Neighborhood Bites – Yama Sushi & Sake Bar
For this month’s neighborhood dining adventure, our hygienists Joy, Lynda, and Kate decided to go somewhere with one of their favorite things: sushi. After trying many of the sushi spots around Portland, the trio was excited to visit Yama Sushi and Sake Bar for the first time.
📍 Neighborhood Bites – Yama Sushi and Sake Bar
- Hours: Monday – Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm / 5pm to 9:30pm, Saturday from 11:30am to 10pm, Sunday from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
- Address: 926 NW 10tth Ave, Portland, OR 97209
- Reviews: Over 1,100 Google Reviews | 4.4 Average Rating
First Impressions
From the moment they walked in, Joy, Lynda, and Kate felt welcomed. Even the sushi chef took the time to greet them, setting the tone for a friendly and relaxed lunch.
The restaurant has a casual, Japan-inspired design with a darker, cozy atmosphere. While they visited on a Saturday around lunchtime when things were fairly quiet, the laid-back setting made Yama feel like an easy spot to stop in without needing to dress up.
A Sushi Feast
When it came time to order, they went all in with the sushi boat. Their boat included 18 pieces of sashimi, 12 pieces of nigiri, and three special rolls, along with extra salmon sashimi, creamy scallop, and striped bass.
With so many fresh options to try, there was plenty to go around. What stood out most was how fresh everything tasted and how each type of fish had its own distinct flavor.
But one dish quickly became the clear favorite: the striped bass with yuzu oil sashimi. It was so delicious that they ordered extra after finishing the sushi boat!
“Striped bass” was the unanimous answer when asked which dish they would tell the chef never to take off the menu. And if they could only eat one thing at Yama for an entire month? Striped bass and salmon would be at the top of the list.
Service That Stands Out
The food wasn’t the only thing that impressed this group. The service was quick, helpful, and attentive throughout their meal.
Their server was especially knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the different types of fish and where they came from. Joy, Lynda, and Kate even found themselves asking each other questions about certain dishes, only to have their server quickly step in with an answer.
That attentiveness made the experience feel easy and welcoming, especially for anyone who might not know every type of sushi on the menu.
The Perfect Casual Lunch
One of the things they appreciated most about Yama is how approachable it feels. It’s casual, quick, and inviting. Exactly the kind of place you can pop into for lunch without worrying about what to wear or making a big occasion out of it.
While they wished the atmosphere had been a little livelier during their Saturday lunch visit, they could easily see Yama being a convenient go-to when you’re craving fresh sushi and want a relaxed dining experience.
The Final Verdict
After discovering Yama through Google and Yelp, Joy, Lynda, and Kate were excited to finally give it a try, and their love of sushi made it an easy choice for this month’s adventure.
Would they recommend it to others? Yes! If you’re looking for a quick lunch, fresh sushi, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere, Yama Sushi & Sake Bar is worth a visit.
And if you’re wondering what to order, take it from our hygienists: don’t skip the striped bass with yuzu oil. See you next month for another Pearl visit and review from our team here at Bling!