a tiny room, a hand-written menu, and whatever came off the boat this morning.
(prices are approximate — the market has moods)
Market Alaskan king, steamed, drawn butter
Sweet, delicate, cracked tableside
Whole, chilled or warm with ponzu
Yamaya is a twelve-seat Japanese seafood restaurant in downtown Anchorage. No website. No reservation platform. Just a phone that sometimes gets answered and a hand-written menu that changes when the boats change.
The owner cooks. The owner also greets you, pours your sake, and tells you what's good tonight. If the black cod is on, order the black cod.
— bring cash. bring patience. bring an appetite.
Junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, nigori. Warmed in a tin cup or chilled in a masu. If you can't decide, say "chef's pick" and hold out your ochoko.
So was the pork belly, roasted black cod and sashimi platter.
Very kind owner/cook, cozy atmosphere and great udon!
A tiny room, a handwritten menu, and the best sake north of Sapporo.
We take walk-ins when we can. Call first if you're a group. Or just show up and hope.