Living in Da Nang, I’m constantly impressed by the incredible variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Still, every now and then, I find myself craving the comforting atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya. When that happens, one of my go-to spots is Yoshino Shoten, a well-known favorite among Japanese residents in Da Nang. With its authentic Japanese dishes and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a taste of home.
On this visit, I stopped by after work and enjoyed everything from fresh sashimi to classic izakaya dishes, finishing the meal with a satisfying bowl of curry.
Location
Yoshino Shoten is conveniently located in central Da Nang, just a short distance from the famous Dragon Bridge. It’s also easily accessible from popular attractions such as Da Nang Cathedral and Han Market, making it a convenient stop for both sightseeing and after-work dinners.
A quick Grab ride from most parts of the city will get you there in just a few minutes. The restaurant is also easy to reach from the My Khe Beach area, making it popular with both tourists and long-term residents.
The surrounding neighborhood is filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a great area to explore before or after your meal. In the evening, the area around Dragon Bridge comes alive with energy, adding to the enjoyable dining experience.
Exterior
The exterior looks exactly like a traditional Japanese izakaya.
With its wooden signboard and noren curtain hanging at the entrance, it instantly creates the feeling of stepping back into Japan while still being in Da Nang. It isn’t flashy, but its simple and familiar appearance makes it feel welcoming and comfortable.
At night, the warm glow from inside spills onto the street, creating an inviting atmosphere that naturally draws you in after a long day. Whether you’re dining alone or with a group, it feels like the kind of place where everyone is welcome.
Interior
As soon as you walk in, the first thing you notice is how comfortable and relaxing the space feels.
The interior features warm wooden decor and strikes a balance between a casual Japanese izakaya and a traditional Japanese restaurant. Both counter seats and table seating are available, making it suitable for solo diners as well as larger groups.
The staff are attentive and friendly, and the food arrives promptly. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal after work.
Food
Assorted Sashimi Platter
I started with the assorted sashimi platter.
Some people may wonder about the freshness of sashimi in Vietnam, but Yoshino Shoten serves sashimi of impressively high quality.
The platter included favorites such as tuna and salmon, each cut into generous slices with excellent texture and flavor. Every bite highlighted the natural taste of the fish, and the overall quality easily rivaled what you would expect from a good Japanese restaurant.
It paired perfectly with both beer and sake, making it an ideal way to start the evening.
Deep-Fried Tofu with Mushroom Ankake Sauce
Next came the deep-fried tofu topped with mushroom ankake sauce.
The tofu was lightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. The rich mushroom sauce poured over the top brought everything together beautifully.
The gentle flavor of the dashi-based sauce added a comforting touch that reminded me of home. It’s not a flashy dish, but I believe dishes like this truly showcase a restaurant’s skill and attention to detail.
It paired wonderfully with beer, shochu, or sake, and was one of those dishes that kept me reaching for another bite.
Mini Beef Tendon Curry
To finish the meal, I ordered the mini beef tendon curry.
Although it’s labeled as “mini,” the portion is just right as a final dish.
The beef tendon had been simmered until incredibly tender, so soft that it practically fell apart with a spoon. The curry itself had a comforting, homemade quality while still delivering a rich and satisfying depth of flavor.
There’s something special about enjoying curry after a few drinks, and this dish was the perfect ending to the meal. Every spoonful was satisfying from start to finish.
Personally, I consider this one of Yoshino Shoten’s hidden gems and highly recommend ordering it.
Final thoughts
Yoshino Shoten is one of the best places in Da Nang to experience authentic Japanese izakaya culture.
From fresh sashimi to carefully prepared Japanese comfort food and satisfying dishes to finish your meal, every item reflects the attention to detail and subtle flavors that make Japanese cuisine so appealing.
Whether you’re a Japanese expatriate missing the flavors of home or a traveler looking for quality Japanese food in Da Nang, Yoshino Shoten is well worth a visit.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I’d love some Japanese food tonight,” or simply want to relax with a drink and a good meal, be sure to stop by.
You’ll likely leave feeling as though you’ve enjoyed a small piece of Japan right here in Da Nang.
