Yamato Japanese Restaurant

[Evil Penevil]

Yamato is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Pattaya, with about 30 years of continuous operation under its kimono. It also has the distinction of giving its name to the street on which it is located, better known as Soi Yamato than Soi 13/1. It's popular with both Japanese and non-Japanese visitors and ex-pat residents of Pattaya.

 

 

 

It's nicely decorated inside, a spot of Japanese calm in the madness that is Pattaya. There's a platform, tatami-covered area for traditional dining ...

 

 

 

 

... as well as Western-style table dining.

 

 

 

 

About a week ago, I had a quick supper there consisting of various Japanese appetizers:

 

 

 

 

And katsu don, a personal favorite of mine. It was excellent value at 160 baht.

 

 

 

Together with a large bottle of Asahi, the whole meal cost 300 baht.

 

Several things figured prominently in the meal at Yamato that I shared with two young ladies a few days later.

 

 

The appetizers and Japanese "salads" were excellent.

 

...

 

 

 

 

We all had salmon sashimi ,,

 

 

and fried shrimp.

 

 

The ladies continued with salmon sashimi rice bowls (they really liked salmon sashimi) ...

 

 

 

while I had mixed tempura as my main dish.

 

 

The total cost for the food for three was 1,300 baht.

 

The ingredients were very fresh and the sashimi was the best I've had in Pattaya. Everything else was done well. I'll definitely be back.

 

Evil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[js007]

Now I'm hungry.

[BigusDicus]

Have been in a handful of times over the last couple of decades. Old school Japanese. Have not been disappointed.

[rnine]

I agree completely. Never had a bad meal in there, and it's a must do everytime i'm in town.

[Evil Penevil]

A brief update on Yamato: I ate there with a friend in August and it was as good as always. We had quite a feast, with sashimi, appetizers and main dishes. The total cost was about 1,750 baht, but 550 baht or so went to alcohol, a flagon of saki and two large bottles of Asahi.

The complimentary appetizer:

Really high-grade sashimi:

We also had an outstanding dish of grilled squid:

My main dish was the tonkatsu set, which came with several "sides," including miso soup.

The pork cutlet was tender and breaded perfectly.

Bottom line: Yamato is probably the best option for Japanese dining near WS, perhaps all of central Pattaya. It's not cheap and "all-you-can-eat" Japanese buffets abound in the area, but Yamato offers top-quality traditional Japanese food in relaxed surroundings.

Evil

Edited September 9, 2016 by Evil Penevil

[Butch]

Thanks for the update Evil, as always nicely balanced, great pics and honest!.

 

Do they do a "set menu" for 2/3 persons?

 

Cheers

Butch

[capdagde]

Looks great, seriously... that grilled squid OMG...

 

Miss you my friend!

 

Andy Cap

Edited September 9, 2016 by capdagde