Yamato Japanese Restaurant opened in the summer of 1986. It is owned by Yoshio Morino and operated by Yoshio and his Manager Eiko O'Steel.

Yoshio became a chef at age 18 working for the famous Ginza Restaurant in Tokyo Japan. He then joined the Benihana chain in Tokyo.

In 1971 Yoshio came to the United States with a degree in engineering, a chef's license from Tokyo, and $35.00 in his pocket to work for Benihana in Portland Oregon. From Portland he moved to Benihana in Encino, California were he met his Japan-born wife.

Yoshio and his wife went to Florida and North Carolina where Yoshio worked as a chef in two different Japanese steak houses before coming to Philadelphia to be manager of Benihana.

In 1976, the Kampai Restaurant opened with Yoshio Morino as General Manager and chief chef. During this time Yoshio became very well known and made frequent appearances on Evening Magazine and other TV shows.

In 1986, Yoshio opened Yamato Japanese Restaurant located in Eagle Plaza, Voorhees, NJ. Since then Yamato has grown to be a landmark for quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. Located just around the corner from the Ritz movie theater. Yamato is a perfect place to enjoy a fabulous Japanese meal with your family and friends before or after a movie or a great night out.