Yosaku
1 Danforth St, Portland, ME, 04101
Yosaku Menu
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Address :
1 Danforth St
Portland, ME, 04101 - Phone (207) 899-3774
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Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Whanza P.
After moving from boston for 6 months, I was craving for sushi so much. I went there by myself after reading some good reviews on yelp. The atmosphere was great. The service was welcoming but little slow...anyway it's not a problem since I had lots of time for my dinner. First of all, I ordered an appetizer-- a black cod ($7.50) with miso sauce (I used to have it frequently in boston.), it came out not what I expected. It could have been fresher and more flavorful. Then, I had a sushikame set which was about $25. The fish was nicely cut and fresh, but the sushi rice was kinda bland.(I personally like the sushi rice that a bit sour and sweet, it goes along so well with fresh fish.) Also, the chef was heavy on the rice, making me full half way of my entree. Overall, it was a good experience. I would give Yosaku 4 stars for the food, but for the pretty stiff bill so I took 1 star off. P.S. the sushi chef gave a small appetizer which was very nice.
(3)Lo J.
I loved this place! We had bento boxes and udon noodle soups, sake and ginger martinis! Went here the night before a half marathon! Not everyone was running but the people that were including myself could enjoy healthy pre running food.... It was fresh and sitting on the deck watching the sunset was refreshing!
(4)Marcos M.
Just alright
(3)Steff D.
As far as "customer service at a sushi restaurant" goes, Yosaku is the best I've experienced to date. Every single person that worked there seemed genuinely friendly and interested in making our experience the best it could be. The waiter was OUTSTANDING. We asked him for a pitcher of water for the table (we had been brewery tour hopping all day and needed to rehydrate our poor pickled livers), and after explaining to us they didn't have enough to do that, he STILL hooked us up with one. Then, when we told him our order he said something to the effect of, "So six vegetarian rolls, yes?" (He emphasized the V-word). We have been to sushi places before in town where we ordered vegetarian-specific rolls (that's how they were listed on their menu) where the waiter never explained to us that it came smothered in eel sauce until we specifically had to ask. So whenever a waiter or a service-industry person picks up on the fact that what we're ordering is animal-free and acknowledges it to us - we appreciate that tremendously. To us, that means they're detail-oriented. More importantly to us, that means our order isn't going to have something we can't eat on/in/around it. The rolls themselves were pretty good. We got an avocado, cucumber, asparagus-carrot-cucumber-lettuce, sweet potato tempura, shiitake-avocado, and cucumber-plum paste. The best by far (and surprisingly so) was the shiitake-avocado. It was dense, creamy, and a little sweet. I had never had sushi quite like it before. Perhaps it was a little non-traditional, but definitely something I could have eaten an entire platter of (and am still thinking about days later - the mark of good eats, if you ask me!). The sweet potato tempura was also tasty, though a little too dry for me. And the asparagus-carrot-cucumber-lettuce was incredibly refreshing tasting (who says that about sushi?! WE DO). We kept calling it our "salad sushi"! So: six rolls plus an order of edamame, the best seats in the house (right next to the water fall during dusk), stellar customer service, and the whole thing only came to $30? Um, yes, please.
(4)Jackson P.
Everything is fresh and delcious every single time. Best consistency of any restaurant I've ever been to. Sushi and all of their cooked food is perfect. Best restaurant in Portland
(5)Tina B.
Our family had a great meal here tonight. The 10yo loved his kids bento box. Super cute serving. We enjoyed all of our rolls and sushi. Comfortable and good service.
(4)Katelyn P.
This used to be my favorite sushi in town but not anymore. I had dinner here tonight with a friend. We arrived at 7:30, weren't greeted for 15 minutes, put our orders in, and didn't get our food until 8:45. The server didn't apologize once. I will not be back.
(1)Sybil I.
Best sushi in Portland! We went out for a date night on a Friday night and didn't make reservations, so we waited in the waiting area for about 15 min with a bottle of sake from the bar which was great that they are able to serve you drinks while waiting, and then we got seated at the sushi bar. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully prepared, we even got a little extra bite from the sushi chef near us. We live nearby and can't wait to go back!
(5)Reid W.
The best sushi in town. I recommend sitting at the sushi bar, which is at a level where you can see the chefs preparing the food. Rolls are fresh and innovative. For appetizers, I suggest ika-natto (fermented beans and squid) and the avocado maguro (avocado, mayo, tuna, tabasco). I recommend the hat trick roll from the sushi bar, but if you're new to sushi or don't enjoy raw foods then the spicy scallop roll is a must. Always a great experience and will be back often.
(5)Scott S.
Best Seaweed Salad I have ever had!. . . Very traditional sushi - lots of options you wont find in just any sushi place. I had a mix of sushi and sashimi, everything was excellent.
(4)Billy B.
I've been here many times. The food and service is usually very good. This last time I asked for a little less sauce with my scallop roll since its a little rich for my taste. The roll came out with hardly any scallops on it. I was told I wouldn't be charged but when I asked them if they could just fix the roll instead since I really wanted it they took it back and said they would not fix it and now I don't get to eat it the way it was. I wanted to make a complaint but I guess the chef is the owner so that didn't go far. I've been very happy in the past but I guess you either take it the way he makes it or you don't get it. It was a very simple request and the owner was unwilling to budge. Not sure I will ever return.
(1)Lynn V.
Very good! Really enjoyed the food, the service and atmosphere. Very happy we came here
(4)Alyssa M.
My favorite sushi spot in the Old Port! I've been eating here for 6 years and have not once had an issue! The patio is beautiful in the warmer months. The Spicy Scallop is my go to. The staff are extremely friendly and the head chef is so kind!
(5)Daniella L.
This is our go-to Japanese place. They have a pretty extensive appetizer menu and lots of dinner options. The sushi has always been fresh- we've never had to send anything back. The wait staff here are VERY friendly and they always make you feel welcomed fro the moment you walk in! The restaurant itself is cute and has 3 areas to sit: Back of the restaurant to the left has little to no windows (great for couples or large groups), to the right has the traditional wrap around sushi bar and also seats where you take your shoes off and sit Indian-style, and in the summer (the best in my opinion) is outside! There is a great big outdoor deck, with a fountain and built in area with flowers and little plants. We have tried so many entrees here; I would say you can't go wrong. They are also very flexible on allowing substitutions, which some places are not. They also have a full bar! They have a parking lot to the left of the building, which is convenient. Tip: In the summer they really crank the AC, so if you're prone to getting cold, you may want to grab something to throw on as it can get a little chilly!
(5)Three R.
I love Asian food and this place is amazing. I had a beef plate and it was cooked just perfect. The service is great. They also have the great Portland beer which is a cool and refreshing Allagash. Everything on our table was good and fresh. I hear there is something very kewl in the ladies rest room - Just saying lol
(4)Ju L.
The sushi was decent, definitely could have been better. It didn't taste as fresh as it could have, but then again we went there the end of the week so they might have not gotten a new shipment yet. The ambiance was great. Made me feel very comfortable and the waiters and waitresses wore nice, authentic clothing which made it whole lot more interesting. Our waitress was super nice as well! The chicken katsu was great. Crispy, the eggs were cooked nicely, and the rice was fantastic. Came with a soup and a salad. I would come back again, but hopefully their sushi is better.
(4)Rick C.
This place puts out exceptional sushi of high quality. I had the "make your sushi dinner" option where you chose 10 pieces of sushi and two rolls. There were no obvious exclusions from the list and all pieces were fine well. Even the midi soup had a nice texture and was not thin and weak like you get at some places. All in our party of four were pleased with their choices. The service was very personable.
(5)Justine J.
One of my favorite sushi spots in Portland. The service is always super quick and friendly, and the food is always fresh and delicious. LOVE IT. Get the Yosaku roll!
(5)Linda S.
Love the atmosphere! Menu has a wide range of sushi choices. Raw or cooked, so many options to choose from. The service can be kinda slow but depends who's waiting on you...and it wouldn't hurt to smile a little boo. Overall, I enjoy coming in after a long day at work w| my work chicks. Parking sucks thou but I can see pass that.
(4)Andrea T.
Recently had dinner here on one of my trips to Portland. We were lucky to stop in during their Tuna Festival. They had just acquired a 200 pound tuna. They have lovely fresh pieces of maguro and toro. However, the chef prepared the cheeks and jaw of the tuna for us. It was ambrosial. Amazing. Almost like tuna meets mutton. It was buttery and lovely. A sprinkle of lemon just put it over the edge. You can't always get this, but definitely ask if they have a fresh tuna in house! Hands down the best japanese restaurant in Portland, and maybe Maine!
(5)Samantha L.
This could quite possibly be my new favorite sushi place. But, sushi not sashimi. I don't usually eat rolls, but if you want interesting rolls come here. I was impressed with such selections where as most other Japanese places in Portland serve the same old same old. Though I find their rolls excellently priced, their sashimi not so much. The rolls have great portions of fresh fish, and I adored their chinmi salad (assorted seafood salads) as you can see from my pictures posted. Oh, though I find it great they have outside dining. I was turned off that when we were there for dinner and it got dark the bugs came out and started attacking our food and us. I came to eat food, not to be eaten. And parking is a drab, but this will be my go to Japanese place for rolls/maki. You found a fan, Yosaku.
(4)A B.
The lunch special is a 'deal,' yet even at full price, after subsequent visits, this place used to be so much better.
(3)Shane L.
I am definitely a fan of this establishment. Although it was a cool day to sit outside on the deck on the day that we went to lunch there, it was a great setting for a romantic and scenic dinner/lunch. Service was prompt, the food was very fresh and the scene was clean and delicious. I had three rolls that had both kick and also was very fresh with a fun staff making them behind the sushi bar. My friend had a Bento Box that was packed with goodies and was a very filling dish. I also took a dive into the seafood soup that was a little bland but still fresh and crisp nonetheless. I recommend this place if you want some fresh sushi, a romantic or fn setting and a lot of room to spread out if needed.
(4)Elena U.
Tried this new, seasonal thing: salted herring roe. It's awesome!!!!! I mean i am big fan of things like this;). For everybody else, well, widen your experience: try it in sushi with cold-cold beer;)
(5)Erin C.
Went for lunch on a Friday - deck was crowded but inside was nearly empty. Deck is nice but umbrellas don't do much - many people were rearranging chairs to stay out of direct sunlight. Took 20 minutes to see a waiter who barely spoke two words to us, and took nearly an hour to get our food. I've been before and the sushi was pretty good, but this time it was terrible. I ordered the sweet potato roll and it was some white vegetable, and the spicy tuna was terrible. When I told the waiter he said "It just came in today" and didn't offer a solution. Overall, poor food and VERY poor service.
(2)Bullwinkle J.
Ambiance/Decor: 5/5 This place is pretty cool. They have the classic sushi bar set-up and plenty of tables inside. There are the tables which are close to the ground so you have to sit on the floor which, if it's your thing, can be cool. The outdoor patio is very nice weather permitting and the sushi chefs do the yelling thing which is fun (might be annoying if I sat right in front of them for a while). Kitchen: 4/5 California rolls were mediocre. Spider roll was tasty. Miso soup was excellent. Little dumplings were AMAZING. Tempura was ok. We has some nigiri pieces as well which were fine. Service: 2/5 Several of our items were forgotten. This was unfortunate. They also bring out these camp lanterns at night which are a good idea if not for the horribly bright glow the LED. Warning: do not turn off your lantern. Your server might forget you are there. If this place were more reasonably priced I'd give it four stars but it's pretty expensive (most good sushi is). Perhaps we just had a bad night. It was busy and a Saturday. I'm willing to forgive. If I really wanted good sushi and was willing to fork out $40/person or more, then I'd come back here and give it another go. Unfortunately I'm too poor for this.
(3)Whiskey C.
This was the complete package. Three of us came by on a Saturday night, snow storm and all and still the place had a lot of patrons. Fantastic service, by our waiter that was friendly, charming and knowledgeable. He was extremely attentive, but not in an annoying way. My service standards are extremely high, and he met every one of them. The food was awesome - we split the 10 types of rolls between the 3 of us, and there was still some left over. I had a green tea bellini that was elegant and refreshing, and my friend had the Geisha which she said was really delicious. I can't wait to come here again.
(5)Ben B.
Wow!!! Seriously, wow!!! The. Best. Sushi. Evah!!! Close your eyes, pick anything, you can't go wrong, it won't be bad!! Everything off the boat fresh. Very authentic!! Absolutely perfect execution, timing, delivery, wait staff and for the quantity and quality of food you get for the price is stellar!!
(5)Sharon K.
We ordered the Chirashi, spicy scallop roll, and crab and avocado roll. First, the sushi rice was VERY dry...which ruins everything. The spicy scallop roll was too salty that we had to ask for extra rice. Chirashi fish was decent, but to be honest, we expected it to be fresher. Service is also slow; it's not our waitress' fault but the management's- they need to hire more waiters. 3 stars for decent service, free parking, and good miso soup.
(3)S. K.
Lunch special is really cheap. Bento box: one roll, chicken katsu, shumai, salad, and soup $9 Sashimi and sushi combos ranges from $13-20
(3)Leah M.
Hands down, the best sushi in Portland. Lunchtime bento box is a steal. Great cocktails and service too!
(5)Mrs. G.
This place is SO GOOD. very very very high quality sushi, my vegan rolls were phenomenal and the spinach tower and fried tofu agedashi were so very good. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Dore D.
Our favorite place...Great consistent food. Quality sushi and nice variety of Japanese kitchen selections as well. Very welcoming. We feel like family here!
(5)Eliza M.
Eh, I bounced between a two and three star on this one. I always liked Yosaku, and in an attempt to feed my sushi cravings without breaking the bank every week or two at Miyake, I ventured back. The fish didn't taste as fresh this time around... The wine was reasonable, the price was obviously reasonable (esp. compared to Miyake), but the fish tasted a little off to me. A relatively good experience, but we haven't totally decided that this is our other option to Miyake...
(3)Eva G.
