Yamato Restaurant
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734.998.3484
Address:
403 N. Fifth Ave – 1st Floor
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
http://yamatoinc.blogspot.com/
I think this is a relatively old restaurant in Kerrytown Ann Arbor. It has been around for at least 10 years and is operated by a Japanese couple. When you go into the entrance, you will see a lot of old photos with a lot of customers’ comments. The chef has been working as a chef for a long time and some Japanese friends told me the family moved to USA about 2 decades ago to start this Japanese restaurant.
Usually food tends to be better at a Japanese restaurant if the chef is Jap. It turns out pretty true. The food served is not too much influenced by Western elements and most of their dishes do still emphasize on a tradition Japanese feel. Like the duck udon that I have, they are still using a long Japanese green onion instead of the cheaper green onions that can be found in Chinese grocery stores. And for that it makes the duck udon taste better. I appreciate the chef has a good selection of raw materials.
Too bad I cannot find any photos about their sushi bento, but I do recommend them nonetheless. it is a bit expensive for a dinner bento ($25), but you get what you paid for. Sashimis are cut fresh and nicely, with a daily entree to go with the sushi in a 3-slot bento box.
However, beware the food are coming in pretty slowly because they do not have a lot of staffs as the restaurant is family owned.
Recommended items: Fried oyster bento set, duck udon, uni(ask if it is fresh enough), sashimi bento.
Rumours say that they are trying to sell their business because they want to retire.
Good: Authentic Japanese food, the sushi fish are relatively fresh in the area and the bento has a really good presentation and taste. Will recommend sushi items. Lunch sets are quite a good deal.
Bad: Really slow service because there is only 1 chef(the husband) and 1 waitress(the wife). Dinner is a bit too expensive($20-25)
Conclusion: You should prepare to wait for your food, or else you will be starving to death.But then the food is worth the wait, sometimes and for someone.
