I wanted to love this place so bad, but it was just ok. The wait is worse than the reviews say. He literally works on 1 item at a time, and even though the table next to me ordered the same special sake with the salmon fin, he only made 1 sake at a time. Mine may have showed up 20mins after my neighbor's. The quality of the food items were just ok. I had comparable sushi at another sushi restaurant a few blocks away. -Idiot Fish: The most exciting thing was the name. It was a pretty firm fish, no fat, and quite a few bones. -Sashimi Platter: 6 types, with 2 each. We got mackerel, yellowtail, tuna, salmon, white fish (snapper?), and octopus. -King Crab Roll: What I thought was the imitation crab was actually real crab. The coloring was so ...fake looking. It's not a bad roll, but I'm not sure the flavor of the crab came through. -Beef Steak Japanese Style: Big dish but awful cut of meat and had a semi off taste. Either freezer burn or the fridge. It was full of sinew and super chewy. -Herring Roe on Seaweed: This had a strange bitter aftertaste. I couldn't eat the beef after having this, it made the beef bitter too. It was a super fun texture though. Very snappy, very poppy. Only come here if you absolutely have the time for it. My dinner took about 3 hours, and there were 5 other tables. read more

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Been wanting to try this little spot out for quite some time! This very small, hometown izakaya tucked downtown has been serving up delicious and flavorful Japanese food with warm hospitality for many years -- and it shows. Each dish is made with care and heart, the kind of comfort Japanese food that will have me returning. The hot sake and special sake (with salmon fin) were awesome -- a must-try! Downside: the wait for food and service can be very long, but Sam's a one-man operation -- and absolutely worth the patience! If you plan on bringing three or more people, be sure to reserve seating ahead of time. I definitely need to try the ramen menu next! read more

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Yamaya is an ambitious solo operation with a huge menu, written in papers in two clusters on the walls. The chef is very friendly but obviously busy, the sashimi dinner (as opposed to just sashimi) is actually chirashi, the king crab roll felt more Korean in style than Japanese? Looking at the menu, I would maybe return again for the grilled items or ramen, as the focus definitely seemed there and not so much on sushi and sashimi - I left feeling like I'd ordered the wrong items. read more

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The best restaurant!!! He is so kind and welcoming. He put so much thought into our chirashi bowls - he even cut up some egg and cucumber for the rice. The fish was perfect and so soft. It felt like I was in Japan again! He said he's been here for over 40 years. Came here to work in fishing and stayed after meeting his wife :) what a wonderful experience! read more

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Remember to make a reservation or you will not get seated or served (no matter how many people or just one table with customers).

Excellent food. Very fresh sashimi, pork belly skewers were a little salty but very tasty. Yellow tail collar was wonderful. Thankfully we didn't have to wait long for service like some earlier reviews indicated. We went on a Saturday night, around 8pm and it was us, 3 people at the sushi bar and a single diner finishing up a meal. Owner/operator is a dear sweet old man. Such a cutey with his big smile. Pricey, the 3 dishes ‐ chirashi, collar, skewers and tea was $93 read more

After reading several reviews and enjoying the experience many times, I believe it's high time to share a well-deserved five-star review for Yamaya Seafood Restaurant. Please understand that when you visit this restaurant, you're not just having a meal; you're immersing yourself in an experience. Yamaya is Japanese-owned, so the food is authentic and true to Japanese culture. If you choose to dine here, you're essentially encountering Japan in Alaska. Be patient it's one of a kind. One thing to note is that there's typically just one chef in the kitchen--he does it all, he is the "Sensei" if you will. There's no one else in the back assisting him. So when you come, understand that you're here for an experience, not a quick bite to eat. You're invited to savor the ambiance of Japan in Alaska. The chef may also serve as your waiter, water boy, and culinary master all at once--though sometimes, he may have a little help from family who may be willing to share stories of old. The food is exquisite--authentically Japanese to its core--and if you stay late and you're from Japan or know/love Japanese culture, he may even engage in conversation after serving an amazing Japanese family-style meal. If you're looking for an authentic, immersive dining experience, I would 100% recommend Yamaya. read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - Chirashi - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Intimate Japanese traditional dining. Sam is sooo kind, it is a one man show so be patient and make sure you plan to stay for a while. Food was amazing. read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - Chirashi in the front, Udon tempura on the left and miso soup on the right - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Owner was dismissive and ignored walkins like we didn't exist. Disrespectful and unwelcoming

