Hello from Minato & Mirai♪
Today, we’d like to introduce a special dinner spot we found at Yokohama’s iconic classic hotel, Hotel New Grand.
You can enjoy the famous courtyard illumination of Hotel New Grand up close—one of the most iconic illumination spots in Yokohama!!
Even among the many restaurants in Yokohama, this one is top-class in terms of romance♪
- What Is Hotel New Grand? A Classic Hotel Symbolizing Yokohama
- What Is Il Giardino? A Special Italian Restaurant Facing the Courtyard
- For the Best View of the Garden Illumination, the Terrace Seats Are Highly Recommended!
- Exquisite Italian à la Carte – Surprisingly Affordable♪
- Who Is Il Giardino Perfect For?
- Advance Reservations Are Essential to Enjoy the Stunning Courtyard Illumination
- Access｜Hotel New Grand Main Building 1F
- Summary｜Enjoy an Illumination Dinner in Yokohama
What Is Hotel New Grand? A Classic Hotel Symbolizing Yokohama
Hotel New Grand is a prestigious, historic hotel that represents Yokohama. Founded in 1927, it has hosted world-famous guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, and General MacArthur—truly a hotel that tells the story of Yokohama’s history.
The main building is a white Western-style structure, known for its high-ceiling lobby and grand staircase that exude classical beauty. It stands right in front of Yamashita Park, offering a unique location where you can feel the sea breeze.
At the center of the main building is a courtyard reminiscent of a European residence, which turns into a fantastical illuminated garden at night.
The Italian restaurant Il Giardino that we’re introducing in this article faces directly onto this courtyard.
What Is Il Giardino? A Special Italian Restaurant Facing the Courtyard
Il Giardino is an Italian dining restaurant on the first floor of the main building—neither too casual nor too formal, but with just the right level of elegance.
It’s stylish enough to be used for wedding receptions in a restaurant-style format, yet you can also enjoy it more casually: there are full course menus, but you can also order à la carte to keep your budget under control.
There are two seating options: indoor seats and terrace seats. Both are designed so that you can enjoy the view of the courtyard right in front of you. Especially at dinner time, you can dine while almost “monopolizing” the illuminated courtyard.
As you’d expect from a Hotel New Grand restaurant, the staff were extremely attentive and courteous!
When I thought it felt a bit chilly, they immediately brought us lots of blankets, and they kindly offered to take photos for us many times!
For the Best View of the Garden Illumination, the Terrace Seats Are Highly Recommended!
This time we chose the terrace seats, and… they were absolutely incredible!
Rather than feeling like a regular restaurant terrace, it’s almost as if the seats are placed directly inside the courtyard. With the fountain at the center, the fantastical lights spread out all around you—so much so that it feels like you’re dining inside the illumination itself.
Especially during the Christmas season, there are festive decorations such as Christmas arches and gift box displays, and a special blue lighting production that comes on about every 30 minutes—so you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
👆All of these photos were taken while sitting at the terrace seats!!!
Exquisite Italian à la Carte – Surprisingly Affordable♪
Il Giardino offers course menus, but you can also order à la carte.
This time we ordered three dishes, and every one of them was excellent—we were very satisfied!
Oven-Baked Mussels
The combination of fragrant breadcrumbs and the rich umami of the mussels is outstanding.
Although it’s an appetizer, it pairs perfectly with wine and is just right for nibbling on the terrace.
Amatriciana-Style (Bucatini)
We chose a rather rare type of pasta called “bucatini,” a thick, hollow noodle recommended by the staff.
The rich tomato sauce clings to the noodles wonderfully, and the pleasantly chewy texture makes the pasta itself feel very substantial.
Japanese Beef Braised in Red Wine
The Japanese beef, slowly braised until it falls apart, is simply exceptional.
The rich sauce warms you up on a chilly night and delivers a deep, comforting flavor that naturally brings a smile to your face.
We enjoyed all of this, plus wine, for around 9,000 yen for two people.
For a hotel dinner, that’s an amazing value—great cost performance.
Who Is Il Giardino Perfect For?
- Those who want to dine while enjoying illumination and night-time lighting in Yokohama
- Those who want to enjoy a calm, grown-up date
- Those looking for a place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas
- Those who want to fully experience the atmosphere of a classic hotel—Hotel New Grand
- Those planning a romantic proposal surrounded by beautiful illuminations♡
Advance Reservations Are Essential to Enjoy the Stunning Courtyard Illumination
Il Giardino is such a wonderful restaurant that dinner time tends to be busy, and seats facing the courtyard—especially the terrace seats—are extremely popular. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance to secure your spot.
Access｜Hotel New Grand Main Building 1F
The location is directly in front of Yamashita Park.
From the main building lobby, walk toward the courtyard side and you’ll find the entrance to Il Giardino.
Summary｜Enjoy an Illumination Dinner in Yokohama
The history and dignity of a classic hotel,
the magical glow of the illuminated courtyard garden,
and carefully crafted Italian cuisine.
How about spending a wonderful evening at Hotel New Grand’s “Il Giardino” and enjoying all of these at once♪
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