Yama

For New Yorkers with an appetite for generously portioned, classic Japanese cuisine, Yama on East 17th Street has been a long-standing fixture in the city's dining landscape. Since opening in 1988, Yama has earned a reputation for providing substantial servings of fresh sushi and sashimi, along with a wide array of traditional Japanese hot dishes. It’s a place that has seen many changes in the city's culinary scene, yet it continues to draw in patrons looking for a dependable and satisfying Japanese meal.

While the New York dining scene is ever-evolving, Yama remains a go-to for those who prioritize hearty portions and familiar Japanese flavors. It's particularly renowned for its sushi and nigiri, which are often described as "MASSIVE," providing exceptional value for the quality and quantity. Beyond sushi, Yama offers a comprehensive menu including various appetizers, teriyakis, and tempuras, catering to a wide range of preferences. If you're seeking a Japanese restaurant near Union Square that promises generous food and a taste of a classic NYC establishment, Yama is a spot worth considering.

Yama is conveniently situated in the charming and accessible Gramercy Park neighborhood, bordering the lively Union Square area, at 122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This prime location places it just off Irving Place, a picturesque street known for its historic brownstones and a more refined, quieter atmosphere compared to some of the city's more bustling avenues.

The restaurant's accessibility is a significant advantage for New Yorkers. It is just a short walk from the major transit hub of Union Square, which serves a multitude of subway lines including the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains. This extensive network means that Yama is easily reachable from almost any part of Manhattan and even parts of Brooklyn. Numerous MTA bus lines also operate in the vicinity, further enhancing its convenience.

Yama is described as being "nestled a short flight down from street level," giving it a slightly tucked-away, "hidden gem" feel. While some recent reviews have noted concerns about the interior's upkeep, the restaurant's long history and consistent delivery of large portions continue to attract a loyal clientele. Its central location makes it an ideal stop for a casual meal after exploring Union Square, visiting nearby parks, or simply enjoying the neighborhood's unique blend of residential charm and urban vibrancy.

• Dine-in Service: Yama offers seating for customers to enjoy their Japanese meal directly at the restaurant. It maintains a casual dining style.
• Takeout Service: Convenient takeout options are available, allowing customers to pick up their orders.
• Delivery Service: Yama partners with major food delivery platforms such as Grubhub and Seamless, providing free delivery to many areas in New York City. This is a significant convenience for locals.
• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: A wide variety of individual sushi and sashimi pieces are offered, including Bigeye Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Eel, Scallop, and many more.
• Large Nigiri Portions: A standout feature is the exceptionally large size of their nigiri sushi pieces, often noted as being "2-3 times a normal sized piece," offering great value.
• Classic and Special Sushi Rolls: Yama provides a comprehensive selection of traditional rolls like Spicy Tuna, California, and Salmon Avocado, alongside an array of "Signature Rolls" such as Angry Ocean, Double Dragon, and Crispy Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice.
• Appetizers: The menu features popular Japanese appetizers including Homemade Pork Gyoza, Shishito Peppers, Chicken Karaage, Tempura (Shrimp & Vegetable), and various tartars and carpaccios.
• Soup and Salad Options: Standard Japanese offerings like Miso Soup, House Salad, and Seaweed Salad are available.
• Hot Kitchen Entrees: Beyond raw fish, Yama offers cooked dishes such as Teriyaki (Chicken, Salmon, Beef, Tofu), Tempura platters, and various Donburi (rice bowls) like Unagi Don and Katsu Don.
• Bento Boxes: Lunch and dinner bento boxes are available, typically including a main entree, soup, salad, a California roll, shumai, and rice, providing a complete meal.
• Catering Services: Yama offers catering for events, with various sushi and sashimi platters, and appetizer trays designed for larger groups.
• Beverage Selection: A range of non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, Japanese teas) and alcoholic options (sake, beer, wine) are available.

• Generous Nigiri Portions: The most frequently highlighted feature of Yama is the "MASSIVE portions for nigiri sushi," with each piece being "2-3 times a normal sized piece." This is a significant draw for sushi lovers seeking substantial portions and excellent value.
• Extensive Menu Variety: Yama offers a very broad menu that caters to diverse Japanese food cravings. Beyond individual sushi and sashimi, they have a wide selection of classic and creative sushi rolls, numerous appetizers (both cold and hot), and cooked entrees like teriyaki, tempura, and donburi.
• Classic Japanese Fare: The restaurant focuses on traditional Japanese flavors and preparations, providing a reliable experience for those seeking authentic, well-known dishes.
• Long-Standing Presence: Having been established since 1988, Yama holds a "historic" place in New York's sushi scene, suggesting a consistent quality that has allowed it to endure for decades.
• Convenient Delivery Options: The availability of free delivery through platforms like Seamless and Grubhub is a major highlight for New Yorkers, offering ease and accessibility.
• Sushi & Sashimi Combos: Yama offers various combo platters for sushi, sashimi, and mixed sushi/sashimi, making it easy for diners to enjoy a diverse selection.
• Casual and Unpretentious Atmosphere: While some reviews note the "tiny" and "no frills" interior, this can be seen as a feature for those who prefer a relaxed, non-trendy dining experience focused solely on the food. It's a "bare bones sushi at its best."
• Value for Money: Despite being located in a prime Manhattan neighborhood, many reviewers imply that the large portions provide "bang for the buck" and offer "best quality for the money sushi."

Based on the available public information, Yama's primary "special offer" or value proposition revolves around its exceptionally generous portion sizes for sushi and sashimi. While not a traditional discount, the fact that their nigiri pieces are often "2-3 times a normal sized piece" means diners receive significantly more food for their money compared to other sushi restaurants in New York City, particularly for a mid-range price point.

Beyond the inherent value of large portions, other aspects that could be considered ongoing offers or benefits for New Yorkers include:

• Free Delivery: Yama is listed on major delivery platforms like Seamless and Grubhub and explicitly offers "Free delivery now available." This is a notable convenience and cost-saver for locals opting for takeout.
• Lunch Specials/Bento Boxes: While specific current pricing isn't always readily available without visiting, Japanese restaurants like Yama often feature lunch specials or bento boxes that provide a comprehensive meal (main entree, soup, salad, roll, shumai, rice) at a set, often more affordable, price. Their menu lists "Lunch Bento" options such as Chicken Teriyaki Lunch Special for around $18-19, which is competitive for a full meal in NYC.
• Sushi & Sashimi Combos: Yama offers various sushi and sashimi combination platters, which can be more cost-effective than ordering individual pieces, especially for sharing. For example, "Sushi & Sashimi for Two" is listed at $71.
• Happy Hour: While not confirmed for the 17th Street location from the provided reviews, some Yama locations (like the one on 48th St mentioned in search results) have offered happy hour specials on food and drinks, which could be worth inquiring about directly at the 17th Street branch.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions or specials, it is always recommended to check Yama's official website (if they have one specifically for the 17th St location, as review data suggests there may be multiple Yama restaurants), look at their menu on delivery platforms, or call the restaurant directly. However, the consistent theme is that Yama's portions themselves serve as a significant ongoing benefit to its customers.

To experience the famously large sushi portions and classic Japanese fare at Yama, here's how you can connect with them:

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

Yama's operating hours are generally geared towards evening dining during the week, with extended hours on weekends. Typical hours are:

• Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Friday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
• Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM

For the most precise and up-to-date operating hours, especially around holidays or for specific delivery/pickup times, it is always best to check their listing on delivery platforms like Seamless or Grubhub, or call the restaurant directly.

Yama stands as a long-standing institution in the New York Japanese dining scene, making it a particularly suitable choice for locals, especially those who prioritize generous portions and a no-fuss approach to quality Japanese food. In a city where sushi can often be delicate and pricey, Yama offers a refreshing alternative with its famously "MASSIVE" nigiri pieces. This focus on providing substantial value for the price is a significant draw for New Yorkers looking for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank, particularly for sushi cravings.

The restaurant's broad menu extends beyond just sushi, encompassing a wide array of classic Japanese appetizers, hot entrees like teriyaki and tempura, and various donburi, ensuring that there's something to please every palate in a group. This versatility makes it an excellent option for casual weeknight dinners, family meals, or even satisfying a diverse range of preferences among friends.

Its location near Union Square in Gramercy Park offers superb accessibility via multiple subway lines, making it a convenient destination from almost anywhere in the city. While some recent feedback points to a rustic interior that might benefit from updates, for many long-time patrons and those seeking an authentic, unpretentious experience, this contributes to its charm as a classic New York establishment. Ultimately, for New Yorkers who value hearty portions, consistent classic flavors, and the convenience of a centrally located and established Japanese eatery, Yama remains a dependable and appealing choice.

Yama

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