Yozora might be one of the most intimate and thoughtfully curated dining experiences in San Antonio. The entire space feels cozy with indoor & outdoor seating. The listening bar concept paired with their state-of-the-art custom sound system makes the atmosphere feel immersive from the second you walk in. The music, lighting, and outstanding service all work together perfectly when you're trying to unwind and decompress after a long week. The lychee martini was smooth, refreshing, and extremely lychee forward. I really enjoyed how they garnished the drink with two whole lychees. I was in heaven and I can honestly say this was one of my favorite cocktails I've had in the city (Thanks for the recommendation Annabelle). Food-wise, everything felt elevated and pieced together beautifully on each plate. The truffle creamy miso soup was warm & comforting with just the right amount of depth and the Asian pear cucumber salad was perfect to cleanse the palate after the soup. The Hawaiian ono was another standout that absolutely delivered. That cilantro oil and the yuzu dance together well with the soft & silky ono. I also really enjoyed the scallop crudo, it also has cilantro oil but this time with ponzu foam. This combination was so good that I absolutely had no shame sipping the married liquid components on the plate between each bite of scallop. Lastly, the wagyu mochi gnocchi is unreal--rich, melt in your mouth mochi gnocchi, savory shrimp and tender wagyu, and this velvety sauce that's semi addicting. This surf-and-turf style dish with seafood and wagyu is where Yozora really flexes; every bite felt balanced, indulgent, and beautifully plated. (This particular evening the sauce on the mochi gnocchi was a touch spicier for me than the first time I visited but I enjoyed every last bite nonetheless). I went a little ham and didn't have room for dessert this time unfortunately. Next time Huge shoutout to my server Annabelle, who made the entire night seamless. My water never even got close to empty, her recommendations were spot on, and she somehow balanced taking care of the bar while still making her tables feel attended to. The rest of the staff even tag teamed service throughout the dining room which I always enjoy seeing. It says a lot about how well the staff and overall concept works together there. Symphony for the soul. Thank you again Annabelle and team for making the whole evening easy to enjoy and adding so much to the experience. Yozora absolutely lives up to the hype. Add it to your list of spots to keep coming back for. read more

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This place is so nice, I had to dine here twice in a 2 week span! If you've never been, highly recommend the tasting menu to try a variety of items. My favorite have been the gyozas, chicken karaage, gnocchi and Wagyu teriyaki. Service was also great both times. I'll definitely be back! read more

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What a wonderful Japanese restaurant with the freshest fish! I came in for a work dinner and was absolutely blown away! I will be honest I was initially intimidated by the menu because the names of the dishes were not what I was used to, but everything was incredible. I appreciate our waiter immensely because he was super patient and didn't rush us. I am a slow eater and being allowed to order and discover this menu was just what I needed. Every dish was honestly amazing. Usually at places there will be a star dish and I felt everything we ordered was stand out! The fish is extremely fresh, the sauces the dishes are paired with are bursting with flavor, and for the times that are cooked, like the octopus, they couldn't have made it better. The interior is simple and elegant and they have a vinyl record player with large speakers that give a great vibe to the place. Not to mention iron their taste in music really makes this place intimate even with the high ceilings. If you haven't been, stop by it's worth every hype and photo you've seen! read more

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Absolutely love this restaurant! We are big fans of Shiro and heard that they had a sister restaurant and I knew we had to check it out. Sunday and Tuesdays they have a happy hour that is super good as well! We ordered a bunch of apps to share around the table. The edamame is so good, I ate almost all of it myself because it's that good. The gyozas are delicious as well. For my main I ordered the chicken teriyaki bento and it was so good, the noodles, the chicken, and the rice was perfectly cooked too. I loved the vibes of the restaurant with different records playing throughout the night. The waitress was super sweet as well. I definitely will be going back soon! read more

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authentic, mind blowing japanese food and cozy kissa vibes . They have a prefix menu tuesday through sunday and great happy hour. very pricey but worth it. read more

