By: Jake Hawkins
Tucked away in a modest business strip on Rice Mine Road in Northport, AL, Fujiyama Japanese Steak and Seafood House might not catch your eye at first glance. It’s not flashy, not sprawling, and definitely not the kind of place you’d expect to find a culinary gem. But sometimes, the best meals come from the most unassuming spots. For students at the University of Alabama, it might feel like a bit of a trek, especially if you’re used to sticking close to campus. But trust me, after a deep dive on visittuscaloosa.com and a scroll through Fujiyama’s online menu, I knew I had to make the trip. I rounded up a couple of my buddies, Barrett and Fred, and we headed out with empty stomachs and high hopes. Spoiler alert: we weren’t disappointed.
First Impressions and Appetizers
Fujiyama’s menu is a delightful mashup of Japanese and Thai cuisine, with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re craving sushi, hibachi, pad Thai, or just a solid appetizer to kick things off, they’ve got you covered. The vibe inside is cozy, maybe a little cramped, but it adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the sizzle from the kitchen and smell the garlic wafting through the air.
We started with a few appetizers, and Barrett took the lead by ordering the takoyaki, fried octopus balls. Now, if you’ve never had takoyaki before, it’s definitely a unique experience. The presentation was impressive: six golden-brown spheres drizzled with Japanese barbecue sauce and mayo, topped with crunchy bits and a sprinkle of greenery. It looked like something out of a food magazine. But then came the smell, octopus has a distinct aroma, and Fred wasn’t exactly thrilled. He gave it a skeptical sniff and leaned back in his chair. “Smells like the ocean floor,” he muttered. Barrett and I, on the other hand, were all in.
I grabbed one with the chopsticks and popped it into my mouth. The first thing that hit me was the tangy sweetness of the barbecue sauce, followed by the creamy mayo. Then came the octopus; chewy, briny, and surprisingly rich. The texture reminded me of biting into a fried ball of melted cheese, but with a seafood twist. Barrett nodded in approval, while Fred politely declined a second bite. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth a try.
Entrée Time
After demolishing the takoyaki, we were more than ready for our main courses. The wait wasn’t long, but our hunger made it feel like an eternity. When the plates finally arrived, they were steaming hot and beautifully arranged. I had gone with the chicken pad Thai, hoping for a bit of spice. I asked the server to make it spicy, but I don’t think the message quite landed. Still, I wasn’t mad, it looked and smelled amazing.
The pad Thai came with a generous portion of egg noodles coated in a glossy peanut sauce. I hadn’t realized it came with shrimp, so that was a pleasant surprise. The sauce was sweet and savory, though maybe a little too “peanutty” for my taste. The chicken, however, was spot-on, tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. I kept alternating bites between the noodles and the shrimp, trying to get the perfect balance. It wasn’t the spiciest pad Thai I’ve ever had, but it was satisfying in its own way.
Meanwhile, Fred and Barrett had gone the hibachi route. Fred ordered the steak and chicken combo, while Barrett stuck with just steak. I managed to snag a few bites from each of their plates, and let me tell you, hibachi just might be the move next time. The steak was phenomenal. Perfectly seared with a hint of garlic, it was juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Fred’s chicken was equally impressive, and we suspected it had been cooked alongside mine because the seasoning was eerily similar.
Fred was practically glowing as he described his meal. “The hibachi tasted so fresh I was shocked I couldn’t feel the heat off the grill,” he said, still chewing. I couldn’t help but agree. The hibachi plates also came with yakisoba noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and your choice of steamed or fried rice. Fred went with fried rice, Barrett chose steamed, and I got to sample both. The fried rice had that perfect balance of soy sauce and egg, while the steamed rice was fluffy and clean—ideal for soaking up the hibachi juices.
Drinks and Atmosphere
Fujiyama’s drink menu is surprisingly diverse. They offer Thai teas, soft drinks, and even a small but respectable bar. Fred decided to try the Thai tea, which came out in a tall glass with a burnt orange hue. He handed it to me for a sip, and I gave it a go. It was creamy, slightly sweet, and had a subtle spice to it. Not bad, but not mind-blowing either. Fred was less forgiving. “It was not the best… lackluster compared to everything else,” he said, shrugging. Fair enough—when the food is that good, the drinks don’t need to steal the spotlight.
As we ate, I noticed a steady stream of takeout orders being picked up. The dining room isn’t huge, maybe 30 chairs max, and while a few other groups were dining in, most of the business seemed to be to-go. It made me wonder if people preferred enjoying Fujiyama’s food from the comfort of their homes, or if the limited seating was a deterrent. Either way, the demand was clear. People love this place, and for good reason.
Sushi and More to Explore
One thing we didn’t get to try on this visit was the sushi, which is a shame because Fujiyama’s sushi menu is extensive. From classic rolls like California and spicy tuna to more adventurous options like eel and yellowtail, there’s a lot to choose from. I’ve heard good things about their specialty rolls, which come loaded with toppings and sauces. Next time, I’m definitely diving into that part of the menu.
They also offer bento boxes, which are perfect if you want a little bit of everything. A typical bento might include teriyaki chicken, tempura shrimp, rice, salad, and a small sushi roll. It’s a great way to sample multiple flavors without committing to one dish. I saw a couple of diners with bento boxes and couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.
Service and Final Thoughts
The service at Fujiyama was friendly and efficient. Our server was polite, checked on us a couple of times, and made sure our drinks stayed full. There was a slight hiccup with the spice level on my pad Thai, but it wasn’t a big deal. The food came out quickly, and everything was hot and fresh. You can tell the kitchen staff knows what they’re doing.
Overall, Fujiyama is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. It’s not the fanciest spot in town, and it’s not the most convenient for students living near campus, but it’s absolutely worth the drive. The food is flavorful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, hibachi, Thai noodles, or just a solid appetizer, Fujiyama delivers.
We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Barrett wants to try the sushi, Fred’s eyeing the bento box, and I’m dead set on getting my own hibachi plate. Maybe I’ll even give the jalapeno calamari a shot. One thing’s for sure: Fujiyama has earned a spot on our regular rotation.
So if you’re ever scrolling through restaurant options and wondering whether it’s worth venturing off the beaten path, take my advice: make the trip to Fujiyama. It’s a little slice of Japanese and Thai comfort tucked away in Northport, and it’s calling your name.
