Yokohama Teppanyaki & More

Subdued Elegance

The surprising interior is not at all kitsch, as so many “traditionally decorated” ethnic restaurants seem to be cut out the same cookie cutter mold as their competitors. At the entry you walk into a waiting area with a Japanese styled dresser flanked by two upright leather seaters on either side. This is clearly Chinese geometry of furniture layout. A large vase of glass looks like a climbing bamboo itself, offering a grandiose yet subdued image of backlit branches. Ideograms are hung above the staid looking chairs. A turquoise lit imbedded wall carving contains a small wooden gate allowing onlookers to contemplate a bamboo plant, a Japanese geisha image on a porcelain plate and a rock. The Teppanyaki room is tastefully and artful with a strategic Buddha in a corner, rice paper panels of striped dark bamboo frame the walls and divide the Teppanyaki room. On the other side in the dining area, Yokohama is spelled out in large Japanese hiragana bamboo against an eggshell wall cut out to look like a frame. The effect is simple yet bold. There is a party room designed in the same exquisite style with black wooden tables and chairs and assorted Japanese styled lanterns.

Upscale Dining

Besides the signature sushi, Teppanyaki and tempura, the lounge offers a various of sakes and other popular wines. What sets Yokohama apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area is the unabashed high quality. Sakura Roll is a frequently ordered item: filled with crispy fried shrimp tempura and topped with spicy crab and seaweed salad. If you not in the mood for sushi, try their steak hibachi made with USDA approved Black Angus and topped with Yokohama’s signature teriyaki sauce.

Customer reviews been nothing but excellent as one customer raves. “We go here when we are in the mood for something different. The sushi and tempura are my favorites. My husband likes it because they serve wine and sake. Yokohama is different because they put passion in everything they serve to their customers.”

Sindy talked about the quality of the food and the concept of dishes for one. “All of our dishes are very fresh. The materials we purchase are of the highest quality; the salmon, tuna and sashimi.” “Along with the freshness, the food we offer is outstanding and innovative. Customers enjoy special rolls which basically are custom made.”

“If someone likes to add his or her name on the roll for fun, or if someone just wants to change the appearance of the roll, our experienced sushi chef can individualize each roll.

“At the Teppanyaki grill," she continues, “customers never cease to be entertained by the technical prowess of our chefs. It's a source of entertainment that customers enjoy.”

Service to a Tee

Japanese interiors and cuisine require fine attention to the tiniest detail, so does the Yokohama staff. In their manner, they follow each customer in order to serve them at every whim and turn. Their response time is impeccable and polite. The physical attributes of the restaurant are well maintained. Each area is well scrubbed, especially the kitchen area near the grills. Sindy is the first to admit, “I totally understand the importance of keeping a restaurant clean and spotless. We installed the best odor-evacuating machines at each corner of the cooking area eliminating the smell of oil and gas. Each day, a thorough cleaning is conducted to make sure every corner is spotless.

Strong Will Bring Luck

Sindy, like many predecessors arrived in America in 1983 with big dreams, a strong will and truckloads of ambition. Enduring hardship she began in New York City working in a clothing factory. A few years later she married her restaurant industry based husband. The two began working together. Sentimentally she recalls, “Our first eatery was a Chinese take-out, also in this shopping center which is just steps away from Yokohama. In our minds, running a small business was a little risky yet a reasonable step for newcomers, just like myself”.

It proved that her initial choice was right. After years of hard work, their small business thrived until when, in 2003 Yokohama was launched with a grand opening. With first-rate service, marvelous food and exotic ambience, Yokohama became very popular. Sindy and her family were running two restaurants in the shopping center at 300 S Lenola Rd., Maple Shade, NJ.

When looking back on those early days Sindy wonders how she was able to do it all while raising a family. She feels lucky about her dedication and accomplishments. She also feels grateful to her loyal staff whom she has a very good relationship with. She relies on them for the success of the operation. As to the future, Sindy is looking forward to advertising the new addition of the Teppanyaki grill while spending more time and energy with her son who has an abiding interest in the restaurant industry.

AWARDS…

During these years, Yokohama Japanese Restaurant has built up a remarkable reputation --- and deservedly so.

1 Best Kept Secret (Best of South Jersey Magazine 2008)

2. Best Sushi Restaurant (Burlington County Times 2008)

3. Best Sushi Restaurant (Courier Post 2009)

4. Best Sushi Restaurant (South Jersey Magazine 2009)

5. Four Forks Rating (South Jersey Magazine 2009)

The restaurant is running for the award of "Top 100 Dining Excellence in Asian Cuisine". Let’s wait and see the result at the award ceremony of 6th Annual Top100 Chinese Restaurant in USA, host by ‘Chinese Restaurant News’ in the coming January.

Yokohama Japanese Restaurant

• Location: 300 S Lenola Rd., Maple Shade, NJ 08052


• Cuisine: Japanese Cuisine


• Capacity: 150-160


• Signature Dish: Yokohama Special Roll, Sakura Roll, Teriyaki Steak


• Year of establishment: 2003


• Phone: (856)608-8812


• Owner: Sindy Sze