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Yama Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Asian Fusion Sushi Bars, Japanese, Asian Fusion [Edit]
850 Holloway Ave(at Jules Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94112
Neighbourhood: Ingleside
(415) 333-2889
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
112 reviews for Yama Sushi
Review Highlights
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"Miso soup, perfect for dipping the unusually spicy Poke." In 9 reviews -
"The bento box is my favorite, and the tea is always hot." In 9 reviews -
"Best deal is happy hour." In 10 reviews
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112 reviews in English
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Review from Maahum C.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
A favorite of mine.
I always passed this place on my way to SFSU, and in the evenings I noticed it was often busy, which I found surprising because it's not located at a main intersection, but rather in a very residential area.
I used to get their bento box, which wasn't bad but it wasn't anything amazing either. However, since I've discovered their volcano roll, that is all I ever get. I'm a huge fan of baked salmon, and so their volcano roll is perfection to me! I don't like going to other sushi places now because all I ever want to order is a volcano roll, and not every place has them.
The service here is also relatively good. Sometimes they take a while to make my order, but the deliciousness of the volcano roll more than makes up for it. -
Review from Ellen N.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I mainly come here for their sushi - 3.5 stars. Their fish is pretty fresh (i like their salmon) and they give pretty generous portions for their prices. Both their sushi combos and rolls are good and their hand rolls (i like their spicy tuna and spicy salmon) are great to start with, but I can't say too much about their entree dishes. Their ramen was nothing exciting (something I can probably throw together at home myself) and their beef teriyaki was alright. BUT their grilled hamachi kama was definitely worth it.
This place is hidden in a residential area, right across from a liquor/corner store. Pretty random location for a restaurant but parking isn't too bad and there is never a wait, so it's good if you're looking to get seated immediately. It's a family operated joint and may not be the MOST efficient (the sushi bar can get a little backed up at times), but they're really nice people and will try to accommodate any changes or substitutions. They may not be the quickest, but they treat their customers well - and that's a biggie for me.
There are much better sushi restaurants out there but this place satisfy my cravings without me having to stray too far away from home and/or deal with parking in the busier neighborhoods. I haven't tried their delivery yet, but that should come in handy on a rainy day! -
Review from Wendy T.
5/17/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Pros:
- they have happy hour prices here (before 5pm, I believe)
- my bf loves this place because he can custom-make one of his specialty rolls (he calls it the Mexican Hulk: Spicy Hamachi, shrimp tempura, and green onion inside the roll with more spicy hamachi on top sprinked with sesame seeds. Super yummy. And I think they charge him like $12 for the roll, which is not bad at all).
- one of my favorite rolls here is their B52.
- their baked mussel is pretty good also.
- And unlike some sushi places, they do not close between 3-5pm. -
Review from Monica G.
5/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Whenever I have a japanese craving, I always go to Geary, Irving, Clement areas. It kinda sucks since I live in the Excelsior/Outer Mission Area, the places I like are across town and parking is hard to find (EVEN with my hatchback yaris)
I always pass this place when I go home after a long day of school at SFSU. Typically good asian restaurants around my neighborhood are hard to find, and I was surprised at how good this place is.
I found parking right in front, dined in and ordered the bento box, with california roll, gyoza and chicken teriyaki (Yeah I know, the generic americanized order). Everything was delicious! It was a little difficult getting the waitress attention sometimes.
I'll def be back to try it again. -
Review from Kimiko Q.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
*Update 5/4/12*
So I will say this - I find owner's responses to Yelp reviewers usually comical and defensive, HOWEVER, I find Yama Sushi's owners responses to SERIOUSLY take into consideration what other reviewers are saying. That being said - a previous reviewer commented than her broccoli was raw, the owner replied it was meant for decoration. The broccoli I got was cooked - blanched and quite edible; a nice addition to my meal. Though they didn't ask my my preference I was very happy that they took the time to consider other reviewers comments and not post a snide, rude, or holier-than-thou comment.
So I went ahead an re-reviewed them:
Hmm.. so I had a LivingSocial deal.. free $10 to use for take-out or delivery as long as it's through their app.
Okay.. so the closest place (with the most likely parking) is Yama Sushi. I've tried them before a couple times, several years ago. And I don't go for the sushi.
Let me say - major improvement. The California Rolls were surprisingly BIG; and not just big with rice.. there's actually REAL CRAB in there?? And a sizable amount too.
I got their bento box (about $13 with tax) and got a nice scoop of rice, bowl of miso, and unexpectedly decent (if not large) portions of teriyaki fish (salmon) and chicken. Very happy.
It is a little on the expensive side but because of my coupon I only really paid about $3. WORTH IT.
I think I'll be coming here a little more often... but sushi-making girl needs to SMILE when people enter. That would make a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.
The salad dressing was kind of addictive :)
*Edit: some of the chicken was rather pink.. hmm.. hope I don't get sick!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2009
This is probably the place with the lowest health score I've reveiwed so far (just because I can).
… Read more »
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Review from Josh Y.
Mill Valley, CA
5/18/2012
Yama sushi is convenient if you live in ingleside cause of its residential location. Thats a plus. I love getting donburi's and yama did not deliver on that dish. The beef was stringy and fatty. The chicken donburi had a fishy after taste that ruined it. Have only tried the spicy tuna hand roll and that was pretty good. But the entrees were very disappointing.
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Review from JQ J.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2012
If you don't mind eating food that is dropped on the floor, then go to this place.
It's funny that I even saw the boss smoke in the kitchen.
BTW, their fishes are not fresh. -
Review from Samantha M.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012
I live 6 blocks away... they deliver so I never have to wait for my food long. Go grubhub . com!
They have a female sushi chef! Definitely the first one I've ever seen! That really impressed me because the world of sushi making and rolling has always been such a male dominated profession!
Their california rolls are made with REAL crab, none of that crappy imitation stuff!
Staff is nice and speak FLUENT English (yes, that is quite important to me!) even though they are not authentic Japanese the rolls are really tasty. The inside is large, spacious, and has a very nice atmosphere. I usually just get my food to go or order delivery since I live so close, but one of these days maybe I'll meet someone cool in this neighborhood to go with for a chat and a roll. I'm glad there is a sushi place so close that serves fresh, affordable sushi! -
Review from Wendy S.
2/27/2012
What the. How did I not know that there was a sushi place four blocks away from my house??
This place far exceeded my expectations. I have eaten at my fair share of crappy Americanized sushi places (see: almost all of the sushi places in Pacifica except for Ocean Fish Sushi), and, yes, Yama Sushi is Americanized, but it's definitely not crappy.
I came here with my boyfriend and two other people. We got a ridiculous amount of food (I want to say we got like 7 rolls and three appetizers?).
My faves were:
-Black and white appetizer: Tofu wrapped in eel and seaweed and then deep fried. This was a nice surprise that I haven't seen anywhere else! The tofu was hot and soft, and the eel and seaweed were crunchy. Very yummy!
-Three amigos: Spicy tuna roll with white tuna and hamachi.
-49ers: Spicy tuna roll with salmon and avocado.
-Flaming oysters: Deep fried oysters with a little bit of cream cheese and sriacha sauce. We got two orders of these since they tasted so good.
Service was very nice, and prices were reasonable. I will definitely be a repeat customer! -
Review from Jen O.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite sushi place. They are nice, reasonably priced and you get a solid amount for what you pay. It is an old building and is not fancy, but it's clean and very casual. It's a great place to go and eat a bunch of sushi and enjoy a couple of Sapporos with a friend or two. It's in the middle of a neighborhood so mostly homes in the surrounding few blocks, but easy parking. Can't ask for much more.
** I eat a lot of sushi when I go here, so that's why I put the higher price, but it's very reasonable** -
Review from Virginia T.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2012
A great well-priced neighborhood find. The fish was fresh and tasty but the atmosphere is bare bones. It's not worth a trip but it's good if you're in the neighborhood.
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Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
My review has been removed twice.
TWICE! So, I am going to be easy on this time.
100% Chinese.
SF Dept of Health score was 68.
That's it.
Very DISGUSTING place.
Sticky table as any Chinese restaurant but the place serving raw fish.
68 was the SF Health score.
Do you still want Sushi here?
NO THANK YOU.
No more, No less,
Let me getta H- out of here!
Tammy C said, "Oh okay I just saw this. That's not right, your review was totally legit!!! It's a review so people don't end up falling sick after eating there!!! I wonder if Yelp filters the flaggers. Because they should if these are the friends of Yama Sushi!!
Lolia S. said, "They are so harsh with you. You provided useful info in your review."Listed in: Ugly as Fxxx, Chinese Sushi.
Comment from xiao l. of Yama Sushi 1/7/2012
Thanks for your concern and comments good sir. Yelp is a… More » -
Review from Brandon Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
Not Bad, cozy little place near city. the prices arent bad.
i had the red dragon and the caterpillar rolls and it was pretty good. -
Review from Benjamin B.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
Ordered Take out last night.
I had the chicken kara ag. We also ordered Chicken Tatsu, Bento Box, and a couple rolls. Took about 30 minutes to arrive and was nice and hot. Order was spot on.
The chicken Tatsu was tasteful but it tasted more like chicken tempura haha. The Tatsu was great. My friends enjoyed there stuff and said it was all good, but no one loved it. Definitely not a bad place to order in. -
Review from Tony L.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012
Great clam soup clean and tasty +1 star, something that you don't see often on menus. Sushi was avg but not to bad for the price. Service was good. Cozy environment smack middle of an neighborhood. Quite nice place to take on a 2nd date or an close friend!
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Review from Ninjalie G.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2012
I've had good experiences here and not so great; the main reason I keep going back is because its close to my house. At its best Yama is ultra convenient and tasty sushi that everyone can enjoy. At its worst you sit there for a half an hour after your order for pick up should have been made while they inform you that they don't actually have the ingredients to make you any of the Vegetarian specialties you ordered (which there are very few of) Bonus if you have to turn around and walk back to tell them they didn't pack your sake. I would be much more fond of this place if they showed more love to Vegetarians but its good and its close.
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Review from James F.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
Upon walking in to the restaurant, my first impression wasn't great. The place has a very musty odor to it and the carpet was stained, duct taped in places, and overall not appealing for somewhere that serves food!
If this was addressed I would immediately bump the review up by two stars.
The food and service was fine. The prices, VERY reasonable.
My buddy and I had several orders of Nigiri, a few rolls, salad, appetizers, sake and beer for around $40 each. I was completely stuffed when I left.
I'll be back but I'd love it if they removed the smelly dirty carpet! WTH! -
Review from Sydni S.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2012
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. Ordered this....about an hour ago on Grubhub. Just got it. Probably the most disgusting sushi I have ever eaten. I couldn't make out what fish I was eating in most of the rolls. The salmon on the Volcano roll was almost all of the brown part of the salmon, you know, the fat/blood filled part. So disgusting. Don't eat here. Ever. I'm not even picky; I will eat grocery store sushi. I ate like 1 piece of each roll and threw it out.
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Review from jason g.
San Francisco, CA
The good thing is that they have this happy hour special from 1 to 5 pm 6 out of the 7 days. The bad thing about this place is that they have this happy hour special from 1 to 5 pm 6 out of the 7 days.
For 6.95 you can get 2 very small pieces of lollipop chicken wings, a bowl of rice, store bought gyoza from 99 ranch, and 4 pcs. of california roll. They also have 1 dollar sushi, maguro, salmon, hamachi, unagi. One phrase to best describe the deal. "You definitely get what you pay for!!!"
The salmon and tuna was crunchy in texture. How is that possible?!? I can't find one thing I liked. Even the broccoli was cold.Comment from xiao l. of Yama Sushi 1/10/2012
Thank you Jason for your visit and comments. Yelp is good… More » -
Review from Virginia L.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
I love this place and I come here on a frequent basis I brought my friend here for the first time in 2010 and he always wants to eat here. The prices are fair and service is most of the time attentive and the staff is always kind. I don't know why everyone is being so harsh from what I've seen their restaurant is usually clean especially the bathrooms which most of the time in small businesses is gross.
The food is great always cooked great and nicely presented as well as flavorful and their portions are moderately sized. -
Review from Krystle S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/4/2012
Place under new ownership and the quality went down the tubes....STAY AWAY!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/30/2009
This place is great. I love how it is just down the street from my house. I have tried almost… Read more »
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Review from Rob C.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think I stumbled upon another hidden gem in San Francisco.
First of all, you can't beat $2 sake and beer. Chill on one beer and keep the sakes coming!
Miso is nothing special. A little on the bland side but is served piping hot, which I love. Rolls are average $9 and if you buy one roll, you get a roll half off. I got the rainbow roll with the spider roll and let me tell you that it was definitely worth the $13.50. The rainbow roll had fresh sashimi and the soft shell crab in the spider roll, while it wasn't hot, was still nice and crunchy.
Waitress was on her game and kept our hot tea and sake full.
All amidst the soothing sounds of 96.5 KOIT in the background. -
Review from Laurel D.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
This place was always good, but since they changed hands the food is even better. The California roll was huge, great and very low priced. You can go wrong with anything you order here.
Comment from xiao l. of Yama Sushi 1/7/2012
Thank you for the support, we will continue to strive for… More » -
Review from katherine y.
Fremont, CA
12/15/2011
Kind of dirty, really cheap. You have to decide your priorities before eating here. You get to order nigiris by the one piece, which helps me out because I fear commitment.
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Review from Heidi S.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2012
I hate to flat out blast a place into bits unless they truly deserve it and this place does not because the customer service was fantastic. The food on the other hand not so much and, I reluctantly have to agree with Nobu K's review. Japanese food is one type of food that one should be picky about due to the delicate and potentially dangerous outcome if not prepared properly! I had read Nobu's review but decided to try it anyhow as it is the closest Sushi restaurant in my area. On having read his review my fiance and I decided to opt for cooked options and both got bento boxes. Everything was wrong in the texture and flavor. What a dissapointment! The miso soup was off, the rice was soggy. My beef dish was a pile of thinly sliced fat. Our tempura was overcooked, soggy and the batter was obviously fried in dirty oil. The tempura sauce was overly salted and more like watery soy sauce. The chicken teriyaki was not grilled, it was obviously baked and the teriyaki sauce was watery. The teriyaki salmon was soggy as well, the salmon of poor farmed quality tasting muddy. Even the salad was soggy, the veggies old and the dressing simply thousand island. I will definitely not be going back to even give this place a second chance as, I repeat..... every single dish was off!!! Japanese food is one of my absolute favorite cuisines when prepared properly and this was absolutely not!!
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Review from Dzu N.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
Well.
I don't like to be a poor rater but I believe that honesty is the best answer to mediate good experience.
Short and sweet:
Yama sushi is pretty weak. I came in for dinner to go and ordered the rock n roll and the chicken katsu entree.
Chicken katsu: Came with a salad, rice, and the katsu.
strike 1: salad dressing was like water. Nuff said.
strike 2&3: chicken katsu: sliced so thin it was basically made of batter and ultra deep fried-edness. Ultimate weak sauce.
and forgoing standard baseball rules:
strike 4: miso soup was apparently made out of packet. Now often times preprepared miso paste will be used sure but two things I noticed: 1) the tofu were little blocks that I know from experience (college student!) came out of plastic packet freeze dried. 2) the nori had little to no substance indicating (again) that it most likely came out of a packet. 3) miso was not miso paste: there's an innate quality that miso paste has that this soup basically lacked. It was all grainy and such.
The rock n' roll roll....well, again I've had better sushi but for like....4 bucks it surprisingly was enjoyable versus the main course.
Katsu: 8.95
Roll: 3.95
15 bucks (with tip)
tl;dr: the katsu was mediocre as was all the offerings that came with it. the sushi was alright.
In short: Essentially not good, essentially not worth it.
Go to K's kitchen up in Glen Park: smidge more expensive but with more attention to detail and far far far far more delicious.
Last 15 I spend at this place. Sorry yama, I'm no hater but this had to be addressed. -
Review from Priscilla L.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
Ive walked by this place a million times on my way to the gym, the sushi is actually pretty cheap and in my experience with sushi you usually get what you pay for but this place was surprisingly delicious. I ordered the dragon roll and the spicy tuna roll, give this place a shot :)
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Review from Riza P.
South San Francisco, CA
2/14/2012
My family and I, we're always here until their food started becoming unfresh and we could taste the fishy gooey taste. I'll still give it 2-stars for being our favorite once before!!!
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Review from Tamara P.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/6/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Updating my review to give them one more star. As time has gone on, I've found myself there a few more times and the food has been pretty solid and the service has improved. Keep it up Yama!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2011
I'm being kind with my two stars. I live just steps away from this place, literally. Convenience… Read more »
Comment from xiao l. of Yama Sushi 1/7/2012
Thank you Tamara for the support. We will continue to do our… More » -
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Review from Kayla I.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, I have been to dozens of Japanese restaurants and am extremely picky when it comes to sushi.
I ordered the 3 Amigo and Godzilla roll. As soon as I was served I could tell that their fish wasn't fresh. I enjoyed the Godzilla roll just because of the crunch, but the 3 Amigo tasted like I bought it at a grocery store. The tuna was very light colored (definitely not how it should look), and unfortunately it tasted as bad as it looked. Usually I do not need to use soy sauce for my rolls but these were very bland. I had to lather them with soy sauce and wasabi.
Happy hour (1-5pm) is nice though...buy one roll get the second half off, 1 pc nigiri for $1, 3 piece roll for $1. But keep in mind that you're paying less for not great quality food. I'd rather splurge for a good quality meal. -
Review from Chris L.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2010
I will first start with the fact that this restaurant is 4 blocks away from my house. I love that I can just walk down the street to get some Japanese food if I'm really craving it.
However, the problem is that it's not anything special or priced cheaply enough for me to go to them specifically. This is your average run of the mill Japanese restaurant. I've had their udon, a couple of their rolls, and some of their boxes. Nothing on their menu has jumped out at me or made me want to crave their foods.
The service was good considering every time I go, it's never busy. My suggestion is that if you're really craving some good Japanese food, go somewhere else. But if you're in the Ingleside area and feeling lazy, go here. It's good enough to satisfy your sushi craving. -
Review from Megan K.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2010
It has to be a violation of some sacred japanese right if you say you have shrimp tempura on your menu but instead you serve me fried shrimp that looks like it came off the hot bar at Sizzler. You cant call it tempura if it isn't dredged in tempura batter right? That is the top reason why I wont be going back...Also because the soft shell crab came the same way and I couldn't help thinking of that all you can eat fried seafood buffet I paid $10 for in Vegas....
The other reasons I wont be going back : too sweet rice, poor service, and bland sushi for $55?!?!?!?! It seems there are a lot or regulars here but I cant seem to figure out why.... -
Review from Adelina W.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've come by here a few times. The food is decent. I usually get the bento box, 3 items, soup and salad. The service is terrible. It seems like every waitress is in training each time I come in. They seem to stand around in groups behind the counter waiting for the customers to flag them down.
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Review from Vanessa W.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2009
There are two hair salons where you can get your hair "cornrowed," or braided or "done", you can buy some flowers at the Flower Shop and you can eat sushi -- all on the same block.
Parking is plentiful and the K line runs a block away from Kama Sushi.
This place is consistent. I like their fresh nigiri - sake & hamachi, bento boxes and sushi rolls.
Their dragon roll, caterpillar rolls and other various rolls are big and filled with fresh ingredients. The fish here is always fresh. Things to pick out when ordering your bento boxes are definitely their finger-lickin' short ribs, gyoza, sashimi, and tempura.
The staff here is super nice & efficient. Their prices are affordable - which is perfect for all the SF State and City College students.
And yes, this place is a Japanese joint run by the Chinese [holla!] - I was a little skeptical at first, but this place does it right. -
Review from Liz S.
7/18/2006
Raw: 3.5 stars; Cooked: 2 stars.
That noted, I am very excited that we now have a sushi restaurant in my neighborhood. If you saw this neighborhood when we moved in years ago, you would not think to yourself "Great spot for a sushi restaurant!" But in fact, that is exactly what we needed to round out the businesses on this tiny block.
Because I am a raw fish lover, and the husband is not, this becomes yet another He Said, She Said review. Because I am writing it, She Said goes first.
She Said:
Fried Uni Appetizer - very good, 4 pieces of uni. Batter a little heavy.
Hirame Sashimi - (halibut) - excellent, fresh, translucent fish. Generous portion.
Red Dragon Roll - (tempura shrimp, rice, crab salad, avocado, tobiko) - pretty roll, huge portion. Pretty good. A little heavy on the rice.
Salmon/Cream Cheese Roll - OK.
He Said:
Tempura appetizer - very heavy, breading should be much lighter.
Cucumber/Cream Cheese Roll with Soy Paper - OK
Sweet/Sour Chicken - not very good. Way too heavily battered and then overcooked so it was difficult to eat (too hard/crunchy).
They Said:
Tea - not that good! Bland. Way too hot. Sad.
Edamame - OK, nicely salted
Service was nice & friendly and this place is new, so we'll try it again. Plus the location is convenient, the prices are reasonable and the place seemed very clean.
When our server came by at the end of the meal and asked if everything was OK, I was able to answer honestly and say "Yes. Everything was OK." No more, no less.Listed in: Moshi, Moshi
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Review from Kimberly H.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2008
Not bad. 3.5 stars. Of course, this review is based on their sushi because that's all we ordered. It's a small yet comfortable size restaurant; very high ceiling and large windows. However, they should purchase new window treatments that actually fit the window size. I know, not important, but things like that stick out to me. The location isn't that bad either, although it probably can be on the wrong day. Anyways, here's the 411 on our rolls:
49er: Love it! The fish was fresh and marinated tastefully. I liked the fish on top (I think it was tuna) with the avocado.
Volcano: Similar to a Lion King roll, but without the mayo sauce on top. Warm and tasty, but the salmon on top was a little dry.
