Seemor
Portland › Portland › Yama Sushi & Izakaya
Yama Sushi & IzakayaB+Worth Trying
2038 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
· Japanese restaurant, Restaurant, Sushi restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1377 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fresh, popular sushi-izakaya with creative rolls and strong sashimi, but service consistency and occasional prep quirks mean experiences can vary.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Yama Sushi & Izakaya delivers competitive quality on par with respected local favorites through exceptional sashimi and creative signatures like the Ahi Tuna Tower, but inconsistent execution on rice texture and salmon cuts prevents higher standing. The stylish urban setting and variable service reliability reflect a neighborhood spot worth visiting for sushi enthusiasts, though not yet a premier destination.
Restaurant Summary
Set on SE Clinton, this spot blends a neighborhood izakaya feel with polished sushi craft. The room reads urban and inviting, often buzzing but comfortable, and staff are frequently described as friendly and quick. One diner shared, "The sashimi was pristine and the room felt stylish without trying too hard." However, expect occasional variance on busy nights. The cooking leans classic Japanese with modern signatures: fresh oysters with ponzu, jalapeno hamachi carpaccio, and the Ahi Tuna Tower that regulars rave about. Sashimi quality is often excellent, though some note inconsistent rice or salmon cuts on off nights. Prices sit in the higher mid-range, largely paying for ingredient quality like real crab and premium fish. Families will do fine here. Servers have provided kid-friendly chopsticks and the menu includes comfort options like chicken teriyaki, katsu curry, and simple rolls. That said, peak-time volume and bench seating may challenge very young kids; early evening or lunch is smoother.
At a Glance
- Very fresh sashimi and real crab rolls
- Creative signatures like the Ahi Tuna Tower
- Service attentiveness varies by night
- Occasional rice texture and salmon cut inconsistencies
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- oyster_program_with_uni_option
- signature_roll_showpieces
- broad_sake_selection
- neighborhood_izakaya_vibe
What People Love
- Feeling of a polished yet relaxed izakaya
- Exceptionally fresh sashimi and oysters
- Showpiece signature rolls to share
- Wide sake selection and helpful pairing advice
Points of Concern
- Service can swing from warm to inattentive depending on shift
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($20+ rolls, $28-$39 platters) which may surprise casual diners
- A few reports of mushy rice or chewy belly cuts reduce consistency
- Isolated food safety complaints; many others praise cleanliness and freshness
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (high five-star share, some marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a meal: Jalapeno Hamachi Carpaccio ($17) + Sushi Platter ($28) + Matcha Creme Brulee ($8) for balance
- Pescatarians have range: oysters, sashimi salad ($22), black cod ($19)
Perfect For
- Casual date night with sake flights
- Oyster and sashimi enthusiasts
- Neighborhood sushi cravings with creative rolls
- Solo lunch at off-peak hours
Location Insights
Area: Lively SE Portland corridor with indie eateries and bars; casual, food-savvy crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Clinton/Division dining clusters, boutique shops, neighborhood nightlife.
Hosford-AbernethyHosford-Abernethy is a dynamic neighborhood featuring a blend of historic homes and modern developments. The dining scene is diverse, with many casual eateries, trendy cafes, and ethnic restaurants attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking authentic and innovative cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Clinton StreetClinton Street is a well-known micro-neighborhood famous for its concentration of restaurants, bars, and shops. It offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with a strong community feel, popular among food lovers looking for quality and variety in an accessible urban environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Sunday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →