1st Review – 1/5/24
Yama Sushi House sits in a small commercial plaza off of Ray Rd and Alma School Rd in Chandler. The size of the restaurant itself is a decent space, and the nice sign and clean exterior decor would make one think that they’re about to enter a fancier Japanese establishment, but upon entering the realization that this is another medium end sushi joint will hit. There’s a bar and tables for four around like other restaurants, but I have to say it’s way too brightly lit for sushi. Where’s the warm tones, the wabi sabi vibes? But I digress: it’s about the food.
Of course, sushi requires a bit of beer and sake, which was the first order of business. I ordered a large Asahi but the waitress gave me what looked like a whisky glass for me to pour the beer in. Strange. I’m the kind of guy who likes the sight of ice cold beer in a large glass, one that can hold at least eighteen ounces.
We ordered the Chef’s Nigiri which is a nine piece combination of salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and maybe albacore nigiri. We also ordered their version of a Ninja Roll – yellowtail and cucumber with a jalapeno slice and sriracha on top, and a side of a personal favorite of mine, Fresh Water Eel (unagi) Nigiri.
Now I must disclose that during our dining experience, the waitress had to come back to ask us for our order again because she had forgotten to put the ticket in. This didn’t cause too much of a delay, but some sort of token like an appetizer or drink to apologize for the mishap would have been nice.
As for the food, there’s really not much to say. The sushi was okay. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t amazing, melt in your mouth pieces of nigiri either. On a Friday night, the place was around 90% full. I wouldn’t say this is a bad spot, but if someone asks me for a sushi restaurant recommendation in the Southeast Valley, this place won’t come to mind. If I ever do come back, I’ll try a noodle dish or go at lunchtime. That might change my mind.
Rating: 6.3/10