Yamato Japanese Restaurant
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Review
About
Yamato offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in the heart of New Zealand. With traditional décor and a focus on high-quality ingredients, Yamato serves a wide range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and more. The restaurant's attention to detail and dedication to delivering fresh, flavorful meals makes it a favourite among both locals and visitors. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a special dinner, Yamato's welcoming atmosphere and excellent service will make your dining experience unforgettable.
Features
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Healthy
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Highchairs Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Is this restaurant appropriate for Kids?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.2
(393)
Excellent
211
Good
119
Average
26
Poor
11
Terrible
26
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
FMo22
Poissy45 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
We had dinner with my wife in this charming Japanese restaurant with very welcoming staff! The dishes are quality and tasty! In particular, I tasted the assortment of nigiris and the fish and shellfish were treated very well with a result beyond my expectations. Remember to book even if the experience at the counter is very pleasant because it allows you to observe the preparation of food.
Nice address!
Automatically translated
Written 26 February 2025
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.
Sarah H
Sydney45 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
We recently dined at Yamato Japanese restaurant in Rotorua as a family of four, and it was an exceptional experience. The food was absolutely delicious, with the sashimi being incredibly fresh. My husband, who is a Takoyaki enthusiast, said they were some of the best he has ever had. The service was exceptional, and our meals were served promptly. We only wish we had more time in Rotorua to visit again. Highly recommend.
What we ate- Large sashimi, Takoyaki, Steak Donburi, edamame, gyoza, karage chicken, unagi nigiri, tempura vegetables, pickled mushrooms, tuna and avocado salad
Written 4 July 2024
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.
Jacqui T
Sydney407 contributions
Mar 2025 • family
We waited like dags until the doors opened for our early dinner, and were greeted by a bevy of smiling staff when they did. Food was yummy, quick, and priced fairly. Ubiquitous Japanese instrumental music quietly serenaded us.
Written 22 March 2025
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.
MrCharles
Sandringham16 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
The food was ok, nothing special but ok, but we wouldn't go back due to the poor service. Our group was three adults and a 6yo. The adults' food came out relatively fast - unfortunately our son's sushi took another 45 mins. We waited 10 mins with our food going cold so as not to eat in front of him, then asked the waitress about the sushi. She said it was being "cooked now". Went back to the counter after another 15 mins to enquire again - this time it was "will be ready in 10 mins".
Another 20 mins later we'd finished our food and the little guy still didn't have his sushi. He was tired and getting tearful.
I don't know why sushi would take that long, but more importantly, why would you bring out meals for three people knowing the fourth was close to an hour away? Especially the kid's meal!
Disappointing.
Written 19 October 2023
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.
Lei Z
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • family
We first went into the restaurant and ordered food. When we ordered for child, they did not even get the order on. When all of our other meals have finished, and waited for lots of time. We went to ask if our other dish is ready they said that the dish wasn’t even ordered. The people were very rude and did not even care. The manager was not organized and did nothing to help. We had to go somewhere else to get dinner.
Terrible waste of time and very disappointed in the members of the staff in the restaurant who failed to do their jobs.
Written 31 May 2024
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.
Liz K
Auckland Central5 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
The family and I were so looking forward to coming here especially with all the positive reviews we had read, however we were really disappointed with the whole experience...from the service to the food. As others have mentioned the service was really slow even when taking into consideration it was a busy evening, for example, 40 minutes for a salmon maki starter. This wasn't the only dish that took a long time to come and the kids were beyond hangry at this point. We were also often overlooked by the wait staff and not attended to. The food was ok but we were too fed-up by the time it eventually arrived, to truly enjoy it.
I did speak to the manager to share our experience and she acknowledged our concerns, however from my observation the size of the kitchen compared with the high number of tables seems to be the problem as from my observation they are unable cope with the demand from customers. Unfortunately we won't be going back and would definitely not recommend Yamato to others either.
Written 2 October 2023
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.
