Yamazato — Restaurant in Pasay

YAMAZATO is one of those fine dining places that redefines quality, luxury, and haute cuisine. I’ve never seen such attention to detail in terms of food preparation, table courtesy, ambience, and privacy as I have in this restaurant.

The female staff are well-mannered, flawlessly groomed, and admirably polite. They walk in hushed, dainty steps as they lead you to your table. They speak perfect English, they know the menu well, and execute dining service in a believably Japanese way.

The interiors of YAMAZATO are typical Japanese: conservative, minimalist, airy, and sleek, but they have taken it up a notch further by utilizing modern furniture, ergonomic chairs, soft, clean lines, and perfect blush lighting. All these things make up for a comfortable 3-hour kaiseki experience.

Service was impeccable, as one would expect from an authentic Japanese restaurant. Fresh green tea was served as soon as we had settled. Food was served at the right time, at the right temperature (deal-breaker for me), followed by a short introduction of the staff on the bento’s contents.

Food was the main showcase of YAMAZATO. Seasoning was on point, nothing was too strong or too bland. The medley of flavors all blend in a perfect harmony, touching all palate points in the entire dining experience. In a very Japanese fashion, nothing is accidental. The plating was exquisite (see photos!)—every flavor, every detail, tells a story. The ceramicware have considerable weight and artisan design, very telling of the quality and detail they’ve put in assembling the bento.

My personal favorite was the miso soup: dark, rich, easily comforting. It reminded me of my very first winter trip to Japan. Close second is the melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi with its ultra creamy and fatty marbling), and still smells of the sea. Worth noting as well is the tempura—light, delicately seasoned, none of the stodgy batter. It paired perfectly with the dashi broth and remained its crunch throughout the course of the meal.

It’s an understatement to say that I enjoyed my first YAMAZATO experience. Everything leaves a lasting impression: the good quality chopsticks, the hand-painted ceramicware, the warm welcome of the receptionist, the exact moment my bento was placed in front of me. It was memorable, both to the senses...

Japanese Fine Dining Crafted to Perfection The Okura’s Japanese signature fine dining restaurant, Yamazato, really is crafted to Perfection – from the service, ambiance and most especially their food. Our dining experience in Yamazato was truly exceptional and a memorable one, giving us the feeling of being in Japan.

OMOTENASHI. Hotel Okura is known for “Omotenashi” service – renowned Japanese hospitality centring around care rather than expectation. As we approached the doors of Yamazato, we were immediately greeted with warm welcoming smiles and polite bows by their service staff in their beautiful traditional kimonos. To give an authentic Japanese experience, I was told that these Kimonos change according to the season in Japan. They started off with serving hot teas and towels, offered the Menu and asked about our food allergies, if there are any, so they may recommend dishes suitable for any allergies that we may have. They pay attention to detail and anticipate our needs – as what Omotenashi is all about.

JAPANESE ELEGANCE. Yamazato’s space and ambiance epitomizes the essence of Japanese elegance. From its Wall Art by famous Japanese artists Nami and Manabu Hangai, Arita yaki – their hand painted Japanese lacquerwares (as shown in the photos) to its elegant design/lay-out which provides privacy to guests as this is essential for the Japanese culture. Perfect for any occasion or intimate gatherings, Yamazato also features Private dining rooms, Private teppanyaki room, Sushi counter and Teppanyaki area. Every detail of Yamazato is picturesque.

JAPANESE CUISINE. The Seasonal Bento we ordered was beyond superb! It was not only visually appealing, but tasteful! You can taste every ingredient which is rightfully balanced and complements each other. They serve the freshest ingredient to ensure they give an authentic Japanese cuisine. The seasonal bento box was a complete meal which includes – Appetizer (Tori karaage ponzu ankake), sashimi, white miso sauce into saba shioyaki, simmered vegetables, tempura, steamed egg custard, steamed rice, Chef Mourí’s blend of miso soup, rice and pickles and persimmon fruit.

It is a pleasure savoring the taste of authentic Japanese cuisine meticulously crafted by renowned Executive Chef Rinnosuke Mouri.

Arigatou Gozaimasu...

Yamazato, Hotel Okura Manila's Japanese fine dining restaurant, lives up to its name. As I was told, Yamazato means mountain village, which is a classical Japanese landscape that depicts a bountiful harvest. I went here for lunch and I must say that it was an exquisite experience to start off the new year.

FOOD: I opted for the Seasonal Bento which highlights the freshest ingredients of the season. With my familiarity with Japanese cuisine, they really put emphasis and importance on the freshness of the ingredients as this brings out the true flavor of the dish they serve. In this seasonal bento, they served us with seasonal sashimi, gindara, simmered vegetables, chawanmushi, and Chef Mouri's blend of miso soup, rice and pickles. Overall, this traditional bento will really satiate your Japanese cravings.

SERVICE: Hotel Okura Manila brings Omotenashi to the Philippines, and this is the traditional Japanese hospitality that comes from the bottom of the heart - pure and honest. As I entered Yamazato, I was greeted with warm smiles and courteous bows by their staff complementing their traditional kimonos. They served me first with a cold towel and tea, and shortly after they handed the menu. Their service was exact but not rigid. They would consistently check on my tea fill it up to my preference. They would also be present at all times but not intrusive. And as I finished, they swiftly cleared the table with my permission and served me with a warm towel and another cup of tea which is nice way to end my meal.

SPACE & AMBIENCE: Yamazato's ambience is modern and minimalist yet, there is a sense of warmth and you feel welcome. As privacy is part of the Japanese culture, they made sure that the tables in the main dining area are well spaced. The restaurant also features a couple of semi-private and private areas. You can see more of these in the photos.

My experience at Yamazato brought back memories of my trips to Japan and now I want to book a ticket and go back! Overall, Yamazato is definitely a place where you can experience Japanese hospitality and savor authentic Japanese cuisine that highlights the freshest ingredients from the land of...