Tucked away from sight on a laneway off Lonsdale Street lies Izakaya Yamato. From the outside it does not look like much, just a small restaurant with dingy decor, but once you step inside, it feels like you have been transported to a completely different locale.
Hidden off Lonsdale Street
Akachōchin (Red Lantern)
When you first enter Izakaya Yamato you are greeted by the Akachōchin or red lanterns, which traditionally mark an izakaya in Japan.
Lovely decor
Japanese dining area
At Izakaya Yamato, you are given the option of one of the two dining areas. The left most dining area is just a general purpose area with seats and tables like you would find at any other restaurant. As you step through the dining area on the right, you are treated to a dimly lit room which is adorned with various tasteful Japanese items and decor, as well as the sunken tables which are reminiscent of the Japanese horigotatsu.
Torikawa (Chicken skin) $2.30
Nasu (Eggplant) $2.30
The grilled eggplant, or nasu, is something I come here specifically for. Although it is quite expensive at $2.30 a skewer, both the seasoning and the amount of time it is grilled for is just right, imparting a lovely flavour while keeping the texture of the eggplant.
Sunagimo (Gizzard) $2.30
While the izakaya style food and more specifically the kushiyaki that is served at Izakaya Yamato is of a decent quality, there is a definitely a steep price point. However, although the food may be more expensive than others, the combination of the friendly service and the feeling of escaping from the bustling outside city keep me coming back for more.
Food Rating 7/10
Overall Rating 7.5/10