Yohaku

Truly outstanding meal. The flavors were excellent and I loved that they shifted slightly with each bite as you pick up some fresh herbs, or a bit of citrus, or a rich sauce. The dishes were presented beautifully, and there is well-curated drink menu including sake and house-made kombucha. It’s clear the chef really cares about sharing the best possible flavors with guests. There is just one chef rather than a whole team to prepare the food, so give yourself a couple hours to enjoy the omakase menu as it takes time to prepare these complex dishes for multiple tables. It’s definitely worth the wait.

I don’t post many reviews so when I do so, it is with good reason. Yohaku is one of those places which deserves to be known - it is spectacular! The chef and his food are truly world class. The complexity and uniqueness of each dish we had made for one of the best meals I have had anywhere in the world. This restaurant is a quiet and unassuming place outside of the chaotic tourist sections, which is a “must go” for anyone who visits Osaka.

Chef Arakawa guides guests on a truly memorable journey - starting with a deceptively approachable amuse, then delighting with waves of inventive yet delicious creations full of artistry, finally ending on a sweet note showcasing his wife’s pastry chef skills as key ingredients. The atmosphere is quite casual though charming, while the cuisine is dazzling, fusing Japanese produce and sensibilities with French technique. If you have the time, definitely go the distance with the full ten course Omakase (otherwise you will miss the pasta and dessert!). Yohaku also has a day menu and late night menu (you can see the curry being crafted with care for these other menus).

I will be dreaming of this meal for the rest of my life. If this restaurant isn’t Michelin-starred yet, it is only a matter of time.

The restaurant is unassuming. The staff are very welcoming. I had heard amazing things about YOHAKU here in Osaka. I was told I could never get a reservation, but somehow my wife did get one. The first thing I noticed when I sat down was the intensity of the chef who was working behind the counter, laser focused, with bells ringing when something was ready to be off the fire. The courses of the meal flowed one on the other. They each had the most Incredible flavors interlaced one with the other and going ever deeper. It was a true symphony. The visual presentation equaled the gustatory experience. It’s hard for me to imagine how someone could conceive of which ingredients and components could be combined in a way that could create such a three-dimensional experience. The visual presentation was equally profound. He, the chef, is simply a genius. We come upon people, occasionally, who exceed excellence. This man does and if you have the very good fortune to exoerience a meal here, you will carry the memory forever.

This was one of the best meals that I enjoyed in Japan (as compared to 1-3 Michelin starred restaurants). I had an a la carte dinner and the food was spectacular and perfect. I had a course of Japanese cheeses, an onion and turtle soup, a seared venison loin and selections from the pastry counter. I can only rave about each; based on this alone, I think that 2 Michelin stars would be appropriate. I let the staff choose my wine for the courses and was pleased with each. The service and atmosphere were more casual than usual based on the caliber of the food but not in an unpleasant way. There were only 3 staff members so courses progressed at a more relaxed pace than at many restaurants (a three course +dessert meal lasted about 2 hours) but it wasn't unenjoyable and, otherwise, service and knowledge were top-notch. I sat at the counter so was able to observe and converse with the chef about preparations and ingredients. I found that the intimacy more than compensated for formality or strict professionalism - it was as much like eating with a (culinarily gifted) friend as dining in a restaurant. I would recommend Yohaku to anyone - gastronomes, couples, families, anyone.

The place is amazing- you will need a reservation, which you can make in person or over the phone. The chef will make a six course dinner perhaps just for you or perhaps for you and a small group of other diners, it really feels like a private dinner. They make many of the ingredients in house - I hardly even know how to describe it well enough, but the meal is so beautiful and so tasty. The price is also unbelievable at 8000 yen (about $50 US) per person. This would cost 3 times as much in the US. This was a highlight of our Japan trip.

Yohaku is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to culinary excellence. Chef Yogi's skill is truly world-class, evident in the complexity and innovation of each dish. Without a doubt, this was one of the finest dining experiences I've had anywhere in the world. Tucked away from the bustling tourist areas, Yohaku offers a serene oasis for discerning diners. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. For anyone visiting Osaka, a meal at Yohaku is not just a recommendation; it's a must-do. Booking was effortless; an early morning email request promptly secured us a reservation. I was impressed by their responsiveness and their willingness to accommodate our dietary preferences, setting the tone for what was to come. Our six-course set menu dinner was a revelation. Each dish was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with a keen eye for ingredient pairing and presentation. It was evident that Chef Yogi and his wife, the pastry chef, poured their hearts and souls into every aspect of the meal. Their passion for food shone through in every bite. Thank you very much for such amazing unrorgettavke experience and I wish you all the best!