Yamagen Japanese Restaurant

Someone from this business manages this listing.

386 reviews

#10 of 327 Restaurants in Surfers Paradise$$ - $$$, Japanese, Sushi, Asian

+61 7 5584 1266+ Add website

Hours

Tue

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Wed

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Thu

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Fri

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Sat

5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

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Ratings and reviews

4.5

386 reviews

#10 of 327 Restaurants in Surfers Paradise

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

$9.00 – $76.00

CUISINES

Japanese, Sushi, Asian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland 4217 Australia

+61 7 5584 1266

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Is this a Japanese restaurant?

Yes

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About

Step into Yamagen. Cool and casual izakaya drink and dine vibe folded with formidable culinary discipline; this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Glossy enamel black ﬁnishes frame eye-catching details. Our Whisky list is a towering narrative of character, written by reﬁned Japanese distilleries. Sip from a select saké collection and sample curious cocktails in this low-lit showcase of Tokyo chic. From kitchen and bar, tradition and invention are hand-rolled with market-fresh sashimi and intricate sushi sensations. Indulge your guests with delectable share plates, shimi over and skewer some delicious kushiyaki from the grill, or bow to the formidable technique of executive chef Adam Lane for a tantalising Omakase experience.

PRICE RANGE

$9.00 – $76.00

CUISINES

Japanese, Sushi, Asian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.5

386 reviews

Excellent

256

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Average

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Terrible

SML Family eats & trips

21 contributions

Great Japanese food! We loved everything

Jan 2020 • family

Amazing restaurant, and delicious food. It really is an experience trying Yamagen dishes. Service from every waiter/waitress was lovely. Our waiter so honest in recommending dishes he liked and was so friendly talking about his experience with living in Japan. Tapas style small dishes with lots of flavour on each plate. The best way to go about it, is sharing with others. Our favourite dish is the truffle snapper, if you don't like raw fish or sashimi then this place is not for you. However, if you do then this place is phenomenal for it. We loved every single dish and nothing disappointed at as all. Definitely stay for dessert! Yonuts (Donuts with miso caramel) and the Zen garden are both amazing dishes. I cannot recommend this place more! Photos attached are: Truffle sashimi snapper, desserts, waygu steak, lamb cutlet, scallops and popcorn prawns

Written 23 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

QTGC_Manager

Dear SML-eats, Thank you for sharing your review on your recent experience at Yamagen. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience and will certainly pass your kind words back to the team! We look forward to welcoming you back! Thank you and regards, Yamagen

Written 2 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Natasha B

Sunshine Coast25 contributions

This restaurant is heaven on earth!

Jan 2020 • family

This restaurant is truly too good for words! The ultimate food heaven on the Gold Coast! Based within the incredible Qt Resort this is a stand out amongst restaurants that are located in a resort. The menu is enticing and the service is impeccable. Ollie is by far the greatest host and the team go above and beyond to cater and care about each and every detail. For anyone that loves sushi, Japanese fusion food and unique desserts this place is for you! A must try before you die type of place! Heaven on Earth as far as I can say!

Written 31 January 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear tashab000, Thank you for sharing your review on your recent experience at Yamagen. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience and we look forward to welcoming you back! Thank you and regards, Yamagen

Written 2 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scott U

Ballina44 contributions

Magnificent Japanese of the highest Quality & Service

Mar 2021 • none

We visited Yamagen on Saturday night, the food and service was impeccable. The waiter 'Royce' is a star and delivers exceptional customer service with good humour and engaging service, The food is of the highest quality and magnificent to eat. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who appreciates exceptional service, finest quality food, and a great environment.

Written 28 March 2021

Badrya

Brisbane2 contributions

Truly disappointed & upset

Jul 2020 • couples

It truly upsets me on how my experience was at yamagen recently. I wanted the best for my partner to celebrate our special day. I reserved a table under my name for 7:30pm but we arrived around 7:20pm (just to be a bit early, instead of being late). After making countless eye contacts with the waiters, we patiently waited at the counter for 8 minutes before they came to ask us how they can help. I told them that I reserved a table for 7:30pm and they told us to sit at the bar and wait till a table was free. About the Customer Service Experience: There were 2 other couples before us that were waiting as well with a drink menu on their bar table. 30 minutes later, another couple came and the waiter gave them a drink menu as well. Even though we came before the couple after us arrived, we were not given a drink menu till about an extra 10 minutes later. I was very confused as to how we were treated because how come every other couple got a drink menu as soon as they sat down while we did not? I honestly believe that everyone should be treated with the same, good customer service but we sadly did not get that. About my Reservation It was nearly 8:10pm and this is 40 minutes after my booking time. Clearly, there was no table reserved for us to begin with (even though I reserved 2 days before the actual date & I got a reply saying perfect, thanks!). I understand it was busy, but I reserved beforehand. There are some people who would have just walked out the store if this happened to them, but I did not have the heart to do this. I really wanted to believe that this was a good restaurant but our experience was very upsetting. About the Food & Price Based on the food, it tasted good but it was on the pricey side for the portion that you get. We paid $75 each and also ordered more Ala carte too, for about $12 for 2 pieces of nigiri eel and $12 for a non cocktail tail. Overall, even though the food was good, the poor customer service (such as, not being treated equally among other customers and not having the table reserved in the first place) ruined the night that was important for my partner and I. I was ready to spoil my partner with good food, exceptional customer service and more. I honestly would have spent more if we were treated better. We were even dressed up; I had a dress & heels on while my partner wore jeans with a shirt and casual jacket on. However, even if any other customer came in with clothes that were not fancy or just normal clothing, I do not expect them to be treated any different to others that are dressed more formally. Treating everyone equally is important. I also Facebook messenged your restaurant on what they offer for anniversaries but I was ignored twice! By ignored, I mean that - whoever replied me only wanted to know my email, my name and what time I needed to book but did not seem to care about the fact that I wanted this to be a romantic special night for my partner (It could have been a simple small addition to the table such as, one chocolate bar or a rose on the table and I would have gladly paid extra. But instead, my message was ignored, my table was not reserved and we were not treated the same as other customers. This really really upsets me. The one night that would’ve been special was ruined.

