Ama's
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Seafood Japanese, Seafood [Edit]
3 Luongo Memorial SquareProvidence, RI 02903
(401) 421-1100
- Hours:
Wed, Sun 5 pm - 12 am
Thu-Sat 5 pm - 1 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
28 reviews for Ama's
Review Highlights
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"Love coming here for the bento boxes and oysters." In 6 reviews -
"Jeff Chu had oysters from all over the northeast." In 11 reviews -
"...highly reccomend the shitake mushrooms, alongside the pork..." In 3 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Hilary H.
When I say, "I love Ama's," I don't think it adequately describes how much I actually LOVE Ama's. This is quite possibly my most favorite little spot in town, and here are the reasons why:
- Fresh, delicious, unique and beautiful food. They daily oyster selection never fails me, and they're presented so beautifully on a bed of ice with nary a piece of shell nor a single grain of sand to ruin the beautiful texture of these fresh little kisses from the sea. The bento boxes are superb - I adore that you can choose your own combo of four items to make up the best meal for you in that very moment. My fave? Those shittake mushrooms - my god, those are good. Also, they're only $15 a box - not bad for dinner, kids. The fish 'n' chips are simply delicious - not heavy, greasy or messy, it's actually a well-portioned plate of bite-sized, panko-breaded white fish and great shoestring fries. Totally wonderful.
- The atmosphere and ambience. I feel like I'm on an old world-y ship in another country where politeness and respect for everything is standard. The staff here are so kind, so knowledgeable and so good a what they do that there's not reason to do anything but relax and enjoy. The bar staff is well equipped to make you a drink based on simple descriptions like, "I like gin, but not martinis," or help you select the perfect beer and, again, they can shuck an oyster PERFECTLY. The restaurant is a little jewel box - small, lovely, warm and pretty. Perfect considering Ama's is an absolute gem.
- Location. A quiet spot on a quiet (cobblestone) street on an awesome block. I love this teensy square in the PVD, as it feels very old and cool and historical, not to mention hidden. No riff raff here, kids.
In closing, go to Ama's. Sit at the bar, and get some oysters and a Hitachino Japanese Ale. Have a bento box, and share the fish'n'chips with your companion. You won't be sorry. -
Review from Alaina G.
3/2/2012
Ama's is small with seating for about 14-16 people. That said, on the particular night that we went, we walked right in and were seated immediately. There's also a bar area where food was being served. The decor is similar to louie fuller (I think it's the same artist), and has a neat nautical/fantasy appeal. And yes, there's rope. not sure what's so offensive to other reviewers about the rope, but I thought it was neat..
My hubs and I went to Ama's for NYE. It really fit the bill for what we wanted - something intimate and quiet (but not fake-romantic), and something without long lines, rushed service and a NYE prixe fixe.
the menu is not extensive, but with plenty of options. We chose to do a tapas style dinner, sharing and trying almost everything on the menu. We actually loved the service and found it relaxing - things came out as we ordered, and we snacked and chatted our way through dinner.
My favorites were the steak with miso butter and the seaweed salad. Delicious! -
Review from B. H.
Honolulu, HI
1/30/2012
Nope.
Rest of reviewers have it pretty correct: it's tiny, the food's tiny, it's cozy, it's Japanese, it's open late, and it's full of ropes. Yeah, ropes.
The collective Yelp, however, surprise me by not identifying the fact that a) the food's not very good b) the service is worse than the food.
They do have bento boxes, which is nice to find, but they demanded a twosome sit in the middle of the place "in case a three some shows up" and made us rather uncomfortable (the tables are way too long for an intimate date and wouldn't let us move around chairs). They missed on the order a bit, and were super condescending regarding drinks. Perhaps 99% of this can be traced to the dude with the fro and the attitude, so maybe this review is warped.
Other places survive with these issues. Hell, what is french food without borderline abusive service? However, they fail where they must excel: the food wasn't that good. Go elsewhere. -
Review from Jen H.
