Yataimura Maru

yataimura maru, sushi mazi portland oregon, yataimura

Portland, Oregon, with its celebrated and diverse food scene, continuously offers unique culinary experiences from around the globe. Among the city's rich tapestry of international cuisines, Japanese food holds a special place, ranging from traditional sushi establishments to vibrant ramen shops. For those in search of a Japanese dining experience that feels both authentic and approachable, Yataimura Maru on SE Division Street presents an intriguing option. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative look at Yataimura Maru, inviting residents of Oregon to explore what makes this establishment a distinctive part of Portland's Japanese culinary landscape.

Yataimura Maru, whose name loosely translates to "foodcart village-circle," is designed to evoke the lively atmosphere of a Japanese town alley, complete with faux streetlights and banners. This unique concept sets it apart from many other Japanese restaurants in Portland, offering a casual yet engaging environment for diners. While it does offer sushi, Yataimura Maru truly shines in its offerings beyond raw fish, particularly its ramen and various Japanese street food-inspired appetizers. Customers often highlight the "friendly" and attentive staff, who contribute significantly to a welcoming experience. Despite some mixed feedback on the sushi quality, the cooked dishes, especially their signature Kama-tama Ramen, receive glowing recommendations for their unique flavors and generous portions. It's a place where you can find something for everyone, whether you're craving a rich bowl of noodles, a crispy Tako-Yaki, or simply an ice-chilled beer in a vibrant setting.

Yataimura Maru is conveniently located at 3810 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, USA. This address places it in the heart of Southeast Portland's bustling Division Street, a corridor well-known for its diverse array of independent restaurants, cafes, and local shops. The SE Division Street neighborhood has a relaxed, eclectic vibe, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts.

Accessibility to Yataimura Maru is generally straightforward for Oregon locals. For those driving, street parking is available in the surrounding area, though, like many popular Portland neighborhoods, it can sometimes require a short walk, especially during peak dining hours. The restaurant's presence on a main thoroughfare makes it easy to spot. Public transportation is also a viable option, with several TriMet bus lines serving SE Division Street, providing convenient connections from various parts of Portland. The "izakaya-in-the-alleyway" concept means it's part of a vibrant street scene, offering a casual and lively atmosphere. While it boasts four large booths and an outdoor patio, it's a place designed for both quick, satisfying meals and more leisurely dining. This prime location and the accessible nature of the neighborhood ensure that Yataimura Maru is a convenient and engaging culinary stop for anyone in the Oregon region looking for a unique Japanese experience.

Yataimura Maru offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and engaging Japanese dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Guests are invited to enjoy their meals within the unique "foodcart village-circle" inspired interior, featuring a ramen counter, sushi bar, four large booths, and a vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers note "plenty of room" even on a busy night.
• Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their food at home or on the go, Yataimura Maru provides convenient takeout services. Orders can be placed directly with the restaurant.
• Online Ordering: While not explicitly detailed, many modern restaurants, especially those associated with a larger chain (Yataimura Maru is part of the Shigezo family of restaurants), offer online ordering for pickup, allowing customers to place orders in advance.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Yataimura Maru is open daily for both lunch and dinner, typically from 11:30 AM (or 2 PM on weekends) until late evening, accommodating various schedules. (It's always best to check their official website or call for current detailed hours.)
• Happy Hour: Yataimura Maru features a robust happy hour, usually from 4 PM - 6 PM and 9 PM - close. This offers an opportunity for affordable and satisfying meals, including traditional plates and drink specials.
• Full Bar: The restaurant offers a selection of beverages, including "tall can of Kirin" and beer served in "ice chilled mugs," complementing their food menu.
• Accommodating to Mixed Preferences: The menu's diversity, featuring both sushi and a wide array of cooked dishes, makes it a suitable choice for groups where some want sushi and others prefer cooked Japanese food.

Yataimura Maru presents a distinctive Japanese dining experience with several notable features and highlights:

• Standout Kama-tama Ramen: This "broth-less thick Ramen bowl" is a major highlight, described as "the real stand out for the evening." It features noodles "coated in a unique thick, delicious broth with a soft boiled egg and yummy charshu pork." This dish is "highly recommended."
• Diverse Menu of Cooked Japanese Dishes: Beyond ramen, the restaurant offers a variety of compelling cooked items and appetizers. Popular choices include "Tako-Yaki," "Bacon-wrapped quail," Gyoza, Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), various rice bowls (Unagi Don, Cha-Shu Don), and different ramen types (Tonkotsu Shoyu, Spicy Negi, Champon Seafood, Vegetarian Ramen). This breadth ensures options for all preferences, especially for those not solely focused on sushi.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Customers consistently praise the "great servers that were very friendly" and the "super friendly and attentive" staff. This positive interaction greatly enhances the dining experience, even when there are other concerns.
• Unique Atmosphere and Design: The interior is designed to mimic a "Japanese town alley" or "foodcart village-circle" with faux streetlights and banners, creating a "stylized 'izakaya-in-the-alleyway'" vibe. This sets a relaxed and engaging tone.
• Happy Hour Value: The "robust happy hour" is noted as a way to construct an "affordable and satisfying meal" from a menu of traditional plates and generous ramen and donburi dishes.
• Freshness Honesty: One reviewer appreciated the sushi person's honesty about what sushi was "very fresh" and which was "just pretty fresh," indicating transparency. While sushi quality has received mixed reviews, this honesty is a positive aspect of customer interaction.
• Accommodating to Dietary Preferences: The menu includes vegetarian ramen and other options, showing an effort to cater to different dietary needs.
• Beverage Service: Beer served in an "ice chilled mug" is a small but appreciated touch that adds to the dining experience.

Yataimura Maru, consistent with its izakaya-style concept, often provides special offers to its local clientele, especially during specific times. For Oregon residents, it's highly recommended to inquire about:

• Happy Hour: This is a prominent feature mentioned in reviews, typically offered from 4 PM - 6 PM and 9 PM - close. Their happy hour menu allows patrons to construct an "affordable and satisfying meal" with traditional plates, including sushi, and generous ramen and donburi dishes at reduced prices. Specific examples from happy hour include avocado unagi hand rolls at $3 and ramen/donburi for $5.
• Lunch Specials: Given that they are open for lunch daily, there may be specific lunch deals or sets, such as combo meals or smaller portions of popular items at a special price.
• Seasonal Specials: While not explicitly detailed in the reviews, restaurants that emphasize freshness may introduce seasonal dishes or limited-time offerings based on ingredient availability.
• Online Ordering Deals: If they partner with online ordering platforms, there might be occasional promotions for pickup or delivery orders, such as percentage discounts or free delivery for a minimum spend.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions or specials, it is always recommended to visit Yataimura Maru’s official website, check their social media channels, or call them directly at the provided phone number.

For inquiries, placing takeout orders, or learning more about their menu and specials, Yataimura Maru can be reached via the following contact details:

Address: 3810 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, USA

Phone: (503) 841-5527

Mobile Phone: +1 503-841-5527

For residents of Oregon, particularly those in and around Portland, Yataimura Maru offers a unique and suitable Japanese dining experience that aligns well with certain local preferences. Its location on SE Division Street places it in a vibrant, easily accessible neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene, making it a convenient destination for many. The restaurant's "foodcart village-circle" inspired design and casual atmosphere appeal to Portlanders who often prefer laid-back yet authentic dining environments over overly formal ones.

While some past reviews indicate mixed experiences with sushi quality, it's crucial for locals to understand where Yataimura Maru truly shines: its cooked Japanese dishes, particularly the ramen. The "broth-less thick Ramen bowl" (Kama-tama Ramen) has received rave reviews, described as a "real stand out" with a "unique thick, delicious broth" and generous portions of charshu pork and egg. This focus on delicious and hearty Japanese comfort food, along with appetizers like Tako-Yaki and sizzling dishes, makes it an excellent choice for individuals or groups where not everyone is strictly interested in sushi. The menu's diversity ensures that there's something to satisfy different cravings, providing a versatile option for family lunches or casual dinners.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "super friendly and attentive" staff contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant dining experience, a quality highly valued in Portland's local business culture. The availability of a happy hour with "affordable and satisfying" options makes it an attractive choice for value-conscious diners. For Oregon locals looking for a Japanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere, exceptional ramen and cooked dishes, and friendly service, Yataimura Maru offers a compelling reason to visit. It’s a place to explore beyond traditional sushi, embracing the diverse and comforting flavors of Japanese street food and noodle dishes in a uniquely Portland setting.

Yataimura Maru

3810 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, USA