There really aren't any places in the immediate Plaza Midwood area like Yama Izakaya. It's cool decor and lounge music set up the atmosphere for a perfect place to have dinner with a date, a group of people, or just sit alone at the bar.
Let's start with the drinks. The Sake choices are pretty extensive and quite honestly, I don't know what most of them are...be sure to tell the bartender what you like so you can get a recommendation! If you're not in a Sake mood, they have a full bar and a few wines by the glass.
If you're up for an app, please do yourself a favor and get the chicken wings. They are actually dry on the outside (not the oily or greasy kind) and moist on the inside, so it's not your typical wing. The beef negamaki is always a winner too. Gyoza is pretty standard.
Entrees are a toss up. They have teryaki chicken and steak...sauce is decent and the cook/temp on the food is always perfect. But really, the winner at Yama is the Ramen. I've had a few types and they just knock it out of the park. Possibly the best Ramen in Charlotte. The portions are fairly sizable. Be prepared to take some of your meal home.
This place is never crowded. Why? I have no idea. It's a great spot with great food. I recommend Yama if you're in the mood for something different and you're in the Plaza area.