BonJapan 86 Yaroku

Reviews

• JP R.

  star star star star star 14 July 2026

  This place is an amazing - kinda off the beaten path.   A somewhat down market area but the food is satisfying and inexpensive to boot.   Came here on a Thursday and it's only me, where is everybody?   If you find yourself in Salem I am sure you could do a lot worse.

• Frank K.

  star star star star star_border 13 July 2026

  Great little tucked away spot.  Come hungry AND "Patient" as only one guy operates this facility.  Bring a Newspaper (if you can still find one).  Can't remember his name but it should be etched above the door like a shrine.  There is a curtain that demises the kitchen from the Dining Area.  You can't see anything but the sounds escaping the rear are full on Detroit Factory as he prepares lunch for about 6 people.  I mean, this guy is the Ginger Baker of Pots 'n Pans.  You can get some soup to tide you over during your wait and he DOES serve Beer, so you CAN get a Sapporo or the like.
  I haven't had anything I don't like but then I haven't had Sushi there.  I don't know, I just want my Sushi fresh and the "Stock" rotating on a regular basis.
  The Teriyaki, Udon, and Tempura were beyond reproach.  About the only thing "Wrong" is the "Wait", but if that is "My Part" of experiencing this great spot and Chef, so be it.  It's WORTH it!!!

• Greg L.

  star star star star star_border 5 July 2026

  TL;DR - solid, small-operation Japanese joint with great flavors in an unexpected part of town, although the wait time is stretching it a bit, even though he has a sign that says he's a one-man operation. Definitely will be back!
  _____________________
  
  FOOD
  The size of the menu is ambitious for a one-man show - this is not just teriyaki chicken on white rice. He has a wide variety of options that I was surprised to see, including oyakodon and curry.
  - Nabeyaki Udon, $12 - hot clay pot of chewy udon, a piece of shrimp tempura, naruto, and some veg in a tasty broth. It also comes with a bowl of sticky rice that was a little bland, but a nice surprise. I'd definitely recommend for a cold day!
  - Oyakodon, $9 - my friend got this and it looked pretty good. He was satisfied and said he'd be back to try other things, and that this could be his "safe" dish when he's not interested in venturing out.
  
  SPACE
  It's quite an unexpected location off of 12th. One thing I enjoy is that he's got a dedicated parking lot. Inside, the theme of a"ambitious" continues for this one guy to handle. There are a few booths as well as a couple smaller tables and some counter seats. A few pieces of Japanese decor make it a little quaint.
  
  STAFF
  One more time: it's the one fella! He's extremely polite and considerate, letting us and other guests that there might be a wait, and then thanking us for waiting - classic Japanese manners. We did wait quite a while for our food, but I was satisfied!

• Lawrence H.

  star star star star_border star_border 27 June 2026

  It captures the essence and I can appreciate their commitment to the traditional ways. The curry has been something I come to look forward to. The Ebi-Fry was on point and you will need an extra order of that.
  
  It is a small operation wit a home cooked vibe and true Japanese cooking. This is not fast food and good food does take time. If you are coming as a group try ordering ahead. Otherwise enjoy some company and indulge in this experience.
  
  They cook the classics and do it the right way. Would've given more if my partner didn't think her rice was under cooked in the Katsu Don. Despite this set back there was enough to make us want to come back. The Best things come to those who wait...

• Lai S.

  star star star star star 22 June 2026

  Great little Japanese restaurant. It's basically a one-man show, the gentleman that operates the restaurant is the only person that works there, so be prepared to wait if there are other customers. But in exchange you're waiting for great quality food. We've had the tonkatsu curry, agedashi tofu and the veggie tempura...all very good.