Also, we had all the time in the world. Was not in a hurry. It took way too long. We were starving after an hr and ended up going to McDonalds after. It is true, this place is really just for the regulars. read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - One of the menus - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Best Japanese food for years. Taste wise! Most people give a bad review are tourists had limited time for a meal. If you want to come here prepare yourself to wait about 2-3 hours just for 2 or 3 dishes. There is no service at all. Owner is on his own schedule. Just a one man shop. Let him do his magic on the back, you won't regret it. And when there are more than 3 or 4 table at same time he has no problem say no to new coming customers. You have to make a reservation, and also first come first serve. read more

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We were craving Japanese food during our trip to anchorage and Yelp led us here. As the other reviews mention, this is a one man show. The owner takes the orders, prepares the food, serves the food, and handles the payment. Apparently his wife used to work here until she passed away. Patience and kindness are a must. This is not a place to go to if you're in a hurry. The restaurant is tiny: one 7 seat table, one 4 seat table, two 2 seat tables, and 4 seats at the sushi bar. The food is comforting and tastes like home cooking. We loved coming here to satisfy our craving for Japanese food! read more

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If you have 2-3 hours to spare, come here and be ready for one of the best Japanese meals in your life. The restaurant itself is intimate and run by just the owner. Think the Midnight Diner vibe with a mix of regulars and travelers who sometimes share conversations with strangers. Their gyoza is the best I've ever had - flavorful and moist filling, pan-fried to perfection, and lightly sauced. Katsu-don has the right subtle flavor, not too bland or too salty like many other places. The big Alaskan King crab roll was also good - there is no need to dip it in soy sauce. We were mesmerized by this one-of-a-kind dining experience and will be back for sure! read more

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This is a place that exists out of time. A restaurant that feels like another world. Because it is. The tiny room and bar are warm and convivial. The owner (operating solo) will tell you what to eat (or what he wants to cook) and you'll like it: it may not be on the menu. Think "the soup nazi" Be prepared to wait forever. Be prepared to chat with your companion. Be prepared for patience. But patience is tempered with beer and sake bar fly karoke and even a sweet dog. Very Alaskan and very memorable read more

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I've spent a lot of time in Japan and this is as authentic as you can get. The owner and his dog Nobuko will take care of you here. The menu has a wide variety of Izakaya food. This is the type of place to order a dish and a beer and converse with the other patrons over a few hours. I cannot recommend this place enough and will be back every time I come to Anchorage! read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - Beef bowl meal set - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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This is the most charming, Japanese restaurant in Anchorage. Must make reservations for parties larger than 3. Great quality, service and most of all authentic. Sam has brought a piece of Japan to Anchorage and we are so lucky. Enjoy. read more

Fantastic slice of authentic Japan for ambiance with Enka background music to go along with the decor of a typical Japanese Izakaya. There is only the store master who provides front service as well as performs as the chef. The food is amazing and brings back memories of our time living in Japan. Simply delicious and well crafted. His dog was so cute prior to and while it fell asleep on the floor near our table. Truly happy to find this restaurant in a town I hadn't been to for forty years! Definitely recommend to anyone who wants real Japanese Izakaya/pub food read more

Came in right when they opened at sat at the bar. I'm a sucker for authentic Japanese food. I had one night in Anchorage and I knew I had to go here. I had sake with salmon fin, squid, sashimi, yaki Tori, and herring with kelp. Expect it to take 2-3 hour or to get turned away due to him being busy. People get pissed about that but it's his restaurant and his rules, do your research before you go!! Come prepared. I enjoyed sitting there watching him cook, he ensures it is of quality. I enjoyed the long dinner and it was truly an enjoyable experience. The price is fair for the care and quality put into the dishes. If I lived closer I would be back often. Arigato Gozaimasu to the chef!!! read more

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I seldom write reviews for restaurants but I'd like to write one for Yamaya. The owner/chef is so nice. The restaurant is authentic Japanese style, exactly like the izakatas in Tokyo. The food is great. Love the atmosphere there. We ordered a bottle of hot sake and some dishes. Everything tastes great. Highly recommend here. read more