Warwick, RI
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really wanted to enjoy this place. I am a fan of both oysters and bento boxes so I was expecting a home run. The oysters saved this meal but the bento box truly mad me frown. The fresh panko encrusted fish was something that I could have easily picked up at Stop and Shop with more salt then one dish ever needs. Every little piece of fish was the exact shape which leads me to believe it is not very fresh at all. The soba noodles had much to be desired and the zucchini tasted as if it had been sitting in the back waiting to be prepped for the last week. The atmosphere is great and if you are going for just oysters if you want a meal from a bento box I suggest finding somewhere else to eat.
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Review from David G.
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ama's is a tiny, beautifully appointed hidden gem of a restaurant with a menu focused mainly on fresh and amazingly well made bento boxes and Japanese seafood dishes.
Both the menu and the restaurant are small but excellent. I'm not usually a fan of seafood, and even I thought that what I've had here is amazing (though last time I just had steak, so I guess that doesn't count).
The food, the atmosphere, and the almost hidden location make Ama's probably the best place to go to impress a date. Especially if it's followed by a walk across the street to The Avery. -
Review from Nicole A.
Providence, RI
2/28/2012
I went to Ama's some months ago, but am just getting around to writing this review now. Like everyone else says, the place is small. And very dark. So dark that I had a hard time reading the menu (and I do not need to wear reading glasses).
The food was actually quite good, some of it was even remarkably good. But not good enough to make up for the lack of friendliness and service. (Sitting at the bar with an empty glass is one thing. Being one of three people in the place and still sitting there with an empty glass is ridiculous.)
The overwhelming flavor of this places is: we don't need you to validate that we know what we are doing here. If you don't like it, no one is forcing you to come here. We do not care about your business.
Going out to dinner is more of an experience than simply having a meal. I found the experience at Ama's very disappointing. The level of snobbery, condescension, and exclusivity was more than I care to deal with.
I really wanted to like this place since it is right in my neighborhood, but as soon as I stepped out of the door, I knew I would never step back inside. Sorry, Ama's. -
Review from Jessica S.
Cumberland, RI
2/16/2012
Nice little place with nice decor. Love their little sake sets, though it turns out I do not like sake lol. like drinking lighter fluid. Nice staff, will come again to try the food.
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Review from Alma C.
Providence, RI
4/8/2012
I enjoyed my experience, especially the Japanese-style noodle dish I ordered, but I left slightly broke and still hungry after ordering a half-dozen oysters, appetizer and a main entree.
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Review from John N.
Wakefield-Peacedale, RI
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place, if you want traditional Japanese food, mostly noodles and bento box dishes and great saki then this is the place. Its a tiny hole in the wall behind Broadway street. The also have the best oysters ive ever had, all served raw on the half shell. It really is an incredible little place to know about.
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Review from Rachael J.
Cranston, RI
2/15/2012
We were looking for something cultural and this hit the spot. They have good Japanese beer, sticky white rice and delicious unique food. Really enjoyed it and will be going again.
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Review from Michael S.
Providence, RI
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ama's is a tiny little space with beautiful decor and good food. Designed with a nautical motif, one of the main draws here is the raw bar, which always has an assortment of super-fresh oysters and occasionally clams. If you sit at the bar, they'll serve them to you in the trough of ice that runs the length of the bar...clever and classy!
The bento boxes are a great deal, and also a great way to sample the menu. Also good are the noodle soups and the selection of sakes. For a hidden-away spot, it's worth checking out for a casual, intimate dinner.Listed in: Best Mike Sears Enterprises
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Review from Amahl H.
Providence, RI
4/20/2011 ROTD 9/10/2011
On the one hand, I'm loathe to share this quiet, little neighborhood gem with Eastside interlopers; on the other hand, it deserves recognition; on the third hand, yes, come spend your money here. Ama's is a lovely little jewelbox--intimate yet casual, gracious, comfortable. The main focus is on oysters and bento boxes. Prices are very reasonable, portions are decorous, and the experience is one of genteel sufficiency--if you're leaving hungry, then perhaps Twin Oaks is more your style. The oysters are always fresh, the entrees are flavorful and earnest interpretations of Japanese cuisine, if not overly ambitious or complex. I'd like the food to be a bit less salty, but I find myself saying that at every restaurant. And, of course, the night's not complete without a digestif at The Avery next door.
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Review from Kate L.
Providence, RI
8/12/2009
John and I were excited to got to Ama's last Saturday because we're big fans of the owner, Mike Sears. Lili Marlene's and the Loie Fuller were a couple of our favorite places to go - although now Loie is under new ownership.
Ama's is on the West Side, in Luongo Square, acrosss the street from the Avery - another favorite. It's a tiny place, but as usual, the details are amazing. The place has the feel of a Japanese ship, which I suppose is appropriate. I'm told an ama was a female Japanese diver that collected pearls. The gorgeous wood bar had a well filled with ice running the length of it, on which oysters are served. The ceiling is covered in nautical rope. The floor at the entrance boasts a plat of beautiful, smooth pebbles.
As for the food, we'll have to revisit, since we didn't have much this time. I had the oysters - they serve 2 kinds. John ate the chicken skewers and watched me drink. The 2 items we had were perfectly done, but I'll want to go back and investigate further.
The place is small, and on this particular night, it was busy, but not uncomfortably so. We were able to snag 2 seats at the bar and were warmly greeted by the bartender / oyster shucker, Brian. He chatted us up the whole time we were there, which is always a nice welcome.
I'll be back for dinner very soon. -
Review from Mindy D.
Providence, RI
9/30/2011
Good place for a first date. The Udon Noodle bowl is awesome.
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Review from Kevin D.
Providence, RI
9/5/2011
Chilled out little japanese/dive/raw bar/ closet of a place with a sort of Jack Kerouac meets the Pogues type vibe going on..... Very light meals. Head next door to the Avery when your done to complete your hipster fill.
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Review from Amanda X.
Homosassa, FL
3/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
If there's one reason why I won't come back, it's THE SMELL.
I know this is a little vegetarian-friendly japanese place, big on the seafood, but the smell of low tide is overwhelming.
There are five tables here. One can seat about 6 or 7 people, the other can seat four. The other three can seat two. That's 17 people. There are also about 10 stools at the bar. So if you come in with a group and the big table is taken, you're pretty much going to be looking for another place to eat. This place is TINY.
I'd actually call it almost a romantic dinner type of place if it didn't smell so awful (sorry I'll stop complaining now). But one more thing, our wet, greasy waiter also smelled like he just came off the fisherman's boat. Was he the cook AND the waiter? Possibly.
On the plus side, he was very jolly and attentive. Super nice, besides him almost not letting us eat because there were four of us with the POSSIBILITY of a fifth person, and the big table was already taken.
So while I was there, I got a bento box. Steak skewers, noodles, slaw and edamame. The steak skewers tasted a little funky, like they were cooked along with the fish. So I only ate a few bites of those. The noodles were not good. The edamame was very undersalted (if you want good Edamame, go to Ebisu!), and I'd have to say the best part of the bento box was the coleslaw. For 15 bucks.
The portions for anything else were TINY. My friend got the shrimp plate and got, I think, four or five shrimp. I think it was 8 bucks or so.
The one redeeming quality of this place is that they have crushed ice, which generally excites me.
I won't ever come back here. It wasn't the service or even the mediocre food, but the smell of seafood in such a tiny place was just nauseating. Sorry Ama's. -
Review from Nick P.
Saratoga Springs, NY
3/13/2010
Ama's is Japanese food with a New England sensibility. There can't be more than 8 tables, mostly 2 tops. This place would be ridiculous if it were crowded, but on a Friday it was prefect. It cute and cozy inside, and a great place for a date.
