Korean/Japanese in the Upper Valley
Yama's started out as Kim's Kitchen, serving traditional Korean food, about 5 years ago. Though the offerings were good and the first of their kind in the area, the Upper Valley population has always shied away from non-Americanized ethnic cuisine and the restaurant, like others before it, suffered. When purchased by the current owners, the name of the restaurant was changed to Yama's and japanese cuisine/sushi was added to the menu. Finally, with this addition(growing in popularity even in this region), diners who would normally steer clear of unusual dishes came in to sample the maki and sashimi. They stayed. While I suspect that the majority of patrons still come for the sushi, the more adventurous will be pleased with the other menu choices. The Korean dishes are made as spicy as intended - not toned down for the American palate (unless requested). I also feel pretty comfortable saying that the sushi is the best I've found within a 50 mile radius of my home.
The service is unusually friendly and attentive. The primary waitstaff are a pair of sisters (I believe) who are unfailingly upbeat and seem truly pleased to serve you. They will not balk at unusual or repeated requests; they will get to know you and be familiar with your usual dining crew; and they will often remember your quirks and cater to them ("full-sodium soy sauce for me, please").
The decor isn't the most attractive - an odd combination of orange and green reminiscent of a diner; it isn't the ideal place for a quiet, romantic dinner. The fact that they've had any success in their location - back from the road in a small plaza with an H&R Block, in an area with more gas stations than stores - is a tribute to the dining experience they provide. If you show up between 7-9pm on a Friday or Saturday, be prepared to wait for a table.
While Yama's is neither the best Japanese nor Korean cuisine I've *ever* had, this is still my favorite place to eat in this area. Had I not been a restaurant junkie in San Francisco, I would have given this a five star rating.
They accept cash, checks, and credit cards.    [06 Sep 2006 12:32:20]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: any of their 'special' maki rolls, miso soup, squid salad, anything teriyaki in a 'lunch box', soft tofu seafood chigae, kimchee hot pot soup

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