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    Yama

    3.7 (479 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    YAMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Yama

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    sushi
    Emily G.

    Funny enough, when I looked up Yama to write my review, I realized I ate here a few years ago... and ordered the exact same thing! Not the most surprisingly considering both times I dined with my uncle who is a creature of habit, but I hardly remembered that I ate here before, much less what I ordered. I ordered the Nabeyaki Udon while my uncle ordered a mix of different sushi pieces (fish + rice). I ordered one toro sushi. We started off with house salads, which were decent portions and had good dressing. I loved how hot my broth was, as it stayed hot throughout the entire dinner. I wished the shrimp tempura was left on the side because it got soggy quickly; I wished I could taste the crispiness of the tempura:( My uncle enjoyed his sushi selection, however I didn't love my piece of toro. Not sure if it's because I waited halfway through the meal or not, but the toro had a bland taste and watery somehow. I loved my udon soup, but wasn't a big fan of the sushi, so for that I give a 4/5. Service was very nice!

    Sweet Potato roll, Special Roll No. 9 (veggie), California Roll
    Erin R.

    Great sushi spot. Reasonably priced and tasty. Fast service. Can get loud inside but I've sat outside when the weather's nice, or taken to-go when I only have a little time. I do wish they were open for lunch hours, but that almost makes me look forward to dinner more!

    Soft Shell Crab

    One of my favorites. Excellent quality sushi at moderate prices. Sushi fish are large, very fresh and delicious. Service is fast, and professional. I also like EDO, but this place is better. The soft shell crab was fantastic, one of the best I have had. Soft shell crab can often be a dissappointment when you know what it can taste like. Yama's SSC was perfect and super super fresh. Go there for lunch or early dinner as they can tend to get very packed and the place is not too big.

    Rose L.

    Still fantastic each time I return even after 20 years! Love their rolls, spicy sauce n freshness! So yummy.

    Break down- 5+ stars for convenient location 5+ stars for affordability 5+ stars for swift service 5+ stars to the 3 chefs who remained standing for hours and busting their chops, "hand rolling" nonstop the sushi/sashimi like what Asians are known for at a manufacturer assembly line with accuracy- sorta like "I love Lucy" making her chocolates, but these with perfection! 3 stars in ambiance (plain and old) 3.5 stars in sushi grade quality - it ain't Nobu, not even Nori hand-roll grade of seaweed or taste (but when I gotta have my sushi fix, they are much better than the normal regular sushi places that needs to hide their sushi in sauce. These are better) Why 4 stars cause they actually deserved it for the price point for this sushi grade and had excellent servers/service. Will return!

    Entrance
    Tori B.

    Simple and delicious location. Had the yasai (vegetarian) gyoza, veggie rolls, and a tuna/hamachi roll. Really tasty and fresh! Simple location with good flavor. Just know that the rolls are really big! My party was not prepared for that!

    AAC roll (missing avocado), Oshinko Roll with cucumber added
    Steven S.

    I was genuinely excited to try a sushi place nearby and given that it's been around decades we figured they had to be doing something right. Sadly we were quite disappointed. Let's dive in: Fish Sushi Rolls (2/5): The eel cucumber roll was fine. The eel was bland even with the sauce added and the cucumber was, well, cucumber. The roll however was falling apart. The spicy salmon roll was just salmon in a roll with spicy sauce poured on top - not how I usually see this and was not a fan of this method. The sauce was thin and runny. And - shocker - the roll was falling apart too. Vegetarian Sushi Rolls (2/5): Sadly, it wasn't just the fish rolls which were poorly rolled -- the vegetarian ones were also genuinely falling apart. The AAC roll was missing the avocado and the asparagus was bland and overcooked. Meanwhile, for the oshinko roll we added some cucumber and it was okay. But again falling apart - all of them ... Edamame (2/5): This was fine, nothing to write home about. No vinegary dipping sauce like some places provide. No salt on the edamame. Not impressed. Pork Gyoza Dumplings (3/5): The best dish of the meal and nothing fancy about them. Decent flavor and they were correctly pan fried. TL;DR: We will be walking the extra 20 blocks (or more likely using delivery) to order from our preferred sushi place - because Yama is certainly not taking that spot.

    Special roll No 5 both inside out and regular Special Roll No 6, Special Roll No 8 and Twin Tuna Crispy and uni sushi.
    Mar F.

