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King Crab Leg
Snow Crab Leg
Broiled Beef Stake
Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle
About
Yamaya Seafood
Welcome to Yamaya Seafood, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska. This cozy Japanese seafood restaurant at 825 W 6th Ave is not just another dining spot; it is an immersive culinary experience that embodies authenticity and passion for Japanese cuisine. The chef, a previous buyer for Tokyo sushi markets, has cultivated an extensive knowledge of seafood, ensuring every dish served is a tribute to traditional Japanese cooking.
At Yamaya, guests are treated to a menu that features a delightful array of seafood and meat dishes. For starters, consider indulging in their succulent King Crab Legs at $59.50 or the Snow Crab Legs at $38.00. These dishes are not merely food; they are a testament to the fresh ingredients and stellar cooking techniques that honor the ocean's bounty.
The dining environment is described as warm and intimate, perfect for those looking to escape the bustling city. Alex Hansen perfectly encapsulates this feeling, describing Yamaya as "a wonderful cozy hole in the wall." Patrons have lauded the singular operation of the restaurant, where the owner takes on multiple roles—from chef to host to cleanup crew—creating a unique and personal dining atmosphere. Matthew Beattie suggests shaking off any hesitation and simply visiting, for the food and friendly service are equally worth the experience.
- Warm house sake as the perfect companion to your meal
- Menu items that include creative combinations like boiled soybeans and cold tofu, starting at just $5.00
- A personal touch, with recommendations directly from the chef based on daily market findings
However, be prepared for a unique pacing; dishes come out as they are cooked, allowing diners to savor each bite. This dining experience is not just a meal but a journey that draws you closer to the essence of Japanese culture. Cassie Fraley's review highlights the expertly crafted sushi rice accompanying flawlessly fresh sashimi, a dish that speaks volumes about the meticulous attention to detail and the authenticity you can expect.
Every visit to Yamaya Seafood promises a remarkable experience that extends beyond ordinary dining. Expect to immerse yourself in a welcoming atmosphere, where the owner's love for the craft shines through each dish. Just remember, this is a small establishment with limited seating, so reservations for groups are highly recommended.
For a truly unforgettable evening of authentic Japanese culinary delights, make your way to Yamaya Seafood in Anchorage. You’ll leave not just satisfied but grateful for the experience that only a dedicated chef can create.
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“ A wonderful cozy hole in the wall spot downtown. The chef runs the whole show, and you can taste the love and attention he puts into every dish. Be patient, and savor the atmosphere, youll be delighted. ”
“ If you are considering eating at Yamaya, just go. Its amazing. As others point out, the owner runs it entirely by himself, which is why he is strict about reservations for more than three. But for a single diner or a couple, this is a gem. The food is amazing, the owner is very friendly, and the surroundings are very small and welcoming. There are menus on the wall, but you should ask for his recommendation. The owner was a buyer for the Tokyo sushi markets and knows more about fish than anybody Ive ever met. Dont bother calling, just stop by and if there is room youre good. Start off with some warm house sake and eat what he suggests. Nobu the Dog may be there to keep you company too. ”
“ Never have I ever had a culinary experience like I had here. I was recommended to come here by a local and wow was I impressed with the overall experience. The location is small and located in the heart of Anchorage making it easily accessible. This is a one person shop as Sam is the host, server, order taker, chef, dish washer, cashier, and on top of it all he sings karaoke. Make sure to plan a good chunk of your evening. Plan to sit, enjoy the quaint little place, making new acquaintances, and eating authentic Japanese food that is not catered to the Americanized pallet. I will forever be grateful for experience I had here and I hope to return soon. I 100 recommend. Also, please call in advance if you are planning a party of 3 or more. You will be turned away as he will not be able to accommodate. ”
“ If youre looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, you found it in Anchorage! Ive been to Japan many times and this compares in so many ways. Very limited seating and reservations are required While there, I witnessed two groups of walkins get denied. The food comes out as its cooked so dont expect to get everything at once. They dont time anything. My suggestion is to order a bunch of items and eat everything as a group. This experience also takes a chuck of time so if youre on a time crunch, this might not be a good idea. Give yourself at least 2 hours, if not more. This visit, there was one guy doing everything host, bar tender, cook, cleanup so be nice and treat him well! ”
“ Very authentic and fresh, the owner was very nice. Under the sashimi is perfectly cooked sushi rice topped with thinly sliced nori, ginger and egg enough to enjoy with each slice of sashimi. The dinner portion was served with miso soup all for 35. Excellent deal for the quality and experience. ”
“ Little patience is not enough, you need a lot of patience to dine here. It took me 1.5 hours to get the first dish. And reservation is needed. The food is nice, very authentic traditional Japanese food. Chef prepares every dish with his heart. Feel like Im in Japan, lots of traditional Japanese decorations. Recommend to try if you are not in a hurry. ”
“ Update I ended up checking this place out solo and yeah... I had to go back and change my rating of this hidden gem. Im back in Anchorage again and figured I would give this place one more try original review still below. Sure glad I did! Fantastic food and great atmosphere. Best part was when Im sitting here writing this review alone and in my own little world, and this cutie walks up and touches my leg. Nearly scared the pants right off me, her name was Noble lol Man oh man, how bizarre can you get... After a long day at work, my colleagues and I decided on sushi. I know how busy good restaurants can get here in Anchorage so I call ahead to make sure theres not too long of a wait. Called twice in fact, both times, no answer. I figured hey, might as well see if we can get a table. We almost passed it up because the outside of the building looked nearly abandoned, but as we passed by I noticed the OPEN sign illuminated over the front door. So we proceeded to enter, at our own risk. Oh My Gosh, I was ecstatic to walk through the doors of this legit Japanese ambiance and I immediately started to get excited about the assumed amazing meal we were about to embark on. Only to discover the restaurant is entirely empty? Strange, but we continue to find a table as the older Japanese man walked over to us from the back. We confirm, you are open right? as the sign entails. But it was his response that was truly baffling. Sorry, reservation only. My buddy sensed some sarcasm buried deep in the old mans response and says ah, hes joking. Only for the old man to change his tone and confirms reservation only. WOW, I have never gone from so stoked to try a new restaurant, to baffled in 0.3 seconds in my entire life lol. Im sure his food is amazing, but as this was a business trip I guess Ill never get the luxury to try it. ”
“ Dining here is the most precious experience for my winter Alaska trip. For sure, the space is limited and if you do not want to spend more than one hour for having dinner, this is not a choice for you. The food here is very authentic I am Asian and a Japanese food explorer, much more affordable cuisine than most Seattle Japanese restaurants having the samequality food and I really love the hot sake here. I visited twice during my stay in Anchorage. The owner is super nice, highly recommended. ”