Girlie and I both got the bento boxes. A choose your own combination of 4 menu items. For $15 it is a good value, and I left feeling satisfied, but not stuffed.
Jeff Chu had oysters from all over the northeast. They looked good if you are into that kind of thing. We went out for a beer after and the girls were all over him, so something worked.
Rob recently returned from Thailand and delicately had 3 scallops on a plate. No where near enough for a real meal, but he was dealing with some stomach issues.
The servers were hip and effective. Our edamame came out at the same time as the meal and I would have preferred it as an appetizer, but beside that we all left happy. -
Review from Julie A.
1/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I went to Ama's after hearing about it from friends of friends of friends... This izakaya style (japanese style bar with bits of food) hole in the wall, had great ambience and decor. It's a good place for one-on-one seating as space is limited.
I decided to get the udon noodle soup. I love asian food, especially soups. And Ama's lost a star due to the "eh" factor of this soup. Sure, it had all the ingredients but the broth was EXTREMELY oily, the noodles too stiff (not to mention was a pasta noodle), and a bit too salty.
In contrast, the little appetizer items were pretty delicious. I'd recommend the raw oysters and inari pockets... Prices for alcoholic drinks were good and even my diet coke came in the glass bottle.
Overall, I would rate this place a 3.5. i wouldn't recommend this place for dinner, but if you want to drink and snack, this is a great place to go. -
Review from Riki V.
Rehoboth, MA
9/9/2011
Love coming here for the bento boxes and oysters!!!! My favorite thing when it is on the menu is the pickled cabbage, I just can't get enough. The owner has a few locations, and always out does himeself when coming up with concept places. If you into Japanese, I say check it out for sure!!!
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Review from Alexis G.
Somerville, MA
10/31/2010
This place was deeeeelicious! My boyfriend just moved from the East Side to the West End, so all of our usual spots are still on the E. Side. Tonight we made an effort to try something closer to home-- and I'm so glad we did!
The place is tiny, so I'm not sure how fun it would be to wait for a table over the weekend, but it was the perfect Sunday night dinner spot. I got one of the box deals for $15 mentioned below. I got seaweed salad, cold noodles with a dipping sauce, the tofu pouches (sound weird but they were tasty-- seasoned really well and filled with yummy rice) and some amazing sauteed shitake mushrooms. The flavors of all four dishes were unique and so tasty. I also got a glass of sake for $5 and despite my best efforts didn't finish it by the end of the meal, so that was a good deal.
My boyfriend got the shrimp and pork udon noodles (rabbis, steer clear! :) ) and said the shrimp were simply fantastic.
Definitely recommend checking it out! -
Review from Danielle Leda W.
Keene, NH
1/7/2012
I went to Ama's on a Friday night for dinner. They serve until midnight, which is super great and awesome for people who work late or whatever.
It has all these ropes all over the ceiling and you can pretend you are a sailor or a pirate. The walls are also festooned with fantastical paintings or frescoes or wallpaper of pearl divers with great butt cleavage and pert little bewbs. Underneath the molding of the wall is studded with tiny gold medallions that are great to look at - I sat net to a bumblebee, lotus flower, seaweed and a sand dollar. The bar is super neat; instead of a gully carpeted with those rubber mats next to the taps there is a mound of ice shavings! When I'm sitting at the bar I like to imagine lilliputian ice climbers tackling the summit of that mountain of ice.
The bartender (Brian? - the skinny one with medium length hair, the other one with the afro who also works at Lili's I haven't chatted with as much but makes his drinks sttttttrrrooong) is great and makes the best conversation if you are by yourself, you don't have to whip out your phone and peck away to find amusement. The interior is small and perfect. Oh! The bathroom has an interesting faucet and sink so check it out when you go!