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Food was great and I'd come back again for the food. The service was subpar in my opinion. They were gracious to squeeze us in on a busy evening. The waiter was not happy with us ordering more food even though we were still within our time "limit" and he made it quite obvious in his demeanor as we ordered. In addition, we did not receive a dish that we ordered even though it was charged on the receipt. Fortunately, the waiter was able to fix that issue without a fit. Overall, an uncomfortable experience which detracted from the wonderful food read more

Yozora - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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These are the times where you find a place that you've heard of and haven't had a chance to go until now. And this is an absolutely must go. When going to the I10 location, you see a concentration of great restaurants and Yozora doesn't have the big lights. But this place is now one of my favorite places in SA. The flavors this place can create is next level and is absolutely beautiful. The interior has a cozy vibe essentuated with vinyl music throughout your meal. The other cool thing is that you can actually look at their collection of music and they will play it in the course of you dining there. We first had the charsu appetizer and this came with light onions and Parmesan reggiano. Being Asian, I would not have purposely poop it both together but it worked extremely well. I got a great recommendation for som sake from our server Rob and it paired perfectly with my meal. I had the wagyu toban rice, my wife had the binchotan Chilean sea bass, and my daughter had the karai octopus. Everything was amazing. Everything. The entire experience was amazing. To top off the evening, we wanted dessert and the only dessert available today was the yuzu Japanese citrus pie. We ordered one for the three of us and after our first bites, collectively, we knew we needed another serving. It was that good. It's one of the best desserts I've had in years. While writing this review, I'm still in awe on how great dinner was. I mean it's that good. read more

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Stopped in recently to finally scratch Yozora off my "to-try" list and I'm so glad I did! I stopped in on a Thursday evening and it was pretty quiet so we had no problem nabbing a table. For starters my friend and I shared the grilled chasu pork belly. Of everything we tried this was probably our least favorite dish (but that doesn't say much because it was still delicious). My friend also ordered the creamy truffle miso soup and YALL. That thing was so delicious that after she let me try it I had to flag down our waitress so I could order a bowl for myself. I would make a trip to the Dominion just for this soup alone and could 100% eat it by the bowlful if that was an option (hint hint Yazora team :P) For our entree my friend and split the large portion of wagyu teriyaki. This was another standout dish that knocked it out of the park for us and we were both fighting over the last bite of steak. It comes served with steamed rice, noodles, tuna, and more! Finally, for dessert we had to try the adorable (and delicious) bear shaped macaroons that come in flavors macha and chocolate. Everything about our experience was wonderful from the service, food, and ambiance. I'll definitely be back again! read more

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My friends and I visited Yozora for SA Restaurant Week and we were so glad we did! We've been to their sister restaurant, Shiro, in downtown so we knew that we'd like Yozora. We ordered the wagyu which came with a variety of side dishes -- every side complimented the buttery, flavorful beef so well! We also ordered a couple of cold side dishes which were also yum. Our server was very pleasant as well and came by throughout our dinner to check on us. Vibes were also vibing, it has a unique atmosphere and is described as a listening bar, featuring jazz and eclectic tunes. I'd definitely return to Yozora for an another girl's dinner date! read more

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This food is AMAZINGGGG! More people should know about this spot! Evan was our server this evening and was so helpful in explaining the menu to us and helping us make the best choices! The ambiance is so nice and the music was very romantic and relaxing. We will definitely be back! read more

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Yozora is a cute little place that my friend heard about, so we checked it out for our birthdays. The food did not disappoint. I had the 3 course meal for $55, my friend got the gnocchi, and we split the hit line gyoza. ALL of it was delicious. They had a happy hour going on all day Sunday and I had a delicious $6 Pinot Grigio. The place itself is cute and the service was great. The server explained everything to us and gave us recommendations. read more

Yozora - Wagyu teriyaki (3rd course came with all of this) Delicious! - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

A true gem! Moody date night dining with the unique addition of their sound system and live vinyl music. read more

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upscale ambiance, sophisticated food, seriously good service and, impressive sake selection. my fiancé and i loved it and will be back soon. an unexpected and lovely place for San Antonio read more

