Yaosen

Though I've never been to Japan; I've been in enough Japanese spots for food to know Japanese food when I see it. This one man wonder is a brilliant chef, it makes one wonder how he arrived in Utica.

I've eaten here twice for take out (since there are no real tables to sit), and both times the food has been delicious, cost effective, unique and owner is as my girlfriend puts it "very sweet;" only adding to the homemade Japanese feel, is the fact that Yoasen is in a house.

Yaosen is an interesting spot. It is a duplex house with the bottom floor converted into a restaurant. It's always clean and usually empty. It's seemly a one-man operation - a very tall, friendly and heavy accented guy has manned the counter and kitchen every time I've visited. One time I was there and overheard him say "We're really busy, it could be 45 minutes." There was just one person there finishing their meal and me waiting on an entree - I got a good chuckle out of that.

Most meals come out to be $10 flat after tax. I've only ever had Japanese Barbeque here, so I'm no expert, but everything I've had here has been delicious. Portions are decently sized. I wouldn't recommend going there with a large party, as it's more of a take-out/delivery joint. Cool little gem in Utica.

Yaosen is one of the very few authentically Japanese restaurants in the Utica area. Not only are their ingredients and cooking excellent, but they cook homestyle Japanese dishes that you won't find at your average sushi place: sukiyaki with beef or tofu, onigiri (rice balls) with vegetables, umeboshi (salty plum) or salmon filling, udon and soba noodles and all sorts of tempura'd veggies. If you're a meat eater, they have delicious chicken cutlets and tonkatsu pork, served over rice and with small sides for nicely turned out bento boxes. Everything is well-priced, very reasonable. There are a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans here, if you know what to look for, too. There is very limited seating, but you can take your chances as most people order for takeout. Well worth a trip to South Utica! You won't find such authentic, healthy and delicious Japanese food anywhere else close by.