Ever since I could remember, when I was a kid in school, before every standardized test, I was told to always eat a good breakfast during the week before the testing and while the testing was happening. This was to ensure that we had a nutritious meal, which would improve concentration, alertness, and cognitive performance. Savannah, Ga, is full of history, and many people come from all over to visit Savannah River Street. Given the extensive history and numerous dining options, I’ve added a new section to my website called “Fuel for Knowledge.” This is the first article for this.
Japanese Street Food
I can honestly say that I have tried Japanese street food before, but I don’t really remember the taste or how I felt about it. However, I do remember how the pork belly buns tasted from Yatai Ramen + Yakitori. They featured fluffy steamed buns filled with tender pork belly, pickled carrots, cilantro, and hoisin sauce. The flavor was incredible, and I will definitely be going back for more. That was just the appetizer, which only came with two buns.
The Main Course Meal
My wife and I both ordered the Stir Fry Noodles with steak, which came with a generous helping of vegetables, meat, and a choice between udon or yakisoba—we went with the yakisoba. The food arrived in about 15 minutes, give or take, honestly, it didn’t feel like much of a wait at all.
When the meal hit the table, the portions were more than satisfying. As we ate, we found ourselves slowing down and smiling at each other, both saying, “I’m starting to get full,”—a sure sign we were enjoying every bite and there was still plenty to eat. Since it was noodles and we hadn’t even started our day exploring River Street, we made a point to finish everything. I wasn’t about to carry leftover noodles through the Georgia heat!
If you’re planning a day out in Savannah, this meal is exactly the kind of hearty, flavorful fuel you’ll want to kick things off right.
The Restaurant and the Environment.
If you’ve stumbled across www.yataisavannah.com or even checked out their Facebook page, you might walk away thinking it’s just another casual spot to grab a quick bite. But let me tell you from experience—it’s so much more than that. What you see online barely scratches the surface of what this place truly offers in atmosphere, service, and quality.
First, my wife and I arrived about 25 minutes before Yatai officially opened. From the outside, it looked like they were ready for business, so we walked in, thinking maybe the hours had changed. Inside, we were greeted kindly and told the kitchen wasn’t open yet, but we were welcome to sit, cool off, and look through the menu while we waited. In Georgia’s midday heat and humidity, that small act of hospitality meant a lot.
Not long after, another staff member came in, saw us, and reassured us again that we were welcome to sit down and wait till they officially opened. We actually stepped out to walk a bit and returned just a minute before noon, being the first customers inside when they officially opened. The same gentleman with the ponytail who first welcomed us ended up taking our order.
What stood out most, beyond the flavorful food, was the service. The gentleman who took our order continued walking around the restaurant, checking in with customers, cleaning tables, and making sure everyone was having a great experience. There was a real sense of care in how the staff interacted with guests.
Oh—and for all the anime fans out there: they had anime shows playing on the TVs throughout the restaurant. It gave the whole place a fun, vibrant energy, and made the experience even more memorable.
The interior is modest—simple wooden tables and chairs—but comfortable enough for a sit-down meal. My wife and I both gave it a solid 5 out of 5: great food, welcoming staff, and a unique vibe you won’t find just anywhere.
Yatai isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place that makes you feel welcomed, fed, and fueled for your day, gaining knowledge walking around Savannah River Street and the surrounding areas. We’ll definitely be back, and I hope this convinces you to give it a try too.
Phone (912) 349-1985
Location 10 Barnard St Savannah, GA 31401
Hours
M-Th 12PM–9PM
F-Sa 12PM–11PM
Su 12PM–9PM
