- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Yama Japanese Restaurant
- Nearest Transit:
-
Wellesley Hills (Framingham/Worcester Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Yama Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
"They have absolutely amazing sushi."
(in 39 reviews)
"...maki here especially the fire dragon roll, spider roll and..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Its BYOB so stop at the packie for some sake before you..."
(in 10 reviews)
Loading...
51 reviews in English
-
Review from Joe J.
Brookline, MA
1/27/2012
I am literally eating Yama right now and it is great! I ordered the Sushi Box combo, and it was plentiful, fresh, and comes with salad and soup! It was only like $11 too!
They delivered and it got here in 30 minutes. +1 Yama. -
Review from Austin J. A.
Wellesley, MA
8/6/2011
We've been regulars at Yama for over a year, and by "regulars" I mean "I eat at Yama at least once a week." My typical lunch at Yama is an alligator roll, the sushi lunch special (8 pieces of nigiri, 1 tuna roll, miso soup and a salad), and some hot green tea. It's Yama that is flexible with my schedule; when I need to get out the door in under an hour, I'm able to do that, but when I am able to linger, I get to linger. I think my regular server - who is a gem of a human being - has a sixth sense about these things.
No matter where I lived in this area, I would go out of my way to come to Yama. For one thing, the staff is all really friendly. The food is always remarkably consistent. After many visits, I can't tell you a single visit that's been poor, or one time that they had a miss on their quality, or even that a server was having a crappy day. And for another thing? That alligator roll is something special. Shrimp tempura wrapped in nori and rice, topped with avocado and broiled eel in sauce. It's warm, crisp, flavorful, and hits all the right notes. It's my second favorite sushi after salmon nigiri, which is unbeatable.
The best part about Yama, for me, is that it is versatile. It's not just for a quick, two-person lunch date. We've eaten at Yama on several different special occasions: the most memorable visits being for a ten-person birthday party, a five-person birthday party, and a four-person birthday party. It's a nice place to have a good-sized party, because it's welcoming and big enough inside. I still haven't eaten in their tatami area, which is sunken and lovely next to the window in back, but I want to. I would recommend Yama to anyone who was bringing a non-sushi-eater out for a meal; there's plenty of other food to choose from, and since a number of their rolls are cooked, I've seen people who "don't eat sushi" dive in and enjoy.
I prefer to come in to eat, because I usually order at least some cooked rolls, and they are best when eaten immediately. So when I get delivery, I usually order nigiri and cold rolls. I've picked up hot rolls with no problem, though.
Among their other outstanding-to-my-mouth offerings is the Red Sox maki, which is red tuna, tempura flake, yellowtail, scallion, tobiko and I think avocado. It's very pleasant and satisfying, and again, the tempura flake is always spot-on (plus, good tuna). We've had their soft-shell crab in several different rolls, which is a big deal because I have never before found that form of crab to be delicious; I believe that it's the tempura treatment that won me over. Their sashimi is excellent, fresh, and plated nicely. Also? I strongly recommend their fried ice cream. It's covered in thin-thin pound cake, battered, and then flash-fried. It is the size of a softball. Bring a friend!
If you want to see (and touch, for luck) an old-school tanuki statue and get some gashapon after a satisfying Japanese food meal, come to Yama. If you have trouble parking in the tiny lot or on the street, don't panic. Just park past the gas station, or straight through the set of lights, or maybe even in the old Whole Foods parking lot.
Most importantly, don't ever forget that Yama closes for a few hours in between lunch and dinner, at around 2:30PM, because you will be a sad squirrel if you psych yourself up for a trip and are temporarily thwarted!Listed in: Sushi Stars
-
Review from Arinne B.
Needham, MA
7/29/2011
I *love* Yama. I'm particularly fond of their seaweed salad, salmon salad maki, eel avocado rolls, and sweet potato rolls.
The ambiance is family-friendly and clean, and the service is attentive. Parking can be tricky as it's metered parking in front and an oddly-shaped lot that often fills up quickly. That lot is generally your better bet though.
Please note--if you're planning on ordering delivery, you should be aware that it takes almost twice as long as it would to pick it up. Our family's standard order is ready in 20-30 mins. for pick up and is usually between an hour and hour and a half when being delivered. We usually pick-up rather than deal with the uncertainty. I find their vegetarian roll too big to eat without dropping in my lap. I had some yaki udon noodles the other day that were satisfying but a bit bland. I plan to stick with my sushi faves!
We had a birthday bash last year and were delighted that they lent us a sushi boat to take home with us and serve the many yummy rolls we ordered for friends.
It's the only good sushi place we've found out in the 'burbs. -
Review from nuala k.
Wellesley Hills, MA
1/31/2011
The sushi here is just okay. I wouldn't rave about it.
I wish they served beer. Nothing better than eating sushi with a cold beer. Drinking a coke just doesn't do it for me! -
Review from David V.
4/26/2010
What would make me hop in the car and drive 30+ minutes out to Wellesley and then have me pull into the parking lot of a nondescript office-looking building along Route 16? It would have to be Yama, a hidden little gem of a sushi place on the second floor of a bland looking building, right above a real estate office offering 3BR ranch homes for $900k.
When you first sit down, the waitress brings over piping hot towels, something I've only seen at a couple of high-end sushi places. Next comes to the stalks of carrot and celery with dipping sauce - not really my thing, but a nice gesture.
One of the highlights of this place is that it's BYOB - bring in a bottle of beer, sake or wine and they'll open it up and provide you with glasses. I might recommend bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages here too, because they'll charge you for every refill of coke or even soda water! It's rare to find a place that doesn't offer free n/a refills, and it's an unpleasant surprise when you get your bill to see that you've been charged for $8 worth of seltzer.
The sushi - fancy maki seems to be the draw here, as they've got over two dozen special rolls ranging from the common (caterpillar, scorpion) to some rather creative ones. The prices are pretty good for the quality as well - all but 3 or 4 of the fanciest rolls featuring lobster and toro are all under $10.
I'm more of a nigiri/sashimi kind of guy, and one of my favorite things of all time is simple-but-delicious salmon nigiri. Yama's offering gives you two respectable-sized pieces for $4.50. If you want to splurge a little, I highly recommend the otoro (fatty tuna) sashimi. They offer two pieces of nigiri for $12, or for a few bucks more ($18), you can get 5 decent-sized melt-in-your-mouth pieces of some of the best tuna belly around.
The main drawback of Yama, besides the sneaky n/a drink refill policy, is probably with the service. Most of the waitresses are young Asian girls wearing traditional Japanese garb, and usually that means friendly, attentive and speedy service. However, on multiple occasions I've had girls forget part of the order, fail to bring water or other drinks when requested, or forget to bring out something else essential to the meal (soy sauce, for example).Listed in: My belly is an aquarium!…
-
Review from Matthew A.
Salem, NH
7/6/2007
I just love Japanese food. Sushi menu is a bit more diverse than other places. Everything is so clean and fresh here.
I always get the vegetable tempura as I find it addicting.
Here once can actually sit on the FLOOR in the traditional Japanese style. Its BYOB so stop at the packie for some sake before you come.Listed in: Bring Your Own Wine (or…
-
Review from Sasha R.
Dartmouth, MA
7/1/2008
I wanna say this is one of the first places I had sushi whilst acquiring a taste for it when I was a dreamy youth. Haven't been in years, though, and coming back felt a little surreal, but there I was. Still the same strange location in an office building on the 2nd floor, and still the same waitresses in kimonos, flip flops and socks.
They seem to be adjusting to the new trend of fancy rolls with creative combinations that original sushi probably never dreamed of, but it works. Fish is fresh, and whatever they mix up tastes good without any risk of implosion once in your stomach.
Service a bit slow, though.
Another huge plus: a BYOB. Booze it up! They hand you a glass and a corkscrew/bottle opener. Knock yourself out.
Conclusion: decent! -
Review from Vivian L.
Somerville, MA
3/8/2009
Cute restaurant in a unexpected location (2nd floor, next to business offices). They even have tables where you can sit on the ground!
The service here is pretty good but not super duper fast. The sushi here is great and they have a decent variety of rolls. I like the fact that since it's a small restaurant, the sushi is made to order so it's fresh! I also tried the bento box here for lunch once. Half of it was delicious but half of it was meh. It felt slightly "westernized" to me (my miso soup was served with a soup spoon, *shrug*). I'd order again if I was in a bento box mood. Other than that, I'm sticking with their sushi. -
Review from Michael S.
St Paul, MN
4/5/2008
Yama !
This is a great Japanese/Sushi restaurant. Not a conventional restaurant as it looks strangely like a Real Estate office as you enter the commercial building's 2nd floor. But don't let that fool you. Yama has some great service, all the waitresses are dressed the part and very friendly. The sushi and non-sushi dishes are very good........and it is BYOB. I can't argue with that. The Red Sox Rolls and Gyoza dumplings are darn tasty. -
Review from josh k.
North Waltham, MA
6/7/2006
Go here!
simple enough for you?
I was new in town looked for sushi in the phone book (this was before yelp existed) and found Yama, been going there ever since. All the usual favorites, but also recommend the Wellesley roll, Red Sox roll, and Celtics Roll. And don't be afraid to tell them you want to design your own. Seriously I have never hurt myself on sushi like I have here, and never enjoyed it so much. Plus there's a Starbucks on the route as you head back toward 128, to top off a good outing...
In fact i think I need a hit.Listed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Anna P.
Boston, MA
2/8/2006
A really great sushi place in the suburbs - I'm jealous of the Wellesley kids being so close to it!
You would never really think of it as a great place as it is in the top floor of an office building barely noticeable from the street. It's a typical sushi place in terms of decor inside. However, it's distinguishing factor is the food. They have absolutely amazing sushi! And trust me, I've been around the sushi block! I would highly recommed their signature spicy scallop rolls! they also have very original rolls names after Boston sports teams. Just a note, they dont serve alcohol but do BYOB. -
Review from Stella Y.
New York, NY
10/24/2006
I cannot comment on the location or service or any physical aspect of this place because I've only ordered in about 28109 times. The service is sooo slow, it takes about 45 minutes to get to me and I have a knack of ordering when the weather is shit, which may have something to do with them getting lost all the time. Considering we're only about 10 minutes away and the only other college in the area, this makes no sense to me.
The food, however, is superb. It comes in these little boxes that they'll cut air holes so that the tempura doesn't get soggy. I always get the almond chicken with peanut sauce, which is an appetizer so it's perfect for my small stomach. It seems like rice doesn't come with orders so order separately if you want. I think the best part is that they have an assortment of good sushi and they'll even make you a roll the way you like it if you ask. Miso soup also comes with the order.
I always end up spending about $25 by myself, which isn't too bad I suppose for the amount of food I get (sushi roll + rice + miso soup + chicken + tempura ice cream). Try the fried ice cream if you can! -
Review from Juggy W.
Waban, MA
8/4/2007
I still don't get the average 4 star rating on yelp for this place. The price is high for what you get and I totally got scammed by the "Firecraker Salmon"... for $6.95 its nothing but finger sized spring rolls stuffed with steamed salmon... the description made it sound like its wrapped with fresh salmon then deep fried... how deceiving.
Also... I found it ironic that all these jap places are actually flooded with chinese waitresses/owners... almost all the waitresses at Yama are chinese... same thing for fugakyu and sushi man... sometimes i feel like they are posers... even though its just a part of the business. -
Review from Will N.
Boston, MA
8/29/2008
Great restaurant nestled in the burbs. This wasn't my first trip here, but it was nice to see that much hasn't changed since my last visit.
The sushi was great and it is always nice to find a BYOB place in a town like Wellesley.
I can't find a gripe about my experience. Well maybe that it is a bit far from Boston -
Review from Steve C.
Brookline, MA
6/3/2011
Once you get over the feeling that you are going to the dentist when you walk in the building, it is smooth sailing from there.
I appreciate a number of things when I go to a restaurant: value, quality of food and genuine customer service, and Yama has it all. Well, it has it all except a liquor license, though there is no corkage fee which is pretty great...so bring your own!
Yama is a Friday night staple,most often to take out.... consistent food, friendly interaction with all of the staff despite the heavy customer volume. and the food seems to always be ready in 15 minutes!
This place is a hidden gem. The owners/managers are wonderful people. -
Review from Sara C.
Arlington, MA
8/21/2007
This is my favorite sushi place- their rolls are the best, bar none! Spicy salmon, red sox and fire dragon rolls are not to be missed. They also carry blue marlin, which is very hard to find in this area.
Besides my addiction to their delicious and perfectly sized rolls, the thing that keeps me coming back is the value. You can find cheaper sushi other places and you can find better quality fish, but the quality you get here for the price you pay has never been beaten in my experience. -
Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
5/2/2007
I don't know about this place.
The positives...
-nice friendly staff
-cute atmosphere
-nice selection of a menu
-prices are OK
negatives....
-the Teriyaki tofu is nasty
-the shrimp tempura ain't so hot
-the sushi is at best ok
-the salmon teriyaki is off.
-I have had 3 meals here and feel ill after every one of them.
-servers can be slow -
Review from Zoe S.
Wellesley, MA
4/13/2011
Decent sushi... not as good as some other local places.
-
Review from Allie P.
Boston, MA
7/23/2010
I'm glad I am not the only one who feels like they are walking into a dentist's office every time they go to Yama...
Anyway, my boyfriend and I are huge sushi fans. We have tried sushi all over the city, yet we still believe Yama has some of the best sushi at a great price. We have been there more times than we can count, and have never had a bad experience. On a quiet night, we are always willing to drive the 20 minutes to Wellesley for a nice night of sushi and wine (BYOB!). We have also gone in a large group and sat at the family style table in the back. We bring liquor and they supply juice for us. Always a great time! The owner is very friendly and is always sure to stop by our table to say hi each time we visit.
My recommendation: Celtics maki (tuna, asparagus, tempura flakes, fresh salmon, wrapped in a soybean sheet). I tend to judge sushi places based on their spicy tuna roll and it is very good here, perfect proportions of spicy mayo and the tuna is very fresh. For non-sushi lovers: the ginger pork is very good, not too dry (which it can be at other places). -
Review from Shaun S.
Newton Highlands, MA
1/10/2011
Went there on a Saturday at like 5:00 pm, the place was dead. Figured it had to be the restaurant, well it wasn't we actually just beat the early bird crowd.
The waitress was very friendly, this was a different experience for the girlfriend and I. They leave a pencil and a list of maki and sushi you want; you write it down and choose. We choose Spicy Albacore Tuna Roll, Crazy Roll, Rising Sun, and Salmon Salad Maki. I will rate it from best to worst ( worst not actually being bad but not the best) Rising Sun, Crazy Roll, Salmon Salad, and Tuna. Tuna was not well put together and couldn't really enjoy the flavor. I seriously recommend the Rising Sun if you love Salmon it was very well put together and tasted great. Made me want more
This place is very good, No alcohol but i drink water mostly so this wasn't a big problem. Come try out the doctors office i mean Yama if you are in the Wellesley area. ONLY ISSUE IS THE SIZES OF THE ROLLS VARY! ANNOYING TRYING TO EAT . AMERICAN SIZED ROLLS then Skinny rolls lol
But OGA in natick is better -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
8/11/2008
For Yama, a haiku...
Sushi boats abound
And you can sit in a pit
But bring your own booze -
Review from Jon H.
2/12/2009
No joke I eat at this place three times a week? Why? Because long hours at our client in Wellesley means we order dinner every night, and most of us scream and shout for Yama. The delivery is fast and gets it right (even labels the boxes for each person's order), the fish is fresh and doesn't get anybody sick, the variety is great with amazing special rolls that don't skimp on size or ingredients....and the price is reasonable.
They start delivering at 5pm, we typically call with a six or more person order of at least 10-15 rolls and various dinner entrees- they almost always get it right and delivered in less than an hour...amazing efficiency. I usually get the fire dragon roll (pretty good), alaskan roll (really good), and the spider roll (awesome b/c of crispy fried crab). Even the avocado is bright green!
As for the fish, its pretty fresh and no fishiness to it. The raw fish isn't scary to eat, and the flavors are very non-asian friendly. That being said, there are some pretty good rolls that would please us sushi-regulars and take a few more risks.
Five stars for the overall experience. Although it doesn't measure up to a five star for a place like Hide Sushi in LA (a quality expensive sushi bar) or R23, its five star when comparing it to similar places that offer similar food. -
Review from Brian K.
Watertown, MA
6/12/2007 1 Check-in Here
Having grown up in Swells, I must say I am a bit partial to YAMA although the sushi is amazing. I love all the maki here especially the fire dragon roll, spider roll and all of the special rolls are unreal! This place beats any over priced and over hyped sushi place closer to Boston.
Go here now! Sit in the back where you take your shoes off, relax, take in the music and BYOB and Wine!
Enjoy! -
Review from Christina N.
Waltham, MA
1/18/2009
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants around.
The sushi is decent, and their bento boxes are so amazing. You can tell from the salad to the miso soup to the main dish that it's authentic. The service is always good, and I love the atmosphere. The only downside is getting in and out of the strange little parking lot. -
Review from R B.
Framingham, MA
2/26/2011
Very nice interior. Good prices. Nothing special otherwise. They've got the tatami tables in back. Nice place.
-
Review from Rebecca O.
Haverhill, MA
7/5/2007
I was really impressed with the freshness and menu options.
While spicy tuna is my mark of a sushi restaurant that keeps bringing me back, I'm still wishing we ordered more white tuna and marlin. Yeah, marlin. Very cool to see something new on a sushi menu in this town.
Admittedly, I'm the girl that ALWAYS orders spicy tuna and salmon sushi, but from there I like to branch out and not just to snapper. For the super-adventurous they had even more unique options: raw scallops and I'm pretty sure that sign said 'fish liver maki' but perhaps I read wrong. OK, so I didn't try those, but again, I give them high marks for unique options. -
Review from Loan L.
Willow Glen, CA
11/17/2008
Very good, very fresh. I always base how fresh the food is after i have an ikura with quail egg. The ikura was fresh, well flavored, and did not have an ooey stickiness that some places have that are not fresh.
We came in around 3pm on a Sunday after we saw a matinee and the place only had one couple. After we sat down, people started showing up. Maybe everyone else saw the same matinee we did.
We ordered the scallop roll, spicy tuna maki, unagi roll and the ikura. Everything was reasonably priced and like I said, very fresh and very good.
The other bonus I like about this place is that there is FREE PARKING!!! There is a little lot adjacent to the restaurant.
We will definitely come back. -
Review from Suzanne F.
Boston, MA
10/19/2007
Not bad for a suburban sushi joint. I don't quite like the fact that you enter through an office lobby that's kind of moldy-smelling and reminds me of being at work - but once you get upstairs and into the restaurant, it's fine.
I would not say that the quality is as good as New Ginza in Watertown, but it's much easier to get into Yama on a Friday night - forget Ginza, you'll wait at least an hour.
And yes, do stop off for a bottle of sake on your way. -
Review from nicole z.
Needham Heights, MA
2/3/2011
Who knew Wellesley had such a cute little, reasonably priced sushi place?! We love it here! We discovered it less than month ago and have already been twice---both weeknights! The food is fresh, the service is great. Everyone here has been very sweet and friendly. As mentioned in previous reviews, upon being seated the server brings you carrots and celery with dressing, it is a nice add on to have that extra munch while you are deciding what to order. I also thought that the warm towels were a nice gesture. Don't be fooled by this tucked in restaurant with the elevator, it is soooo good. Oh and if you like a little crunch, seaweed, and spicy tuna, the Tuna Tata - what it's called on their menu- is quite possibly the best I have ever had! :) 5 stars! Keep it up Yama!!!!
-
Review from David F.
Newton, MA
3/16/2011
Outstanding, superb quality and attention to detail, and with tamari (of note to gluten free patrons). Not inexpensive but very much worth it. In our familial assessment of places in the area, it's our only five star sushi in the area west of downtown/backbay/Brookline.
-
Review from Joyce K.
Waltham, MA
11/6/2006
Walking into the building that Yama is located in is like walking into an office building, it's so bizarre, but once you enter the actual restaurant, the ambiance is transformed from annual dental visit anxiety to sushi-in-my-tummy zen. The decor is very light and beautiful. There's a huge kimono hanging from the wall and a fully mirrored wall expands the size of the space (and also confused the hell out of me).
Our party of 5 got to sit in the tatami room with the low tables which was really fun. The dwarfish chairs and the Asian floral embroidered cushions are so pretty.
Hot towels are given to start and complimentary appetizers of carrots and celery with a fantasmic mayo sauce whetted our appetites as we perused the inventive menu. There are pictures of the special rolls and brown rice is an option (yay!!! yeahhh!!!!). I had the Wellesley roll (lobster meat, sweet potato, radish sprouts, 3 different tobiko, and a honey green tea sauce) and the North & South roll (salmon, avocado, and jalapeno). The house salad was AWESOME. The ginger dressing was smack-on-the-ass right on! The Wellesley roll was a little overwhelming and I usually stick to traditional sushi fare, but props for creativity and a nice medley of flavors. My only regret is Yama's use of tempura flakes in the rolls, ew. The North and South roll was good but not quite the bite I was expecting from the jalapeno. I tried my friend's udon which was cooked so perfectly, the noodles were slippery sex in my mouth (mmm...). The tempura was way too oily (although I do love sweet potato and taro).
The experience was perfect and our waitress was the sweetest kimono-ed cutie. I'd love to go again and try some simple rolls and nigiri with the brown rice (whoo hooo!!!).Listed in: Yo I'm Azn!
-
Review from Isaac D.
Somerville, MA
5/14/2008
Amazing sushi! To reiterate some of what others have said; the location is a bit unconventional, it IS BYOB (though they do keep your beer in the fridge and uncork the wine for you), and it is delicious. Some of the rolls seemed a little unconventional, like a specific scallop roll whose name escapes me with a yellow sauce that could have been butter and cheese for all I know, it was delicious. Our group of 8 was there for around an hour and a half, the service was great, the fact that our 2 full boats of sushi took less than 20 minutes to make on top of all the other orders there is also amazing. The atmosphere was great, traditional layout with old traditional asian sounding music. This is still the kind of place you don't have to dress fancy to unless you want to. The sushi bar seats do have a view at a very tiny TV which was showing the red sox. I would recommend the trip to anyone.
-
Review from Alison Y.
South End, Boston, MA
11/17/2010
Very mediocre food!!! I ordered the chicken teriyaki bento and my friend ordered the Tonkatsu. Chicken looked like it came out of the microwave and put on a George Foreman grill for the marks. There was no marinade and the sauce they provided on the side was just horrible. My friend's Tonkatsu was overcooked and dry. Very lousy Japanese food because the owners and chefs are not Japanese, so therefore not authentic. Do yourself a favor and eat at Toraya in Arlington that is authentic Japanese. Blows the doors off this place.
-
Review from Saba N.
6/15/2010
love this place! Cute and cozy on the inside. The sushi is totally unique, and made to order! A little over priced but a great spot overall. Plus, you can BYOB! A definite hidden gem in Wellesley.
-
Review from Lindsey M.
Brookline, MA
6/21/2006
My last meal at Yama was mediocre. The edamame was cold and soggy, and sushi overall displeasing. The atmosphere is chill though, they have optional low Japanese tables with traditional floor pillows, which makes for a cozy and very authentic meal. Overall, the place is decent, considering it's located in a lame suburb like Wellesley.. If your in the area and need a sushi fix try them out, if not, don't bother.
-
Review from j m.
Auburndale, MA
7/20/2007
I highly recommend this restaurant. The menu options are exceptional. The food is always fresh and flavorful and the service is polite and attentive.
-
Review from Surf D.
Burlington, MA
5/5/2011
I'm a little confused by the buzz about this place. Anyways I'll just stick to my two experiences. My larger gripe was that the spicy scallop roll came out with like 3 lbs of mayo sauce drenched over everything... um I'm a huge mayo / spicy sauce lover to the point I've been made fun of for overdoing it but this was just gross. Couldn't just wipe it off either as the scallops were in the sauce not the roll. Everywhere else I've been its a roll just like a spicy tuna roll but with scallop and in most cases, yes, some spicy mayo built in (which I usually like). The other weird thing was asparagus instead of cuke or avocado in my spicy salmon roll. Just didn't dig it. The rolls were very small. My other gripe is that I find the lunch specials very lacking- no obvious choices / deals like Fugakyu or my other favorites (usually looking for something with a spicy tuna maki / boston maki / soup salad or something like that). I know this is Wellesley but if the price is higher I expected something better - when I grabbed a piece of salmon sashimi from my buddy's bowl it tasted fishy which was the last straw.
-
Review from Hannah M.
Cambridge, MA
1/5/2007
Decent. Certainly not remarkable by any means. My husband and I went to celebrate my birthday and our cute and kimono-y waitress brought out a tempura birthday banana - nice touch, too bad I don't like bananas :(
We had shrimp and veggie tempura, spicy salmon roll, miso, and salads. Tempura was OK, sauce was quite bland. Spicy salmon roll was good, but totally falling apart and hard to eat. Miso was delish. Salads were eh.
We'll keep looking for our fav. Japanese restaurant.
I say, if you're in Wellesley and craving Japanese, Yama is a fine bet, but don't go out of your way to go. -
Review from Sasha R.
4/29/2007
This place used to be the only spot for miles to get good sushi. Now there is a better one, but I still give Yama props for their bento boxes and for introducing suburban Boston to the wonders of raw fish.
-
Review from Andrew M.
Wellesley, MA
5/21/2007
We've been getting takeout from here for a while now--it's certainly decent food and it gave me at least a little taste of what Japanese food is supposed to be. My sisters really like the ginger pork.
