Yama Restaurant

While out shopping over the weekend, we decided to stop at Yama, a Japanese and Chinese restaurant in Andover, for some lunch. I had never eaten there before so knew little about it. My wife had been there once before though and had enjoyed her meal. So I was willing to give it a try.

It is located next to a few other stores, not too far from Rt.28. From the outside it does not look like much but inside it is actually quite large and decorated with a mix of both Chinese and Japanese art. There appear to be at least three separate dining areas plus a sushi bar. We were seated immediately and I first took a look at their drink menu.

They only had a few Sakes available, including the Hakushika Junmai Ginjo (300ml for $19.95). Though I enjoy the Haukshika, it was a bit pricey. It sells retail for arounf $8.99, so they were selling it for over twice the retail. I did note that their white wine list, which only had around seven choices had an intriuging selection, including an Albarino and a Viognier.

I actually decided to try a Ramune, a Japanese soda. I had never had it before so was intrigued to see what it was like. When I received the bottle, it took me a little time to figure out how to open it. The bottle, sometimes called a Codd-neck bottle after its inventor Hiram Codd. The glass bottles is sealed with a marble, which is held in place by the carbon dioxide in the soda. To open it, you twist off the top which is actually a little device that you use to push the marble into the bottle. The marble rests in the neck of the bottle and the soda can come out on either side. The soda was refreshing, lightly effervescent, a bit sweet and had a lemon/lime flavor.

Their food menu is quite extensive with plenty of Japanese and Chinese options. Prices seem reasonable. I began with some sushi, an order of Maguro (tuna $4.50), Unagi (eel $4.25) and some Sweet Potato Maki ($5.00). I should note that they have numerous special Maki rills, including ones to commemorate the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox. The sushi was good-sized, fresh and very tasty. I would definitely order it again. I also ordered a appetizer of Tasuta-Age, deep fried chicken pieces ($5.00). There seemed to be 8-10 pieces of chicken, mostly dark meat, with a nicely spiced batter.

They have numerous lunch specials, both Chinese and Japanese. We tried the Yama Bento Box ($10.50) and the Beef Teriyaki Lunch Box ($8.95). All of the lunch boxes come with miso soup. The Yama box came with Teriyaki Scallops, Tempura Veggies, White Rice, Salad and a couple pieces of orange. It was a good-sized box and all of the food was very good. The salad was fresh with a nice ginger dressing. There were plenty of different tempura veggies and teh tempura was perfectly light and cripsy. Just the way I like it. The scallops were big and delicious with the sauce. The Beef Teriyaki box also came with white rice, salad, and orange pieces. The beef was tender and flavorful. Overall, both were very good lunches and well worth the price.

Service was good, though a tiny bit slow at times. Overall, I enjoyed this restaurant and will return again. The quality of the food is very good and it is reasonably priced for the quantity and quality. If you are in Andover, check it out. They also have another restaurant in Wellesley.

Yama
63 Park Street
Andover, MA
Phone: 978-749-9777