Yojimbo

My favorite Japanese restaurant in Alameda. The downside is parking is challenging to find during lunch or dinner. The restaurant is small and sometimes feels like you're eating in a basement. But don't worry, this place is worth it in every aspect.Not only is their food excellent, but their portions are enormous! My go-to when I come here Is the bento mixer. The bento mixer is the best overall value. The bento mixer requires you to pick at least three items, and it does not include anything. I usually pick four items, which are chicken teriyaki, salmon shioyaki, rice and salad. My bento comes out to $18, and I can get two meals out of it. The chicken is tender and has charred edges. The salmon is moist and flavorful. If you've never had shioyaki, it's marinated salted fish that's grilled. If you're a fan of bentos, come here! You have a variety of options to build your bento.

Yojimbo is a classic. I haven't been here in over a decade so I thought I'd stop by on a Monday afternoon.I was seated at a table that wasn't cleaned yet. It took some time for the waitress to take my order. I definitely think she was overwhelmed because she gave our miso soup to the wrong table and almost gave our food to the wrong table. She also didn't bring us water until after our food had arrived after I asked her a few times. It also took us a while for us to get a check. People who arrived after us even left before us. Anyways, the food was great. They definitely don't skimp on their portions.

The ramen is horrible.Yes, the bowl is big, but it's practically twenty bucks and the broth tastes like dirty water. A ramen seasoning packet has more depth and flavor than their broth. It was so insultingly bad I didn't even eat more than a quarter. The sushi is meh. I got the yojimbo and it was nothing special. I'm not sure how this place is so popular. The anime interior design gets people in but don't let it fool you--the food could not make me stay even if I were starving.

I ordered and got the Mad Max Roll, Red Dragon Roll, and miso soup for takeout. They packaged it really well and I didn't expect them to put it in a box to carry it out. The food was yummy and spicy (but in a good way). I would order from here again.Also, there's only street parking.

Want to be whisked away to Japan for just a short time without the jet lag and loss of luggage? This ramen spot with an anime theme is just the spot. A hole in the wall with limited seating and friendly service. From the outside anime to the inside dedication to studio Ghibli it's all very fun. Art and even a screen showing a Ghibli movie. Friendly attentive service for the entire time. Wait for a table was 10 or so not bad at all ! Lovely menu that included bento boxes , sushi and ramen. Miso was lovely ! Pot stickers were crispy. Ordered pork ramen, 49er roll and salmon bento boxes with tempura everything was delicious ! And best part was the crème puff at the end for dessert on the house ! Lovely place with lots of charm, fun and great Japanese food. Come for the charm but stay for the food !!!

As I continue this food journey, limiting my meat consumption, I'm eating lots of seafood. It is my favorite. Thought I'd try Yojimbo, I hadn't had sushi in a while. Seaweed salad 3.75outta5 It was good. It was very good. At $19 I wasn't sure what to expect. It's a serving for 2-4. No big deal. It was sitting on a bed of lettuce or cabbage. Every time I've ever had seaweed salad there was nothing else included. I'm all for innovation & trying new flavors etc., but some things, the simple things need no altering. It's probably a hit w/others tho. BBQ eel over a spider roll 5outta5 Absolutely freakin delicious! Every single bite was an explosive delight. No complaints whatsoever.

Fantastic "hole-in-the-wall" vibe, this spot is amazing, especially for Studio Ghibli fans! The walls had beautiful artwork, and the restaurant was playing a Studio Ghibli movie during my visit, which made the experience even more unique and fun.We tried the pork ramen (4.5/5) and was impressed. The portion size was generous and the ramen came with egg and seaweed salad included. Also had the chicken katsu curry (5/5), which I've not seen done well that often in the East Bay. This one was the best I have had in a while.You will likely be leaving with a to go box because of the large portions, but the food was great! Highly recommend this spot!

There are 2 Yojimbo locations in Alameda. This location is smaller and cozier. If you have a smaller party, I would recommend going to this location. If you have a larger party, I would recommend to visit the Santa Clara Ave location.Yojimbo is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants to visit. While dining, you get to see art that are related to Studio Ghibli films and other Japanese pop culture. There are TV's playing Studio Ghibli movies and many figurines are posted around the restaurant. All the food options are great, but I always get the Box Combo. This option allows you to mix and match different Japanese dishes such as katsu, teriyaki, and sushi. This also has great value since they give a good portion for what you pay.

While looking for sushi open during the odd hours between lunch and dinner.. Yojimbo was open. When I 1st saw the door I didn't know whet to expect since it's very unassuming. When you enter It's like street food/diner dive hole in the wall. Small with the kitchen right there next to the door. You walk down the ramp to the dining room. Adorned by Japanese decor and anime on the screens.. my husband and I felt transported into another dimension. Food was excellent and they gave complimentary dessert. The best chicken katsu we've ever eaten!!

In my 32 years of being alive this is the first review in leaving. When I tried the chicken spicy miso ramen I WANTED TO SCREAM AND LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW GOOD IT WAS. I finished my food and I still want to scream. It was so good.