Reviews Yatai Japanese Izakaya Restaurant

Facebook
Jules Clarke
+5
We were very blessed to be gifted a super special meal from Yatai in Palmerston North this evening. It was absolutely lovely. Sashimi probably fave but then shrimp and asparagus and then the gyoza..... so good thank you.
Facebook
Karen Grantley
+5
Came to dinner to celebrate my daughters 13th Birthday. It's the special touches here. Rosie loved the hand printed birthday card from Yatai on the table when we arrived. The food was great - as always .We very much enjoyed a variety of dishes - Sashimi a first for the girls. My girls felt really special - that made it special for me. Barbara is a wonderful host & the staff accommodating. Highly recommend.
Facebook
Jo Dunning
+5
This is the best restaurant in Palmy! The food is incredible and the staff are so welcoming. Barbara the host is so friendly and we love coming here! The food is so fresh and all the dishes are so unique you don't feel like you are eating commercially driven food and there is always a special new dish to try. Love love love!
Facebook
Quelli Nix
+5
There is not enough stars to to select. Barbara and the waitresses were absolutely lovely And the food was Godly. Arigatou Gozaimasu. Yatai wa watashitachi ga okonatta saikō no resutoran desu yo!
Facebook
Tamara Christina
+5
We had a special group dinner at Yatai last weekend. Barbara and her team were friendly, flexible and made sure we had all we needed. The layered dining experience is amazing; each dish delicious.
Facebook
Hendrik Engelbrecht
+5
Top food, top service, brilliant experience is no where near enough to explain how awesome this place is.
Facebook
Helen Thomas
+5
Another fantastic meal and great evening. Staff are lovely and the food is exceptional. Looking forward to the next date night.
Facebook
Angela Piper
+5
Delicious okinomiyaki - felt like I was back in Tokyo! Great food all round.
Facebook
Kevin Smith
+5
Outstanding - food, service while experience. Barbara a d the team deliver!
Facebook
Gary Yeatman
+5
Been there a couple of times. Great staff and great food.
Facebook
Raveen Madagama
+5
One of the best Japanese place in Palmy���
Facebook
Ali N Marc
+5
We just found our favorite restaurant in palmy excellent food outstanding service thank you
Facebook
Clark Ellery
+5
The best Chicken Curry period!
Facebook
Sandie Carlin
+5
healthy options/ fantastic dinning/ great varitey.
Facebook
Andrea Yeatman
+5
Most amazing, yummy meal! Fabulous service - absolutely top. We will be back!
Facebook
Steve Atkins
+5
Definitely go again. A lot more menu to get thru. And then of there was the saki.
Zomato
Lance Loughlin
+5
Our experience at Yatai was definitely made exceptional thanks to the great service offered by the FOH Team. In particular, the waiter called Shona looked after us really well. 10/10 Would recommend!
one month ago
Zomato
Doris Ma
+4
The food was quite flavourful but not as authentic as I would've liked. The beef tataki had a bit too much spring onions on it but it was well seasoned and thinly sliced. The sashimi was quite normal, however to replace the tuna, there was smoked salmon and salmon roe which were both quite good. There was a sweetness to the rice in the sushi which accompanied the fillings well. The takoyaki was pretty standard, it could've been crisper on the outside. The tempura was made nicely, the batter was thin enough and it wasn't overfried. However, the pumpkin was a bit undercooked and hard. As for the dons, the rice was a bit too mushy and there was not enough sauce, however the toppings were good, the fish roe Don was probably my favourite. Both the egg and chicken in the oyakodon was a bit dry.
We spent almost $300 for 5 people, a bit much to come back regularly.
Feb 20, 2019
Zomato
Heather Taylor
+5
We had a lovely family dining experience at the Yatai this evening, We decided to enjoy the shared platter style of dining, which was a wonderful way to sample lots of different tastes, The flavours, without exception, were delicious! The service was friendly and helpful, yet unobtrusive. I was particularly impressed with how Barbara and the team catered to our need to be finished by a particular time, because of other commitments. I rang ahead to discuss our needs and was delighted at how helpful and welcoming they were. We will definitely be back!
Nov 01, 2018
Zomato
Monica Smaling
+4
Love this place staff are polite and friendly and answer any question about the food explain what it is
Very filling and an ample amount so you don’t leave hungry
Jul 17, 2018
Zomato
Claudia
+5
Great atmosphere, felt very authentic. Food was great and service was attentive. Had about 7 dishes between 4 people and we were definitely full. Even received a beautiful card as we were dining here as a celebration.
Jul 14, 2018
Zomato
Rahul Mohanty
+4
Best way to review a Japanese restaurant is by ordering their sashimi. Yatai didn't disappoint with the spread of salmon, mahimahi, and tuna. The other dishes and rice bowls were delicious too.
Oct 26, 2015
Zomato
Rachel
+5
Beautiful fresh food. I have been here numerous times and I have never been disappointed.
This has got to be one of my favourite places to eat in Palmy, I highly recommend it!
Jul 19, 2015
Zomato
Kandeykisses
+3.5
Have been here a couple times, and loved it ! If you don't know if you like Japanese food or not this place will definitely help you make up your mind ! As a group We hired out the private room, the experience was great and most newbies enjoyed the food, it is quite pricey so be good for a special occasion, there is other places in Palmerston North that you can get similar food for cheaper. Overall deeelish :)
Jan 03, 2015
Zomato
Matt
+5
My wife and I have been coming here more and more frequently. I'd now rate Yatai as one of my favorite restaurants in Palmy - certainly the best Japanese restaurant. Great service and even better tasting food. The menu is geared towards ordering many dishes and sharing with your table. I was uncertain of this approach on my first visit but found it to be a brilliant way of sampling many different courses in one meal. If you're really into one dish and want more, you can always order seconds! I find it difficult not to do this every time with the Shiitage Age (deep fried crumbed mushrooms with sauce or lemon+salt) - delicious! I recommend finishing with the chicken curry - very tasty and hearty, but not hot.
Jun 29, 2014
Zomato
Doug Longmire
+5
Another rave review here. Yatai really wins out in all areas. The venue is intimate, welcoming, and authentic. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the food is amazing. The dishes we chose were served promptly and beautifully presented. The taste and texture were just superb. This is top class ethnic food at it's very best. We will be going back soon to try some of the other dishes on the extensive menu. For a restaurant of this quality, the prices are very reasonable. A word of advice - have a look at the menu at home on line before you go. Needless to say we would recommend Yatai to anyone.
Jun 01, 2014
Zomato
Lin Dixon
+5
Authentic food, great service, loads of fun for a group of friends. Never disappoints!
We visit Japan annually and can always bring our dining experiences from Tokyo back to NZ and easily enjoy a meal.
Jan 20, 2014
Zomato
Liz. Thrift
+5
we had a fabulous meal here last Saturday. The food was just amazing , beautifully presented and the flavours were just Devine. The service was flawless. I would recommend to restaurant to anyone and look forward to returning. The even had a birthday card for our friend. Thank you
Jul 23, 2013
Zomato
Annie Bailey
+5
7 Friends and I shared a wonderful meal at Yatai last night and I was so happy once again to be a part of their unique dining experience. It was the beginning of my hens night and my evening started by my receiving a lovely card from Yatai's proprietors which was very sweet.

Many of my guests were unfamiliar with Japanese food, however everything was well explained and they all quickly became experimental and loved everything, much to my delight. We were all stuffed to bursting by the time we asked for the bill and I was amazed to find out that we had spent no more than $40 per person. I would recommend Yatai to anyone wanting a wonderfully social dining experience with beautiful food and wonderful service. I would gladly travel from Wellington to Palmy to eat here again soon!
Feb 24, 2013
Zomato
Bronwyn Kendrick
+5
We had a meal here last week and it was beautiful! The shitake mushrooms were excellent and we highly recommend them. Everything is prepared freshly and the service is very prompt. We were well looked after and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. We didn't find it expensive - only order what you want from the comprehensive menu and the prices of the individual dishes vary a lot. We will be back soon!
Feb 16, 2013
Zomato
Danielle Calder
+5
Excellent. Just top notch. There are plenty of vegetarian options, everything is well cooked and tasty, and as far as I can see it is authentic. The service is friendly and efficient. It is expensive, though, so don't go without a good amount of money in your bank account!
Jan 17, 2013
Zomato
Shelley
+5
First timers! Very impressed with service. Me & my husband thought we would try something different. So off to Yatai we went. Loved it so we are going back for our wedding anniversary.

Highly recommend Yatai & keep up the great work :D
Dec 08, 2012
Zomato
Mike Smith
+5
Yatai is genuinely good. We went there again this weekend and it was a delicious meal as always, the food is fresh and the flavours are amazing. Consistently great food and service, its a must visit restaurant.