Super California: Just your typical California roll with avocado on top that didn't wow me in any way, but it wasn't nasty either.
Spicy tuna: Good and mildly spicy, probably could've "kicked it up a notch."
It was great to eat sushi at a place that knows how to cook their rice; it was light and fluffy vs. very hard and unappealing to my mouth. We also ordered the Poke (raw tuna marinated with sauce) which was also very tasty. I think I could probably make it myself because the "secret" ingredients tasted like soy sauce, sriracha (Asian hot sauce), and sesame oil. -
Review from Adrian B.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2009
You know when you are really, really hungry and have a craving for a particular type of food, and then it is SOOOOO delicious? This place will disappoint you even under these seemingly fool-proof circumstances. The food is terrible, absolutely the worst so-called Japanese food I have ever had.
I happen to live nearby, and I started eating here soon after they opened. I was so happy to have a little sushi place just a few blocks away. I remember they had not yet worked out the decor when I first ate here. I ordered a big bowl of udon noodle soup. And I actually spit it out. It was flavored with Chinese bouillon. It was so unexpected and so horrible at the same time. Do you remember when you were a kid and your friend gave you a stick of "trick" hot pepper chewing gum. It was sort of like that. I couldn't eat it. Well, I talked to the chef and explained how seeing as how it was a Japanese restaurant, they ought to be serving up Japanese flavored things.
So, I figured they had just opened. Give them a little time. I came back again and the food was just as bad. I got some sushi, and it actually made me ill. The fish had gone off. Totally unacceptable.
Anyway, the place was right on my way home, and I am kind of a slow learner, so I kept going back. Each time the food was horrible. Finally, after talking to the chef on numerous occasions about Japanese food, freshness and quality of fish, health code violations, etc. I just gave up.
I am always surprised to drive by here and see it busy. I guess it is because it is the ONLY sushi place in the area, and some people have cast-iron stomachs and no taste buds.
DO NOT go here if you know anything about Japanese food or if you want freshly prepared, flavorful food. If your soul has died, and you are simply trying to fill your belly with Chinese-American re-heated junk, okay, eat here. -
Review from A O.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2010
It was simply bad. I'm Japanese and I don't consider what they serve as Japanese food. The noddle was in Miso soup!! Which noddle in Japan comes in Miso Soup?????? It wasn't even home made miso soup either!!! It had small cubed tofu like it was from a packet. It was pathetic. They could at least make a VERY SMALL effort to take a trip to J-town or pick up a Japanese cook book to see what's ACTUALLY Japanese food LOOKS LIKE. It was NOT EVEN CLOSE to what I call Japanese food. It really makes me mad that these places call themselves Japanese restaurants.
Some jerk sent me this reading this review. I leave honest review. I don't use Yelp to FEEL SORRY for places doing no so great. I do NOT care where it is located. If it's bad, I will write so. If you feel offended by my review, that's where I stand.
Just a Note 2/2/2010
New!
Alex B.
San Francisco, CA
For your review of: Yama Sushi
Someone is cranky... Maybe you should go back to japan for your very authentic jap food... This is ingleside honey... There's nothing really authentic or gourmet around here... Only honest people trying to make a buck... Sorry you were so desapointed with yama sushi. Next time go to j-town yourself..Listed in: Food
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Review from Eric A.
Burlingame, CA
7/12/2009
A lot of people knock on this place. For me and my friends its a regular jaunt. Its a good couple of blocks away from my place but its the best sushi that's offered to us in Ingelside! Even tho the health score was knocked a good 4 months ago its better to say the least. The restaurant is the longest lasting restaurant on this corner is a loooooong time.
I've lived in Ingelside my whole life and went to school down the street from Yama (years and years ago before the Cool Guys market even existed)..
Sushi is good, but the best deal is the 2 entree bento box. If you come here for sushi, head farther down Holloway and hit 19th up to Geary.. This is strickly a place to get a decent bento dinner and some sub par sushi. -
Review from Janice V.
Happy Hour 1-5pm, 7 days a week! If you buy the sushi on their happy hour menu you get the 2nd sushi roll half off. They charge you the full price for the sushi roll that is more expensive and the least expensive one will be half off. Also, they do have bento boxes that goes for less than $7.
My favorite rolls: Bay Scallop (Spicy) & Godzilla!Listed in: Cheap Eats
1 Previous Review:
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1/20/2010
One of the best sushi places i've been to in SF. If i ever crave sushi, this is the spot i go to.
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