Restaurant in New York City, United States
Yamada
375Pearl PointsSpecial-occasion pick
About Yamada
Yamada is worth considering for a planned dinner when outside recognition matters more than casual value. Its 2026 placements from Robb Report and The New York Times make it a stronger special-occasion bet than nearby casual Chinatown options, though it is not the pick for a quick group meal or dessert stop.
Yamada is a New York City restaurant with two clearly confirmed 2026 recognition points: Robb Report named it #5 on The 10 Best New Restaurants in America, The New York Times listed it #2 among Best Restaurants in New York City. Those accolades are the main verified reason to pay attention here.
Beyond that recognition, the verified practical details are limited. Yamada is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30–11:30 PM, closed Sunday and Monday, lists a smart casual dress code. Cuisine, pricing, room details, menu format, service style are not confirmed here, so plan with those limits in mind.
A recognition-led dinner option
Choose Yamada when the evening calls for a planned New York City dinner backed by notable restaurant-list recognition. Skip it if you need a confirmed lunch option, a documented price range, or a fully detailed menu picture before deciding.
The drinks angle is not verified, so beverage decisions should not be treated as the main reason to go. If the night is built around cocktails or bar-hopping, use 's New York City bars guide instead. If the priority is a restaurant dinner with confirmed recognition, Yamada makes more sense.
Who should consider it
Yamada is best approached as a planned dinner in New York City rather than a spontaneous stop, mainly because its verified hours are limited to Tuesday through Saturday evenings. The confirmed smart casual dress code also makes it sensible to arrive put together.
For other dining ideas, Cafe Hong Kong, 456 New Shanghai, Noodle Village, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Mango Mango may be useful points of comparison depending on what kind of meal or stop you want. Yamada is the more recognition-led call. For broader planning, use 's full New York City restaurants guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I plan for Yamada?
Yamada is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30–11:30 PM and is closed Sunday and Monday. Because it has confirmed 2026 recognition from Robb Report and The New York Times, planning ahead is sensible, but specific reservation availability is not verified here.
Is Yamada good for solo dining?
Yamada can be considered for solo dining if you want a planned dinner in New York City, but specific seating formats, counter availability, reservation flexibility are not verified here.
What should I wear to Yamada?
Yamada lists a smart casual dress code. Aim for neat, dinner-ready clothing rather than casual drop-in attire.
What should a first-timer know about Yamada?
Treat Yamada as a planned dinner. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30–11:30 PM, closed Sunday and Monday, has confirmed 2026 recognition from Robb Report and The New York Times.
Does Yamada handle dietary restrictions?
No specific dietary-restriction policy is verified here. Check the venue's official channels before you go, especially if you need accommodation for allergies or other restrictions.
Can Yamada accommodate groups?
Specific group capacity and seating details are not verified here. If you are planning for a group, check directly with Yamada before making plans; you might also compare Cafe Hong Kong, 456 New Shanghai, Noodle Village, Mango Mango, or Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.
Location
16 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013
New York City, United States
Compare Yamada
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamada | New York City | , | Robb Report The 10 Best New Restaurants in America #5 (2026); New York Times Best Restaurants in New York City #2 (2026) |
| Cafe Hong Kong | New York City | , | , |
| 456 New Shanghai | New York City | , | , |
| Chinatown Ice Cream Factory | New York City | , | , |
| Mango Mango | New York City | , | , |
| Noodle Village | New York City | Chinese | , |
How Yamada NYC compares with similar nearby venues.
Where to go if Yamada does not fit
Pick Noodle Village for a more casual Chinese meal nearby, especially if the group wants something easier and less occasion-driven.
Pick Mango Mango or Chinatown Ice Cream Factory if the plan shifts to dessert rather than a full dinner.
How Yamada compares nearby
Yamada is the occasion pick in this set. Cafe Hong Kong, 456 New Shanghai, Noodle Village read as more casual neighborhood choices, better when value, speed, or a lower-pressure group meal matters more than recognition.
For dessert or an after-dinner stop, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and Mango Mango are easier, lower-commitment calls. They are not substitutes for a full special-occasion dinner, but they make more sense if the plan is light, flexible, or dessert-led.
If booking difficulty is the deciding factor, the casual peers are safer fallback options. If the decision is about a polished dinner with stronger citywide recognition, Yamada is the one to prioritize.
Recognized By
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