I knew I wanted to try this place out after hearing about it from a couple of coworkers. It did not disappoint. Besides the food, I was expecting the music to be a little more pronounced. It was drowned out by the sound of everyone. Next time I'd rather sit closer to the speakers to be able to enjoy the music. They had some jazz playing the entire time but couldn't decipher the music at the bar by the front door. My ear did catch a Miles Davis and Chet Baker tune. Onto the food, the waiters did a great job recommending a bottle of cold sake. I enjoyed it and it paired nicely with my meal. I will advise, they have no liquor license so no Japanese whisky. Here's what I had: -Truffle Creamy Miso Soup(yummy bits of burnt rice, nice texture, warm feel good taste) -Truffle Hamachi(bright and fresh, with there was more yellowtail as it was delicious) -Wagyu Toban Rice(this was the highlight. I could not finish it as I hit a food barrier but the egg yolk of the dish was mixed around by waiter before I could snap a pic. A bed of rice with a generous amount of small, perfectly cooked cubes of wagyu, and a well balanced amount of ikura(salmon roe)). Overall would definitely come back. Came here solo and I could see they had another area of the bar(3 seats) which faced directly into kitchen through a glazed viewing area. The tables were also all adorned with a lamp which helped create a chill mood. Saw lots of people show up in groups of 2-4. Come make the drive and give a try for yourself! read more

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The food is incredible! Keep in mind this place is an experience and it isn't rushed. Patrons are encouraged to linger, visit, and enjoy several courses. It's fashioned after Japanese listening rooms so food is served while an album plays on a large stereo in the corner. The music can get loud at times and the wait can be long, but worth it! read more

Helmed by Chef Grey Hwang -- already celebrated for his downtown gem, Shiro Japanese Bistro -- Yozora redefines Japanese dining by blending the intimate, music-centric ethos of a Japanese jazz kissa with the convivial spirit of an izakaya. Since its soft opening in late 2023 and grand debut in December of that year, Yozora has captivated visitors with its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, extensive sake selection, and an audiophile's dream of a listening experience. Stepping into Yozora is like entering a portal to a mid-20th-century Japanese jazz kissa, reimagined with contemporary flair. The centerpiece of the space is its hi-fi audio setup: a striking tableau of upright speakers flanking a sleek cabinet, crowned with a turntable and the warm, blue glow of the McIntosh amplifier's vacuum tubes. A small shelf above displays the album cover of the current vinyl spinning, often illuminated by a vintage "On Air" light, evoking a sense of nostalgia while grounding the experience in the present. Chef Hwang's personal vinyl collection -- featuring jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, bossa nova rhythms, and the funky strains of 1980s Japanese city pop -- sets the tone, creating an eclectic, atypical auditory backdrop. The interior strikes a balance between cozy and chic. While traditional jazz kissas are dimly lit and smoky, Yozora opts for a brighter, more open feel, thanks in part to its visible kitchen. This choice sacrifices some of the shadowy intimacy of its Japanese forebears but enhances the modern dining vibe, making it approachable yet sophisticated. The custom-built sound system ensures that every seat feels immersive, whether you're at the bar savoring a sake flight or sharing plates with friends at a table. The 18+ dining room policy indoors reinforces its identity as a refined retreat, ideal for a night out or a romantic evening. In other words, leave your kids at home or take them to McDonald's. Unlike Shiro, where sushi reigns supreme, Yozora shifts the focus to a broader spectrum of Japanese flavors, spotlighting yakitori, crudo, and small plates that marry tradition with innovation. Chef Hwang's vision is clear: to showcase the diversity of Japanese cuisine beyond the familiar rolls and nigiri that first introduced San Antonio to his talents four years ago. The concise menu emphasizes quality over quantity and encourages a shared dining experience akin to a Japanese izakaya. Standout dishes are numerous. The charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass ranks among the best seafood dishes I've had in San Antonio. The Binchotan coals impart char on the outside, but the bass is cooked to a perfect medium rare tenderness. The accompanying sauce is a tantalizing mix of soy married with a beurre blanc, resulting in a distinctly savory, creamy, umami hybrid that complements the fish without overwhelming it. The truffle miso soup is a revelation, its creamy depth and earthy aroma setting it apart from the standard miso bowl. A generous shaving of black winter truffles adds an extra layer of nutty, slightly funky decadence to the traditional flavors of miso. My excellent server, Russell, says he recommends it to all first-time customers. Another favorite, the crispy toro, pairs unctuously fatty tuna -- imported from Japan and dry-aged on the premises -- with crispy boxed sushi rice, creamy aioli, razor-thin slices of fresh jalapeño, and a strip of ponzu gel. The layering of flavors and textures in this dish had me humming, quite literally. My favorite dish of all, the Karai octopus, features tender, smoky octopus, a slightly spicy gochujang aioli, and yaki onigiri. Octopus can be difficult to execute consistently, but the team at Yozora have nailed this dish on every occasion -- crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The presentation here is impeccable, a work of art that tantalizes the senses at first glance. Service at Yozora is a highlight, with Russell the undisputed star of the dining room. Over the course of multiple visits, I have observed him guide diners through the sake menu, offer food pairing suggestions, and explain dishes in stunning detail. He strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, enhancing the overall experience. The pace is unhurried, encouraging guests to linger over their meal and soak in the music, a deliberate choice that aligns with the kissa ethos. Yozora is undeniably a fine dining experience, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients and the care put into every aspect of the operation. Small plates range from $10 to $20, with premium items like Wagyu pushing the upper end, while sake bottles hover between $30 and $60. It's not a budget-friendly spot, but the combination of food, ambiance, and service justifies the cost for a special occasion or a treat-yourself evening. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. read more

