Yamaya Japanese food in Alaska

Here I am again at Yamaya.  One of my favorite japanese restaurants in Alaska. This place is run by Sam and Kay, and sometimes their grand daughter Jada is working there.  This is some really great food in a very small restaurant.  If you have a party of 3 or more people, I suggest you call ahead and reserve a table.  Otherwise, when it's busy, you may be turned away.  When it's slow, there are sometimes only one or two people in here.  If you are by yourself, you can sit up at the bar (not drinking bar) which is quite popular.  They open at 5 pm and close around 9, Monday through Saturday.  Closed Sunday.

When you walk in you may not think much of the place.  In fact I see a lot of people open the door, look in really quick, and go back out.  98% of those people are off of the cruise ships.  Which is fine by me that they do not find this hidden gem.  

When you come here, the menu is on two walls.  There's is also a drink list on the cabinets by the sushi bar.  

I should mention that they do have some sushi, but the majority of what they serve is straight up Japanese food.  You should also expect the service to be a little slow for what most people expect.  Kay can also be a bit hard of hearing so you may have to repeat.

I always get the gyoza, which Kay makes, and the spinach gomae (sesame sauce).  The menu is in English and Japanese.  The whole broiled squid is good and a touch spicy, the ramen is sam's special recipe they have one of the cheapest prices on sake in town ($8/large).  The gomae is $7.50, gyoza is $8.50.  You can also get some dinners like chirashi $23.00, ramen $12.00, etc. the prices range.

Another note is that you may get turned away from this place.  Summers can get very busy and if you are 3+ people, you should call ahead and they will reserve a spot for you.  If you try you may be able to park in back.  Sometimes that gets filled up pretty quickly.  Also, the entrance in along the side.  If you go to the "front" door on 6 th ave you will think the place is closed.  Oh, and by the way, if you see a blonde dog out back, he is very friendly.  He may bark, but that sometimes how Kay knows you came.

This place is worthwhile.  If you are one if those people that end up walking away,  you are missing out. 
Location: Downtown Anchorage

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