Yamagata

For New Jersey locals, particularly those in Fort Lee and Bergen County, who appreciate truly authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine, Yamagata stands out as a remarkable destination. This restaurant offers an experience that goes beyond mere dining; it's a journey for the senses, where "each piece was filled with fresh ingredients and care — it was a truly delightful experience for both the eyes and the palate." If you're seeking a place that consistently delivers on freshness, unique flavors, and exceptional service, Yamagata is poised to become your new favorite.

From the moment you step into Yamagata, you'll be enveloped by a "warm and cozy atmosphere" that enhances the entire dining experience. It's a setting that feels just right for a special occasion, a relaxed meal with loved ones, or an intimate omakase adventure. The culinary team at Yamagata prides itself on sourcing "incredibly fresh" sashimi and offering a wide variety of unique sushi, including rare treats like sea cucumber and uni, ensuring that every visit brings something new and exciting to discover.

What truly elevates Yamagata is its commitment to service. Reviewers consistently rave about the staff, noting how "servers are really really nice too." This dedication to guest satisfaction is so profound that one customer, whose wife opted for à la carte pieces during an omakase experience, still received the thoughtful additions of steamed egg, soup, and dessert, akin to the full omakase treatment. This level of care, combined with the food's exceptional quality – even their ice cream at the end is "really good" – has earned Yamagata the rare distinction of being a "first 5/5 restaurant" in a reviewer's history. Indeed, for those "looking for good sushi experience" in Bergen County, Yamagata comes highly recommended, even "Japanese in law family verified this spot," which speaks volumes about its authenticity.

Yamagata is conveniently located at 1636 Palisade Ave # 3, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA. This address places it along Palisade Avenue, a well-known thoroughfare in Fort Lee, making it easily accessible for residents across the borough and surrounding areas in Bergen County. Fort Lee is a bustling hub in New Jersey, known for its diverse culinary scene and proximity to New York City, and Yamagata's location is well-integrated within this vibrant community.

Accessibility is a key advantage for Yamagata. Being on Palisade Avenue means it's straightforward to reach by car from various parts of Fort Lee and neighboring towns. While specific parking details aren't explicitly provided, commercial areas along Palisade Avenue typically offer street parking or nearby public parking options. Furthermore, Fort Lee boasts robust public transportation links, making it feasible for those using buses or other transit methods to reach the restaurant. Its presence in such a convenient and well-connected part of New Jersey adds to its appeal as a premier dining destination for locals seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Yamagata provides a comprehensive range of services, primarily focused on delivering a high-quality and authentic Japanese dining experience. Their offerings cater to both discerning sushi connoisseurs and those seeking traditional Japanese entrees:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "warm and cozy atmosphere" that contributes to a perfect omakase or à la carte dining experience. The ambiance is designed to make guests feel comfortable and enhance their culinary journey.
• Omakase Dining: A standout service, offering a chef's selection of the day's freshest and most unique ingredients. Yamagata provides various omakase options:
  • Sushi Omakase: Typically a 10-piece chef's selection.
  • Sashimi Omakase: An assorted sashimi chef's selection.
  • Sushi & Sashimi Omakase: A combination of assorted sushi and sashimi chef's selection.
• À La Carte Sushi & Sashimi: For those who prefer to choose their own pieces, Yamagata offers an extensive selection of individual sushi and sashimi, including rare finds like sea cucumber, uni (US and Japan), various types of tuna (Maguro, Toro), salmon (Sake, Sake Toro), yellowtail (Hamachi, Hamachi Toro), and many other traditional and unique options.
• Appetizers: A diverse range of starters to complement your meal, including:
  • Cold Appetizers: Scallop Salad (praised as "refreshing and light"), Tuna Tataki, Yellowtail Jalapeno, Octopus Carpaccio, Salmon Carpaccio, and Fresh Oyster.
  • Hot Kitchen Appetizers: Options like Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), Gyoza (pan-fried pork & vegetable dumplings), Ebi Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings), Tempura (shrimp and vegetable), Tatsuta-Age (deep-fried chicken thigh), Agedashi Tofu, Soft Shell Kara Age, and Grilled Black Cod (Gindara Miso).
• Entrees (Kitchen Dishes): A selection of expertly prepared cooked Japanese dishes:
  • Grilled Sablefish (Gindara Miso), praised as "rich and tender."
  • Various Teriyaki options (Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Beef Negimayaki).
  • Katsu dishes (Tonkatsu, Chicken Katsu).
  • Una-Ju (boiled eel over rice).
  • Tempura Mix (deep-fried shrimp and vegetables).
• Noodle & Rice Dishes: Including traditional hot noodle soups (Kake, Tempura, Kitsune) and rice bowls like Una-Ju and Chirashi (assorted fish over sushi rice).
• Desserts: A delightful selection to end your meal, including Yuzu Ice Cream, Green Tea Crème Brûlée ("divine"), and Lychee Panna Cotta ("delightful").
• Takeout and Delivery: While the experience is best enjoyed in-house, takeout is available, and they partner with delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub for convenience. Party Platters are also offered for takeout.

Yamagata in Fort Lee distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its high reputation and make it a beloved spot for New Jersey locals:

• Exceptional Freshness and Quality of Ingredients: This is the most consistent praise, with "incredibly fresh" sashimi and sushi where "each piece was filled with fresh ingredients and care." The ability to enjoy "a wide variety of unique sushi that you don’t come across every day," including sea cucumber and uni, underscores their commitment to premium, diverse seafood.
• Outstanding Omakase Experience: Their omakase is highly recommended for a "good sushi experience," praised for its value and the inclusion of thoughtful touches like steamed egg, soup, and dessert, even for non-omakase companions.
• Warm and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant provides a "warm and cozy atmosphere," creating a comfortable and inviting environment that enhances the dining experience, making it suitable for intimate dinners or family gatherings.
• Attentive and Very Friendly Servers: The staff is consistently lauded as "really really nice" and providing excellent service. Their attentiveness makes guests feel "comfortable and cared for," a significant factor in repeat visits.
• Authenticity and "Japanese In-Law Family Verified": This unique highlight speaks volumes about the genuine nature of their Japanese cuisine. Such an endorsement from a Japanese family member suggests a high level of authenticity and traditional preparation.
• **"Delightful" Desserts:** Beyond the main courses, their desserts, specifically the yuzu ice cream, green tea crème brûlée ("divine"), and lychee panna cotta, are highlighted as excellent, providing a perfect conclusion to the meal.
• Variety of Unique Sushi: The availability of unusual and rare sushi pieces offers a rare treat for sushi enthusiasts, making it a destination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
• Balanced Menu: While specializing in sushi, their menu extends to well-prepared cooked appetizers (like grilled sablefish) and entrees, ensuring a comprehensive Japanese dining experience for all preferences.

Yamagata offers various pricing tiers for its omakase experience and provides lunch specials, which serve as direct promotions for its Fort Lee patrons. Specific ongoing discounts or loyalty programs might be available, and checking directly is always recommended:

• Omakase Tiers: Yamagata typically offers several omakase options at different price points, allowing diners to choose an experience that fits their budget and desired level of indulgence:
  • Sushi Omakase: A 10-piece chef's selection, priced around $70-$80 (prices can vary, so checking current menu is best).
  • Sashimi Omakase: An assorted sashimi chef's selection, usually slightly higher in price.
  • Sushi & Sashimi Omakase: A combined chef's selection.
• Lunch Specials: Available for both sushi and kitchen entrees, offering a great value for midday meals. Examples include Bento Boxes with a choice of entree and sushi, or specific teriyaki lunch sets with udon.
• Party Platters (Takeout Only): Yamagata offers specially priced sushi platters for takeout, perfect for gatherings, providing good value for larger orders. For example, Party Platter A with 30 pcs of sushi and 2 rolls, or Party Platter B with 40 pcs and 3 rolls.
• Free Delivery: According to some online sources, Yamagata offers free delivery on orders over $50, which is a great perk for local residents.

For the most current pricing on omakase and any other promotions, New Jersey diners are encouraged to call Yamagata directly or visit their website/online ordering platforms (like Uber Eats or Grubhub).

To experience the authentic and exceptional Japanese cuisine at Yamagata, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 1636 Palisade Ave # 3, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA
• Phone: (201) 585-0469
• Mobile Phone: +1 201-585-0469

Their team is ready to assist you with reservations for their omakase experience, takeout orders, or any inquiries about their diverse menu. You can also visit their website or look for them on popular delivery apps for their full menu and ordering options.

Yamagata is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for New Jersey locals, particularly those in Fort Lee and Bergen County, seeking an authentic, high-quality, and deeply satisfying Japanese dining experience. It addresses the desire for both culinary excellence and a welcoming atmosphere.

Firstly, the unwavering commitment to "incredibly fresh" ingredients and meticulous preparation for every single piece of sushi and sashimi sets Yamagata apart. Locals who appreciate the nuanced flavors of expertly crafted Japanese cuisine will find their expectations not just met, but often exceeded. The availability of unique sushi that "you don’t come across every day," including premium options like uni and sea cucumber, caters to a discerning palate and offers a rare culinary adventure within the local area.

Secondly, the "warm and cozy atmosphere" coupled with "really really nice" and attentive servers creates a truly comfortable and cared-for dining experience. For New Jersey residents, finding a restaurant where the service is as exceptional as the food fosters a deep sense of loyalty. This personal touch, exemplified by gestures like treating an à la carte order like an omakase, makes guests feel genuinely valued and creates a memorable occasion perfect for family or special moments.

Moreover, the versatility of its offerings, from top-tier omakase to extensive à la carte options and delicious cooked dishes, ensures that Yamagata caters to a wide array of preferences and budgets. Whether locals are celebrating a special occasion with an immersive omakase experience or simply craving fresh sushi and a comforting grilled dish, Yamagata delivers consistent quality. The "Japanese in law family verified" seal of approval further reinforces its authenticity and appeal to those seeking a true taste of Japan.

Finally, its accessible location on Palisade Avenue in Fort Lee makes it a convenient choice for residents across the region. For all these reasons – the pristine freshness of the food, the genuinely warm hospitality, the diverse and authentic menu, and its suitability for various occasions – Yamagata is not just a restaurant; it's a cherished local gem that promises an unforgettable Japanese culinary journey for New Jersey locals.

Yamagata

1636 Palisade Ave # 3, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA