Yamagen Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Short version: nice atmosphere but very expensive for what you get, the food portions are very small, and the food itself doesn't blow you away like it should when compared to other Japanese degustation experiences (more directly compared to ones like Sono in Brisbane)

Long version:

The restaurant atmosphere is modern but maintains some nice traditional features in its gardens. The staff seem to know what they are doing and we're friendly. We had ordered the $150 omakase menu and were overall disappointed. They don't have any non-alcoholic drink pairing and their mocktails aren't anything to write home about. Their menu is pretty static, not really changing since the last time I visited months ago. Their food is however fresh and halal. As far as prices go compared to other places, it's not the most expensive degustation menu, but definitely not the cheapest. That's why this review is written about the experience with its price in mind.

The food portions were extremely small and were presented on share plates, you wouldn't be faulted if you thought that one of the share plates was for you and another one was coming for the others seated with you (e.g., their lamb cutlets were just a single small cutlet per person). The first 4 courses (if you count edamame as a course) lacked any memorable flavour and did not make a great first impression, the kitchen forgot our 5th course (the eel) but the waiter had substituted it with a free drink. The highlight of the entire menu was the toothfish and the cutlet, but again, it was one piece of fish to be shared rather than a portion for each and one cutlet per person. If the two best things were the fish and the lamb, it would have been better to just order those two rather than sit through the long wait between courses for the degustation.

Overall it's a nice place with nicely presented food (very aesthetically pleasing) but lacking any real...

During my stay at the QT, I decided to treat myself to a meal at Yamagen. The evening was quiet, making it easy to secure a reservation. However, upon arrival, the host seemed a bit distracted, possibly by his phone, which slightly marred the initial impression. But once I was seated, the ambiance and service quickly made up for that fleeting moment.

Choosing the Sakura Fizz Mocktail was a delightful decision, where the blend of Lyre’s London dry pink spirit, fresh yuzu, cherry blossom syrup, and other ingredients harmonized into a sweet but balanced concoction.

One minor setback was the unavailability of tasting menus for solo diners, which I found a tad disappointing. But, my chosen dishes didn’t let that feeling linger for long. The Aburi Tasting Set showcased fresh ingredients with impeccable presentation; the salmon, scallop, and kingfish each leaving a unique, delightful taste.

Continuing the journey, the thinly sliced Kingfish Ceviche was a dance of flavors, perfectly balancing the subtle tang of lime zest with the crunchy toasted almonds. The Truffle Wagyu Tartare was a bold choice, both in flavor and texture. The MS6+ wagyu was delectable, although the ao nori potato crisps posed a bit of a messy challenge.

To conclude, the Passionfruit & Coconut Panna Cotta was an exploration into a unique fruity realm, reminiscent of a "corgis" flavor palette. Venturing into this dessert was the right call, as it offered a refreshing divergence from past dessert experiences here.

Having dined at Yamagen before, this experience only deepens my fondness for the place. It strikes the right balance, whether you're in for a celebration, a casual outing, or a formal dinner. Without hesitation, I'd recommend Yamagen for a splendid Japanese culinary experience on...

I highly recommend paying Yamagen a visit if you’re in Surfer’s Paradise.

Our waiter for the night was so thorough and accomodating, especially for our two friends who had nut allergies. Each time their dishes came out, the waitstaff made it clear that they didn’t contain any nuts, which means the communication between our waiter and the chefs within is great. I wish I could remember our waiter’s name so I could personally compliment his service, but all I can remember is that he was different to the man who greeted us at the start and led us to our table. Instead, he seemed quite well versed with the menu, so I was assuming he was Japanese based on his flawless pronunciation of the dishes! He was great, and should be rewarded for his excellent demeanour and professionalism, as well as genuine care for his guests.

Most of the food was delicious, and curated with thought for the produce and techniques involved. You can order with a set menu or à la carte.

I recommend the gyoza, which were the best dumplings I’ve ever had. The wagyu tartare is also quite nice, although I’d prefer something less oily than potato chips for the carb component. The desserts are also delicious, and worth a try. I’d skip on any of the skewers and get right into the main dishes, as our skewers were a little dry and needed a bit more seasoning. The price-point isn’t as confronting as it initially seems when you realise that the food is truly made for an experience, and the service matches this.

The ambience is very charming, and does a great job of showcasing the elegant and thoughtful fine dining experience you can expect here.

I highly...