Yamagen is the Gold Coast's newest foodie destination
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
“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!
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.
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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