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I've visited twice and it's consistently been great. I love the vibe with the hifi audio system and record collection and the fantastic service and food quality. It's a goto when I'm in town. read more

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This is the sister restaurant to Shiro and just like Shiro, this is an exquisite culinary experience. The atmosphere is low lit, dark wood with subtle music playing in the background. This is definitely fine dining. The menu offerings are artistic and exploding with flavor. Highly recommend this restaurant for special occasions. A reservation is likely needed. read more

Yozora - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Yozora is the sister restaurant to Shiro, which is my favorite Japanese restaurant in San Antonio. Yozora features similar small plates and cold plates from Shiro with some differences in their entrees (entrees come on a platter with small plates vs the bento box style in Shiro). We have dined here twice and thoroughly enjoyed all of our dishes. The small plates are impeccable and you really cannot go wrong with any of the dishes you select. I always said at Shiro that you could close your eyes and point to a dish and would enjoy it and the same holds up for Yozara. The yakitori skewers are also delicious! The vibe is more of a speakeasy type with a record player - you can even select some records to play too. If you enjoy Shiro, you will enjoy Yozora. Please note there is no nigiri on this menu. read more

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Cute vibey spot for a date night. Loved the intimate dining environment! Food was all fresh and delicious - lots of fun flavors. The escolar was especially great! Service was also very attentive and engaging throughout our entire visit read more

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Came back for a late-afternoon but early-dinner on my return to San Antonio, and Yozora was just as impressive as I remembered. The food was amazing as usual -- super fresh, thoughtfully put together, and beautifully presented. Tried the seafood toban rice and the chiro wrap, well balanced flavor on both. Will revisit again next time when I am in San Antonio. read more

Yozora - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Came here on a Sunday for lunch and enjoyed the music played on a stunning vinyl set up with the McIntosh tube amp-that was soooo nice. Decent selection of music that my amazing waiter Russell was so kind to let me choose from to play next. Decor was minimalist and clean. I was given an eggplant amuse bouche that was very fragrant and flavorful. It definitely spiked my taste buds. I ordered: Kirin Light 5/5 - it was happy hour and only $4. Refreshing and paired well with my fried entree. Truffle miso soup 5/5 - so good and decadent. It's definitely a must try, especially if you like truffle and bisque. Miso masu ceviche 5/5 - beautiful presentation with citric high tones and paired well with the wasabi. Generous portions and well-aged. Lotus chips were generous in portion as well but would have benefitted from being fried to be more flat as a significant amount were folded into small morsels making them too difficult to enjoy fully. Tonkatsu 3/5 - The cutlet flavor was lacking and was a bit tough. The batter peeled off the meat. The cabbage salad was fantastic with a delicious refreshing dressing. The tonkotsu sauce was off putting and not the viscosity nor taste I would have preferred. The curry was very buttery and lacked the Japanese curry flavor I am accustomed to, resembled an Indian fusion curry more. The rice was also dry, hard, and undercooked-it may have been because I was the first customer of the day though. Service by Russell was attentive and fantastic. Restrooms were clean and modernity simple. I'll definitely be coming back to try other items on their menu! I'll also try their sister restaurant Shiro. Overall, I recommend everyone trying this place out! Their menu is extensive with a little bit of everything for everyone! read more

