Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine with exceptionally fresh sashimi and expertly crafted sushi in a warm, intimate setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine with exceptionally fresh sashimi and expertly crafted sushi in a warm, intimate setting.
"One of the best Japanese experiences in New Zealand, serving fresh fish and great sushi."
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Secure a seat, especially around 6:30 PM, as the restaurant fills up quickly during peak hours.
Sit at the Sushi Bar
Enjoy a close-up view of the chefs as they prepare fresh, authentic dishes right in front of you.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 7 348 1938
Address
1123 Pukuatua Street, Hillcrest, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Sashimi & Sushi
Experience incredibly fresh sashimi and expertly prepared sushi, a true taste of Japan with ingredients sourced locally.
Watch Sushi Masters at Work
Dine at the U-shaped bar for an intimate experience, witnessing chefs craft exquisite sushi and sashimi before your eyes.
Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm and humble eatery that offers a comfortable setting for both quick bites and memorable celebrations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Secure a seat, especially around 6:30 PM, as the restaurant fills up quickly during peak hours.
Sit at the Sushi Bar
Enjoy a close-up view of the chefs as they prepare fresh, authentic dishes right in front of you.
BYOB Option Available
Bring your own alcohol and enjoy it with your meal for a small corkage fee.
Try the Chirashi Sushi
A highly recommended dish for an exceptionally delicious and authentic Japanese culinary experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Secure a seat, especially around 6:30 PM, as the restaurant fills up quickly during peak hours.
Sit at the Sushi Bar
Enjoy a close-up view of the chefs as they prepare fresh, authentic dishes right in front of you.
BYOB Option Available
Bring your own alcohol and enjoy it with your meal for a small corkage fee.
Try the Chirashi Sushi
A highly recommended dish for an exceptionally delicious and authentic Japanese culinary experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yamato Japanese Restaurant is celebrated for its authentic cuisine, particularly its fresh sashimi and well-prepared sushi. Diners frequently praise the welcoming staff and the cozy atmosphere, making it a memorable spot for celebrations or treating loved ones. While most reviews are glowing, one TripAdvisor review detailed a significantly negative experience with rude service and poorly cooked steak.
"they were almost fully filled up when we reach about 6:35pm or 6:40pm.. almost couldn’t get a seat! thankfully there were just nice 3 seats by the window to fit us! service was great, they let us know what is available and food was served pretty fast although they said it will be long waiting time.. food was great!! really thankful and glad that we get to dine in!"
T. Xue
"Brought my parents here as they’re on a trip to visit me. Good grade sashimi and tofu can be eaten as entree or palate cleanser at the end of the meal. Great place for celebration or looking for a spot to treat your loved ones."
Vennessa Ling
"Such a pleasant place with amazing foods!
Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. We ordered plum wine tasting sets, all 5 of them are super tasty and strong enough! The Yuzo tonic was huge and yummy as well!
This place definitely deserves 5 stars!"
qing sha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yamato is typically open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 2 PM for lunch and 6 PM to 9 PM for dinner. It's advisable to check their latest hours.
Yes, Yamato offers a BYO (Bring Your Own) option for alcohol with a small corkage fee.
The restaurant can get very busy, especially around 6:30 PM. It's highly recommended to arrive early or make reservations.
The fresh sashimi and chirashi sushi are highly recommended for an authentic taste. Sitting at the sushi bar offers a great view of the chefs.
While specific options are not detailed, many Japanese restaurants offer vegetable sushi, tempura, and noodle dishes that can be adapted.
Yes, many diners find Yamato to be a great place for celebrations or treating loved ones due to its welcoming atmosphere and quality food.
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For eats straight from the land of the rising sun, make a beeline for Yamato. Slinging Japanese goodness in Rotorua for over twenty years, the team certainly knows their stuff which makes sense because their chefs are professionally trained in Japan. True to what you’d expect, their menu is packed with all your favourite Japanese meals from sashimi to rolled sushi, nigiri to donburi rice bowls, noodles to salads and everything in between.
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Tucked away in the heart of the city, Yamato serves up sashimi made from some of the freshest fish in town. This unassuming Japanese gem focuses on delivering authenticity in every dish. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a full dining experience, Yamato is the perfect example of simplicity meeting perfection.
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Park yourself at the U-shaped bar inside Yamato and watch the chefs slice sashimi made of some of the freshest fish in town. This warm and humble Japanese eatery is all about delivering an authentic Japanese experience that will have you returning again and again. (Not to mention, it’s BYO with a small corkage fee!)
Our favourite places to eat in Rotorua, NZ
If you’re looking for Japanese cuisine look no further than Yamato. This place serves up authentic Japanese cuisine with the best sushi in town!. If you’re a seafood lover their sashimi is super fresh and delicious!
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Solitaire Lodge, Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant, Yamato Japanese Restaurant, The Thai Restaurant, Zanelli's Italian Cuisine, and Sabroso are very popular among locals and visitors.
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Address: 1123 Pukuatua Street, Hillcrest, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM. Phone: +64 7 348 1938
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