We were seated tonight with a family that had an 8:30pm reservation. We sat for over 1 hour and 15 minutes waiting on a chef. After we addressed the circumstances a couple times with our waitress and the manager, the chef arrived at our table at about 9:50pm... 10 minutes before closing time. We actually hustled to finish our food, and we left the restaurant, empty of any other dining customers, at around 10:30. No concession for the horrible service was offered until we asked, at which time the manager offered to cover our drinks(all 4 of them... tea and soda, lol). She insisted that we only waited 35 minutes from the time our order was put in, and that the wait was customary for that type of dining... as if we had never been to a Japanese steakhouse before. What?! Anyway, it was the worst "manager" handling of customers' bad dining experience that both of our families have experienced in a long time. We approached it kindly, having already insisted that we were tipping the waitress in full regardless of any concession/discount offered, as it was clearly not her fault. The manager actually continued to speak over us and argue with everyone at our table. I finally told the manager that we had heard enough, and that I would personally pay for the entire table's ticket in full, but would never be back to Yamato. She seemed fine with that. What she likely failed to consider is the cost of poor and arrogant managerial decisions from a social influence perspective.If an owner chooses to address this issue and, specifically, this particular manager in a proper manner, this rating will be removed, as it is not our intention to ever do any business owner harm from the inconsiderate and unacceptable actions of one of their trusted employees.
We have eaten here many times and normally the food is on Point. Tonight however we had a bad experience the Gentlemen that did our cooking was not into it very much , he asked if we wanted the show or him just to cook well we had new people with us so we wanted the show. the only show we got was him throwing shrimp at us . Our food was burnt and shrimp were so overpowered with lemon that they could not be eaten. The New York strip steak that my wife and I got was tough and full of gristle. He did a good job on the rice. Just think for for $380.00 the food should have been at the least editable. Not sure when we will visit here again it's a shame because my family normally eats here at least twice a month.
I’m Joe B and I am a long-time regular customer. I feel I am in a unique position since I have been going to Yamatos since they opened. There have been some changes to the style and food offerings. The recent "menu" changes have been quite a change to me – at first. But, after several outings over the last few months the verdict is in – it’s great! They have done an excellent job in working out the kinks pretty quickly. I will admit the change from the white chicken meat to dark meat raised my eyebrows at first. In fact, I did not think it was good at all the 1st time, the 2nd time was better, and now they have all the kinks worked out. The dark meat is more tender and juicier with a great taste. They changed the sauce they cook the chicken in a little and it took them a little bit to get it perfected with all chefs – but they have! I think it’s better than the white meat. The dark meat cuts are good, large and contain just a minimum amount of fat. But, here’s the good news: they now offer white meat as a substitute. The rice changed, but the only change is that they no longer have peas, carrots or eggs. However, the rice itself tastes the same; it’s still very good (I will admit though that I did like the eggs, but that’s minor). The big thing for me are the sauces, which haven’t changed. They offer a variety of sauces (eg. ginger, white, mustard and hot sauces), which many Japanese steak house don’t offer – and the sauces are better than anywhere else. The ginger dressing for the salad has changed a little, and at first, I didn’t like it. But here again they have perfected it. Although I still prefer the old recipe, but the new recipe is still good. With the different meats you get different vegetables, which is great! You can also add, delete, or substitute vegetables. You can pretty much customize your meal, which is a huge plus.The chefs: They are excellent. They all are very consistent, but each has their own unique show, which is nice because you can count on seeing something a little different each time. They are very personable and make the experience fun – especially for the kids (or the kid in you). They are not boring that is for sure.Service: This is one of the best parts. The servers are excellent! They have a very well-trained staff and they are extremely helpful, friendly – and quick! Your drinks, soup, salad come one right after the other perfectly timed. They are patient and have a good sense of humor and always have a pleasant smile. What amazes me is how cool they remain under pressure, even with “crappy” customers (I’ve see many times when some customers are totally unreasonable and rude). They do a wonderful job of taking care of you. It is not well known, but the servers have to share a certain percentage of the price of the bill, no matter how much the tip is. So, tip them generously, at least the standard 20%. The hostesses are very efficient, professional, and extremely friendly. You can walk in without calling ahead and probably get a seat pretty quick.Atmosphere: It has definitely improved. If you haven’t been in a while you will see a drastic difference: all new tables and grills. Carpet is relatively new and clean. The restaurant is very well maintained, clean and orderly.Cost: Very reasonable. You do get a great bang for your buck. You get enough food for 2 meals. They are not skimpy on their portions.Bar: The bar tenders really have their act together and can do just about anything, quickly. They give a very good pour of wine! They are all extremely nice, and the service is always great. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with them.This restaurant is obviously very well managed. There is no shortage of staff, and the morale of the staff seems excellent, which is displayed in how friendly they interact with customers. It’s very customer oriented.
This place was crowded on a Thursday night! Came for some sushi with my dad - there were two open tables and plenty of seats at the bar. Service was nice and the rolls were great! My dad pretty much always sticks to what he knows - spicy tuna rolls. I pointed out the dynamite roll (lightly fried spicy tuna) and he was in love! My personal fave here is the tako (spicy octopus) roll. Prices are average/comparable to anywhere else in town. Definitely prefer Yamato's sushi to most other places, but for hibachi there are better options as my dad says their teriyaki chicken has tasted freezer burnt on multiple occasions.
They have unfortunately changed the portion sizes, the way they prepare the proteins, and the overall flavors of the food. I was in complete shock after dining here this evening. I ordered the chicken and shrimp, upgrading to the appetizer shrimp...as I always do, and the portion of my shrimp was so small. Like 2 shrimp. I'm very disappointed and even though we used to come ALL the time for every birthday, celebration, anniversary....I don't know if I want to come back. I typically don't ever write reviews, but I was so taken back by the extreme changes, that I felt the need to inform others so they don't have the same experience as I did tonight. It's very unfortunate.
Serious amazing!My husband and I just moved to the area and were lucky to have come across this restaurant in our search for good hibachi (we frequented them often in our old city). The food was delicious and the staff was amazing. Chef Vanilla Rice was absolutely hilarious and left us in tears. When we left my husband said “well we will never have a better experience ever at a hibachi restaurant again.” Five stars don’t even cover the rating this place should have. Do yourselves a favor and go go go.
I really do keep trying but after they forgot my son's birthday and tonight the pitiful 15. Veggie takeout dinner! Wish i had taken pic but pitiful flavorless! Greasy rice. Overcooked mushyvegetables just really disappointing overrated at best. Only reason this place still open kids still have bdays! UPDATE got sick!
We had a 20+ people birthday dinner occupying 3 tables. It was great! We had 6pm priority seating and were seated as soon as all our guests arrived. The chefs were great and entertaining. The food was delicious! Will definitely come back.
Absolutley amazing service by Vanilla Rice! I havent laughed that hard in a long time, the food was delicious and the waitress was such a delight. If I didnt live in another city, I would likley come here at least once a month for the fun and food. 10/10 would recommend!
Everything here from food to service to the chefs performance was absolutely spectacular. Eliana was very quick and attentive with serving us, she had a great attitude. Luis our cook was amazing and his food was DELICIOUS! 10/10 would totally recommend?