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small but Unique spot with excellent drinks and delightful sushi/japanese eats! Waitstaff was helpful and attentive. I came by myself, so I didn't order too much however the crispy Toro will light your taste buds up! read more

Yozora - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Well. If you want a throbbing rock concert but can't hear the person next to you, this is your place. LOUD. DO NOT go here to eat.

I liked Yozora! It's housed in a beautiful building. They spared no expense in the decor. The menu is very Japanese with a theme on meats not sushi. And it is a place that makes you feel good. They are very generous with portions which means whatever you order, you will leave satisfied. Our server was this kind, informative young man with a bright and cheerful personality. Everything going on here was spot on. I believe they are fairly new at this location and I think Yozora needs to take a step back and possibly redo or tweak some recipes they have on their menu and maybe get a few more people to staff this establishment as it was almost filled to capacity. Us four ordered: * Shiro Wrap - the best item of the night! Panko fried soft shell crab in spicy avocado blend,soy wrap, masago and chive. Absolutely lovely *Negima - chicken thigh & japanese leek was very good * Hotline Crispy Gyoza Crispy Pork with dumpling sauteed with 911 sauce, parmigiano reggiano cheese - actually very We had two more dishes but sent them back due to them not being what we expected. And, as our orders kept on coming out and being eaten, the dishes started piling up and not being bused. This was not only inconvenient, it was sloppy. Some flavors on some of the plates we ordered above were almost perfect but were just missing an ingredient or should be adding an ingredient. I mean they do not need Gordon Ramsey here to come in and clear the decks - not even close to that! But, they do need to try a bit harder. In my opinion, either this was a bad night or, they need some nip and tucking - as 80% of our meal was damn good! read more

Yozora - Menu - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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The service at yozora is always incredible! They are very attentive and want you to have a great time. We went with the monthly 3 course menu this visit, and it was amazing!! Great value $55. The vibes are always amazing. Very relaxing with the music selection read more

Yozora - 3 course monthly menu - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This place is amazing! I'm glad I checked it out. Their menu is inventive and their dishes have a unique blend of flavors. It was almost empty on a weeknight. Aum was our waitress, she was pretty helpful with suggestions and explaining the portion sizes. I got the lychee mocktail and my friend got the lemon mocktail. The lychee mocktail was so good, it actually came with lychees on top! I had to order another. We ordered the walu nacho for the table - sweet potato nachos with ono and beets thrown in. We loved it. Next, for the entrees, I ordered the mochi gnocci and my friend ordered three different crudo plates - one of them was truffle hamachi. She said she liked the other two. We wanted to get the yuzu pie, but they did not make it that day. So, we chose not to go for dessert. We stayed for a long time chatting after we signed the check, and they were okay with it. Great experience! Would love to go again. Highly recommend if you like Asian fusion! read more

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This was an absolutely top level experience. It's elegant but in a very comfortable way and they have a very nice music experience that complements the dining experience. On to the food. Excellent. Everything was really good to great. Cold Sparkling Sake was the perfect pairing. Service and suggestions spot on. read more

Everything we had was awesome. Creamy miso soup was delicious as was the crispy toro. read more

Yozora - Seafood gyoza, ono. - Japanese Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This place is really cool. The ambiance is speakeasy esque with darker lighting, a record player and a lot of open spaces between tables. The service is what you would expect for a high end restaurant. Attentive, efficient, friendly and helpful. The food was also good. Everything we ordered was executed well. The flavors were exactly as described. Portions were on the smaller side but still more than enough to satisfy. The food was more Asian fusion than anything but definitely worth the trip. Overall it's an expensive restaurant that has you walking out happy that you spent the money. read more