Written 3 July 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear Badrya, Thank you for sharing your review both on Google and Tripdvisor. All feedback is greatly appreciated as it allows us to continuely improve our customer experience. We apologise for your evening, as this certainly is not up to our Yamagen standards. Your table was reserved as we can see in our systems, and unfortuntately navigating the new world post-COVID in the operation of our restaurant has been a challenge and managing capacities and tables of our guests - but again, this is no excuse. So we do apologise for this. We did communicate through Facebook with you immediately after your message for request to book, and added a note that you were celebrating. However, if you did require further information on celebrations please do send us some further messages, ring Yamagen or check with the team upon your arrival, as celebrations is one of our favourite thing to do with surprises for our guests. We do hope you raised your concerns with the team on the night, as they would have happily assisted in rectifying your experience. At Yamagen, we can certainly guarantee that we do not serve guests or treat guests any differently regarding their clothing style. Yamagen celebrates individuality, bringing culinary invention and cuisines together with our diverse team. Again, we do apologise and hope that in the future, we can earn back your trust and welcome you back to Yamagen. Thank you and regards, Yamagen team

Written 8 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mark G

Brisbane151 contributions

Rushed and noisy

May 2021 • none

I first came here in the late 80's / early 90's for what was then an extraordinary traditional Japanese experience, superb traditional Japanese food, and an equally excellent level of courtesy and manners from all the staff. What we had tonight was enough to never go back. We booked for 5.30pm and told we "must" leave by 7pm as they were so busy with all the brainwashed new age devotees. We were rushed in and sat in what was basically a hallway with staff and customers zooming around us the whole time. We had ALL our dishes on the table in 30 minutes. We had 5 courses rushed out so fast that the table had nowhere to put the dishes, as they all inevitably went stone cold. The staff seemed sooooo fixated on clearing dishes and glasses that it gave me indigestion. They were rushing so much that they were pouring still water into glasses of sparking mineral water, and removing dipping sauce before we had even finished that particular meal. The music what pumping and throbbing at a pace and volume more suitable for a nightclub or an all night rave. It was so unpleasant our 1 year got so stressed we had to keep taking her outside, and she and I both got a terrible headache. This place is now an overpriced hipster haven where the food is pseudo "modern" Japanese, and one of our dishes, the "tempura scampi" tasted and looked as uniform as a box of frozen fish from a supermarket fridge. This place sadly now has a very bad case of the hipster "Emperor's Clothes". All the 5 stars are just that. If you like overpriced rushed chaos with a nightclub atmosphere, then you'll love it - not for me anymore.

Written 30 May 2021

LuPaula

Brisbane158 contributions

Not disappointed with return visit

Dec 2020 • friends

Having dined here before I was keen to return. I dragged 2 reluctant schoolies with me. The waiter was amazing with recommendations and anecdotes. I had a lychee cocktail- delicious! We decided to order smaller sharables. The signature dish was delightful, delicate and bursting with flavour. Agedashi tofu was a treat. The spicy popcorn chicken was lovely, don’t forget to wrap the prawns in the lettuce. I found the gyoza a little disappointing, the texture of the filling more than the flavour. We wanted to try saki and the waiter was kind and knowledgeable enough to make a recommendation for a newbie. Classy but not not snooty.

Written 6 December 2020

Jenny D

Gold Coast21 contributions

Delicious!

Jan 2020 • family

The food was amazing. I took my parents who aren’t into traditional Japanese foods but I think this changed their mind! The fusion of foods were delicious! The entrees and mains were fantastic. The service was a little slow and the waiter forgot about part of our meal.

Written 9 February 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear Jenny D Thank you for sharing your review on your recent experience at Yamagen. We are very pleased to hear that we may have another couple of converts! We do apologise that the service let it down a little, we are constantly working to provide the perfect dining experience for our guests through continual team training, and will discuss service speeds with the team. Thank you and regards, Yamagen

Written 10 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

blinkybillWhistler

Brisbane1613 contributions

Amazing experience !

