Yamagen is the Gold Coast's newest foodie destination

Carly Williams
Updated

Remember the days when food options on the Goldie were pretty much a Surf Club steak or fish and chips from the corner shop?

As epic and delicious as those options are, the Gold Coast has blossomed into a bubbling Mecca of glam tapas bars and restaurants spearheaded by internationally renowned chefs. It's fast catching up to foodie capitals Melbourne and Sydney and the rebirth of iconic GC restaurant Yamagen at the QT Gold Coast solidifies my theory.

Yamagen’s exclusive sushi counter, led by Mitsuo Yoshino. Here, guests experience an authentic omakase – a stream of market fresh sashimi and sushi, as well as delicate share plates, like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare – expertly selected by the chef.
Yamagen’s exclusive sushi counter, led by Mitsuo Yoshino. Here, guests experience an authentic omakase – a stream of market fresh sashimi and sushi, as well as delicate share plates, like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare – expertly selected by the chef.

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What was a teppanyaki place on the Goldie for 30 years has had a dramatic facelift by award-winning interior architect, Nic Graham. Complete with Sushi bar, glass box kushiyaki grill set in the middle of the restaurant, vibing bar and chic Japanese rock garden.

Beef and chicken skewers cooking on the grill set which is Yamagen's centrepiece cooking station.
Beef and chicken skewers cooking on the grill set which is Yamagen's centrepiece cooking station.
Designer Nic Graham was tasked with reimagining a traditional Japanese izakaya.
Designer Nic Graham was tasked with reimagining a traditional Japanese izakaya.

The team says the trick was to create an invigorating blend of “east meets west” urban street style, pop-culture kitsch, and Japanese fishing village charm. Yamagen ticks all of those boxes.

Classic ‘silk black’ or wenge wood detailing and vibrant custom-made wallpaper make the Japanese eating-house ooze glamour. Yamagen serves total Nobu vibes, straight out of Los Angeles.

TV personality Kris Smith was at Yamagen's star-studded launch party at the QT Gold Coast. Photo: Yamagen
TV personality Kris Smith was at Yamagen's star-studded launch party at the QT Gold Coast. Photo: Yamagen

So L.A, in fact, Aqua Man actress Amber Heard kicked her feet up with her entourage at Yamagen’s launch party along with other famous faces Tim Robards, Kris Smith and a string of local influencers. Johnny Depp’s former-wife then returned the next night to sample the menu in depth.

Be spied Aqua Man actress Amber Heard dining at Yamagen two nights in a row. Photo: Getty
Be spied Aqua Man actress Amber Heard dining at Yamagen two nights in a row. Photo: Getty

And what a menu it is. Blending old-school Japanese culinary tradition with new-school chef intervention, Yamagen is all about artfully designed share plates, kushiyaki (grilled share dishes), and a la carte items that will make even the most established foodies say 'wow.'

The famous Sashimi Tacos - a textual explosion of flavours.
The famous Sashimi Tacos - a textual explosion of flavours.

Yamagen's executive chef Adam Lane (formerly of Nobu, London's Nahm and Sydney's Sake´) leads an experienced culinary team along with Mitsuo Yoshino, who heads up the exclusive sushi counter.

“I love the lightness and delicacy of Japanese cuisine,” says Adam Lane.

The Yamagen team is spearheaded by Executive Chef, Adam Lane of Sydney's Sake, Sushi E and Tetsuya’s. He's also cooked alongside Nobu Matsuhisa at the starred Nobu and with David Thompson at London's Nahm.
The Yamagen team is spearheaded by Executive Chef, Adam Lane of Sydney's Sake, Sushi E and Tetsuya’s. He's also cooked alongside Nobu Matsuhisa at the starred Nobu and with David Thompson at London's Nahm.

“I really enjoy the challenge of mixing ingredients that you wouldn’t usually think of putting together – finding the perfect balance of flavours is what keeps our work exciting.”

Be's food item highlights include the sashimi tacos, pork dumplings, beef skewers, grilled chicken on a stick (yakitori), pork belly with caramelised miso, yellowfin tuna tatare, and miso black cod.

The team at Yamagen want guests to go on a culinary journey through the bustling back alleys of Tokyo, but also feel the luxe vibes of the lush cocktail bar and interactive dining room. No matter where people sit, they have access to the three cooking stations.

Liquor lovers will be happy to know Yamagen’s bar manager Jordan Melling has curated 67 whiskies - the largest range in Queensland!

Yamagen boasts one of the most extensive lists of Japanese whisky in QLD, including Yamazaki 25 Y.O, Hibiki 30 Y.O and Hakusha 25 Y.O
Yamagen boasts one of the most extensive lists of Japanese whisky in QLD, including Yamazaki 25 Y.O, Hibiki 30 Y.O and Hakusha 25 Y.O

Now that’s the perfect way to finish an evening.

Or if you’d rather dessert, don’t go past the deep fried donut balls filled with yuzu curd and sesame sugar.

Be's go to roll at Yamagen, QT Gold Coast is the 'Yamagen': seared salmon & scallop, spicy mayo, cucumber, witlof, miso caramel
Be's go to roll at Yamagen, QT Gold Coast is the 'Yamagen': seared salmon & scallop, spicy mayo, cucumber, witlof, miso caramel

Yamagen is a must for locals looking for an impressive food experience or anyone visiting the Gold Coast for business or pleasure. Adam Lane will certainly look after you.

Be was a guest at the Yamagen launch party and stayed at QT Gold Coast.

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