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I took myself on a solo date to Yozora and it was quite the treat. The crisp white fabric hung over the entrance swayed in the breeze as I opened the door. A chill yet friendly member of the staff greeted me and confirmed my reservation. Since there was table availability, I opted to sit there when it was offered over the bar top seating I selected on Resy. I'm happy with my selection as it gave me a great view of not just the kitchen, but the gorgeous sound setup and decor. As luck would have it, Yozora was offering a three course dinner option at a reasonable price. Don't be fooled by the deal, the quality of the food and service was top tier. The dinner started with a pickled cabbage mise en bouche, a perfect palate cleanser. I selected the Walu Nacho for my first course, the Akami Crudo, and finished up with the Masu Don. All three dishes were OUTSTANDING! The Yuzu Highball was perfectly balanced and served as a refreshing accompaniment. My waiter informed me that guests were welcomed to chose records to be played. What a fun and interactive experience! When I asked him what jazz they had in collection, he offered to play his vinyl copy of the Japanese version of Sade's "Promise" album. Her smooth and velvety voice playing in the background rounded out the evening nicely. I hope to come back before the month is over for another beautiful dinner with Yozora. My sincere compliments and gratitude to the chefs and staff. read more

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The food was excellent. Highly recommend the Crispy Gyoza for your appetizer. The Gyoza are the best I've ever had. My family also enjoyed all their entrees. The Gnocchi is really good. read more

wow oh wow! this place has to be one of the best places in san antonio. the service, the vibes and the food was AMAZING. everything about this place was perfect, the open kitchen concept was great to see how dishes are prepared and how everything was presented was great. i totally recommend this place!!! read more

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Service is impeccable. Vibe is exquisite. The creative food options are like no other menu in the city. Highly recommended if you enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine. read more

It was our first time at Yozora, and we were welcomed with warm, friendly service from Jaime, who knew the menu like the back of his hand and gave fantastic recommendations. The truffle creamy miso soup was phenomenal, the God's Gift roll was amazing, the sashimi was incredibly fresh, and the crispy rice with tuna cheek ended up being my favorite. Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for great ambiance, exceptional food, fresh sushi, and an impressive wine list! read more

One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants I've been to in San Antonio. Service was great, food was delicious. Try the Edaname and Yaki onigiri. read more

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Atmosphere was quiet and calm. Tsukemono was delicious , fresh and crunchy. Sashimi, (Chirashi), tempura and beef were all excellent. Wait staff was very helpful and the people were personable and easily approachable with questions about menu items. Of particular note is the fact that Yozora had Asahi Superdry beer ON TAP. This is unheard of as far as my experience in the US. Recently due to the political situation they heave apparently devised a locally brewed duplicate at a lower cost which I cannot wait to try rhew next time we are in town. Overall a wonderful Japanese dining experience Drs.Mark and Lynn S. read more

Heard about @yozora_satx from Maddy Skye's recent article on restaurants to check out in 2024. We headed there tonight for dinner. They're currently in their soft opening phase, but do take reservations on resy.com. We were early enough that a table was available. This is a high-end Japanese restaurant located right below Silo Terrace Oyster Bar by the Dominion area. Hubby had the draft Asahi beer, I had the Lemon Sawa (sake cocktail with Suntory carbonated lemon soda), and Dad had Sprite. Victor gave us the complimentary Avo Tuna Poke. Yummy start! We had the following dishes to share: Mochi Tonbara Maki (pork belly), Sasami (chicken), Truffle Hamachi (yellowtail), Chilean Sea Bass, and Wagyu & Soba. If you love sauces, there are plenty of tasty ones here. Great presentation, and phenomenal flavors. We ordered rice to eat with the sauces! The only downside was that some of the wagyu pieces were veiny and tough. Overall, a great experience, music, and ambiance. read more

