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Yamato
Master Critic Review
Yamato
7.9
Yamato is a longtime Seventh Avenue Japanese restaurant with a broad menu that mixes sushi, dim sum, and noodles in a casually elegant room. Locals use it for comfortable dates where roll platters, hot dishes, and an easy wine and sake list matter as much as pristine nigiri.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yamato Roll, Brooklyn Roll, Chef’s Special Rolls Assortment
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A roomy, classic Park Slope Japanese spot where sushi shares the table with dim sum and noodles.
Who should go: Couples wanting sushi plus hot dishes in a relaxed setting
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when it’s lively but not too loud
What to order: Yamato Roll, Brooklyn Roll, chef’s special roll selection
Insider tip: On warmer nights, request outdoor seating for a quieter, more spacious date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Seventh Avenue is limited during peak dinner hours; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on 6th or 8th Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, though larger groups can raise the volume during peak times.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and several hot appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few veggie maki and simple stir-fried dishes can be ordered without animal products.
Gluten-free options: Solid options including sashimi, many rolls (avoid tempura/soy sauce), and several noodle-free hot dishes; notify staff for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is warm, not overly loud, and the broad menu makes it easy to share rolls or order safer, non-raw dishes if your date is less sushi-inclined.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weeknights; on weekends you may need to wait unless you arrive early or opt for outdoor seating when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the spacious layout and noodle dishes work well for families, though peak dinner hours can feel more date-oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: A broader menu than nearby omakase-focused spots, giving mixed-preference couples more flexibility across sushi, dim sum, and hot entrées.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium nigiri quality or a chef-driven omakase — dedicated sushi counters in the neighborhood provide higher precision.