Oct 2021 • family

We booked this restaurant more than a month in advance. Service is excellent and Marco deserves a special mention. We had ordered a wagyu beef as mains and he suggested we order a house salad to accompany this. This really was a lovely salad with sesame dressing, avocado, radish and daikon and seaweed. We enjoyed every part of our meal and we didn't mind waiting for the last two dishes as we needed to pace ourselves and savour everything. Well worth your money. One of the best Japanese restaurants on the Gold coast.

Written 2 October 2021

QTGC_Manager

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate the feedback. We love hearing about our amazing team members too :-)

Written 5 April 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dinneroflife

Chicago96 contributions

Good is sooooi good

Apr 2023 • family

Food is simply sublime great atmosphere absolutely the best Japanese Resturant on the Gold Coast. Hard to find any fault with the food. Lots of new staff who were not as helpful as they could have been for the price paid-it is so crazy that the food is that good you can see past that

Written 29 April 2023

Sylviafoodie

Sydney23 contributions

Disappointed dinner

Jun 2020 • friends

Six of us went for dinner last friday and we were all very disappointed. We all had the banquet for 2 at $90 each. The only meal that was Japanese was the sashimi. There was deep fried taco, lamb chops......nothing resembling Japanese food.

Written 14 June 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear Slyviafoodie, Thank you for sharing your honest review. We are sorry to hear you did not find our omakase experience authentic. Our tacos are our iconic Sashimi tacos with wasabi salsa, mustard soy yuzu, watermelon radish and warm sushi rice. It's our spin on the classic taco with a Japanese infusion. The lamb chops are a traditional kushiyaki, grilled on a robata grill with aka dengaku. We apologise the depth of the 6 course experience were not perhaps detailed enough to you by our team or on the menu, as our izakaya dining is not limited to the Japanese classics, whislt we have them. It is certainly something feedback we will take on board. At Yamagen, we like to pull from Japanese culture, flavour and infusions to create innovative Japanese food, unique to Yamagen. However, we are saddened to hear you did not enjoy your experience and hope to welcome you back in the future. Thank you and regards, Yamagen

Written 14 June 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Epicure

Surfers Paradise92 contributions

Fine Japanese

Jun 2020 • family

My family and I recently visited this gorgeous izakaya style restaurant since the covid restrictions have been eased. It’s located inside the QT hotel in Surfers Paradise. We were all very impressed with the attention to detail. From the delicate food, delicious cocktails and our waiter Royce who looked after us all night, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. All the food on the menu is designed to be shared. Lots of variety and options to cater for dietary requirements. We will 100% be returning for our next special occasion!!

Written 2 July 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear Epicure, Thank you for sharing your review. We are so pleased to hear both yourself and the family enjoyed their experience at Yamagen. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next special occasion with us! Kindest, Yamagen Team

Written 8 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Passenger399934

15 contributions

AMAZING

Feb 2020 • couples

Dined here last night and the food was amazing! The service was amazing! The cocktails were amazing! You absolutely MUST try the thinly sliced snapper, the flavour combination on this was incredible. All the food was just divine and our waiter was so lovely. He gave us his recommendations of what we should try and he was absolutely correct! Such a lovely atmosphere also. Will definitely be going back!

Written 21 February 2020

QTGC_Manager

Dear Passenger399934, Thank you for sharing your review on your recent experience at Yamagen. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience and will certainly pass your kind words back to the team! We pride ourselves in the experience of our service team to guide you on your culinary journey, it adds so much more to the experience! Thank you and kindest regards, Yamagen

Written 25 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brienne

Brisbane4 contributions

Outstanding food and customer service

Oct 2020 • couples

The menu is extensive and carefully planned, and the food beautifully cooked and presented. The salmon and tuna nigiri were fresh and delicious. The sushi is outstanding, and the gyoza and black cod are delectably different. The drinks menu is impressive and fairly priced. Our waitress Carlie was fantastic and ever attentive. Overall, great quality fine dining with great value for money.

Written 11 October 2020

Tania

Sydney646 contributions

Great experience and amazing food

Jun 2022 • couples

Recommended to me by a work colleague Yamagen didn’t disappoint. We got the Omakase set menu for $90/person which was an absolute winner as were the truffle brussel sprouts - delicious! We left very satisfied with our dinner at Yamagen. Lovely atmosphere and flawless service. Highly recommended and would definitely return.

Written 8 July 2022

QTGC_Manager

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate the feedback & love hearing about your experience.

Written 28 August 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sassy

Emerald14 contributions

Absolutely magnificent first time

Mar 2021 • couples

Do yourself a favour and go to Yamagen if you find yourself on the Gold Coast. We ordered the Omakase menu and I got the beer pairing with mine. A different japanese beer selected to suit each course, how could you go wrong? I also ordered an extra beer to start off with😅 There wasn't a single thing on this menu that we didn't like, it was all amazing. Particularly the Sashimi for me, and the sashimi tacos for my partner. Even the steak took me by surprise as a bbq enthusiast, they absolutely nailed it. Perfect crust on the outside. Delicious medium rare, juicy wagyu on the inside. The staff were helpful and friendly and called me to make a booking after they had a cancellation, which we really appreciated. I will continue to rave about Yamagen and reccomend it to anyone going to the Goldy.