Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa — Restaurant in Yamagata

The food was high quality but did not make up for the low quality of service at this establishment. We were guests at the Daiwa Roynet Yamagata hotel upstairs, and came down during lunch hour around 13:00/1pm. The restaurant was practically deserted, save for three other patrons. But this is where the plot thickens, as the waitress that greeted us at the door literally looked at us from top to bottom, asked us curtly whether we have a reservation, and served us in the most curt and rude manner that I’ve yet to experience anywhere else in Japan. She started setting up the table and we were shocked at how she just started “throwing” things around like she was not happy to serve us. They do have English menus and we ordered 3 Matsu grilled beef set and 1 Half & Half sukiyaki beef set and the taste was excellent, the beef tender and juicy. But that did not make up for the sour aftertaste we have in our palette from the service that was given to us. The set came with an accoutrement of side dishes, miso soup, salad, rice and egg yolk for sukiyaki. The other reviewers here talked about being offered the special hotel set, but we were not offered that and instead ordered from the regular menu. We also ordered a bottle of champagne to celebrate. The waitress came and just dropped the bottle at our table and didn’t even offer to pour it for us. Honestly it was quite racist, as I think she assumed we were Chinese guests (one of the other waitress showed us a translation on how to eat the Sukiyaki using Google translate from Japanese to Mandarin, because she assumed I was Chinese) but we don’t even speak or read Mandarin! We looked at the other patron dining at the table across from us-they were Japanese-and the same waitress that served us spoke softly, even bowed and engaged in polite conversation with them and treated them like they’re humans. What was wrong with us? Are we not humans too? We came in and treated you with respect-we weren’t rowdy and kept courtesy in our manners throughout the meal even though you treated us this way-so please treat your paying customers with more respect. If not, you will lose business...

My first time visit Yamagata Shi for business trip, though I been to several other cities in Yamagata prefecture. Temperature in Yamagata near to sub-zero in early Feb with heavy snowing in decades, but Tokiwa’s Yonezawa beef slice in Shabu-shabu style really an added bonus to my business trip. I also got a cool knowledge enhanced through this visit, where Yonezawa beef is strictly confine to Cow raised in Yonezawa with strict parentage tracking, and slaughtered for it meat when the cow (female) reach 3 year-old. So 2 key criteria: female & 3 year old. So my next question to my Japanese colleagues, what about the Ox (male) and/or 3year old : then they will be classified as Yamagata Beef/Wagyu. I gave perfect 10 for all attributes of the restaurant. Perfect cut, balance fat/meat & good Japanese raw egg to dip the lightly scald beef before we savor it. The sub-zero temperature was nothing compared to the chance to...

I wanted to take a moment to share my recent dining experience at Tokiwa Yamagata, which left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was welcomed with a warm and inviting ambiance that immediately set the stage for a memorable evening. The meal was truly exceptional. Each dish was a testament to the chef's skill and creativity, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The Grilled Beef in Tokusen course and Sukiyaki in Tokusen course stood out in particular, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that delighted my palate. The freshness of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail were evident in every bite.

Overall, Tokiwa Yamagata exceeded my expectations in every way. It was an unforgettable dining experience that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a high-quality meal with exceptional service. I am already looking forward to...