Nov 25, 2012
Zomato
Audrey Washburn
+5
Wow! The food was beautiful in appearance and taste. Seemed quite authentic and unusual (exotic) to me. The serving staff was friendly and informative. This was the third time I've been and the owner comes out to talk to patrons often. She even offered to make me a special sauce. Each dish we got was completely different and tasty. It was a bit pricey (I'm a student) but so worth it. I'm gluten free and they made it so easy- so many choices- such a range of sauces even! Good for vegetarians as well. I plan on going back regularly. Thanks so much!
Sep 28, 2012
Zomato
Sandra Pinfold
+5
Absolutely blown away with the beautiful food. First timers we went as a work group. Had a " ? progressive " dinner
( sorry forgot the correct name ) with loads of taste bud awesome-ness.
Will definately be back and definately reccommend to all my friends.
Well done :)
Mar 31, 2012
Zomato
Yvonne Kiihfuss
+5
This cozy, intimate restaurant got me hooked on Japanese cuisine. The food is devine! Friendly staff make it a great dining experience. Yes it is a little pricey, but the standard of the food and the presentation is worth every cent. It's our favourite eating out place in Palmerston North.
Feb 03, 2012
Zomato
Gail Shirley
+5
A great night, personal service and a variety of dishes which were explained fully, fresh and beautifully presented.
We had the sashimi which was salmon, kingfish and tuna, the beef tataki was succulent and the yakinuku (octopus)is so tasty. There are tiny thin waving fish flakes. We had pre-ordered the sole, and ate the skeleton too, tasted like chippies!
Not the cheapest way to eat out for sure, because you order so many dishes from $14 to $20 each, but always a pleasure to relax there.
Aug 28, 2011
Zomato
Billie Jordan
+5
A wonderful Japanese restaurant. Outstanding food, outstanding service and outstanding atmosphere! The food was served with care and friendliness and the Katsu was fantastic! Everything we ordered was wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant! A+++
Aug 15, 2011
Zomato
Sarah
+5
I love this place. Great variety on the menu - I don't eat fish, but there are great chicken and beef options. Service is fantastic, food is perfect and can be relied upon. Good atmosphere. My go-to restaurant in Palm Nth.
Aug 13, 2011
Zomato
Paul Burnett
+4
Had the pleasure to dine here on several occasions now and Yatai consistently delivers in food quality and service.
Suggest diners make a reservation due to its popularity. Pricing i find moderate and value for money when comparing to other alternatives offering same level of service.
Jul 11, 2011
Zomato
Gavin Goldsmith
+5
My favourite restaurant to go out to for a treat! I can't remember celebrating a birthday and not eating here! When in search of something different, Yatai is sure to hit the spot! Absolutely wonderful food and the staff are true gems. A must for all Palmerstonians or passers by!
Jun 17, 2011
Zomato
Laura
+5
wow if you haven't been there before you simply have to try it. The staff are always extra friendly and go out of their way to provide the best service ever and the food...i could eat it for breakfast lunch and tea! it is always of the highest standard. I have been there soo many times with friends, family and partner and never heard a complaint.
May 20, 2011
Zomato
Arthur
+5
Went to Yatai on Tuesday and it was our 32nd visit since May 2008!
As usual, the food was superb and the service excellent.
It's no surprise that Atsushi and Barbara win so many accolades.
Do yourself a favour and spend an evening enjoying the unique dishes and ambiance at Yatai.
Feb 12, 2011
Zomato
Nicole Rule
+5
One of my favorite restaurants in Palmerston North, food is amazing and awesome friendly staff
Dec 14, 2010
Zomato
Jan Oram
+4
Lovely food, great service - although a little pricey - worth it for a treat.
Aug 31, 2010
Zomato
M
+5
We enjoyed our dinner but this place is a bit of a shrine to Japan and we were a bit taken aback by receiving a lecture on how to obey japanese etiquette - we were just there to enjoy ourselves. Service a little aloof and over-attentive. Having said that, the food was delicious, if a little pricey.
Jun 26, 2010
Zomato
Lia
+5
Absolutely the most divine food in Palmerston North. Authentic Japanese flavours and a thoughtful wine list. Worth the price for a completely different dining experience.