Catherine C
Auckland47 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
My family (from Hong Kong) and us are very impressed with this meal at Yamato. The Sashimi dishes are so fresh and tasty. The agedashi tofu is so delicious. We enjoy our favourite hot sake and cold beer. The environment is great for a cosy meal or a celebratory occasion. Staff are welcoming and helpful. And, importantly, the price is very good!
Written 11 September 2024
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.
Zoe W
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
This restuarant is a family favourite. Most authentic and delicious sushi ever tasted. I also get takeaways from here often. The seafood is so fresh.
It is also great to be able to sit at the bar and watch the sushi and food being made and knowing you are getting nothing but fresh food.
I especially love the California roll and eel and the sashimi. The tempura veges are delicious and the popcorn shrimp... and well everything. Always enjoy trying new things. Staff are always friendly and would reccomend bringing friends and family here ❤
Love the Yamato 😍
Written 10 November 2022
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.
GoPlaces42619183872
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • friends
This place never disappoints, amazing dinning experience with fresh expertly crafted sushi dishes. Amazing ambience, outstanding customer service from all. Top quality and fresh ingredients, you guys constantly deliver the best. Such a pleasure to dine here. Tank you keep up the great service.
Written 4 March 2024
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.
turkeyjim11
Rotorua47 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
A local of Rotorua, this restaurant is our number one choice and is consistently exceptional.
As a tourist destination, Rotorua has many choices to dine, but in recent times the slide south in quality has been alarming.
Yamato never fails to impress us.
Written 18 December 2023
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.
SarahMcKBall
71 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
What an amazing little gem in Rotorua. An extensive menu which all looks delicious. The service was excellent and the food came out quickly and piping hot and was absolutely delicious!! We got the popcorn shrimp for my little one and he loved it and after trying a piece I wanted to order some for myself! I got the tempura vege/prawn which was ever so light and super crispy & the fried chicken with teriyaki which came with rice, miso & pickle and some lovely fresh orange slices to finish the meal perfectly. Truly beautiful food, can’t wait to go back and highly recommend booking in advance as it got very busy very quickly after opening time. A must go place for an top quality meal, you will not be disappointed
Written 28 September 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.
ntegra
Rotorua71 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
This place is amazing went there twice in one week and the seafood is so fresh it melts like butter. I got the Bento bowl and the Chiragi sashimi plate with salmon, snapper, trevally and tuna all super fresh!! Omg the fresh scallop is frickin amazing too!
The miso here is so good and they make up your sushi fresh to order. Service is friendly. The vibe is awesome too feels like you’re in Tokyo, love sitting at the bar watching the prep action. Highly recommend.
Written 6 August 2021
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.
Rick
Rotorua8 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I like to eat sushi but this place wasn’t very good. I would try some other place if you have eaten a lot of sushi and have some expectation of what is higher quality. The food was fresh but they “glob” thick mayonnaise on most of the rolls. If you go here order the “thin rolls” and not the “fat rolls”.
Written 25 February 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.
Travelbuglee
124 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
Was told this was an authentic Japanese restaurant but the first dish being vegetable sushi was definitely not. The rice was think and glugy with glugy mayonnaise on top, so we couldn’t finish it. The mains being prawn tempura udon noodles and teriyaki chicken were better but not up to authentic Japanese standard. Have eaten in Japan so know the difference.
Written 19 March 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.
Hayley O'c
Auckland31 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
The food was exceptional. The only reason why it wasnt five was because the food came slowly one by one and they forgot our drinks. Its so delicious. They have very high quality food. But make sure you book at least a day in advance as it is very popular and there is no way youll find a seat without booking especially if youre a big group but i def recommend.
Written 20 July 2022
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.
Showing results 1-15 of 345
As Featured In
By Tripadvisor
New Zealand in autumn and winter: epic experiences and otherworldly wonders
With swathes of treasured national parks, jewel-bright lakes and snow-speckled mountains, New Zealand has a fine repository of all things natural. Beyond the visual majesties, there’s plenty to do to unleash your inner adventurer.
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing