Yama: A Long-Standing Japanese Gem in Union Square

Yama Introduce

In the vibrant and ever-bustling Union Square neighborhood, where new restaurants seem to pop up daily, Yama stands as a testament to time-honored quality and a loyal local following. Since its opening in 1988, this Japanese restaurant has been a beloved fixture in the community, cherished for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and famously generous portion sizes. Unlike many of its counterparts that focus on minimalist portions and high prices, Yama offers a refreshing and satisfying experience that feels both authentic and substantial.

Yama is more than just a place to grab a quick meal; it is a destination for those who appreciate the true artistry of Japanese cuisine, from masterfully crafted sushi and sashimi to hearty kitchen entrees. The restaurant has built a reputation for being a "go-to" spot for a special occasion that doesn't "break the bank," providing an excellent value proposition that keeps customers coming back year after year. This article will guide you through all the essential details of Yama, from its convenient location and diverse menu to the unique highlights that make it a cherished part of the New York dining scene.

---

Location and Accessibility

Yama is perfectly positioned at 122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This prime address places it just a short walk from the iconic Union Square Park, a central hub for transportation, shopping, and activity. Its location makes it incredibly easy to access from all corners of New York City via multiple subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains, which all stop at the Union Square-14th Street station.

The restaurant itself is housed in a charming brownstone, adding to its cozy and intimate atmosphere. While specific accessibility details for the physical restaurant were not explicitly mentioned, it is a well-established urban restaurant that is committed to making its services available to a wide audience. As with many locations in a busy city neighborhood, parking is limited to paid street parking, which can be challenging to find. For this reason, utilizing the extensive public transportation network is highly recommended for a hassle-free visit.

---

Services Offered

Yama offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to various dining preferences, from an intimate meal inside the restaurant to the convenience of dining at home.

Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy a classic dining experience inside the restaurant, which features a casual and cozy atmosphere. For those who prefer to dine al fresco, outdoor seating is also available, providing a pleasant option during good weather.
Takeout and Delivery: A popular choice for many locals, Yama offers both takeout and delivery services. They also provide a no-contact delivery option for added safety and convenience. For those on the go, curbside pickup is also available, streamlining the process of getting your meal quickly.
Counter and Table Service: The restaurant provides both counter service and table service, giving diners the option of a more traditional seated meal or a quick bite at the sushi bar, where they can watch the chefs at work.
Catering: For events and gatherings, Yama offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious and fresh Japanese cuisine to your next party or office event.

---

Features and Highlights

Yama is known for a number of standout features that have solidified its reputation as a local favorite.

Generous Portions and Value: A defining characteristic of Yama is its commitment to serving generous portions, especially with its sushi and sashimi platters. This, combined with reasonable prices, provides an excellent value that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the fish is consistently praised by customers. The sashimi and sushi are described as "fresh" and "delicious," with large, satisfying pieces of fish.
Extensive Menu: The restaurant offers a wide and varied menu that goes far beyond just sushi. It includes a range of appetizers, such as Chicken Karaage and Beef Negi-Maki, as well as an array of kitchen entrees like Salmon Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura. There are also a variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options available.
Fast Service: Yama is highlighted for its fast service, ensuring that whether you're dining in or ordering for takeout, you won't have to wait long to enjoy your meal.
Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a comfortable and inviting setting for dinner. The relaxed environment makes it a great spot for a variety of occasions, from a solo meal to a casual get-together with friends.
Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is noted for having a great tea selection, which complements the meal perfectly and provides a warm, comforting element to the dining experience.

---

What Is Worth Choosing

For a local New Yorker, choosing Yama is a decision based on a few key factors that set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the city. The most compelling reason is the outstanding value for the price. While many establishments charge a premium for small, artful plates, Yama delivers on both quality and quantity. As one reviewer mentioned, it’s a perfect spot "if I want to splurge a bit for a special occasion but not break the bank." The substantial portions, particularly for the sushi and sashimi platters, ensure that you leave feeling fully satisfied.

Furthermore, the restaurant’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for any craving. Whether you're in the mood for classic sushi rolls, a comforting bowl of Nabeyaki Udon, or a flavorful teriyaki dish, the extensive menu has you covered. The a la carte sushi and sashimi options are perfect for customizing your meal to your exact preferences, and the special rolls offer a unique culinary adventure. While one review mentioned a potential issue with food quality, it is important to note that the overwhelming majority of feedback, spanning many years, praises the freshness and taste of the food. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and the fast, attentive service create a dining experience that feels genuinely friendly and professional, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice time and time again.

---

Contact Information

For more information or to place an order, you can contact Yama at the following:

Address: 122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 475-0969

Yama Food & drink

Appetizers
Chicken Karaage $9.90
Japanese style fried chicken.
Pork Gyoza $8.25
Pan fried pork dumpling.
Yasai Gyoza $8.25
Pan fried vegetable dumplings.
Shrimp Shumai $8.25
Steamed shrimp dumpling.
Wasabi Shumai $9.35
Steamed pork and shrimp dumpling wrapped in wasabi flavored skin.
Hamachi-Kama $13.20
Broiled yellowtail collar with teriyaki sauce or Salt.
Tempura $13.20
Shrimp and vegetable tempura.
Beef Negi-Maki $13.75
Broiled scallion wrapped in shell steak with teriyaki sauce.
Chilean Sea Bass Teriyaki $16.50
Sauteed chilean sea bass with teriyaki sauce.
Soft-Shell Crab Karaage $19.80
Fried soft-shell crab served with ponzu sauce.
Nama Harumaki $13.75
Fresh tuna, fresh salmon, shrimp and vegetable wrapped in arrowroot paper served with sweet miso dressing.
Salmon Tartar $13.75
Chopped fresh salmon with citorus sauce.
Hotate Mille-Feuille $17.60
Layer of sea-scallop, avocado, salmon and 2 kind of tobiko.
Albacore Tuna Tataki $16.50
Seared fresh tuna served with soy-ginger sauce.
Edamame $7.15
Japanese beer nuts. Served with sea salt.
Wakame Salad $8.25
Fresh seaweed with sesame dressing.
Soba Salad $11.00
Buckwheat noodles, shrimp and asparagus tossed with sweet sesame-miso dressing.
Kani Salad $10.45
Crab Stick and cucumber tossed with spicy-mayo.
Green Salad $8.25
Fresh garden green with YAMA carrot dressing.
Japanese Green Salad $11.00
Mizuna, Plum Tomato and Kaiware Sprout with Sesame Dressing.
Japanese Green Salad With Sake Steamed Chicken $18.70
Mizuna, Plum Tomato and Kaiware Sprout with Sesame Dressing. Sake steamed chicken on top.
Japanese Green Salad With Salmon Teriyaki $20.90
Mizuna, Plum Tomato and Kaiware Sprout with Sesame Dressing. Diced Salmon Teriyaki on top.
Spicy Tuna On Crispy Rice $14.25
Spicy Tuna on Crisply fried Sushi Rice with Chive.
Tuna Tartar $16.50
Tuna, Chive, Avocado with Sesame Ginger sauce Crispy Seaweed on top
Hijiki $7.15
Cooked Seaweed
Oshitashi $7.15
Boiled Spinach.
Beef Aspara-Maki $14.85
Broiled asparagus wrapped in shell steak.
Oshinko $7.15
Japanese pickles.

Soups
Miso Soup $4.40
Soybean Soup with Tofu and Seaweed.
House Soup $6.60
Miso Soup with Pork and Vegetavle.
Nameko Soup $7.15
Nameko mushroom in miso-soup.
Asari Soup $8.25
Little neck clams in miso soup.

Entrees From Sushi Bar
Sushi - Dx $39.60
Assortment of 8 pieces sushi include fish roe and a tuna roll.
Sushi - R $33.00
Assortment of 8 pieces sushi and a tuna roll.
Chirashi $39.60
Assortment of fresh raw fish on a bed of seasoned rice.
Sushi And Sashimi $41.80
Assortment of 5 pieces sushi, California roll and 6 pieces sashimi.
Sashimi $41.80
Assorted sliced fresh raw fish. 11 pieces no shelfish.
Sushi For 2 $84.70
Assortment of 18 pieces sushi include eel, fish roe and 3 rolls.
Sushi And Sashimi For 2 $96.80
Assortment of 10 pieces sushi include eel, fish roe, 12 pieces sashimi and tuna roll and California roll.
Sushi - No Shell $41.80
Assortment of 8 pieces sushi and a tuna roll with no shellfish.
Sashimi - No Shellfish $44.00
Assortment of Sliced Fresh Raw Fish 14 pieces with No Shellfish

Entrees From Kitchen
Shrimp And Vegetable Tempura $24.20
Served with Tempura Sauce and Rice.
Shrimp Tempura $28.60
Served with Tempura Sauce and Rice.
Vegetable Tempura $22.00
Served with Tempura Sauce and Rice.
Salmon Teriyaki $28.60
Natural Scottish Salmon Teriyaki served with Assorted Vegetable and Rice.
Chicken Teriyaki $24.20
Served with Assorted Vegetable and Rice.
Nabeyaki Udon $22.00
Seafood Noodle Soup with Shrimp Tempura.
Unaju $39.60
Broiled Eel served over the Rice.
Beef Teriyaki $28.60
Thin sliced Beef sauteed in Teriyaki Sauce. Served with Vegetable and Rice.
Tonkatsu $25.30
Pork Cutlet served with Tonkatsu Sauce, Vegetable and Rice.
Ginger Pork $25.30
Thin sliced Pork sauteed in Teriyaki Sauve. Served with Vegetable and Rice.
Yosenabe $27.50
Assorted Seafood and Vegetable in Special Broth.

Sushi and Sashimi
Tuna $7.15
Toro $11.55
Yellow Tail $7.15
Scottish Salmon $6.60
King Salmon $6.60
Nova Salmon $6.60
It’s smoked salmon
Fluke $6.60
Bronzini $6.05
Striped Bass $5.50
Mackerel $5.50
Albacore Tuna $6.60
Squid $5.50
Octopus $5.50
Shrimp $5.50
Cooked.
Botan Shrimp $7.15
Raw.
Crab Stick $4.95
Salmon Roe $10.45
Flyingfish Roe $6.60
Wasabi Tobiko $6.05
Eel $7.70
Scallop $6.60
Egg $4.95
Omelet.
Sea Urchin Japan $15.40
From Japan

Rolls
Tuna Roll $8.25
Fresh Yellow Fin Tune rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
California Roll $7.15
Crab Stick ( Crab flavored fishcake ) and Avocado rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Salmon Roll $7.70
Fresh Scottish Salmon rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Yellow Tail + Scallion Roll $8.25
Fresh Yellow Tail and Scallion rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Yellow Tail + Jalapeno Roll $8.80
Fresh Yellow Tail and Jalapeno rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Eel Cucumber Roll $8.80
Broiled Eel with sweet eel sauce and Cucumber rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Eel Avocado Roll $9.35
Broiled Eel with sweet eel sauce and Avocado rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Spicy Tuna Roll $8.80
Fresh Yellow Fin Tuna roll with Spicy Mayo on top.
Spicy Salmon Roll $8.25
Fresh Scottish Salmon roll with Spicy Mayo on top.
Spicy Yellow Tail Roll $8.80
Fresh Yellow Tail roll with Spicy Mayo on top.
Cucumber Avocado Roll $6.05
Avocado Roll $6.05
Cucumber Roll $5.50
Asparagus Roll $5.50
Boiled Asparagus rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Oshinko Roll $5.50
Takuan ( pickled daikon radish ) rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Kanpyo Roll $5.50
Cooked dried Squash in sweet soy rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Shiitake Roll $5.50
Ume Shiso Roll $5.50

Special No.1 - No.9
Special Roll No. 1 $14.30
Shrimp, cucumber, flying fish roe, avocado and spicy mayo rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 2 $14.30
Fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber and flying fish roe rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 3 $15.40
Tuna, yellowtail, avocado and cucumber rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 4 $13.20
Avocado, cucumber, carrot, lettuce and spicy mayo rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 5 $15.40
Fresh salmon, scallion and spicy mayo rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 6 $15.40
Yellowtail, salmon roe, cucumber and avocado rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 7 $15.40
Sea Scallop, Flying Fish Roe, Cucumber, Avocado and Spicy Mayo rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 8 $15.40
Shrimp tempura and flying fish roe rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.
Special Roll No. 9 $13.20
Asparagus Tempura rolled in Seasoned Rice and Seaweed.

Side Orders
Side Of Spicy Sauce $2.20
Side Of YAMA Dressing $2.20
Carrot dressing.
Side Of White Rice $3.30
Side On Sushi Rice $3.30
Side Of Brown Rice $3.85
Side Of Eel Sauce $2.20
Extra Ginger $1.10
Side Of Ponzu Sauce $2.20
Side Of Teriyaki Sauce $2.20
Side Of Jalapeño $2.20

Beverages
Soda $3.30
Choce of Coke, Diet Cake, Sprite, Ginger Ale or Seltzer Water. 12oz Can.
Pellegrino $3.30
250ml Glass bottle.

Yama Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Yama Photos

Yama Location

Yama

New York New York County New York East 17th Street

122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Yama Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 111 user reviews.

fishpricesnigiribasementrollsatmospherepeanutcarpetplatterpaint

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

One of my favorite spots for sushi if I want to splurge a bit for a special occasion but not break the bank. I like the sashimi no shellfish platter, and their yellowtail carpaccio (I forget the exact name on the menu) has tiny portions but is so good. I enjoy the house salad and the green tea as well, it compliments the meal.
July 19 · Kai Liana
Amazing portions for the price with unfortunately not vibrant (watered down) taste. Given the prices though, I would come back to try again! Unfortunately my friend suffered stomach problems after.
July 11 · Chloe Chow
We just moved to gramercy and were excited to try this neighborhood spot, however, for sushi lovers this place is the equivalent to a haunted house. The sushi rice is very bland. The rolls, even the basic ones such as a spicy shrimp, and salmon avocado were made super strange. They were cut in enormous thin, flat pieces that were falling apart and stuffed with tons of sliced cucumber sticks like they were packing peanuts. The spicy sauce is very watery, I would certainly not describe it as delicious, and was soaking the rolls. The cuts of fish were suspiciously weird, square-like chunks flopping out of the rolls as with the yellowtail we tried, or chopped very small like a diced onion as in the shrimp roll we tried. This all added up to a lot of warning signs that this was far from skillfully prepared sushi and we were taking our chances. The nigiri was a safer bet, not great - but it was largely inoffensive. We wanted to love this spot because it has been around forever and there is a great seating outside in Gramercy. We weren't expecting this place to be on the Michelin guide, but we were expecting it to be more trust worthy than grabbing a roll at Whole Foods, which frankly sounds incredible right now. Please heed my warning and not make the same mistake, Sugar Fish is around the corner.
July 16 · Brittany Nelson
The place is tiny 4 walls basement. You hear the loud conversations next table which is almost attachedThe walls are dilapidated. The rugs are dirty and torn The air conditioner on top of your head while eating is old and in unpainted dirty setting. The walls are peeling paint.All the while I was eating I was wondering how clean is my eat. Especially if workers do not see dirt and dilapidation around them.Very disappointed. I have been here before years ago. Don’t remember it like this.
May 22 · Ani-Anahid Otyag
Haven’t been here for more than 20 years …. Many things changed!No more Japanese chef, no more Japanese customer, no more Japanese food.The food quality seems like from non-Japanese people owned take out store.Really DISAPPOINTED!!The menu with 2 kind of dinner sashimi (with shellfish & without shellfish) I ordered the one with shellfish, but, indeed, there’s no shellfish!Then why they put 2 kind of sashimi on the menu to choose from …,No more visit in this store in my life!P.S. if there’s a choice for ZERO STAR … that would be my comment!
November 14 · km Hunt