20/10 !! absolutely obsessed.
Yamashiro in downtown is such a vibe. The rooftop alone is reason enough to go ..sweeping skyline views, open air, and that perfect nightfall glow that instantly sets the mood. From the second you walk in, you're welcomed by a lounge style entrance that feels upscale, moody, and effortlessly cool... plus a must snap photo op mural.
The design is where this place truly shines. Garden inspired touches like bonsai accents, koi-style water features, and a temple like central bar. It's elegant but still fun ..stylish, yet relaxed.
This definitely isn't a quiet, low-key sushi spot, but the prices are comparable to Sushi Sake... except the vibes and sushi are about 10 times better. The crowd is clearly there for both the food and the experience, and they even have live entertainment during dinner at certain times, which takes the energy to another level.
We started with cocktails and both were delicious. I had the Downtown Abbey (vodka, guava, golden lavender cordial, yuzu, and prosecco) it was light and refreshing, and not too sweet. My boyfriend ordered the Fortune Teller (Japanese whiskey, honey, yuzu, sweet chili, and blue spirulina), which was smooth with just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
Now onto the food .... Yamashiro's menu is Japanese fusion done right, balancing comfort, luxury, and creativity. You'll find everything from Japanese fried chicken and katsu sando to lobster in miso beurre blanc, black garlic Chilean sea bass, Alaskan king crab, wagyu tomahawk, and a full sushi and handroll menu. If you're looking to stay low key and just go with some sushi or if you're looking to go a little more upscale, they absolutely deliver with premium wagyu, high-quality seafood, and chef-driven plates.
For appetizers, the katsu sando completely stole the show ...fluffy Japanese milk bread, prime tenderloin, and tonkatsu aioli... rich, crispy, and unforgettable. Easily our favorite bite of the night. The octopus was just as impressive, perfectly tender with a beautiful char.
We also tried a few sushi rolls, and every single one hit:
*Truffle Yellowtail Roll : hamachi, chive, yuzu truffle vinaigrette, and chardonnay amazu gel for a bright, elevated flavor profile.
* Yamashiro Roll (my personal favorite); tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, pickled serrano, crispy onions, spicy mayo, and eel sauce
* Wagyu Surf & Turf Roll: lobster tempura topped with seared A5 wagyu, truffle salt, and onion jam... indulgent in the best way.
Overall, the food matched the atmosphere...elevated, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, lingering, and turning dinner into a full night out.
Perfect for date night, birthdays, or kicking off an evening downtown with unreal views and even better vibes. read more