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Reviews for Yatai Japanese Izakaya Restaurant

by Annie B.
24th February 2013

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!

by Bronwyn K.
16th February 2013

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!

by Danielle C.
17th January 2013

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!

by Shelley
8th December 2012

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

by Mike S.
25th November 2012

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.

by Audrey W.
28th September 2012

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!

by Sandra P.
31st March 2012

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

by Yvonne K.
3rd February 2012

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.

by Gail S.
28th August 2011

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.

by Billie J.
15th August 2011

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+++

by Sarah
13th August 2011

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.

by Paul B.
11th July 2011

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.

by Gavin G.
17th June 2011

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!

by Laura
20th May 2011

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.

by Arthur
12th February 2011

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.

by Nicole R.
14th December 2010

One of my favorite restaurants in Palmerston North, food is amazing and awesome friendly staff

by Jan O.
31st August 2010

Lovely food, great service – although a little pricey – worth it for a treat.

by M
26th June 2010

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.

by Lia
20th June 2010

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.

by Corey
8th July 2009

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.

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