A5 YAMA​
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With only eight seats, A5 YAMA offers an intimate omakase experience led by Chef Hiroaki “Yama” Yamamoto and Angela Oosterling.
Japanese techniques meet seasonal ingredients from the Netherlands and Japan, guided by deep respect for tradition, product, and place.
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Rooted in the philosophy of mottainai, each ingredient is explored in multiple expressions. Nothing is overlooked; nothing is wasted. Every element is treated with intention.
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At A5 YAMA, precision and intuition exist side by side.
Each dish embodies cultural depth, craftsmanship, and the personal expression of the owners, Yama & Angela.
The menu is more than a culinary selection; it is their signature, a carefully composed experience that reflects who they are.
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Located in the historic Naarden-Vesting, A5 YAMA creates a dialogue between Japan and the Netherlands, through ingredients, technique, and storytelling.
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About Chef Yama
Executive Chef · Co-owner
Hiroaki “Yama” Yamamoto began his culinary journey at the age of twenty, after completing his training at a Japanese culinary academy, when he moved to the Netherlands. His passion for refined gastronomy led him to the five-star Hotel Okura Amsterdam, where he spent eight years working at the Michelin-starred restaurant Yamazato. There, he perfected his mastery of classical Japanese techniques, from sushi and tempura to the highly precise preparation of wagyu and fish.
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After further deepening his knowledge of French cuisine and developing his own signature style, he opened Japanese Cuisine Yama in Rotterdam in 2013. For ten years, he led one of the Netherlands’ most authentic Japanese dining experiences. In 2023, his work was awarded a Michelin star.
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At A5 YAMA in Naarden-Fortress, he now reveals a more personal dimension of his craft. His cuisine is rooted in discipline and respect for tradition, yet always focused on refinement, expression, and the country he has called home for over twenty years: the Netherlands.
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His aim:
To create an experience that is precise, layered, and memorable.
About Angela Oosterling
Creative Lead · Co-owner
Angela Oosterling brings a subtle intercultural depth to A5 YAMA, rooted in her Dutch–Peruvian heritage. With an academic background in art, a BSc in Nutrition, and over a decade of professional experience, she approaches gastronomy with analytical precision and a refined sensitivity to form and flavour. She brings a deep understanding of the cultural and psychological dimensions of food.
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Her fascination with Japanese rituals, etiquette, and cuisine has grown into a personal and professional connection with Japan, seamlessly intertwined with her Peruvian heritage. She draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Japan and Peru, connected since 1899.
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At A5 YAMA, she shapes the creative vision and oversees the entire guest experience: concept, presentation, creative storytelling, and pairing. Together with Chef Yama, she ensures that every detail, from dish to ceramic, from flavour to narrative, is meaningful and refined.
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As Chef Yama’s trusted first sounding board, she safeguards ingredient integrity, sharpens flavour precision, and ensures every creation remains authentic and true to their vision.
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Her aim:
To surprise guests with genuine omotenashi, exceptional craftsmanship, and a culinary experience full of depth and meaning.