Tanakaya
Dive right into Yokohama’s culinary traditions with a meal at the rustic eatery, Tanayaka, which was founded in 1863, at the end of the Edo period. This age-old restaurant used to be on the waterfront, but the land has been reclaimed and the coast is no longer visible from the resraurant. The neighbourhood was once famous for its multitude of traditional inns, frequented by traders from the Yokohama port. In fact, this is a historic restaurant, which has survived the test of time. In its heyday, there were 58 inns in this area, but today, Tanakaya is the only one that stands as testimony to the bygone era. Today, this family-run establishment, run by its fifth owner, Akemi Hiratsuka, who is often seen interacting with diners, who come from around the world. Here, on tatami mats and in private dining rooms, kimono-clad staff will serve you a traditional kaiseki meal. You must factor in about two hours for this meal, to truly enjoy the experience. A typical kaiseki meal at Tanakaya comprises several courses, and the menu changes regularly — appetisers, broth, sashimi, grilled dish, warm dish, palate cleanser, boiled dish, rice, pickle, miso soup and dessert. There are subtle hints of Western cooking in the menu, however, traditional Japanese cooking styles are most visible. During our two-hour-long culinary extravaganza, every course was presented to us like a work of art. We tasted familiar flavours and discovered new ones, like the famous Japanese egg pudding chawanmushi, along with an exquisite preparation of roast duck, with a hot of subtle flavours. Tanakaya offers a variety of menu options for both lunch and dinner. Beef lovers must also sample their famous kuroge beef sukiyaki set menu. Here, you can even sample a variety of Japanese beverages like local beer, whisky, sake and shochu.
11-1 Daimachi Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi Kanagawa-ken, 221-0834 JAPAN
Ko-No-Hana
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel’s traditional Japanese restaurant is on the 8th floor of this building and overlooks a Japanese garden. Enjoy a variety of set menus for lunch and dinner, with the possibility of enjoying one of their private dining rooms. Each meal here is a balance of Japanese seafood, vegetables, meat and ocean plants. Delicacies include the sashimi platters and grilled seasonal appetisers.
Ko-No-Hana, 1-3-23 Kitasawai, Nishiku, Yokohama Kanagawa 220-8501, Japan.
Yokohama Noge Bar cruising
If you are looking to unwind and relax after a hectic work day, then Yokohama’s Noge district is the place to be. A haven for culinary and booze foodies, Noge houses over 600 pubs and restaurants. From traditional izakaya to trendy sake bar and classic robatayaki (a type of charcoal grill used in Japanese cooking), this buzzing Yokohama neighbourhood has it all. You can also try out the contemporary Kushiage (a Japanese dish of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) at some of coolest wine bars or enjoy a fun evening at a Karaoke spot.
Noge Bar Cruising, Noge District, Yokohama.
Bar Sea Guardian II
This rustic English-style pub is located at the Hotel New Grand in downtown Yokohama is a great place to enjoy some post-work drinks. Enjoy some cocktails prepared by the in-house mixologist or sample a variety of Japanese whiskeys in a beautiful setting. This place is popular among locals, who come here for the drinks and bar food, so it is a great place to get a glimpse of everyday life in Yokohama.
231-0023 Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Yamashitacho
Royal wing
This is a great way to discover Yokohama Bay from a vintage-style boat. Royal Wing is a gorgeous vessel, which you can board and enjoy a two-hour cruise around the area. What’s more, Royal Wing specialises in Chinese cuisine and you will find a variety of different dining options onboard, ranging from casual dining to fine dining and private dining rooms, serving authentic Chinese fare. Guests can also enjoy a fine collection of spirits and beverages such as Chinese rice wine, cold sake, Shōchū and apricot liquor.
To compliment this, the entertainment cruise also organises a host of live performances by piano, violin, flute and saxophone players.
Royal Wing, 1 Chome, Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama.
Mutekiro
Located in the Motomachi district of Yokohama, this outlet is popular for serving French cuisine with a local twist. Mutekiro also has a private room that features tables set in tatami mats. The meals here are prepared with fresh ingredients and vegetables from the local farms. Adding to this, is a variety of cheese sourced from different regions and are ideal to team up with fine quality wine and spirits.
2-96 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Indian Food Cravings?
Sitar
When you’re travelling to any international city, it is always good to have one good Indian restaurant on your list of recommendations, just in case those cravings come unannounced. If you’re in Yokohama — the food scene in this city is already so diverse and dynamic — and fancy a curry, head on over to Sitar. This quaint, charming Indian restaurant, is located in the port town of Yamashita-cho, a neighbourhood featuring a network of quaint, charming lanes, brimming with bars and restaurants. Owner Kumar Mahtani and his team of chefs, have put together a menu of North Indian comfort food, with some
old classics. Sitar boasts a warm and homely vibe, with elegant elements of Indian decor.
What would be most recommended is to opt for the set lunch or dinner options, as this is served with a variety of dishes, so you can really get a taste of the different items on the menu.
For a real indulgence, try the Chef’s Course meal, which includes a range of starters — samosa, aloo chaat, tandoori lamb, chicken tikka, tandoori prawn — followed by three curries, salad, naan, pulao and dessert.
Particularly outstanding were the grilled meats — chicken tikka, tandoori lamb and prawns — cooked to perfection and spiced impeccably. A mention must be made for the curries, extremely authentic, with just the right dose of spice, accompanied with some Indian bread.
Sitar, Lokumal Building, 74-6 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama.
