Mame

To celebrate our four year anniversary (of dating), I managed to score a reservation at Mamé sushi.
Reservations at this place can be difficult to come across without some advanced planning. And that’s in spite of it’s unlikely location and unsuspecting exterior across from an auto shop in the middle of the Whiteaker neighborhood.
The place has a bit of a food-​truck-​aesthetic but it serves up a quality restaurant caliber meal. I’m a sushi fan to begin with, and so the question before this eating experience wasn’t so much whether or not I’d like it, but whether or not it would live up to the high praise I’ve heard via word of mouth.
It did. I could taste the more complex flavors added to their sushi pieces.
We ordered the chef’s choice. Starting at $ 20, you pay what you can for different pieces of nigiri and a roll to be made for you. The more you pay, the more food you get, and the more diverse of an offering you get. There was a delicious piece of albacore on jalapeño vinaigrette that I loved. And a piece of king salmon that went down really smooth. Also some buttery scallop pieces. I had good things to say about almost all the nigiri pieces on the platter.
Not sure if I’ll be back soon, since this was a more unique experience to be «tried at least once,» but I’m glad I finally went.

This is the best cuisine you will ever have in your life. Not only is the surf and turf fresh, it’s prepared perfectly and with the best timing and at the best temperature I have ever tasted. These practitioners are not only artists, they are perfectionists. Each course is tailored to your order. Sit at the bar and learn how food service is done. However, don’t think you can come in last minute. The house is packed, because each customer gets all their attention. Make your reservations! It’s kind of a buzz kill to see you trying to get in on short notice, and apologetically declined. Order a whole bottle of the recommended sake and as many $$$ as you can on the chef’s choice.

Okay okay, another one of my Unilocal motivated food adventure. Looking at all these raving reviews, I just have to try this place for once when I am in town. We picked a bad weekend to come here (Night before graduation, oops), the only available reservation was at 10:30 pm. 10:30 pm! Who eats dinner at 10:30 pm?! But in desperation of trying this place, I was willing to snack a little throughout the day, then have a grand sushi meal at 10:30 on a Sunday night.
I will admit, the green walls glowing in the lights in this place was a little off putting, but once in a while, you will find the best food in places that don’t put too much focus on the décor. This place is definitely an example of that!
Being new to this place, we decided to go with the Chef’s Choice (cheapest one, $ 20 for each person) plus a Tonkatsu to share. We had the Tonkatsu first, and it was one of the best Tonkatsu I’ve ever had in my life! The portion was generous, and the sauce that goes with the rice was delicious! I was not planning to stuff myself with that much rice before the sushi arrived, but I couldn’t help it! It was that good.
We were pleasantly surprised by the portion we were served for the Chef’s Choice, it was undoubtedly, very high quality sushi. Even though we have ordered the cheapest option at around closing time, we were still served with amazing selection. Our server was warm and friendly, we had a great time eating in here. Oh, and because it was graduation weekend, desert was on the house! We packed a slice of Red Bean Cheesecake to go, let’s just say that I gave my boyfriend one bite of it, and an empty container at the end of the night…
I would definitely come back to this place again, but focus more on the sushi — because of the Tonkatsu I had earlier, I was not able to enjoy devouring the sushi as I really should have. Next time, Mame!

What everyone says about this is true. I am a vegetarian and was absolutely blown away by the variety and quality of the vegetarian sushi. I ordered the chef’s recommendation, which I think is 100% the way to go here, vegetarian or not. My fish eating comrades also cannot speak more highly of the quality and flavor of the sushi.

Sexy. That’s the only word to describe this place. Everything about it. I go here and I am treated like a queen. My expectations are always FAR surpassed every time I come here. Please, do yourself a favor and step outside of the box, even if the reservation process seems annoying, and just do it. Nike. Get a $ 50 – 100 chefs choice and you will be blown away and you will leave in a wheel barrel. You can split the ticket however many ways you can afford, ANY amount of money you could spend here trumps any place in town. Do it. It’s sexy.

I love sushi and Asian food of all sorts in general, but this place takes the cake! It is by far the freshest sushi I have ever had!
My wife and I ordered the crab cakes (the second time and just as good the second pass!) and the pork bun tacos as an appetizer. The pork bun tacos were ok, but the crab cakes are the best I have ever had! They are full of crab, almost no filler, and the portion size you get is ridiculous for the price of $ 12.
They also made my wife a grilled scallop by request and it too was one of the best scallops we have tried.
For dinner we got the pork belly fried rice, and a role with salmon, avocado and strawberry role. I know the strawberry sounds weird, but it was delicious!
This is about my 4^th time to Mame, but I had to review this time as it just gets better and better with each visit.

The best izakaya/​sushi experience I’ve ever had. I work for a James Beard award winning chef, and if I was to ever move to Oregon this would be the first place I would beg to work. Totally blown away.
I followed my rule of thumb, if there is a chef chosen tasting menu, always pick it over your own choices… This was an amazing decision. Taro took the time to explain where he had gotten the fish that morning and the fishing industry in the area, and how the red tide was screwing things up.(btw, I ate here a yearish ago, so I’m not gonna get too specific).He and his associates were putting their 100% into every single thing that came across the counter, and it showed. The quality was also superb, and it was obvious that some time had been taken selecting the ingredients, and that the prep had been done meticulously and carefully.
When people ask what the best dining experience I’ve ever had is, I name Mame as ion the top three, and usually name it number one. I can’t wait to go back.

All of the raves of the other reviews are true. However, it is not well known that vegans and vegetarians can also have a fantastic meal here. My omnivore husband tried Mame out one week when I was out of town, had an amazing meal, and later asked Taro if he could accommodate a vegan with a seaweed allergy. The answer was an enthusiastic, «Yes!»
We went together the following week and I was treated to a multi course fantasia that just kept getting better. While each dish was great on its own, the combination of one bite of this with another bite of that on my plate created a truly memorable experience. I had a salad, an enormous plate that was essentially a deconstructed sushi roll with a series of small vegetable mixes layered on a long row of rice, and a bowl of spicy marinated tofurkey that mimicked the pork belly and scallops that my husband was served. Adding to the experience is the fun of talking to Taro as he creates in the kitchen. He told me how he really enjoyed the challenge of creating new and unique dishes, and his goal is to show veggies or other people with dietary restrictions that they can also have a delicious, boundary pushing sushi meal. The hostess, Rose, is also incredibly welcoming. They both told me they want to continue to come up with new delicacies every time I visit and I can’t wait to give them the opportunity!
Note: Veg*ns will be happily catered to, but you are likely to have a better variety if you give them a few days heads up (and making a reservation is usually necessary anyway).

Mame was so good that it makes me want to go back and give every other review I’ve written one less star. Our meal here was one of the best meals I’ve eaten in my life, and I’m really serious about good food.
Obviously Mame has hundreds of glowing reviews, and it deserves every one of them. Other people have discussed the atmosphere (so «cozy» it borders on claustrophobia-​inducing), the food (amazing doesn’t begin to cover it; everything was literally perfect), and the customer service (the staff makes every customer feel valuable and cared-​for).
So instead, I want to write about the «theme» of the experience at Mame. The dining experience here is all about closeness, and I think that some aspects of this that might be considered a flaw in other establishments actually help to make Mame an unforgettable experience.
The space is so tiny that you cannot help but be close to the people around you. You see what they’re eating, you hear what they’re talking about.
When you get the multi-​course meal the food you order arrives slowly, one plate at a time with plenty of time between plates to talk with your dinner party. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to grow closer to your friends, family, loved ones by interacting with them in such an intimate space, between small plates of amazing sushi and hot food.
If you eat here, Taro *will* talk to you. He’s not just cooking *for* you, he’s cooking *with* you. Not only does he accept people’s weird dietary restrictions and preferences (you have no idea how frustrating life can be when you hate green onions), but he revels in the challenge of making food for you that’s still top-​notch, despite your quirks. For example when he left the green onions off a scallop dish he served me, he suggested another small leafy vegetable to add the right bitter note to the dish, and he was absolutely right. The party sitting next to us at the bar was «gluten free, dairy free, meat free, etc. etc. etc.» and Taro took absolute delight in making food just for them.
The dining area and the kitchen are essentially one big room, so if you sit at the counter you get to watch them cook. They touch the food, they taste the food. They’re close to the food in the way that good chefs must to ensure that the customer receives perfection.
So, unlike most of my reviews, I’m not going to describe the flavors and textures of the food here, because while they were flawless, I think that they are the product of a business whose ethic is not simply to provide excellent food and customer service, but to treat each customer as though they are a dear friend who the kitchen is cooking a meal with.
If you want to get in, eat, and get out, Mame isn’t the place to go, but if you want to make a new friend whose greatest desire is to make great food with you, Mame is the place to be.

There is no better Sushi — it’s simply the pinnacle of the genre. Anything else would be a poor substitute. Taro is a master with the knife and as far as buying is concerned. It is tiny though, so good luck getting a table.

More than just a restaurant, this is a sushi experience. Taro is a force of personality all to himself, and if you sit at the bar, you’ll get some of the best banter you can have in a restaurant.
There is a menu, but why do that when you can just get whatever Taro recommends. The chef’s special starts at 20 $ and is as much as you do or don’t want to pay. He takes what you pay and figures out something that he thinks will taste great.
Inevitably, it is amazing.
Also, I talked to Taro about vegetarian friendly sushi. My wife is a vegetarian, and though she didn’t come this time, I was considering bringing her next time. Taro was all in, giving me ideas of things he could make. He said, if you have a vegetarian that you should mention that when you make your reservation, and he will make sure to hook you up. In fact, he seemed excited about being able to make sushi more vegetarian friendly.
About the reservations: this is a small restaurant, with room for about 16 customers. Make sure to call ahead. Also, even if you are seated immediately, you may have to wait. I had to wait an hour, but it was totally worth it.

I had no idea this place required reservations. But it makes sense because it’s a super small space that’s popular. The server/​hostess was super friendly. I was impressed how she was juggling the whole floor by herself while maintaining great customer service. She had an opening for me an hour after I initially came in so I went to run some errands and came back. I’m glad I did.
The food was delicious. I got the Char Siu Steamed Pork Bun and everything from the sauce to the meat was delectable. Although the way it was made wasn’t very traditional (the meat was on top instead of inside), I couldn’t stop eating it until I realized it was all gone. The Spider Roll tasted fresh and the ingredients blended well, but I wish I went with the Chef’s Special because it looked so good on other customers’ plates.
I was so full by the end, but they offered me dessert on the house. I had the choice between lemon or red bean cheesecake. Neither sounded great to me but I went with red bean since one of the other Unilocal reviews had great things to say about it. Surely enough, it was one of the best cheesecake I’ve ever had! Who knew red bean could taste so good in a cheesecake?
Price is standard compared to other Japanese places in town. But the portions are great! I’m bummed they don’t do takeout. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Eugene. I’ll be back for sure… with a reservation first, of course ;)

Best sushi I’ve had. Tell the waitress the amount you would like to spend (I said $ 40) and Taro will present you with a big plate of inspired sushi.
Pro tip: don’t go wine tasting before drinking sake.

Ohh Taro… you mother*#ker!
So I’m in town on some biz and after Unilocaling a place to eat, I come across Mame. I didn’t need to read any reviews because I took one look at the pictures of his sushi and I could tell it was world-​class.
I had to go.
As I walked down the street, the smell of pot growing hung heavily in the air like a family of skunks hit by a bus. I literally walked right by the place twice and couldn’t find it. I was gonna ask the guys standing around the bonfire in the front yard of the dilapidated house on the corner, but it looked like they were taking a break in between cooking batches of meth, so I took a pass.
Suddenly a door opened and I heard some guy inside cursing like a sailor. I knew instantly that this place was too grimy… too bathroom around the back… too «We don’t give a f*#k» to be anything but awesome.
There’s not much to say about the food that hasn’t already been said, but in addition to what I ordered (omakase sushi combo of course), he had his chefs just feed me a few extra courses. They were great too but the straight-​ahead sushi is the star here.
I know, I know Taro… I’m an out of town’r blow’n up your shit… you don’t like that, but in the spirit of Mame… F-​U bud!
See you next time!

Wonderful.
Best sushi in Eugene; best meal in Eugene.
The sushi is inventive and excellent. Many dishes blend inspirations outside of Japanese cuisine, all while featuring a distinct spin that places the selection at the top of its respective class.
Taro, the head chef, is a man of immense talent and character. In addition to using unmistakably fresh ingredients, he makes the dining experience fun and personal. My first few meals I had alone in Eugene were at Mame, and I felt I immediately had connected with a friend.
Rose, the hostess, is similarly delightful, attentive, and generous.
When I want to show off Eugene to out-​of-​town friends, I take them to Mame.
Be sure to make a reservation

This place is so ridiculously good. It puts to shame so much of the big city modern sushi places out there– SF, Seattle, LA, etc. The food is truly inspired. Owner/​chef is a Japanese guy who is like a skater dude. He is sooo fired up for his craft that the whole place buzzes with enthusiasm.
Rose, the main server, is cute and gracious like something from like your best B&B experience. The place is so small that everyone feels connected to the kitchen and the inspiration emanating from it. Everybody is compelled to thank the chef and Rose as they leave.
The menu is ever changing which is why every trip to Eugene has me visiting — and one must call for a reservation because it’s too small to keep this secret. So much value for the money and never disappoints.

Go early or go late, but go! Called on a whim at 5:30, got in by a whisker after an initial «Soooorry…». Got there before 6:00 and the place was already jammin’, Taro in his friendly manic over-​caffeinated jive and juke. Creating masterful dish after dish, almost as an afterthought– the genius of him and his crew just fills this tiny space and lights it up. Last time we had fish only, so this time went for the omnivore (fish, plus cow pig and lamb). Too much/​just couldn’t do it — took the Thai lamb curry home for lunch the next day. The meats were great — really great. But the fish stole the show anyway. You just don’t get fresh melting totally delish fish like this anywhere but here. It’s cool to walk in the door of this strange little green building and find yourself in such a complete (and completely satisfying) experience. And a really nice feeling of gratitude afterwards.

First time here tonight & I know I am late to the game Eugene! Best sushi I have ever had. Fresh, full of flavor and served by Rose! Rose is fun and knowledgable! Like our own little tour guide:) Taro served up fantastically pleasing to the eye and mouth dishes while jamming to his tunes! Ended my night with a piece of Red Bean cheesecake with ginger snap crust. Mind blown!
Great place and I will be going back for sure!
Love, love, love!

My hopes were really raised after all of the great reviews I read before coming here. Things did not start well, though. I got a call a few hours before dinner telling us the chef/​owner was sick and they were bring in a pinch-​hitter. When we showed up, they only had 4 seats at the counter. We were in town visiting our son at school who we had not seen in 7 weeks so we needed a table. We had to wait about 25 minutes. I was not feeling the vibe. What I was feeling was hunger.
We finally got a seat at a table… this place is really small. A total of 12 low chairs and maybe 6 at the bar. Then… nirvana hit. Some hot sake, some miso soup, some edamame, some pickled sprouts… OK… daddy is feeling better.
We selected the Chef’s Choice for three and a vegetarian platter for my daughter. Plates started arriving and we were just in heaven. Familiar tastes mixed with some unique flavor combinations. How about salmon belly with slices of fresh pear on sushi rice? Maybe 6 or 8 different dishes, all prepared with skill and great ingredients.
Great service and no room for dessert. A must stop little hole in the wall, gem of a place, even without the star of the show in attendance.

Went to this place for date night and my boyfriend had made reservations. We walked in and our table was just being cleaned and we were seated right away. This place is very small and it gets pretty loud so I’m not a huge fan of that if you are trying to have a conversation. I had sushi and it was just okay I don’t think I would ever pay the prices of this place again. The best part was the desert we had the red bean cheesecake and it was so good we had to try another cheesecake, which was also good. For the prices I do not feel like it is worth it. I wish they had more options and not such a strict menu.