April 18th 2024.
When I heard about the fantastic offerings at Yamato, a fine dining Japanese restaurant, I knew I had to check it out. So, I made my way there, eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
I have a bit of a reputation among my friends for being a foodie, and I often joke that I need a new hobby besides eating out. But when the food is as delicious as it was at Yamato, it's hard to imagine doing anything else.
Tucked away in Edinburgh's Tollcross neighborhood, Yamato is a hidden gem perfect for a romantic and intimate dining experience. As soon as we walked in, our server Sarah welcomed us and immediately made us feel at home. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and recommended we start with the Karaage Chicken, which is marinated in sake and then fried to perfection. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the garlicky batter added an extra kick. My only minor complaint was that I would have liked the batter to be a bit crispier, but it was still a solid dish.
Next up was the Chawanmushi, a creamy and custardy egg dish that happens to be one of my all-time favorites. Yamato's version was spot on, with a velvety texture and perfectly complimented by the shimeju mushroom, truffle sauce, and king prawn. It was comfort food at its finest, and I could have happily just had this dish and called it a night.
But we had more to try, and next on the list was the Hand-dived Scallop Tempura. This dish was everything I could have wanted and more. The tempura batter was crispy, but not overpowering the delicate and tender scallops inside. The roe was also a standout, as it was meatier and more flavorful than what I've had in other scallop dishes. And the salted seaweed underneath was a refreshing palate cleanser.
My love for scallops continued with the Hand-dived Scallops Nigiri, which were beautifully seared on top and paired perfectly with the rice. The Wagyu Tataki was another standout dish, with the buttery and tender meat living up to its reputation. The truffle oil added a touch of luxury, and I savored every bite.
As a sushi and sashimi lover, I was thrilled with the Sashimi set that the chefs put together. It was a beautiful lineup of Scottish salmon, bluefin tuna, scallop, mackerel, surf clam, Japanese yellowtail, o-toro, and oysters, each piece more delicious than the last. I especially loved the herbal paste on top of one of the pieces of tuna, which added a subtle floral note. And the oysters were out of this world, with a citrusy and fruity dressing that perfectly complemented the briny flavor. My dining companion even declared them the best oysters she's had in Scotland.
I hadn't planned on drinking, but our server Sarah was so knowledgeable about sake and which ones paired well with each dish that we couldn't resist. And I'm so glad we took her recommendations. The Tamagawa Tokubetsu Junmai "3U" version was rich and sweet, similar to a white port, and paired beautifully with the Wagyu beef. The Nanbu Bijin Aiyama Junmai Ginjo was light and dry, with a refreshing sweetness that elevated the seafood dishes.
We ended our meal with a trio of Mochi in matcha, chocolate, and black sesame flavors, as well as the Bunraku Nashi Pear Sake. The Mochi, traditionally made with glutinous rice and filled with a paste, was a unique twist with ice cream inside. But the real showstopper was the cold sake, which was crisp and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness.
Overall, I couldn't recommend Yamato enough. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion or a fancy night out, and the food and service are top-notch. Just make sure to make a reservation, because they were turning away walk-ins even on a Wednesday night. Trust me, you won't regret it. Check out more reviews and subscribe to Scottish Field to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest in Scottish cuisine.
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