    Excellent sushi rolls, attentive waitstaff and relaxed atmosphere with no frills environment. My favorite rolls are the Special 5 roll which has spicy Mayo and generous amounts of salmon packed inside. The inside out version of Special 5 roll is also delicious. Other favorites are the twin tuna crispy and the shrimp tempura special 8 roll. A relaxed no-frills atmosphere on the ground floor with cozy quarters (entryway has some steps down). Nice to sit at the sushi bar and has two separate areas for seating - tables are placed close to each other - cozy atmosphere with delicious sushi.

    Wasabi Tobiko
    Jane L.

    I've been coming to Yama regularly since I used to work around the corner from it back in 2005, and it's criminal that I have not reviewed it on Yelp before (although I have reviewed it on other sites). It has remained my absolute favorite sushi restaurant for almost 20 years, ever since I first experienced their No. 5 roll. I have introduced many friends and family members to it, and every single one of them has been blown away. I should note that the ambiance is very casual and unassuming, and it hasn't changed throughout the years. The place is tucked away in the lower level of a residential building on Irving and East 17th. You would never know by looking at it from the outside that an epic journey of deliciousness awaits on the inside. The space is not large, and there is often times a wait, but they do offer outdoor patio dining now, and the staff is so efficient that the tables turn around quickly. Many of the employees here have been with the restaurant for years/decades, so they are on point and keep things moving while also offering a friendly smile and greeting when they see you (especially if you're a repeat customer). I haven't worked in the area for a long time but still try to visit Yama as often as possible, because I have yet to find another sushi spot that I love as much. I would choose Yama over the most high end omakase spots I've visited in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, hands down.

    Teriyaki salmon
    Katerina L.

    Visually you wouldn't think much of this place - small and not much of an ambiance but what it lacks in decor - it makes up for in food. The waiter was attentive and food was brought out quickly. Everything we tried was wonderful. Even basics like a house salad with ginger sauce. Broiled salmon teriyaki was excellent! Sushimi platter was fresh and good, same with sushi platter for two. And to wrap things up - cannot recommend enough fried green tea ice cream!

    Salmon Roe, Uni,  Tuna Yellow Tail Roll

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    1 year ago

    Dark interior but solid sushi! Service is okay- a little spotty. Have been a few times and always want it to be better

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    2 years ago

    Best Japanese food ever! Dined for the first time tonight here with my parents - who love it just as much as they did 30 years ago.

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    Delicious, really fresh sushi. Good service and relaxed pleasant atmosphere. My favorite

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    Some of the best sashimi I've had on the east coast. The place is a little warm down and hard to find but absolutely worth it! Enjoy.

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    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.0 miElmhurst
    $$
    Casual dining
    Kitchen open late

    So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

    Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

    Photos
    Izakaya Fuku - Ika Teriyaki Don

    Ika Teriyaki Don

    Izakaya Fuku - Shio Saba Bento

    Shio Saba Bento

    Izakaya Fuku - Interior

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    Interior

    Tonchin

    Tonchin

    4.4(2.5k reviews)
    1.0 miMidtown West
    $$

    After my first visit: This is my favorite ramen restaurant on the planet. It's my perfect…read morerestaurant - but not because of the ramen. Because of the desserts! First - Tonkotsu (pork) ramen was perfectly balanced. The broth was deeply flavorful but not heavy, almost like an 80/20 hybrid of tonkotsu and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Noodles were springy and not overcooked, and the roasted pork had a slightly smoky flavor and was flavorful itself, not just protein and texture like many other ramen joints. We also had the edamame appetizer - super flavorful and addictive, and we wound up ordering a second one (for our party of four) after devouring the first one. Now here's why it's my favorite ramen restaurant- my favorite dessert is banana pudding, and Tonchin's signature Tokyo banana dessert is an elevated banana pudding that makes magnolia bakery look like amateur hour. Plenty of fresh banana and a carmelized banana on the side with a balanced pudding that's not too heavy - this is peak banana pudding. So it has my favorite ramen and favorite dessert. But can it do better? Yes. It can also have...my second favorite dessert! Tonchin has excellent shave ice desserts that reminded me of Korean bingsu. We had the strawberry and it was fresh, bright and had lots of strawberry flavor. Delightful. Service was excellent and the ambiance of the space is dark and elevated. I liked this place so much I bought a hat.

