teriyaki, gomma ae (Japanese spinach with sesame paste) steamed rice and miso soup.
A visit is never complete without gyoza - (pork dumplings).
Highly recommended."
Zane Beer
"Delicious Japanese food and nice atmosphere here.
If you wanna try Japanese food not only for sushi, here's a nice choice."
Joyce Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yamato is located in Melrose Arch, a popular shopping and dining precinct in Johannesburg. You can reach Melrose Arch by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so ride-sharing services or taxis are also convenient choices.
Melrose Arch is generally considered a safe and well-maintained area, popular with locals and tourists. It's a contained precinct with security, making it a comfortable place to dine and explore.
There is parking available within the Melrose Arch precinct. It's advisable to check the specific parking rates and availability upon arrival, as it can get busy during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book a table, especially for weekend evenings, as Yamato is a popular spot for celebrations and can get busy.
Opening hours can vary, but Yamato typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening times.
There is no entrance fee to dine at Yamato Japan. You only pay for the food and drinks you order.
While walk-ins may be possible during off-peak hours, it's not guaranteed, especially on busy nights. Booking in advance is the safest bet to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yamato is renowned for its 'world-class' sushi and sashimi. However, they also offer a wide range of other authentic Japanese dishes like ramen, tempura, and noodle dishes. +1
While the menu heavily features seafood, many Japanese restaurants offer vegetarian options like vegetable tempura, vegetable sushi rolls, and vegetable-based noodle dishes. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about their current vegetarian offerings.
The Bento box lunch special is a highly recommended option, featuring a variety of traditional Japanese items such as Japanese pickles, katsu don, salmon teriyaki, gomma ae, steamed rice, and miso soup.
Reviews on ramen are mixed, with some finding it 'meh' while others enjoyed it. It's worth trying if you're a ramen enthusiast, but the sushi is generally considered the standout dish.
While some reviewers mention it can be 'quite pricy', others find the prices reasonable considering the quality and variety of dishes, especially for the lunch specials.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Yamato is described as having 'Insta-worthy' spots with its minimalist interior, golden samurai accents, and decorative elements.
The 'gold black lamp wall' and areas with plants are highlighted as particularly photogenic. The overall ambiance with its unique decor makes for great pictures.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Experience at Yamato
Beyond the main courses, reviewers often highlight the Bento box lunch special as an exceptional value. This meticulously prepared meal typically includes a selection of small dishes, such as teriyaki, katsu, pickles, and miso soup, providing a diverse and satisfying culinary journey. For those adventurous eaters, trying lesser-known items like Natto (fermented soybeans) showcases the restaurant's dedication to authenticity.
When dining at Yamato, it's encouraged to venture beyond your usual order. While the sushi is undoubtedly a star, exploring the broader menu can lead to delightful discoveries. The restaurant aims to provide a complete Japanese dining experience, from classic favorites to more traditional fare, making it a versatile choice for various palates.
Ambiance and Aesthetics: More Than Just Food
Beyond the visual appeal, the restaurant incorporates inspiring quotes on its walls, adding a layer of contemplation to the dining experience. This blend of modern minimalism and traditional Japanese motifs creates a space that is not only conducive to enjoying a meal but also provides an 'Insta-worthy' backdrop for photos.
While the focus is on the food, the restaurant's design plays a significant role in the overall enjoyment. The attention to detail in the decor, from the samurai statues to the carefully chosen quotes, enhances the feeling of being transported to a different cultural setting. This makes Yamato a destination for those who appreciate a holistic dining experience that engages all the senses.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit