Yojimbo and Gallery

For California locals seeking a Japanese dining experience that combines delicious food with an engaging visual atmosphere, Yojimbo and Gallery in Alameda offers a unique proposition. This main Yojimbo location provides a more spacious setting compared to its partner, making it an excellent choice for larger groups or those who prefer a more open dining environment. Beyond the varied menu of Japanese favorites like chicken katsu, tempura, ramen, and a wide array of sushi rolls, Yojimbo and Gallery distinguishes itself with an "amazing" collection of art, collectibles, and figures, adding a distinct "unique feel" to your meal. It's a place where you can enjoy a satisfying Japanese feast while immersing yourself in a captivating visual display, making it a compelling spot for Alameda residents and visitors alike.

Yojimbo and Gallery is conveniently located at 2319 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA. This address places it in the heart of Alameda, a charming island city in the East Bay of California. Santa Clara Avenue is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible for locals.

Accessibility to Yojimbo and Gallery is generally good for residents across the California region. For those traveling by car, there is typically street parking available along Santa Clara Avenue and in the surrounding neighborhood. While it's not directly next to a BART station, Alameda is well-served by AC Transit bus lines, with stops often within walking distance of the restaurant, providing connections to BART stations in Oakland and other parts of the Bay Area. This makes it a convenient dining option for those utilizing public transportation. Its location in a bustling part of Alameda ensures that it's a popular and easily reachable spot for a Japanese meal.

Yojimbo and Gallery offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese cuisine, catering to a wide range of tastes with a focus on both classic and specialty dishes. Here's an overview of their services:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "spacious sitting area" with a pleasant atmosphere. This location is particularly suitable for "larger groups," offering a comfortable environment for communal dining.
• Extensive Sushi and Maki Roll Selection: Yojimbo offers a vast array of sushi and maki rolls, including popular choices like the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, and the "Mad Max" roll. They also feature signature rolls like the "Yojimbo Roll" and unique deep-fried options such as the Deep Fried Spicy Salmon Maki.
• Fresh Nigiri and Sashimi: For traditional sushi lovers, they provide a selection of nigiri (fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced raw fish), with customers praising the freshness of the fish. Options include Tuna (Maguro), Salmon (Sake), Snapper (Tai), and BBQ Eel (Unagi). Sashimi platters are also available.
• Hot Japanese Entrees: Beyond sushi, the menu includes a variety of cooked dishes such as:
  • Chicken Katsu: Described as "lightly breaded and very tender inside," a popular choice for its quality.
  • Wagyu Bikini Hamburg Steak: A significant portion of "good quality hamburger."
  • Salmon Kasuzuke: Salmon with a "perfect blend of sake and miso."
  • Chicken Teriyaki: Grilled chicken with classic teriyaki sauce.
  • Donburi: Rice bowls with various toppings like Unagi (BBQ Eel), Chirashi (mixed sashimi), Tekka (tuna sashimi), Salmon, Oyako (chicken and egg), Chicken Katsu, and Ebi (shrimp).
• Ramen and Noodle Soups: Yojimbo offers various ramen options, including Pork Ramen, Chicken Ramen, Beef Ramen, Seafood Ramen, and Vegetable Ramen, though customers note a preference for hotter soup temperatures.
• Appetizers and Small Plates: A selection of starters to complement your meal, including Tempura (shrimp and vegetables), Gyoza (deep-fried dumplings), Edamame, Miso Soup, Tataki (seared tuna), Wakame Salad, and Poki Salad.
• Desserts: A highlight of their offerings includes complimentary "cream donuts" (e.g., strawberry flavor), which are highly praised by customers, with larger sizes available for purchase. Matcha Tiramisu is also on the menu.
• Combo Options: "Lots of options for combos," allowing diners to customize their meals with a selection of different items.
• Takeout and Delivery: Yojimbo and Gallery provides takeout services and delivery through various online platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Seamless, offering convenience for enjoying their food at home.
• Catering: Catering services are available for larger events, with options like Gyoza, Salad, Tempura, Rice, and Chicken Teriyaki trays (requiring 1-2 days advance notice).

Yojimbo and Gallery offers several unique features that make it a compelling Japanese dining destination for California locals:

• Spacious Dining Area: Unlike its smaller partner location, this Yojimbo offers a "spacious sitting area," making it "better for larger groups" and providing a more comfortable, less cramped dining experience.
• Amazing Art and Collectibles Gallery: A key differentiator is the "amazing" artwork and collection of "collectables and figures." This unique "gallery" aspect provides a visually stimulating backdrop to your meal, creating an engaging and distinctive atmosphere that goes beyond typical restaurant decor.
• Delicious and Tender Chicken Katsu: The Chicken Katsu is a standout dish, described as "lightly breaded and very tender inside," indicating a well-prepared and flavorful entree.
• Complimentary Cream Donuts: A delightful and highly praised highlight is the "cream donuts as desserts on the house." Customers find them "so good" that they often purchase additional "bigger size donuts to go," with the strawberry flavor being particularly excellent. This thoughtful touch adds significant value to the dining experience.
• High-Quality Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Despite some mixed reviews on other dishes, the quality of their sushi and sashimi is consistently praised for being "fresh" and "delectable," with particular mentions of the Rainbow Roll, Red Dragon, and Chirashi Donburi.
• Attentive Service: The service is generally described as "attentive," with staff checking in after each dish to ensure satisfaction. The workers are also frequently noted as "super nice, fast and efficient."
• Wide Variety of Menu Options: From an extensive range of sushi rolls and nigiri to hot dishes like katsu, teriyaki, and ramen, plus numerous combo options, Yojimbo and Gallery offers a broad menu that can satisfy diverse preferences within a group.

Based on the available public information, Yojimbo and Gallery focuses on providing a comprehensive menu with a wide range of options at competitive prices, along with unique complimentary items, rather than widely advertised, rotating promotions.

• Complimentary Cream Donuts: As a significant highlight, the provision of "cream donuts as desserts on the house" serves as a standing complimentary offer. This unexpected treat is highly appreciated by customers and acts as a consistent value-add to the dining experience.
• Combo Options: While not a "discount," the availability of "lots of options for combos" allows diners to get a variety of dishes in one order, which often presents better value compared to ordering each item à la carte.
• Catering Services: For larger gatherings, their catering menu provides bundled options for appetizers and main dishes, which can offer cost savings for events.

For the most current information on any specific specials, seasonal menu additions, or potential limited-time offers, it is always recommended for California locals to directly contact Yojimbo and Gallery at (510) 523-4120, check their official website, or explore their listings on popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub.

To visit and experience the unique blend of Japanese cuisine and captivating art at Yojimbo and Gallery, here's how to connect:

Address: 2319 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA

Phone: (510) 523-4120

Yojimbo and Gallery operates six days a week, typically open for both lunch and dinner services. They are generally closed on Sundays. Their current operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. While reservations are not explicitly mentioned as required, for larger groups or during peak dining times, it's advisable to call ahead to ensure availability, given its popularity as a spacious dining option. You can also visit their website for online ordering and to view their full menu.

Yojimbo and Gallery in Alameda is a highly suitable choice for California locals seeking a Japanese dining experience that offers both culinary variety and a distinct ambiance. Firstly, its spacious dining area makes it an excellent option for "larger groups," a significant advantage in often-cramped Bay Area restaurants. This ensures a comfortable and relaxed environment for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even business casual meals.

Secondly, the restaurant's unique "gallery" aspect, featuring "amazing" art and collectibles, provides a truly engaging visual backdrop. This artistic flair sets it apart from typical Japanese eateries, offering more than just a meal but a cultural and sensory experience. For locals who appreciate aesthetics alongside their food, this is a compelling draw.

Furthermore, while some dishes may vary in consistency, highlights like the "delicious" Salmon Kasuzuke, "tender" Chicken Katsu, and "fresh" sashimi consistently receive high praise. The delightful surprise of complimentary cream donuts adds a memorable touch, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. Coupled with attentive service and a broad menu that caters to various tastes, Yojimbo and Gallery provides a comprehensive and enjoyable Japanese dining solution. For Alameda residents and Californians alike, it's a solid choice for a casual yet unique meal that offers a blend of good food, a spacious setting, and an artistic touch.

Yojimbo and Gallery

2319 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA