About Us

Who We Are

Gama is a coastal izakaya in Point Arena, a small city tucked into the southern coast of Mendocino County. Our goal is to share with our guests the things that make this area so special, as well as our love of Japanese cuisine and culture. Our kitchen is focused on local, seasonal ingredients prepared with Japanese cooking techniques. Our bar pairs those offerings with a curated selection of sake, beer, and wine. We are committed to operating our establishment as sustainably as possible, to better serve our guests, our community, and our planet.

Although the izakaya came to life in 2020, it has been a dream of owners David and Elyse Hopps since they first began their culinary careers in 2006. Both getting their start in Japanese kitchens, they honed their craft for almost sixteen years before taking the leap and opening their own restaurant. They are honored to be able to share their passion with Mendocino County. 

**Gama is proud to donate to the JACL (Japanese American Citizens League) to show appreciation for a culture and community that has shared so much with us. 

Our Tipping Policy

When we opened Gama, it was with the intention of eliminating tipping from our restaurant. We know that tipping can be a great way for guests to show their appreciation, but we also know that the tipping system can be an extremely toxic way to pay employees. We want our staff to feel fairly compensated for the hard work that they do every day. After an immense amount of feedback, we have decided to do both. Know that our staff doesn’t rely on tips, but if our guests want to show their gratitude monetarily, it is most welcome. We will continue to adjust our policies with the intent to learn and grow. Thank you for growing with us.