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BEWARE: Added an arbitray $19 fee to the bill for 2 people as dinner set fee. Food was meh. Chef has the arrogance of those kung fu masters (think Pai Mei from Kill Bill) but can't deliver. Can't help but to think we have an average chef but other people are afraid to call him out. Didn't mind waiting. Communication is lacking and chef is rude. 2 people were turned away at 8.40pm. Dude update your hours and turn off the "OPEN" sign instead. I guess he decided to turn them away and make up for it by charging us that fee! read more

Let me get my flaws out of the way. The wait was really long for the food because there is only one person working the whole restaurant. Other than the super long wait, it is best food I've had in anchorage. Just be prepared to be there for 2+ hours with a party of 4 but the food was phenomenal. read more

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Fresh and made to order. What a great hidden gem. Well worth the wait. I will be back. read more

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Does not list on yelp it's by reservation only. Asked if we could make a reservation at all and was denied, the restaurant wasn't even full.

Visited Alaska in 2023 and stopped by this place before catching our flight, we waited for more than 3 hours for the whole dining experience and nearly missed our flight. The food was good but expensive, the owner and the server were kind of rude. read more

We were visiting Alaska for one week and in that time we've been here twice. This is exactly what I was looking for, a really cozy, home-style place with amazing food served with care and precision. Expect a wait but know that it will be worth every minute you're waiting. There's other reviews talking about a lack of service but he's the only person taking the orders, calls, checks, bussing and cooking. I think we should all appreciate it and be patient for the service if you decide to eat here. P.S. make a reservation! Even for 2 people! Again, we love this place so much that if there was a way to give it more stars we would! read more

Definitely the best Japanese restaurant in town! So authentic! You need to be patient as there's only one person in the restaurant.

Your hosts for the evening - Chef Sam and Kazuko San. This is not the place to eat if you are: A) In a hurry. B) Impatient with the elderly C) Impatient and intolerant of other cultures, languages and cultural differences D) Lack a sense of humor, context and an open mind. Please be prepared to take it slow - talk to your friends, drink, enjoy the atmosphere and take your time. Please be open minded. Please be patient. And Please, Please, Please be kind. They make exceptional & REAL Japanese cuisine. No westernized 'Japanese' sushi rolls. I recommend the Broiled Mackerel as an appetizer. Absolutely eat here if you want authentic Japanese food in Alaska. Chef Sam's menu is handwritten. Not a bad idea to use your Google translate app or know a bit of Hiragana. The dishes remind me of an Izakaya... or a drinking place with small grilled portions of food meant to be enjoyed while you drink and talk with friends. Most of times we've visited the regulars fill the bar, like a Japanese "Cheers," all drinking the special warm Sake with salmon skin and talking jovially, eating little dishes of Gyoza (handmade there) or the special Kasuzuke fish dish - dedicated to his wife. If you are looking for a "dinner" place with large ornate but economically priced dishes - you will be disappointed. There are a few larger dishes. The Chirashi bowl is notably one of the best I've ever had. I grew up in Seattle and have visited Japan many times. Chef Sam has a different take on his rice but I like it. It has more rice vinegar but that is offset by fresh thinly sliced Cucumber, Nori and strips of Tamago (a sweet egg sliced thinly) under the Sashimi. It is only 3 to 4 dollars more than my favorite Chirashi bowls at Musashii's or Maneki in Seattle. It see it as the Alaska tax - most food is more expensive in our State. Please be understanding if they run out of something. It is a small restaurant that usually has a handful of regulars. If you didn't make a reservation - one Chef cannot prep for your group. And many items are hard to come by in Alaska. Consider where you are - and that he is not a major restaurant turning many tables and portions every night. Ask what he has that is fresh. Ask what he recommends. Pay attention to the specials. In the years since we moved to Valdez and found this place ... we visit every single time we are in Anchorage. Only once in all of those times have we had a cut of fish that was not perfect. Everyone has a bad day. Simple. Be polite and explain that cut is a little 'off.' He is proud of his food and will replace it with another cut of sashimi. The -one- time it happened he gave me more fresh Yellowtail sashimi that was SO delicious. Grandma is older. She has trouble getting around. She can be feisty but she has had a hard life (as far as I can tell by her stories) and she does not take kindly to rude people. She also gets misunderstood when she is being a little playful.... I have seen her sit down next to a group and say "what you want?" In her broken English and have them laugh. She doesn't understand everything you say. Be kind. Her legs hurt and she has a bit of dementia. She continues to work. And her children don't seem to help. Imagine this is /your/ Grandma. Imagine you have worked all of your life and never have a day off. Please, please be kind & patient with her. She is lovely. And I admire her feistiness. I myself am very shy and over-conciliatory person... so I admire that she stands up for herself. I have witnessed some very rude and impatient guests over the years. For a little while, her Daughter Caroline tried to help out.... she didn't do them any favors and is no longer helping. There are two people cooking and serving you. Take that into account. Sam is the only one who processes credit cards. And maybe visit on a weekday? Don't bring a big group - with no reservation - on a Saturday? So, in summary, this is not a Tokyo big-city Japanese restaurant. This is a rural southern Japan type of place. Traditional music blaring. Hand-written menus. Harkening back to a slower and simpler time. Sit back. Order some warm sake in a mug. Relax. Go with the flow. The food is great! I get emotional when I imagine them closing and am so very thankful I have been able to enjoy Chef Sam's food and his stories. They are such good hard-working people. I've never had the ramen... but I notice that the other regulars never order it? I have never seen anyone given a fork. They may not have them? When you arrive, Grandma might be in the residence side and you might not be greeted right away. Find a seat. Don't be a jerk & you'll be just fine. (^.^)/"'' Enjoy! read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - Your hosts for the evening - Chef Sam & Kazuko San. Please be open minded. Take it slow. Please be patient and Please, Please be kind. - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

This is authentic and excellent food. Since the food is made from scratch, the way Japanese make it, patience will be rewarded. Try the herring on the menu. It's seasonal and very special to Alaska since you don't get this type of Herring in Japan. I also tried his special Sake, salmon fin infused, delicious! Highly recommend Yamaya! read more

Would give this place a 0 star rating if I could. We went in to an empty restaurant WITH a person that had a disability. Once we got in, the owner said that we needed a reservation even though the place was empty. read more

I miss this place so much since moving out of Alaska. The shrimp udon is amazing. Reminder to be patient with the service as the staff are a kind older couple! read more

This restaurant makes me feel like home. Food is fresh and delicious; the owner/chef/cashier is very friendly. All the customers are like old friends with each other. read more

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For starters we came here because Naruto was closed. The best ramen place IN Anchorage. (Been to all) Ramen House I had to literally add salt pepper and soy sauce to my ramen. Trash. As for this location a whopping $18.50 for a bowl of ramen that was smaller then Naruto $11 bowl that is LARGER. The broth was the only positive thing about the ramen at this location. The so called pork chashu tasted extremely salty. Along with our server though she was nice at first until she def started to act pretty racist and put down Chinese people for random reasons (because they acted a fool at her establishment) she stated they should go back to there country so on and so forth. Fun. All in all. This place is much much to expensive. And the review is solely for the ramen they sell. No more no less. Don't come for ramen. K bye. read more

We had the King crab & King crab roll. Both were prepared expertly & were absolutely delicious.

New favorite restaurant!! Best Japanese food I've had outside of Japan, hands down. I loved the cozy, traditional atmosphere and the super friendly owner. As long as you're not in a rush, I highly recommend it. Lots of traditional izakaya fare like cold tofu, pork skewers, and herring roe on kelp. But the sashimi stole the show! Cant wait until I'm back in town so I can eat there again. read more

Yamaya Seafood Restaurant - The chirashi bowl meal, with miso and the best pickles I've had in ages - Seafood Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Called 2 weeks ahead to make reservation, but was refused at the door without any explanation . read more

A hidden gem! The chef takes great care with his craft and knows his own limits. The fried tofu was incredible! Come early if you hope to get a seat (and make reservations if there are more than 2 in your group). read more

Great sushi food. Service is slow but expected being only one Sushi Chef. Chef Yama seemed overwhelmed and would "kindly" ask customers to return on a later day during the week. Overall I enjoyed the food and my conversation with Chef Yama. I would revisit when in Anchorage. read more

Bad business. I'm arrived at 8:25pm and he said hurry order then after we done order he said sorry we closed , and he need reservations. And then I understand why no customers in his restaurant. Good luck for his business. Idk before when he just opened and more love for this but now I can see only disappointed read more

Excellent Japanese restaurant. Worth the wait. Small intimate place and friendly staff.

A portal to another dimension. Magical experience. Phenomenal food. Go now. Go early.