HAL YAMASHITA Napa

"Held hostage by Sushi. 3 hours. That's how long it took for the UME course meal, curry bowl and tuna nigiri to come out. 3 hours. Arrived at 6, waited and waited, I would say, 1 part of the course every 30mins or so. Curry and Nigiri about 1:45 hours after arriving. I had high hopes it would be a perfect end of the day. The wife's Bday, I have the 2 kids with us, the place had only one table with guest to serve...it was 6pm, what could go wrong...I would be home by 8pm, kids in bed...late movie with wine...voila! I also took into account that the one table they were serving, there was a family with 2 kids the same kids age and my kids behave well. So here it is for you to make this review useful. They took their dear time, with no sense of urgency to get people their order. When we left their was 9 tables to serve, nobody served their meal in a proper time. Maybe the chefs were lacking, with timing or maybe they didn't care...there was an older gentleman chef washing dishing at one point in the 2:45 hour mark of the meal. The UME course wasn't worth the $. The bento box looked like it belonged on a economy class airplane flight. It was about 3.5x3.5 square with fish cuts that seemed like scrappy. The best part was the robata grilled cod at the end. You are better off paying for Nigiri's at the $14-$25+...they would be better cuts. The Curry Bowl had 3 pieces of Waygu beef. I counted. Kiddo ate it, but spicy. As a curry loving person, this was more Indian sweet style curry vs. Japanese curry. Disappointed none-the-less. After the 3rd hour and it was time to leave, the original family that was there...their table was still a mess and never cleaned. And the next table that came in after us, received their first course in the 3rd hour. That's trouble. For all the good reviews, maybe it was just a bad day for them? I'd try it again, but if I have to wait that long again, something is wrong. Spent near $200, fair pricing for high end sushi and atmosphere. It just throws out the feel good experience and I am very patient. Maybe if I was on business and had 3 bottles of sake, 3 hours would have been fine. It was so late and the kids fell asleep in the car, wife's birthday cake was cut for breakfast the next day. Happy birthday to her. PS: The nice waiter felt bad and offered free grilled edamame."

"Excellent Japanese fusion dishes. Top notch ingredients. Although I prefer traditional sushi, this is a great Japanese restaurant in the area. Service is good for that busy Labor Day evening with limited staff. All raw fishes we had were excellent. Best ikura I had outside Japan. Tempura was just ok. It’s in the set. Otherwise I wouldn’t order. If I go again, I will order raw fish dishes only. I feel that’s what they do best."

"What can I say? Being a total foodie, going to Hal Yamashita’s downtown Napa Restaurant is like a pilgrimage...The Wagyu & Chawana Mushi prepared by Chef Demetrio and the Sushi prepared by Chef Takuya was – EXCEPTIONAL. I'm happy to report this restaurant lives up to the chef's name and the ambiance was so special. I was greeted by Michiyo who made sure our evening and every plate that came out was perfect. Michiyo and our server Ziva were kind enough to explain the entire menu to us before we ordered and made sure each dish that came out was top notch. I've never eaten a dish with, basically, a putty knife tool, but the Uni- Maki and Black Cod were literally the best things I believe I've ever eaten. Trust me – BOTH are a MUST have order. We had some beautiful Hamachi and toro that literally melted like butter in our mouth and the Wagyu was an out of this world treat. We paired each of the courses with wine and sparkling and I look forward to some of their winemaker dinners that are coming up! An incredible evening …..can’t wait to go back."

"A staff member recommended this restaurant while wine tasting at Joseph Phelps. You should know it is a good food when a local person recommends a place to eat. To start off, the ambiance is amazing. However, the food was even better. The quality of the ingredients is something I never tried before. Everything was so unique and superb. I do not write reviews, but I had to write one for this place because it was good. All the reviews that said that food took some time make me think, what company are you in when you can't entertain conversation for a couple of hours while waiting on the food? The owner also introduced herself to us. What an incredible lady! Next time you are in, please do yourself a favor, see if she is working, and hear her story. Definitely, we'll be back just for this restaurant."

"This hands down is one of the best sushi spots in Napa. Me and my bestie enjoyed a lovely meal with one of their specialty cocktails which was delicious. Our server (my apologies I don’t remember her name) was so hospitable and delivered a wonderful experience. They brought out the food in perfect succession after each food item we ordered was finished. From the truffle edamame, to the karaage chicken, to the delicious and fresh sushi rolls and lastly some of the best Japanese curry I’ve ever tasted. Overall, I give this place 5 stars! Definitely recommend!"