We wanted to go to Food Factory Miyake, but it is closed on Sundays. There are only about 8 sushi restaurants around old port, so we ended up here because of good food critic reviews. Staff is a bit slow, but fine. We got a lunch special of 3 rolls + miso soup for $9.75. Sushi is definitely fresh. We didn't find this place out-of-this-world or exceptionally better than a normal good sushi restaurant, but it was satisfying. The style is very purist; the spicy tuna consists of sliced fresh tuna with some spicy sauce (none of that fancy schmancy mish-mash of fish/spice/sauce that can happen to spicy tuna rolls from elsewhere). The rice is plump and tastes nice.
(3)Bibek B.
Pretty good! Fresh Food, nice ambiance, cheerful waiting staff. :)
(3)Jon D.
Great sushi, miso soup, and more. The chefs are genuine and the wait staff is prompt. The atmosphere is a bit cliche, but the food is what I go for. 80% of the staff is Japanese, which is awesome. The Sushi chefs are fast, professional and friendly.
(5)Marco J.
Just what I want for my sushi. I've been twice--once at a table, and once at the sushi bar. I look forward to sitting back at the bar again. The rolls have been good, and the atmosphere is comfortable. Felt like a comfortable place to unwind for the evening over eel and soup. Would love to sit on their patio when it warms up again.
(4)Emi S.
this place was great it catered to a group of 9 of us for our NYE dinner with out a reservation. Ummm, lobster sushi in maine = unreal!!!
(4)Serious C.
I lived in NYC for 10 years and ate at some of the best sushi places in the country--Yosaku ranks right up there with the best. I was visiting Portland, deciding if I wanted to move here, and I asked where the best sushi place in town was. I was given a few names, but this was the closest, so i decided to give it a shot. I walked in, was greeted by no less than 4 people, including the sushi chefs, which is a great start. I always sit at the bar so I can see the magic happen and ask questions, but the seating I saw was a semi-traditional style of a low table on a platform with no chairs. Cool. I started talking to the chefs, asking what was special on the menu, offering them drinks (that's a traditional thing too, and you'll be amazed at what even an offer will garner in return), and ordered my Asahi, saki, and tea. I went with some standards, yellowtail, white tuna, a couple interesting rolls, uni (sea urchin roe) and tako (octopus). I told the guys that I'd be ordering more, but that I wanted them to pick it out for me--whatever they felt like making, I'd try. Well, I got some seriously awesome eats--surf clam, scallop, huge shrimp with the heads fried and crunchy alongside...amazing stuff. To me, sushi is a special thing. I don't go out for it much, but when I do I spend a lot of money and I eat and drink until I am ready to pop. I have no qualms about the $160 (with tip) I dropped because it was a sublime experience, and one that I will be repeating very soon. I love this place.
(5)David D.
One of the best Japanese restaurants in town. Sushi here is so yummy. Highly recommend !
(4)Kathy K.
Yum yum yum. I've only lived here for a month and have been here 3-4 times. I can't even remember now! Came on a Saturday for brunch and really had too much food- all was yummy! Since then I've tried spicy tuna rolls, spider rolls (one of the best I've had in awhile. Not too big/small), salmon and hamachi nigiri. fresh blue prawn-yum. Ok its Saturday brunch time while I'm writing this and it may deserve a trip back!
(5)Ally P.
We went here for lunch here on a whim with a friend and we are so glad we did. The bento box we got was not only huge but such an amazing variety we were very pleased with it. The sweet iced jasmine tea was amazing and addictive, so refreshing after walking around Portland all morning! we loved the tatami mats and the place was nice and quiet, though not to where our server dissapeared - her timing was perfect the whole meal, which we find can sometimes be a problem when most of the customers are outside. Looking forward to going back again!!
(5)Sarah M.
Guess who was the first customer today? That would this girl. I decided that today would be a good day for some comfort food (and to a girl who was raised by an American man and a Chinese woman... well, you do the math), that meant some good ole' sushi. The hostess was very nice and brought me right over to a table... and the next thing I know, I can hear and see one of the waitresses at the sushi bar about 20 feet away from me. "God, Becky, why did you put her in my fucking section?" the waitress hissed in a thick Chinese accent. "You could have put her on the patio, or in the other station. Fuck you." Well, fuck you too, I thought, rolling my eyes and one more comment away from picking up my purse and my hard-earned money and heading over to Duckfat. But a moment later that same waitress came over with a pitcher of water and a menu and her aggressive mannerism was completed replaced by a meek, submissive woman with no trace of a Chinese dialect in her timbre. Deciding to let her earlier tantrum pass (we all have our bad days, don't we? And as a former waitress myself, I can sympathize with her), I took a look at their variety of lunch rolls and was surprised by the price. Three rolls - 6 pieces per roll - for only $10? They had to be joking. But when I received my bill, it wasn't a joke. Besides the utter rudeness and complete lack of class earlier that my waitress didn't even know I had witnessed, I left a $5 tip, simply because I was having a bad day myself. And the best thing I've found I can do on a bad day is do something nice for someone else. The Godaku and the Celtics-Avo were mediocre and plain; they needed a serious bath of soy sauce in order to bring out the flavors. But the Philly (eel & cream cheese) was spot-on. I highly recommend it. Just have a little patience and enjoy your time here. Also, bring a sweater, because you feel like you are eating inside of an igloo inside of the Arctic Circle!
(3)Thomas G.
Spicy scallop and tuna rolls to die for! Great service, excellent Food!
(5)Chad K.
Food is outstanding. The quality and freshness of the sushi is amazing. The price is a little high here, but I feel it is more than worth it for this one of a kind experience. I would recommend to anyone for any occasion.
(4)Rebecca B.
Recently ordered a sashimi plate here. The pieces were cut way too thick and I got very sick the next day. The fish tasted fresh so I'm not sure what caused it. But stick to the rolls...they need to cut the sashimi thinner and more elegantly.
(2)Double L.
Excellent, tasty and reasonably priced. We had a pretty diverse spread between four of us and nothing disappointed. Particularly enjoyed a poached fish special they had last Saturday and the Maine Sea Urchin that was on special as well. Excellent Sake options and dug the Kirin on tap. Will be back for sure.
(4)Kamron H.
We love Yosaku! Whether we stop in for the lunch special (I order teppan vegetables, sashimi, and a roll, my fiance the bento box) or dinner with family and friends (you name it we've had it), we have yet to be dissapointed! The chefs are also very friendly and helpful in suggesting things to try or fresh selections of the day. GREAT PLACE!
(5)Alex F.
I have been visiting Yosaku since moving to Portland 2 years ago. So my review is based on an accumulation of my experiences. Overall the food at at Yosaku is decent. Good enough for moderately priced sushi. As of lately, however, the service has been atrocious. several months ago my wife and I were there and we watched the older man sneeze onto his hands and continue making sushi! That right, he did not stop to wash! this was disgusting and we stopped visiting for several months until recently when we decided to give it another chance. It was relatively ok the first time around. Tonight we went back and received raw octopus on our sushi sampler. Now, both of us have been eating sushi for about 10yrs and have never come across raw octopus. This was not the tentacles either...this was the interior- it was extremely slimy and had oozing goo coming from the center. I'm sure plenty of people eat it, but this was NOT our thing; and we both tried it. We asked for a different piece of fish from our waitress who tried to accommodate us. We were shortly approached by the manager who explained that the fish was supposed to be slimy, and is incredibly fresh and we should enjoy it. Then he walked away. That was our indication that we were not going to get any change. We asked the waitress to please take some money off the bill if they were unwilling to give us something different. Again, she tried, but we were approached by the manager who explained he would not be willing to either give us an enjoyable piece of fish or take any money off the tab. This is terrible business. There is Sapporo, 2 Benkay's, Fuji, Miyake, and King of Roll (and maybe another?). I do not need to return ever again to Yosuku for crappy service and mediocre sushi. I would recommend Benkay and Fuji instead.
(2)Sarah L.
I think I took Yosaku for granted before I actually went to Japan - now I realize I am lucky to have amazing sushi so close by!
(5)Tom L.
Excellent food that always takes me back to my trip to Japan. Also have great vegetarian/vegan options.
(5)Kelli S.
Knowledgeable and fun chefs. Food was delicious and fresh. Reasonably priced, over all a great place totally recommend it!
(5)Daigo F.
Absolutely love this place. I've been going there because it is my in-law's favorite Japanese restaurant, but I just had awesome experience there that just pushed me over the edge to 5 stars. it's "Omakase" menu item. $45 for a dinner. Omakase means (roughly translated) "Leaving it to the chef." It was amazing 5 course meal (Well, 4 plus dessert). I got Tuna tartare with Quail Egg to start (Otooshi), big chunks of Yellowtail(Hamachi), Maguro(Tuna), Tai(Snapper) and Ponsu sauce and daikon/ginger Oyster for Sashimi. Osuimono(soup) with two huge lobster claws. and 12 big pieces of Nigiri Sushi of which especially Anago (fresh water eel) and Hamachi was superb. And yokan dessert. If I get what I got at some restaurant in downtown Boston, the cost would have been thee-fold. It was amazing. Have you seen "Iron Chef"? I felt like I was judge of that show or I was the chairman Koga. (I love that show...)
(5)Charlotte D.
Always great service, one of if...not my favorite place for sushi. Fast service, fresh sushi, happy to change to anything to accommodate customers:) Private lot is only down fall, but usually plenty of street parking!
(5)A. K.
Like the dry bottle of sake for $20. Liked the sweet potato. Liked the mackerel. The octopus in vinaigrette was good. The seaweed salad was good, too. I've had better cooked black cod. The cold spinach with sesame was just ok. The hamachi tuna didn't seem all that fresh. The tuna with the quail egg is an acquired taste. All in all for the money, it is a very good place to go. I wouldn't order the fish eggs again. Service was really pleasant. The parking lot next door is a real plus.
(4)Mark Z.
My rating should say it.. Great fresh and nicely proportioned pieces. I go often and 95% of the time have a memorable time. They are friendly and service is courteous and attentive. I would suggest sitting in the sushi bar area if you want to have a fuller experience, as in the adjoining room, it can seem slow at times. I am a transplanted NYC person and am willing to drive an hour to go. It is worth e effort.. Get the omakase, spicy scallop roll, or the scallop teppan (for the non sushi lovers). All will be memorable!
(5)Sean B.
Having only been here once, I cannot speak alot to the overall scene. I found it clean, well designed and as I was seated out of doors in front of the Waterfall Garden I had no complaints. My server was Japanese and not american. thankfully so what few words of Japanese i could muster humbly were greeted with knowing smiles. The service was on spot, the food, exquisite and the atmosphere sublime.
(4)Jonathan W.
Solid sushi fix if you're around Portland, Maine. The fish was fresh and the rolls were well constructed. Nothing spectacular and the salmon roe seemed a bit old. Not many options for sushi in this area.
(3)nicole w.
A long time patron of another Japanese restaurant in Portland, we thought we'd try Yosaku for a change. Unfortunately, this was a bad idea. We had only a few items but all of them were mediocre. The udon noodles were overcooked and grainy at the same time and the broth they were in was awful. The teppan vegetables were okay but nothing special.
(2)Milton G.
Ate outside with friends on a beautiful spring day. The food and service were both great!
(4)Pam M.
My husband and I had the good fortune to stumble upon this restaurant for take out and absolutely love it...but if you want the full experience, sit at the sushi bar and put yourself in the hands of the owner. He delighted me with his personal favorites, including sea urchin with a quail egg on top...I've never been a fan of sea urchin, but I loved this. Also try the broiled scallop with the house sauce...unbelievable!! I've been to many sushi restaurants, and get so bored and tired with the "standard fare" but this restaurant really stands out.
(4)Jonathan C.
The best part of this over-rated sushi-sashimi establishment was the sushi chef from Cambodia! Imagine sitting at the sushi bar expecting to interact with the sushi chef only to be assigned a waiter from the inside dining room. the waiter was unresponsive and pretty much invisible. He was annoyed that we wanted to order additional items and drinks. The sashimi portions were great, but the roll menu was rather limited and not creative. They do not make their own oshinko as we have experienced in more serious sashimi spots. The only surprise on our plates were the cucumber blossoms which were crunchy, novel, but tasteless.
(2)Michelle D.
i will certainly eat here again- the chirashi was great and everything tasted fresh. best of all was the service: everyone was friendly, and some of the folks were downright jovial. the feel of the place is casual and pleasant, plus they have traditional seating available!
(4)Tom H.
Good food at reasonable prices. Nothing that impressive. Ordered the fried Tofu and it was really good. Everything else was ok.
(3)Eric W.
Went here last night for dinner. Not bad, but not as good as I was told. I started with a carafe of Ozeki Dry and a sunomono. While the fish was good (octopus, salmon, whitefish, and one shrimp), it was woefully low on the vinegar. I also ordered a cooked yellowtail roll with garlic and spicy tuna roll. They yellowtail was wrapped in seaweed, then cooked (baked maybe?), then wrapped again with rice. It was good, but a little hard to chew. It comes with its own sauce like you would get for gyoza. The spicy tuna was ok. It came as chunk tuna and not scraped, but I saw another person ask for it scraped so you can specify how you want it. With these three things not being so impressive, I stopped my dinner there. Again, not bad, but not great. I've been to sushi bars all over the country (100+), and have had much better. No doubt with the other reviews this place does do some things better than just average.
(3)Anna K.
Excellent food at very reasonable prices. This place rivals some of the best sushi restaurants that I've eaten at in different parts of the country.
(5)Liem L.
its a great choice for sushi and japanese food, great outdoor seating area too.
(4)Paul B.
We put ourselves in the Chef's hands. The starting notes were the strongest: a beautiful baby squid salad, followed by a near perfect sashimi plate. The toro wasn't the creamiest ever but the presentation and the detail rivaled some of our favorites in NYC and DC. Run, do not walk to this local hot spot. It was a raw fish delight.
(4)Pinky T.
Excellent fresh sushi, knowledgeable wait staff who are extremely friendly and attentive. I've been to a ton of sushi restaurants and this is right up there with the best of them.
(5)T.H. J.
Good. Highly recommended
(4)Stephen P.
Good sushi, extensive menu but the interior could use a renovation. Might go back this summer when the weather is warm for the outside seating.
(3)Christina K.
So I worked here for 4 years every summer and though I hate management, the food is absolutely amazing. Being behind the scenes, I really saw what went on here and the owner, Tak, picked his fish very seriously. Service sucks, myself included I'll admit, but the food is the best. They have Tatami tables if you want to sit crossed legged, giving you the 'full experience' of Japanese dining or in the summer, try and grab a sit outside on the patio. Definitely a place to check out. I recommend the Spicy Scallop Roll & the Yosaku (or Happy 5 if you want salmon inside).
(4)Lindsay L.
I might have just been there on an off night, but the fish was fishy, the tempura greasy and chewy, and some of the nigiri was downright inedible.
(2)Sanford F.
One of the best sushi bars I have been to, anywhere. The staff is friendly, the fish is out of this world fresh, and there are always daily specials.
(5)Alexander K.
This is the real deal. Why? The rice. For a vegetarian that is a prime indicator of a quality sushi joint. The rice at yosaku is melt in your mouth perfect. Not to dry and hard, not to wet and sticky--just perfect. The inside of the rolls is nothing less than excellent as well. Try the ume paste and shumai roll if you are a veg and into the cleanest, subtle, lightly minty flavor you have tasted in years. My friend deen and I went for the lunch special 8.50 for three rolls and miso soup. He eats meat and suspects they may use some of the less choice cuts for lunch, but he still found the rolls excellent and how can you argue with that deal. why not five stars? its my first yelp.
(4)Dan S.
Great combination of location, atmosphere, and food. The little garden patio is really relaxing. The tempura and sushi were excellent. A wonderful dining experience.
(5)Miss L.
This was my go to spot last summer. I could have eaten here breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every time I go in, I try something new but my favorite stands as the Titanic Roll. Everything is great and their patio seating is beautiful. The lunch boxes are maybe as good a deal you can get and I would also have to say they have some of the freshest sushi in town.When you go, make sure to order a spicy scallop roll-it's like dessert :)
(5)Heather G.
Popped in for a post-spa dinner with my mom and sister tonight. The restaurant has some fantastic outdoor seating on a patio overlooking a little square, just far away enough from the bustle of Commercial street, that you forget you're at the edge of the waterfront area. On this cool evening, we opted to sit inside. Ditching our flip flops under the ledge, we climbed up to the raised platform and sat ground-style on cushions and saddled up to a low table. My mom and I split a large carafe of warm sake ($11) and it was just enough for two people. We ordered the seaweed salad, which was perfectly crunchy with the familiar seaweed snap. I like that Yosaku did not go overboard on the sesame oil, and I enjoyed this dish with a bit of fresh lemon squeezed on top. The edamame was disappointing: DRY, under salted, and served cold. the beans were mealy and tough to swallow, and if I returned, I would never order this again. The miso was more than just broth with scallions, it had some nice shreds of seaweed, tofu, and mushroom. We went with a bunch of novice-friendly rolls and some nigiri. They offer a make-your-own special dinner for $40, allowing you to pick two maki rolls and 10 pieces of nigiri. The choices are extensive, and we went with that. For rolls, we got a California roll and a shrimp/cucumber, as my mom and sister are still easing into raw fish. They were unremarkable. I also ordered an eel avocado (I am trying to get my mom to be less afraid of eel), which was also decent but, again, unremarkable. I will say, though, that the rolls were sloppily rolled, with the rice uneven, lumpy, and loose. I was very disappointed and expected a bit more care. For nigiri, we ordered some tuna, some salmon, some yellowtail, and a couple shrimp. The fish was very fresh, though the tuna was sliced oddly on the bias so there were ligament lines going horizontally through the beautiful, deep red tuna. That was very disappointing and made the tuna less pleasing to look at, but it still tasted very fresh. Overall, the rolls were made sloppily but were tasty, the fish on the nigiri was so fresh, and the seaweed salad is a definite re-order. Not the cheapest Japanese place in town, but certainly middle-of-the-road prices for high fish quality and OK maki-making skills in a laid back atmosphere. I would return if i was in the area and craved sushi, but I wouldn't make a special trip.
(3)Erin H.
I had the great luck of eating here when the weather was glorious on Labor Day! We sat outside on the lovely patio with a gorgeous fountain and pond, umbrellas over the tables and fun koi fish windsocks blowing overhead. You get a great an authentic Japanese garden experience while also surrounded by lovely old Portland houses and buildings! The tempura was VERY good with a great light batter. The sushi was also good. Not only did they serve my fave roll the ume-shiso - salted plum and Japanese mint, but they also served these 2 ingredients on another roll too - with cucumber and avocado - tasty! My friend lives in town and we had a great lunch! Oh, and great green ice tea too!
(4)Nancy M.
Yosaku is officially one of my favorite restaurants. Everyone is super friendly and happy. There are indoor and outdoor seating. The view outside is quite relaxing and beautiful. Reservations are not required because they are quite accommodating. There is also a small parking lot in the back. First time at Yosaku? The chicken katsu-don is a must try!! It is basically a bowl of rice sitting under some thinly sliced onions and chicken katsu with an egg cracked over the chicken. The bowl is then placed into the steamer to cook the egg to seal together the dish. I find the dish to be slightly salty, but the pickled cucumbers help tone it down. The pickled cucumbers are an acquired taste. I don't particularly enjoy them but the crunchiness from the cucumbers add a nice texture to each bite.
(5)Ross C.
Was only 'meh' this eve. Seemed to be a lot more rice on the rolls, I'm guessing because they were low on a few of the fillings, or were skimping to make up for the patio being full. Almost broke a tooth on the underside of the Yosaku Roll because it was overly crispy. Server was the kid with zero personality. Everyone who's been here knows who I mean.
(3)Lisa B.
Great food, really good atmosphere and service was excellent. Everything we ordered was good but the salmon Negri was amazing.
(5)Anna Z.
Best spot in Portland for fresh sushi! Candy Cane is my favorite! Service is awesome!
(5)Kit G.
Great food and service. Clean. Interesting and very large menu for a Sushi retaurant. Suggest you check out menu on line before going. Relatively quiet.We sat in the corner away from the sushi bar. I had a Japanese beer but my wife had an awesome ginger martini. Tried a variety of sushi rolls and some udon noodles. Will be back..
(4)Christa H.
I'm giving Yosaku a big downgrade. I don't know what's happening there, but I've been twice in the last month and it's not my favorite anymore. I've had some of the worst service I've ever experienced that almost made me get up and leave before we even ordered. Both times, I ended up with servers who didn't care about us at all. He wouldn't even look at us and seemed completely distracted the entire time. It was either looking out the window or staring at traffic from the deck. He seemed so disinterested with us that I almost wanted to wave my hand in front of his face to get his attention. It took over 35 minutes to get glasses of water and then while we were deciding whether to leave, our waiter showed back up at the table without water and asked if we were ready to order. I felt like an afterthought. Our food came out after the table next to us and we ordered before them, so who knows what he did with our orders. The second time I came back and received service very similar to this. My boyfriend ordered two sushi rolls and one of them came out with my dinner and then he had a 10 minute wait for the other one. The guy kept coming back to our table and assuring us it was coming. Beyond the service, I think the food has gone downhill. We ordered appetizers of sauteed veggies and fried tofu. The tofu was fine, but the veggies were cold and it made me not want to eat them at all. My food was just okay this time. Nothing to write home about anymore. Things were either cold or barely warm which makes me think they sat out for a long time before our waiter brought them to us (this could be related to my service complaints above). I used to love it here, but I'm going to start looking for better sushi options in town.
(2)Virginia Y.
Yosaku, you crushed my Uni dreams to pieces. The one food that I adore most in the whole world was ruined by you. I never thought Uni could taste this bad, I felt it regurgitate back up my mouth while I ate.. All the usual things I loved about sushi you ruined. Ankimo was a likable dish for me but having it nigiri style was a bad idea. The texture and taste was so off. I admit your lobster kanpai dinner special was a saving grace but I can't get the horrible after taste of the bad Uni out of my mind and my mouth. How could you even import it from Canada if it tasted this bad? I understand that the season is over for sea urchin in Maine but don't try to serve it all year long with bad Canadian Uni... Lesson of the day: when in Maine stick to lobster all the way, usually can't go wrong with that. No matter what do not get Uni even if it's "offered" during off season. P.S. Please make your lobster roll less dry, maybe add a sauce to it? I also saw some lint on it but I decided to let it go because it wasn't a bug or a piece of hair.
(2)Randy W.
Tried to order takeout tonight. The guy who answers the phone tells me to hang on, puts the phone down and has a lovely conversation with some girl there. I gave up at the 5 minute mark and ordered sushi from somewhere else. Thanks!
(1)Claudia M.
Avoided the Yosaku spicy sauce, and had a much better experience. Just too much ginger to handle! Went for a birthday party with 12 people. Our waiter was awesome and did his best to bring everything out at once and remembered where everything went. Also, he had a great sense of humor!
(4)Jen N.
I don't think words can express the absolute perfection of the sushi we had at Yosaku. Outrageously fresh. Delightfully creative. Every bite was sheer joy. We had a mix of sushi and rolls. The Pirate Roll is out of this world. The crab in the Spider roll was superb and included fresh crunchy lettuce. The California roll was incredibly tasty. My friends raved about the surf clam and I raved about the Ikura topped with quail egg. Oh man, was it good! We sat in the section where you remove your shoes and sit criss-cross at the table. It was fun and unique but I would recommend that ladies wear stretchy, comfy pants. (Unless you're used to sitting on the floor to eat...) The prices were reasonable and there are lots of combo options that work out to be a great deal. Bento boxes seem to be very popular and looked delish. With all the fabulous food, drink, and fun at our table, how unfortunate it was that our waitress was so unpleasant. I don't know what triggered the change from the fairly nice greeting we received from her but she became terse, short, and seemed quite annoyed. I watched her with other tables and she was the same way, so I don't think it was something we did. Others servers were very kind, as was the owner. So, I don't think this is common but it did take my rating from five stars to four. Other than that, our visit was great. Overall, I would highly recommend Yosaku!
(4)Michelle L.
A perfect Friday date-night spot on a wintery evening. Hot sake to start, some interesting squid, and of course: sushi! Were I to return to Yosaku, and I undoubtedly will given its proximity to my house and my affinity for raw fish, I would go for lots of appetizers. Their appetizer list is a solid two pages long, I think you could both begin and end here and stay happy. On this particular experience, I went with a general sushi meal as I like to see what the chef picks out when trying a new sushi joint. The uni tasted almost exactly like the ocean. The salmon and tuna were fresh and filling. The whole experience with two maki rolls plus I believe 8 or 10 nigiri was too much to handle. This could easily be split between two. (But then who gets the miso soup?! That is the question.) My husband got a vegetarian noodle dish and wasn't as crazy about it, but beyond that we are without complaint.
(4)Angella J.
It was a gorgeous breezy summer day. We sat outside and the table next to us got 'surprise gift' from a tree above. (Little something from the bird). So we moved our table with an umbrella. :) Good portion for lunch. We had tempura udon, cold noodle soba, kid's bento box and they all turned out good. I would definitely come back here if I'm in Portland again.
(4)Chris M.
Very great restaurant that offers a great variety of japanese cuisine. They are very close to the water front so you should expect nothing but the freshest sushi. Service is very welcoming and warm. First walking into yosaku you are greeted by a group of chiefs from the bar in japanese.
(4)Yelena S.
I really love Yosaku mainly because it wins at lunch specials. From 11:30am - 2pm during the week they offer a sweet deal for two or three sushi rolls (from a list) that come with miso soup and a salad for around $7 and $10. You really can't beat that deal. The sushi chef's welcome and bid you farewell when you come in, it's a pleasant atmosphere where you can stuff your face with sushi and not feel guilty about spending money on dining out.
(4)Cookie T.
I might be a little charmed by this place because it is where I met my boyfriend for the first time. It has a special place in my heart because of it. It is a great date spot. Warm and inviting, cozy tables. I liked it before the date, but I love it even more now because of it. We went back for an anniversary dinner, and it was just as lovely as I wanted it to be. Good selection of sushi, I have always loved my rolls there, and the list is impressive and easy to navigate. Service is great - friendly and patient. They also have some good outdoor seating that I am longing for right now... it has to be buried in a goliath of a snow bank. And, it has the most amazing high tech toilet seats ever. They are intimidating, but I am impressed.
(4)Diane P.
Had a nice dinner here last night....2 sushi lovers and a beginner. Decided to order a variety so it could be tried. Started with the avacado and cucumber salad. 1/2 a pitted and peeled avacado, sliced, with a few slices of cuke and some green lettuce. The dressing was sesame and had a grainy consistency that was not pleasant. Crispy onion strings finish the topping. Ok. ...but probably wont order dressing on it next time. The California roll was pretty good as was the cucumber roll. The asparagus roll tasted very fresh also. The caterpillar roll comes with its own sauce but unagi is a favorite so we ordered some for the table...the little dollop they gave went fast so we asked for a little more. It took 3 people to pass the message along and when it came it was very runny, not thick like the original serving.....asked about it not tasting right and we were told it was a new container....? It is usually thick and this looked and tasted like soy. The crab was fresh and tasty, though a little overpriced for what was in the roll. Overall the menu is helpful with sushi 101 tips and definitions for the new enthusiast. The service is slow. We waited until 5 and we're the first customers seated....meal still took over 30 minutes to arrive. They also have noodles with multiple preparations, bent box dinners, and a very long list of appetizers that could easily be used to construct a meal of your choosing along with sushi/ sashimi available by the piece. Not the best ever but certainly not the worst, will probably hive it another try in the future.
(3)Joe D.
I've had a ton of sushi all over the country and this hands down is the freshest and best I've ever had. The Chirashi was amazing and had giant slices of octopus, fatty salmon, sea urchin, tuna, mackerel, and a couple other fish. So fresh and delicious. The seared black cod appetizer was moist and delicious with a light miso glaze. The king salmon sliced sashimi was incredibly good. A million thanks to the chefs for the wonderful meal.
(5)J Paul G.
Awesome, awesome. AWESOME! Couldn't be happier with anything. The Bees Knees! Sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed some of the best I've ever had. Waitstaff was on point as well as watching the chefs do their thing. Place was packed and out food came out in an adequate speed. For the amazing sushi,beer, and service the price was right. Tip...Go
(5)Lynette K.
We had a horrible experience here...we waited at our table for 25 minutes before even being brought water and another 10 minutes before asking about drinks or an appitizer. We left after 45 minutes of no drinks, no appitizer, and no order being taken. Don't go and save your time and money! A definite no!
(1)Mike S.
Punchline: Good, fresh sushi --- great staff, chefs who love what they do. Favorite thing to do --- head here with a certain other sushi loving foodie and sit at the sushi bar. First warning --- DANGER, its easy to order a LOT of food --- its so very good! They always have a ton of specials but some of my favorites include the salted prawn (I can't remember the name!) and the snapper! The hat trick and jaded lady are awesome rolls. So far the most fun thing was to just tell the chefs that we wanted 4 pieces of sushi and a roll each and to surprise us --- man was that good, wish I could remember exactly what it all was.... was too busy savoring it ha ha.
(4)Edna M.
Seated quickly but then waited more than 1.5 hours for our food after we ordered. My meal was served 30 min after my husband's meal. This seemed to be the norm as other customers were complaining about the wait and the waitress said this was common in the summer. The food was good and presented attractively.
(3)Rebecca L.
Poor service. Went for take out and no one wanted to serve us. We're told to move from bar and sit in waiting area. Bartender will only pay attention to those staying for dinner or drinks. Will not be back.
(1)Ann P.
Nice little sushi place with a wonderful menu. Super friendly staff and a really great vibe. We made poor choices with the specialty rolls (didn't like the flavours or ingredients) but loved the fresh nigiri. Stick to known and familiar choices and you will love this spot. It's cramped in the sushi bar area.
(4)Vi L.
The Yama Kake is such a strange dish. The sticky potato purée is like a flavorless stringy mucus. Reminded me a little bit of Hawaiian poi. The tuna chunks inside and quail egg lost their flavor inside while being covered with aforementioned goo. The sushi here is good though, so 4 stars for that.
(4)Alex K.
I came here for a quick lunch and got their 2 roll lunch special. It comes with your choice of 2 pre-approved maki rolls and miso soup. I opted in for celtics avo and una avo. The rolls were fresh and generous in size. I enjoy sushi and frequent Yosaku. What I love most about them is that their quality is really fresh and the price is really good for the quality of food you are getting. If you are wanting to splurge my all time favorite roll is the spicy scallop roll. It is creamy with just the right touch of heat. If you're feeling adventurous go with a group of friends and order a boat. The presentation is incredible and you just may discover your new favorite roll!
(4)S S.
Inexpensive & yummy! What I love about yosaku is the staff. They always make you feel so welcomed upon entering! The cucumber and avocado salad is so so so delish. I find that sometimes the sushi seems fresher than others but it's never-not good, or un-fresh. Do yourself a favor sometime and have the deep fried ginger ice cream!
(4)Rachel D.
Yosaku is my go to sushi spot for high quality sashimi. I do love sushi rolls but sashimi has been one of my favorites these past few years. Warm weather, cold weather, Yosaku is great because they have the perfect outdoor patio for summer brunch and also the authentic booths that you sit cross-legged at with your shoes off. The sushi chefs are always so friendly and it's fun to sit at the sushi bar and watch them work. Yosaku is one of the more middle of the road priced sushi restaurants, with sashimi cuts that melt in your mouth. They also offer a green tea bellini for brunch-goers feeling a little adventurous. Yosaku's outdoor sushi oasis (equipped with tiny waterfall and koi fish) is where you'll want to head on a warm day in the spring when the cherry blossoms are coming out. This is one of the top sushi locations in town so don't second guess it, just walk in and order your favorites - you'll thank me.
(4)Brett F.
Yosaku seems to be regarded as the best overall sushi restaurant downtown and I had only been there once before (which I barely remember). So on Sunday night my sister and I decided to give it a shot. First, the good. The interior is vibrant and authentic (or stereotypically authentic). There's a long bar facing the sushi chefs, low tables with mats to kneel on and traditional four tops. Outside is a surprisingly large dining area with peaceful waterfalls and decent people watching. After mistakenly thinking it was warm enough to sit outside, we relocated to the sushi bar. And waited. Then waited some more. After 15 minutes a server finally came and took our drink order. One of the sushi chefs handed us a free amuse bouche that was nearly the size of a full appetizer. I have no clue what it was (it was certainly fishy), but it wasn't bad. Unfortunately everything else was. The seafood soup was dull and not especially flavorful. But the spicy tuna roll was just awful. This is the go-to roll for many at sushi restaurants, and the one at Yosaku was simply the worst I have ever had. And I liked it more than my sister. Lots of rice, very little fish, and just not flavorful. The server vanished again and was nearly impossible to track down, while the constant screaming in Japanese of the sushi chefs became grating. In the Old Port I think Fuji and Sapporo are both far more reliable options. I won't be returning to Yosaku.
(2)Paul L.
Holy bento box, batman! Best way to spend $10 in this town! The dumplings were great and the sushi was tasty. Great staff and honest pricing. This place rules.
(5)Ollie E.
Quite honestly A+ sushi with reasonable prices. Hot towel commences with miso, edamame, green tea goodness followed by chef's sushi special for a $20 lunch slam dunk. Fresh fish, including amazing Uni Sea Urchin, followed by Moji dessert. What else can a man desire or require in a meal?
(5)David D.
Fun Japanese restaurant that's good for kids and excels at cooked dishes. This is real-deal Japanese with traditional items such as Tako salad, Hamachi Kama, and Natto. I ordered a ton of items off the menu, and enjoyed everything a lot. The fish leans toward locally sourced, so I didn't find super premium O-Toro, and I thought their cooked items such as the vegetables and hamachi kama were the standouts over the sushi. Fake wasabi and sloppily made rolls (were they rushing?) keep this from receiving a 5-star rating. Comfort level, kid-friendliness, large, delicious menu means I recommend Yosaku without any reservations. Great place. Try the organic sake too! Excellent, smooth junmai!
(4)Becca H.
My boyfriend and I go to Yosaku probably 3 times a month, sometimes more. We've never had a bad experience and the food is always on point. We always order sake harasu, the house salad is amazing, all sashimi (sake & hotate being my favorite.) Sit at the sushi bar, or on the deck on a nice day, and enjoy the most reasonably priced, quality sushi in Portland!
(5)Emily B.
My favorite! My husband and I go here for almost every date night. The ginger Martini's are amazing, all the sushi is top quality and delicious, friendly service. All around fantastic.
(5)Brent B.
I'm a traveler and needed a quick dinner that was close to my hotel, so I decided to try Yosaku. I was absolutely blown away by the simple beauty that was the nigiri and sashimi that I had. The staff fed me additional dishes that I didn't order, which was a pleasant surprise. On top of that, everyone was friendly, attentive, and passionate about service. Keep up the artistry!
(5)Tom M.
I've been a fan of Yosaku since the day it opened. Compared to Portland's other high quality sushi restaurants, Yosaku has a bit of a samurai clubhouse atmosphere, which can be fun. The chefs are all exuberant when they greet arriving customers and the sushi is always top notch. As they say, "oiishi desu!"
(5)Staci H.
An absolutely delicious place to dine. The outdoor seating is amazing. I have visited this location several times and never had anything but a great and fabulous dining experience!
(5)Paul C.
The sushi here is phenomenal and on par with some of the best that Portland has to offer. For some reason The salad dressing was over spice and over gingered. It was to the point where was almost inedible. It was very overwhelming for a light salad and that's the only reason why this is a four star review instead of five. We had to show my dumplings, spider roll, and tuna roll - all fantastic choices. The place was packed but the food came out right on time and service was great. We sat at the bar and watching the sushi chefs is like watching a master artist at work! Most of the staff of been there for years as I've seen many faces that are the same throughout the years. The owner is there almost every day working with the chefs and talking with customers. They really do genuinely care about the relationship that they have with their customers. there some deep local sports connection on the wall since there is a Bowdoin College hockey jersey and the USA hockey team picture on the wall of there restaurant. Wonder what the connection is. Highly recommend if you are looking for great sushi at a very reasonable price!
(4)Corbin B.
I'm not one that often eats at restaurants like this usually, but I'm glad I checked this place out. I sat at the sushi bar and was genuinely impressed. The Japanese cook was fantastic. Everything he made was an art form and tasted like one too. Staff seemed really friendly and personable rather than distant like a lot of other restaurants. Prices were generally at a good rate as well. Highly recommended to check out.
(5)Dawn T.
After having my first Ginger Martini here I visited 6 other places and much disappointment. Don't bother with another place, just come here, sit outside by the waterfall, and indulge in a beautiful cocktail
(4)Jim S.
Hadn't eaten here in years as the change in ownership had diminished standing. Really we're pleased with our meal. Service was great and so was the food. Really like the grilled octopus. Will come back.
(4)Carolyn S.
Favorite sushi in Portland! Nothing crazy, just super fresh sushi and sashimi in generous portions. We love the outdoor seating in the summer. As a family of five, with three kids between the ages of 6 and 11, we usually order the Sakura platter, which is a perfect mix of sushi and rolls with cooked and raw selections. If you aren't into sushi or if you're looking for the perfect warm weather meal - I love the zaru soba, cold soba noodles with a soy based dipping sauce.
(4)Robin F.
We have come here about 100 times, and always had a good meal. I feel compelled to write a review tonight, because of what we are experiencing tonight. We came in at 7:15 to a pretty crowded restaurant. We found out at 8:45 from the table next to us that they were TOLD NOT TO ORDER SUSHI because there was at least a 45 minute wait. We have two young kids with is. We were not given such a warning. The restaurant started to empty out, yet no one was getting food. Clearly something was going on at the sushi bar, but no one would say. Finally at 9:15, we got our food. My husband and stepdad ordered bento boxes with tempura, and the tempura was cold and gross. I got sashimi, which I could have prepared better myself. Someone hacked it with an axe?! Horrible presentation. I am so disappointed. Just found out the manager moved back to Japan. Well that explains a bit. I hope this isn't the demise of Yosaku. But if tonight is what they have to offer, I seriously doubt they'll make it.
(1)AJ P.
Good, fresh sushi. Their lunch specials are an awesome deal. Their rolls are great - I'm partial to the Hat Trick which has all different types of fresh fish. If you're a person who likes sashimi, try ordering their chirashi bowl - they're very generous with their portions and give you a wide array of fish and sometimes uni!
(4)Dawn E.
I often think about moving up to Portland. Not strictly because Yosaku is there, but pretty much. I adore this restaurant. Their selection of sushi is extensive and fantastically fresh. I'm not kidding, though, when I say that I'd go for the veggies that come with the teppan meals alone (grilled sweet potatoes and asparagus and squash - mmm, candy). In addition to the quality of the food, the prices are quite reasonable, the waitstaff is lovely and accommodating, the owner/chef is a doll, and in the warmer months the patio seating is plentiful and oddly serene for being on a main drag. Go-saku!
(5)Andrew W.
My Girl and I have been going to every Sushi place in the Greater Portland Area and for us, Yosaku was solid. I'm into mackerel and they had Sashimi and a Maki roll, but the Saba was Small ( 2 small Pieces) compared to other sushi places around and had less marination. My lady likes the Sweet Potato rolls, but wasn't a huge fan of Yosaku's SPR. It didn't even look like Sweet Potato! Saying all that the establishment was pretty clean and sitting outside was very nice! Service was good and everybody was super friendly! The sushi selection was good and we would go there again. We paid about $20 for 3 Maki rolls an order of Saba Sashimi and one soft drink at lunch.
(4)Peter G.
I've had two great meals at Yosaku. Dinner with a bento box and some nigiri and lunch with a tempura special. Both were excellent, the fish fresh and generously portioned, the tempura crisp and clean, and the restaurant pleasant with a terrific patio. Great combination and lunch specials. Highly recommended.
(4)Erin S.
After years of searching for the best sushi in Maine, I've found it at Yosaku. My latest venture into the restaurant was on a Friday night and the place was packed. We decided to sit at the bar and watch the chefs prepare the sushi and it was a ton of fun to watch. Better than the fun of seeing someone prepare your food was actually tasting it! The fish was fresh, the plating was creative, and the drinks were strong - there is nothing better. The eel was to die for - you may not be a fan of it, but I suggest you try it at least once. The tuna was incredible - we had it prepared three different ways. Even the California Roll had an immense amount of flavor for an otherwise plain maki. If you're looking for great, fresh-tasting sushi at a cool place with decent prices, head on over to Yosaku.
(5)Xiaoshan Z.
Not authentic.... But nevertheless good. The spicy scallops roll: yes!! Lovely environment. It reminded me a Japanese place that I used to go to with my family.
(5)Aris L.
not bad for japanese restaurant around this area..i order the toro which is good..toro tataki was also good..the fusion roll was average...the red bean mochi ice cream was good too.. CONCLUSION = RECOMMENDED!!
(3)Ryan D.
This place was great. The staff were very nice and the service was great. The food was great and you can taste the quality of ingredients that are used. I recommend shutting at one of the tables that are short and have no chairs. It brings some authenticity to the whole meal.
(4)Shaina P.
I liked the friendly staff, outdoor patio with water fountain, and the lunch box deals, but I'm not sure this is the best sushi I've had. It's passable, I won't complain, and the interior is intriguing with the traditional seating available aplenty. I didn't really like that my shiitake mushroom rolls really didn't have that shiitake flavor that I craved. The avocado salad was literally a half an avocado drenched in a peanut satay. Not so exciting. My favorite maki choice was the Salmon-Avo roll. The spicy tuna lacked in spice. Dave's plate of cold udon looked like it hit the spot, but for some seeking adventure, I wouldn't recommend this plain dish. The gyoza was nicely pan fried and was quickly consumed. My side of rice was a bit overcooked. You'll want to check it out for lunch.
(3)Ginny P.
Not my favorite in town but definitely well prepared and excellent service
(4)David G.
I highly recommend. We had an absolutely wonderful time. Sushi was fresh and delicious. We sat at the sushi bar and not only had a great meal but also learned a lot from our chefs.
(5)Matt C.
Came here for dinner with friends who raved about it. I will say the food was quite good, reasonably priced for sushi. Very authentic atmosphere, you sit on the floor with your shoes off. Crazy slow service though. 40 minutes for a dumpling appetizer.
(3)