SMAAK By Jacob Jan Boerma — Restaurant in Yokohama

Shocking Mistake of Service. Trendy beautifully presented fusion food. We booked online and the day before I called the restaurant to make a change of the final message to happy birthday to my friend. On the night I was expecting this little surprise but they came out with a plate with the wrong message: no change at all. I asked, and they thought I was wrong, then they checked, and without a clear reason, they said they were busy that night, and they were sorry. My friend was there so I did not say anything, I was just deeply shocked- there were four or five groups of guests on the night I booked- how possibly they could make this mistake, at a restaurant charging 34,000 yen. We had to find another time to celebrate- but we missed the right timing this time. Their way of saying sorry was also, I don't know, like "ah, sorry! let's take a picture, happy birthday!" it feels like trying to cover it up, without actual sincereness (maybe I was oversensitive but how many birthday do you get a year?). The food (Rotterdum? course) was trendy fining dining: colorful looks, unexpected flavor twist created with mousse and gelatin: curry mousse, basil gelatin, mustard mousse; and also a mixture of textures, building up the layers of tastes. The main flavor is light and sour: with a punch of south asian spices/fruits and herbs. until the last dish, which was rich and creamy. The ceiling lighting at the back had a slight problem: it was TOO bright, then switched to weak, then too strong again, then weak. I hope they fixed it- it tired out eyes when talking. The wine and drinks are very very good. The restaurant was in a high-end apt high-rise bldg, looking over the harbor, fancy furniture (the chairs are awesome), decor, and fine-dining plates etc. somehow it feels the focus was on the presentation of trendy beautifulness; manifested in the way they describe the food, the plates, etc; not on the customers themselves and their own eating...

An amazing fine dining experience, at a ridiculously great value, in an unexpected part of Japan.

ATMOSPHERE The restaurant sits 50 stories on-high in Yokohama's Minatomirai district with panoramic views of the greater Tokyo megalopolis. On a clear day, you may see Mount Fuji in the distance. In short, the room is casually stunning.

FOOD The cuisine is conceived by Jacob Jan Boerma of the Netherlands (he of 3 Michelin stars), executed by a talented local team, featuring French techniques, Japanese ingredients, and Dutch seafaring influences. Think exploratory flavors like parsley macaron, Thai curry tartelettes, fresh Japanese seafood adorned with spiced vinaigrettes featuring galangal, and braised oxtail in gado-gado, etc. Reminds me a bit of Tim Raue's cuisine, but smoother.

HOSPITALITY In particular, I'd like to highlight the amazing hospitality we experienced by way of the General Manager, Kasahara-san, who is a consummate pro and wine lover. Our party planned to drink with restraint for our 8-course "Den Haag" tasting. While only charging us for one by-the-glass round, he generously poured us several rounds from bottles reserved for the official pairing, which included some wild and obscure choices like aged Austrian Sylvaner, Trepat rosé from Tarragona, and the haunting profile of Japan’s own Muscat Bailey A.

Of all the positive things I could say about SMAAK, I was most impressed by his generosity and creativity in selecting these out-of-the-box, yet pitch-perfect pairings: a sure sign of a...

From the moment we stepped into Smaak Yokohama, it was evident we were in for an extraordinary dining experience that would bring the finest of Dutch culinary artistry to Japan.

The ambiance was an elegant blend of modern minimalism with subtle nods to Dutch heritage, instantly setting a refined, intimate atmosphere. The staff greeted us warmly, exuding a perfect balance of professionalism and genuine hospitality that remained consistent throughout our visit.

Each course that followed showcased a distinct story of Dutch cuisine, reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary techniques and ingredients. The chef’s use of locally sourced Japanese ingredients, combined with traditional Dutch flavors, was nothing short of remarkable, making each dish feel like a bridge between two culinary worlds.

As the courses continued, the service remained impeccable. Each dish was introduced with thoughtful descriptions, highlighting the flavors with precision.

From start to finish, Smaak Yokohama delivered a dining experience that was nothing short of flawless. The combination of impeccable service, innovative Dutch-inspired dishes, and a warm, elegant atmosphere made it an evening to remember. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the very best of Dutch cuisine outside of the...