It’s natural to think that when you see garlic dishes at a restaurant, it must be an American chain.
That’s what I thought when I ate at Garlic Jo’s, an American-style restaurant which offers garlic dishes.
Afterall, Newport Beach had a popular Garlic Jo’s restaurant at one time and I figured perhaps the restaurant I visited at Queens Square in Yokohama was derived from that.
But apparently, Garlic Jo’s is a restaurant created by American House which is based in Japan and has Jo restaurants (and many other different types of restaurants) throughout Japan.
Looking at the company profile, American House HQ is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture and was created in November 1978 with a capital of 10 million yen and their business dealt with an American restaurant, diner, California cuisine, garlic specialties, grilled specialties, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, Hawaiian and western food and more.
The company has 18 brands and 31 restaurants which include Garlic Jo’s, American House Bar, American House Dining, American House H.B. Grill, Burger Jo’s, Jo’s Bar, Tapas Tapas, HALENOHEA, KAHALA ROOM, Phakchi Jo’s, Kitchen Jo’s and many more!
But who is Jo? Looking at the company profile, the representative director is Kato Kanjo and I am assuming the Jo in Kanjo, is where the name is derived from.
I decided I needed to try Garlic Jo’s Queen Square location (they also have one in Motomachi and Terrace Mall in the Shonan area).
While looking at the storefront, it looks quite small, but actually, once you go inside, you realize the place is quite big and spacious. The prices were also reasonable, similar to prices as one would eat at a restaurant in the United States, especially here in California.
And if you have been to the Garlic Festival or near areas in Gilroy or near Central California, where garlic dishes are a plus, then it’s nice to see a restaurant like Garlic Jo’s in Japan (Kanagawa prefecture – about 35 min. by train from Tokyo).
They had so many things to offer that we ordered the crispy & spicy cajun garlic fried chicken and original style jambalaya with fried egg. I have never eaten jambalaya in Japan, so I had to give this a try!
The dishes were very good, garlicy and delicious!
Customer service was great, although they don’t speak English, so you have your google translate ready if you are unable to speak Japanese.
I felt the location is great for dining with family, friends or going on a date (well, if you don’t mind garlic breath) but for the most part, the restaurant encourages sharing food, so purchase a few dishes and share.
As for portions, while the pictures may make the food look huge, they are Japanese portions.
It’s important to note that while Google Maps lists the restaurant as a Chinese restaurant, it’s not a Chinese restaurant.
The restaurant opens from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and with it located right at Queen’s Square shopping complex, it makes it convenient for shopping and also a place to eat before heading out to check out the Minatomirai area.
If you love garlicky food, Garlic Jo’s at Queen’s Square in Yokohama is recommended!