Jun 20, 2010
Zomato
Corey Askwith
+5
This is a favourite restaurant for me and my partner and come here every couple of months however is quite expensive thus why we don't go there more often. Me and my partner manage to spend approximately $50-$75 per person here however we love the food and the atmosphere as you dine in a room that makes you feel like your in Japan. Their menu is extensive with a wide range of meals. You choose between 2-4 dishes per person as they are fairly small portions. Their food is well presented and high quality. They also offer a range of Japanese alcohol, which chuhai are me and my partners favourite.
Jul 08, 2009
5
Stephen O'Loughlin
+5
A fabulous place for a family dinner, service was great and the food was outstanding. The flavours all worked really well. The style of Japanese shared dishes was really nice and added to the vibe of the restaurant. The varied desserts were nice and the portions were perfect for sharing.
4
carol liang
+4
This is the best scallop dish we have in NZ. And the grilled beef is juice and good. But we waste more than one and half hour to wait my food, it seems so crazy. Just like other clients said, food is fantastic, but...
4
Harry Parker
+4
Very expensive with small portions but the food is absolutely delicious. The service is very bad and often don't bring water or deliver your meal to another table or just outright forget. The food makes it worth it so I still recommend it if you love Japanese food!
5
Harmony Moki
+5
Fantastic dining experience, as per usual, last night. The food is always delicious, fresh and prepared perfectly. There is an extensive selection of drinks that satisfies everyone. No chocolate brownie on the menu but the desserts are delicious too! The staff are considerate, friendly, and efficient. The atmosphere is lovely and authentic. My favourite place to dine in Palmerston North.
4
tina nixon
+4
wonderful wee restaurant. The queue at the door was an indication of the quality dining experience on offer. superb service. v fresh fish and good pricing. #tinastip sashimi was quiveringly fresh.
5
Keith Finnerty
+5
We dropped in without a reservation on a busy night and the staff were excellent and found us a table with no fuss. Very friendly and efficient and that continued the rest of the evening. The food was beautifully presented and tasted fantastic. Highly recommended…
4
Chanjief Chandrakumar
+4
We went for dinner today and loved the food. The place was too busy and congested - otherwise all good.
5
N Pik (Rod)
+5
Probably the best restaurant we dined at in New Zealand. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious, service was excellent and the atmosphere was great. Catered well for our plant-based diet with a large variety of vegan dishes.
5
Jayden Fairbairn-Lowe (Jayden)
+5
Beautiful, awesome and amazing experience. Amazing traditional Japanese food, with lovely customer service. Felt like a little slice straight from Japan.
5
Joe McMahon-Henderson
+5
The food is just fabulous and their Katsuya (spelt correctly?) Is really mouth watering. I also love their fritter dish (about the size of a bread and butter plate. I'm not even going to try and spell it.)
5
Jim Boutcher (Mangetout)
+5
Excellent atmosphere, great service, and delicious food. A curious place on a busy suburban street, but the food is exceptional. Not cheap, but you very much get good value.
5
Sue Woollaston
+5
Never dissatisfied, Barbara and her team are amazing. Thankyou.
5
Corey Askwith
+5
Have visited many times since 2009 and it always is the same high quality food and service It is my favorite Japanese restaurant and I have been to many. It's worth traveling from Wellington to visit here. Best dish is the beef tataki and traditional Japanese drinks45g
5
Elsie Flynn Fleming
+5
The most amazing dining experience. The staff were so lovely and accomodating. Highly recommend paying the $40 for the private room, which offered an authentic Japanese dining experience. Between 5 of us we paid $45 each for the pre-set menu, which you can adjust to your liking. All of the food was delicious, however the beef tataki was the crowd favourite.
5
conorjack culhane
+5
The food quality and hospitality here is excellent. The owner is a lovely woman and the sashimi is not only the freshest I’ve had, but superbly cut and presented. Probably palmys best kept secret.
5
Michael Farr
+5
Absolutely loved this place was a breath of fresh air in Palmerston North 🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️
5
Sirena
+5
Best restaurant in town, have come here for every possible celebration and brought our out of town visitors here for the last 3 years. Food is always impeccable, well presented and delicious. My favorites are the sashimi, takoyaki, beef tataki, miso naau, wakame salad and miso soup! Sad to be moving away so wont be able to come here as often... but will make sure to take a detour when travelling especially to come here!
5
Anne Robinson
+5
Our family favourite restaurant in Palmerston North - went tonight with a couple of family members and some friends - just beautiful food as always, great service as well
Clicca per espandere