Tabelog ratingLA TABLE DE YAMASAKI is an intimate, 14-seat bistro in Kobe where chef-owner Yamasaki delivers robust, classical French cooking with a focus on meat and game. The experience is personal and informal, centered on skillfully executed dishes and a well-curated wine list.
The undisputed star of the menu, praised in nearly every review, is the beef fillet and foie gras baked in pastry (pâté en croûte). Guests also consistently recommend the house-made charcuterie, seared sea bass, and generous main courses like whole roasted poussin, lamb, and seasonal game such as Ezo deer. The portion sizes are frequently highlighted as offering exceptional value.
A small number of diners have found some dishes to be mildly under-seasoned for their personal taste. Given the small size of the restaurant and kitchen, service can feel very casual, especially when the chef is busy. The large portions, while a bonus for most, can be a challenge for solo diners.
Reviewers report dinner costs typically falling between ¥10,000 and ¥15,000, with lunch sets priced around ¥3,000 to ¥4,000. Specific examples include a dinner course featuring the signature pie for ¥12,000, and another guest's meal with wine totalling ¥13,400. Most guests consider the restaurant, and particularly its lunch service, to be excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 4-minute walk from Motomachi Station (served by JR and Hanshin lines).
- Reservations: Bookings are strongly recommended. The small dining room fills up quickly, and walk-ins are not always possible. Lunch is available on Fridays and Saturdays by phone reservation only.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: Seating is at tables or a counter. A time limit of 2.5 hours per reservation applies.
- Service Charge: A fee of ¥700 per person is charged at dinner for an amuse-bouche.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