    We finished a tour of Michelin recognized casual restaurants here…read more I didn't order right. I did the dipping noodles and they were too salty for me. I've had them before so I knew what to expect but it was way too salty, less flavorful. Had a very nice flavor, the salt overpowered it though. I tasted mushroom. The sauce stuck to the noodles well and the noodles were delicious. My daughter and husband ordered the spicy ramen and they said it was very very good. Couldn't decipher distinctly from other top notch ramen so it wasn't knock your socks off. From now on I'll order the base dish when I go places so I can judge better. The gyoza was cooked very nicely, came sizzling and the bun with meat was a little ugly, it looked boiled and unappetizing. The taste was just okay. The topping on it was notable. The waitress didn't help us at all when ordering. We weren't bowled over with the food, although it was noted the meat in the ramen was high level. It hit the spot but I will try other places in the search for our "return forever" ramen place.

    Photos
    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

    Kimchi mushrooms

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

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    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    1.5 miMidtown East
    $$

    I am a sucker for delicious Katsu and you'll struggle to find better than Katsu-Hama. Katsu-Hama…read morehas a quaint, Japanese vibe in a small but comfortable dining area. It's not especially big, so you may have a bit of a wait if you frequent right at lunch or in the evening but whatever amount of time you have to wait it will be well worth it. Service is top tier but you come for the food. They have a varied menu with a lot of options so if you're bringing a buddy that isn't up for Katsu, they'll have plenty to choose from. The Katsu is the star and I think what sets this place apart is that they offer Berkshire pork katsu as an option. Arguably some of the best pork, it's great to have the option if you're looking to heighten the experience. I love their pork katsu and go nuts over the chicken katsu curry. It's super crispy, slightly greasy but never off-putting. And it's served with the most delicate and delicious cabbage slaw. I could eat a mountain of this it's so good. Highly recommended.

    This place is a bit hard to spot, but it's on the same side of the street as the sorta famous (50…read moreyears +) Phil's Stationery. Katsu-Hama is about two doors to the Left of Phil's, and has minimal, very discreet signage. I got some tonkatsu...I forget the exact type, but it was essentially the most fatty of the tonkatsu offered. It came with cabbage (with a sesame ginger type dressing), daikon radish (with some type of sauce on top), and the standard sauce for the tonkatsu, along with some crushed sesame seed and hot mustard. I'd have to say...the tonkatsu was quite good....not quite as sublime as my favorite tonkatsu place in Tokyo...but still, very, very good. The dish also came with a bowl of miso soup (good, and not overly salty) and a bowl of white rice, which I considered the most disappointing part of the meal. The rice seemed a bit dried out...not moist.... All in all, an excellent meal. I'd definitely come back.

    Photos
    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    2.1 miMidtown West
    $$

    Still the best in New York. Unique, flavorful chicken skin skewers among many things (see my…read morephotos), though somehow grilled chicken soft bone is a bit tasteless? Fast service. You can order a little and keep adding depending on how big or small each dish is. We came right at 5 pm when they opened. We didn't have a reservation, and after some fumbling they got us four seats at the bar (looking over grilling chefs at work). Not bad, though we were hoping for a table. Great decor and ambiance as always. Wish the grilled shrimps come with shell on, and with salt only (no sauce).

    Yakitori Totto has been around for ages, and I've visited this location in person a few times…read morethough it's been a while! Their location is a little hidden, it's on the second floor above Soba Noodle Azuma on 55th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, closer to 8th. You have to go up a stairwell on the side. Getting to the food, their focus is on meat, seafood and vegetable skewers though they also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and noodles, and dessert. The meats and veggies are grilled over charcoal while basted with "tare", a house-made sauce that adds a level of umami to the caramelized grill flavors. Recently I got a handful of skewers for takeout, including: - Ebi (shrimp) $8 x 2: the shrimp were cooked just right, tender and juicy, yum! - Hotate Eringi (scallop and oyster mushrooms) $8 x 2: the textures of the oyster mushrooms and scallop pieces complemented each other, and were kinda similar. Another tasty offering. - Negi pon (pork belly with scallions) $7: I'm not a huge fan of pork belly in general, though they grilled it well here and chopped scallions added a little spicy tickle. While not the cheapest for skewers that you can find, (and inflation hasn't helped,) their flavors are authentic and their quality and consistency is key here. I'm glad it's still here since there seems to be fewer and fewer good yakitori spots in Manhattan these days. They used to have another location in the city though I believe this closed pre-pandemic, however from their website they now have another location in Boston. This was also the sister restaurant to Ramen Totto which had four locations at one point though all have shuttered as well. Hope this location stays around for a long time!

    Photos
    Yakitori Totto
    Yakitori Totto - Chicken meatball

    Chicken meatball

    Yakitori Totto

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    Yama - japanese - Updated May 2026

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