I ordered shitake mushrooms and a special of edamame stuffed yuba that came with a dreamy ponzu sauce. Being vegan I am sometimes loath to dine out as I hate asking what I can and can't have from the waiter. It feels so pretentious and i also am filled with dread and paranoia of a vegan surprise. The surprise being that what I ordered isn't really vegan. Anyways, the waitress Nori was super nice and already knew what veganism was and what I could have and didn't make me feel like I was pestering her or anything. So the meal was amazing mushrooms were perfectly done, and the special was special. A friend of mine who was already eating there came over to wax poetic about the yuba special and the sauce in particular. I also had the seaweed salad which I thought was under seasoned which bummed me out. I wish the plates were warmed because I am a slow eater and was bummed by the acceleration of temperature decrease in my dish,but I'm really a terrible critic and relentlessly nit picky. They have an agreeable wine list and Nori once again helped me out by recommending a neat cocktail with gin and campari and limes. I still gave it 4 stars because I like the atmosphere and it's never too crowded. -
Review from Sarah V. M.
Providence, RI
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had a great experience Sunday evening catching a late dinner after grabbing a drink at The Avery. Very chill vibe, reasonably priced and the bento boxes are perfect for someone that loves variety. For $15 I got steak, fish, shitake mushrooms, and a seaweed salad. Pair with the extensive beer list and it's a date night meal for under $20!
Listed in: Dates on a Dime, A1, Let's Globetrot to Asia, West Side Wonders, Weekly Winks
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Review from Jack G.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2009
How exciting for Providence's West Side to have another interesting, intimate restaurant. The interior design is good, but like Louie Fuller, the dining room arrangement is awkward, and also serves as a pass through to the rest rooms. Biggest disappointment with Ama's was the service. We sat several minutes at a very small table with large menus before we grabbed the hostess to take a drink order. The blue pt oysters were fresh and cold. The bento box was a disappointment save the pork cutlet. Left Ama's hungry: got a satisfying burger and shrimp po boy fix at Mike's other place down Atwells, Lily Marlenes.
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Review from Tawana B.
Updated - 3/1/2010
Im just giving this place stars like candy to a junkie! Mike rocks, ate dinner there lastnight, had oysters from Canada that were fabulous, then snacked on the duck breast special, perfectly cooked, delicious. Also, I highly reccomend the shitake mushrooms, alongside the pork cutlet. FYI, get a side of rice vinegar and soy sauce for the cabbage garnish and you're all good. Yummalicious.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/28/2009
I finally got my wish: deep fired oysters with Ponzu sauce, perfectly cooked and absolutely… Read more »
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Review from John R.
Cranston, RI
8/11/2010 4 Check-ins Here
This is a great little gem worth finding. The oyster selection is always good. The fried pork is a favorite as is the fried chicken. Others really seem to enjoy the tofu pouches. If you're a beer fan, try one of the Hitachino Nest craft brews from Japan.
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Review from Kathleen R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2010
I'm moving to San Francisco soon, and I plan on packing up Ama's and their entire staff and taking them with me, along with their duck confit soba noodles, seven spice shrimp and delicious array of red wines.
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Review from Chris J.
6/14/2010
Stopped here after visiting The Avery to grab a bite to eat Saturday night. They had loads of boring bottled beer and Sapporo was the only draft. The oyster selection was impressive and reasonably priced. I also got the steamed duck bun. The steamed bun was quite good but the duck breast had obviously been of the frozen sort and was as tough as rawhide. My friend had some sort of mushroom dish and loved it though. The service and price was ok and the place was pretty cozy. If you are looking for a quiet spot near The Avery, this is an ok spot, though Julians is not that far away.
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Review from Mary P.
Providence, RI
5/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
this ruggedly simple aesthetic incites the sway of an asian fishing rig... the gentleman barkeep serves me several refreshingly well-chilled oysters while the intimate setting inspires the charming clientele to mingle in the most subtle and playful ways... i shall return to learn more...