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I debated whether or not to post this review because I absolutely want to gatekeep Yozora. However, I also want Chef Emanuel and his team to succeed, so whatever. Just as long as you leave me a table, I'll let you in on the secret. The interior is mid-century modern with a chill vibe. The clean lines and no-frills interior didn't feel sparse but instead gave me Mad Men vibes. The vinyl set up to the left of our table screamed 70s basement party in all the right ways. The music was kept at an acceptable level--not too loud that it kept us from hearing our conversation but loud enough to tempt me into shaking my hips when a slammin' Bossa Nova came on. **Be advised: we ordered damn near everything on the menu, and our bill reflected as much. Don't think too hard; just donate some plasma next month.** It's not hard to go a little menu crazy with the izakaya-inspired menu. Lucky Chicken is a red ale IPA from Kyoto, Japan. I had the yuzu sake high ball, which was crisp and refreshing.  The Asian pear cucumber salad was addicting. The floral pear and the mildly sweet cucumber cleansed the palate in anticipation of the meal. The Shiro Wrap (which I assume is named for Yozora's predecessor) is a spicy avocado and panko-fried soft-shell crab filling surrounded by a soy wrap, masago, and chives. It's one of those dishes you think of occasionally and wonder if it misses you as much as you miss it. The Charcoal Grilled Chasu had a unique combination of fatty braised pork belly scented with charcoal that highlighted the salty creaminess of Reggiano cheese. The scallion kimchi that accompanied it mixed spicy with the herbaceous punch of the scallion tops. The Garlic Edamame is like a toxic relationship: it hurts you but is so addictive and lovely that you can't help but keep coming back to it. I spent the rest of the meal slurping soybeans from their pods while I conquered the rest of our meal. These have moderate spiciness, so if you're sensitive to heat, I would skip them.  Hot Line Crispy Gyoza is a fried pork dumpling tossed in 911 sauce (it was more urgent care to us) and topped with parm-Reggiano cheese. These weren't our favorite, but we'd demolish them after a night of drinking. We moved on to the Yakitori section of the menu and enjoyed the Negima (chicken thigh and Japanese leek) and Waygu. Both were grilled exceptionally and remained juicy and tender.  We chugged on over to the "Crudo and Battera" section and ordered the Toro Tartare (I wished the lotus chip was thicker to accommodate the weight of the rich tartare), the Pepper Fin (I could drink the citrus soy/chili oil situation), and the Crispy Toro (we loved the juxtaposition of the creamy, fatty toro and the hidden crispy rice).  You might think we were ready to tap out by now... and we were, but we had ordered the Waygu Teriyaki, and we're no quitters. The Wagyu was cooked perfectly, a gorgeous medium-rare, and the soy beurre blanc sat in was nothing short of seductive. Our final push was the Yuzu Japanese Citrus Pie. I don't know if they have an in-house pastry chef, but whoever created this dessert knows what the hell they're doing. The yuzu offered the right amount of pucker factor, and the crisp, buttery crust added just enough sweetness to balance it. Our server (I want to say his name was Ray or Roy) was exceptional in his attentiveness, engagement, and hospitality. I wholeheartedly recommend Yozora as I think it should be on everyone's list of must-eat places in the San Antonio area. read more

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I'm torn between sharing how absolutely spectacular this restaurant is to ensure they stay successful and keeping it my best-kept-secret so I can be sure I always have a table! My husband and I visited on a Sunday (with a reservation) and pleased to learn about their all-day Sunday happy hour, which had some really fantastic options. We went to town and ordered plenty, and let me tell you--everything was delicious. Thought not pictured (we ate it too quickly), their gnocchi is a dish I'll be thinking about for a long time. There were such distinct flavors in every plate, with some really unexpected choices (like Parmesan on gyoza!). On top of it, the restaurant itself was gorgeous with a vinyl playing gently in the background and beautiful, modern wood paneling throughout. Their service was also great; our waiter was prompt, very savvy of the menu, and pleasant. My one complaint (if I were to give one) would be that we felt like far too many patrons were underdressed for such a beautiful restaurant (quite a few ball caps and shorts). Of course, that's no knock on the restaurant, which is clearly trying to maintain a more refined dining experience in every way but customer dress! 10/10- We are already excited to return! read more

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