Yojimbo is a Japanese restaurant located in a hidden spot. If you walk down the sidewalk and you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss where the restaurant is. When you walk inside the restaurant, you’re always warmly greeted and service is friendly and efficient.

PORK RAMEN

The boyfriend and I opted for the pork ramen with a miso +spicy soup base. The bowl consists of ramen, egg, assorted veggies, and a garnish of seaweed. The standout of the dish would have to be the pork (extremely flavorful, tender, and juicy). When they bring the bowl to you, you’re also astounded by how huge it is! This can feed two people without a doubt. For me, ramen bowls always tend to be a tad bit too salty, but I did like the overall flavor of this and whenever you add a soft-boiled and ooey-gooey egg, I’m sold.

They have a couple of other soup bases you can choose from and if you’re not into spicy foods, you can omit this option.

SUSHI COMBO A

We also got this sushi combo which includes California rolls, choice of Tekka Maki (tuna sushi roll). You can also opt for salmon. Also included are some assorted pieces of Nigiri (thin slices of raw fish pressed over vinegary rice).

The sushi here is fresh and I would highly recommend coming here for the many different options included in the menu. The spider rolls (deep-fried soft shell crab, with avocado and cucumber are really good).

Another recommendation would also be the bento boxes. The teriyaki bento box is humungous! This can literally feed 3-4 people. It’s super tasty and really filling.

In my opinion, I wouldn’t recommend the Tonkatsu dishes. For some reason, this lacks some flavor and is just blah.

Overall, if you’re looking for unassuming Japanese cuisine, check this place out if you’re in the East Bay or Alameda area.

Yojimbo is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00AM-9:00PM and closed on Sundays.

YOJIMBO

1221 PARK ST.

ALAMEDA, CA 94501

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On this occasion, I along with the boyfriend,  went to Tay Ho in Oakland’s Chinatown. We’ve been here a couple of times and initially it wasn’t my favorite spot to go to. I thought the service was a bit lackluster and the food just ok. (also, the Yelp reviews are kind of meh, but I would give this place a chance. Yelp’s not always right) However, the last couple of times has been redeeming and we had a really good experience on our last visit.

VERMICELLI COMBO BOWL

I ordered the vermicelli combo bowl which included grilled prawns (forgot to include in pic!), crispy spring rolls, and grilled chicken plus the usual fixings: vermicelli, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, pickled carrot and daikon, scallion oil, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots.

I, of course, added the requisite house “nuk mam” or fish sauce and it’s just a great flavor explosion in your mouth. The fish sauce really complements all the ingredients in the dish and I love how fresh everything was. I also always love Vietnamese grilled meats and the chicken and shrimp was grilled to perfection. Service was also speedy and very attentive.

My boyfriend ordered the Tay Ho Rice Special. (It’s not pictured in this post). It includes skewered prawns, grilled pork, cage free fried egg, along with spicy pickled cabbage, carrots & daikon, and jasmine rice. He really enjoyed his dish and I can attest to the fact that the rice plates here are pretty tasty and satisfying.

The dishes here are reasonably priced and won’t break the bank. I would recommend this spot if you’re in the Oakland Chinatown area and are looking for a casual Vietnamese eatery that’s fulfilling and satisfying.

Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant and Bar

344 12^th Street, Ste. B

Oakland, CA 94607

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