Yamada NYC - 4.9 rating - Kaiseki Chef’s Counter in Chinatown

🔹 Restaurant Overview

Name of Restaurant: Yamada

Location + Full Address (with nearby landmark/subway station):
16 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10013
Nearby Subway: Canal St (J/Z/N/Q/R/6), East Broadway (F) – 4–7 mins walk
Located discreetly on a quiet block in Chinatown.

City + Neighborhood Tag: Manhattan – Chinatown

Opening Year / Notes: Founded by acclaimed chef Isao Yamada, formerly of Bouley's legendary Brushstroke.

Cuisine Type: Japanese · Kaiseki · Seasonal Fine Dining

Dining Style: Intimate Chef’s Counter · 10-Seat Kaiseki · Tasting Menu Only

Price Range: 

• $295 per person for the 10-course Kaiseki tasting

• One of NYC’s most exclusive and refined Japanese dining experiences

Special Offers / Notes:

• Reservations open 18 days in advance

• Two seatings: 5:30 PM & 8:30 PM, Tuesday–Saturday

• Parties of 1–4 only (email for larger groups)

• Dining experience lasts ~2 hours

🔹 Ambience & Interiors

Interior Theme: Minimalist Japanese luxury with hinoki wood dominating the chef’s counter.

Seating Capacity & Layout:

• Only 10 seats at a single chef’s counter

• Full view of the kitchen

• Multi-sensory dining environment

Lighting & Music Style:

• Soft, natural lighting highlighting seasonal colors

• Gentle, calming ambience with traditional Japanese sensibilities

Outdoor Seating / Rooftop / Private Dining:

• Indoor chef’s counter only

• Private events available upon request

Unique Interior Highlights:

• Entire counter made of hinoki wood

• Clean, serene décor that focuses attention on Chef Yamada’s craftsmanship

🔹 Food & Drinks

Most Recommended Courses (Top 5–10):

Kaiseki menu changes seasonally; dishes may include:

• Dashi-based soups

• Crudo and sashimi compositions

• Seasonal vegetables prepared with refined Japanese techniques

• Grilled fish or wagyu

• Delicate rice and broth courses

• Artistic dessert finale

Beverage Highlights:

• Premium sake pairings

• Curated wine selection suited to kaiseki flavor profiles

• Non-alcoholic pairings focused on seasonality

Signature Highlights You Must Try:

• Chef Yamada’s seasonal 10-course kaiseki tasting

• Dishes guided by principles of shun (seasonality), chōwa (harmony), ikigai (purpose)

Dietary Options:

• Limited modifications due to the traditional kaiseki format

• Notify allergies in advance; accommodations not guaranteed

🔹 Service & Experience

Service Type: Chef-Led Kaiseki · Fine Dining · Personalized Interaction

Staff Behavior & Professionalism:

• Highly knowledgeable about kaiseki traditions

• Soft-spoken, meticulous service

• Deep respect for timing, seasonality & cultural storytelling

Waiting Time Experience:

• Reservations required

• No walk-ins due to extremely limited seating

• Service begins promptly with both seatings

Ideal For: Special occasions · Japanese fine-dining enthusiasts · Romantic evenings · Cultural dining experiences

🔹 Menu & Pricing Snapshot

Menu Overview:

• 10-course seasonal kaiseki tasting

• Daily-changing dishes guided by season, temperature, ingredient freshness

• Exquisite attention to plating and micro-seasonality

Best-Selling Elements:

• Seasonal seafood

• Dashi variations

• Chef’s signature broth compositions

• Wagyu and seasonal proteins

Chef’s Specials / House Philosophy:

Guided by the three pillars of kaiseki:

• Shun (seasonality)

• Chōwa (harmony)

• Ikigai (mindful purpose)

🔹 What Makes This Place Special?

Brand Story / Concept: Chef Isao Yamada, a pioneer of NYC kaiseki dining from his years at the acclaimed Brushstroke, brings refinement, artistry, and tranquility to this intimate Chinatown counter. Yamada blends centuries-old techniques with his contemporary sensibility.

Chef Profile:

• Longtime protégé of the late David Bouley

• Revered for precision, creativity, and respect for Japanese culinary philosophy

Instagrammable Highlights:

• Seasonal plating

• Minimalist Japanese interior

• Hands-on chef interaction

• Hinoki counter craftsmanship

🔹 Ratings – Reviews.Restaurant NYC Scale

4.9 star rating

🔹 Operational Info

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday
Seatings at 5:30 PM & 8:30 PM

Contact Number: +1 646-429-8759

Reservation Needed:

• Required; opens 18 days ahead

• Parties of 1–4 only

• Email for private events

Parking: Street parking + nearby Chinatown garages

Wheelchair Accessible: Limited; confirm before booking due to counter setup

🔹 Map Embed

Google Maps URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8wy9pafzXVbvedyNA

🔹 Call-To-Action Buttons

Reserve a Table → http://www.yamadanewyork.com
Get Directions → Google Maps link