If you go
› Where: Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, 2668 Rhea County Highway, Dayton, Tenn.› Phone: 423-428-9162.› Website: www.yamatodayton.com.› Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-9:30 p.m. Sunday.› Price range: $6-$9 lunch entrees, $8-$15 dinner entrees.
Shumai, six pieces of fish dumpling, is a flavorful start to a satisfying meal at Yamato Japanese Steakhouse in Dayton, Tenn.
The hibachi New York strip at Yamato Japanese Steakhouse in Dayton, Tenn., is melt-in-your-mouth tender with deep flavor from the grill. The lunch portion comes with salad, fried rice and steamed broccoli.
An avocado roll from Yamata Japanese Steakhouse in Dayton, Tenn., is light and flavorful.I have never really been a big fan of the hibachi shows at Japanese restaurants, finding them to be more of an intrusion on conversation and often covering up lackluster food. I love Japanese food, and I love to find new places to enjoy it.
When I stopped by Yamato Japanese Steakhouse at 2668 Rhea County Highway in Dayton, Tenn., I didn’t know what to expect. No hibachi tables here, but the restaurant serves some of the best Japanese food in the area. I came out a fan, a really full, happy fan.
THE SPACE
Yamato sits in front of the Holiday Inn Express on the southern outskirts of Dayton. The restaurant is spacious, which lends a relaxed, roomy feel devoid of loud interruptions. The owners have decorated with a few Japanese-themed items, but only just enough to remind diners where they are. The sushi bar greets patrons as they walk in past the lobby, and well-spaced tables and booths are spread throughout, which lends itself to a more intimate atmosphere.