Where is the Best Japanese Food in Boston, Massachusetts?
I went to Jae’s for the 1st time on a recent Saturday night. The place was hoppin, and that is always a good sign. The restaurant was a little understaffed considering it was full house, but once we got the ball rolling it was a pleasant dining experience. The Miami Heat rolls are awesome, and the sashimi was top notch. The only item I would not order again was the satay appetizer, it was very bland and the peanut dipping sauce was watery and flavorless. The spicy Korean beef soup was a great choice, perfect for a still chilly early spring night. The Mai-Tai cocktails were delicious also. All in all a good experience, and will most certainly be back.Pros + huge variety, great sashimi, great neighborhoodCons – understaffed, annoyingly useless front of house hostess
I can’t say enough about this place. I’ve been to sushi places all over town – this is hands down the best in the city. FOOD: it’s fresh. Sadly there are a lot of sushi places around town that can’t seem to get that right. The kitchen here sends out nothing but the highest quality food. The respect for fresh ingredients carries over into the presentation, which is worthy of the best food magazines. I’m a culinary school grad that’s worked in high-end kitchens (Union in South End, Clio in Back Bay) so I know what separates good from great – this place is great. Plates at Gari cover creativity in spades. Attention to detail is everywhere. Most sushi places use plates with painted accents – at Gari this is all done with sauces – and it’s beautiful. SERVICE: the place is owned by a young chef and his wife, who’s the hostess most nights. They care about their customers in a big way. If I had to pick one descriptor – they’re amazingly accommodating. One ni
Though new to sushi, I’ve had several great experiences at OSushi and always look forward to lunching there. While the service may be a bit slower than some, I’ve never found it excessively so, and frankly enjoy the chance to relax. Servers have gone out of their way to guide me thru the “process.” The Sake list is extensive. The combos with tempura are lovely.Pros + Flavor & presentation, Ambience, though busy, AttentivenessCons – Small & busy
I go there every few months or so and while it’s not stellar, sushi quality is consistent and there are many other things to try on the menu (like the variety of soups) than your average Boston Japanese restaurant. Hamachi (yellowtail) & tuna (sashimi or sushi) are good basic choices; I tend to stay away from the fancy rolls drowned in mayo. For dessert, the fried ice cream is very good (ginger + green tea ice cream inside), and is huge – 5″ diameter ball piled high with whipped cream. Ask for at least 2 spoons.Pros + Sushi, other menu itemsCons – No real complaints
I’ve tried Kaze but I keep on going back to Shabuzen (since it’s opened) and it’s probaly because of the soy sauce and broth. One reviewer says it’s not up to par, but I LIKE that the soy sauce lacks the lemony flavor -who wants sour meat and veggies with every bite? The regular broth is very flavorful but the other flavors are good too! Most staff are friendly, but at times a few incompetent waitresses need us to ask for everything. I ask for more broth to mine, she’ll fill it, walk away when my bf also needs it, so we’d have to call her back and ask for his to be refilled. I have NO clue what the other reviewer meant about needing bigger bowls because you want to cook each piece of meat as you eat anyway. Putting everything in at once would mean overcooked food! The wait is long during their peak hours so I usually just try to avoid those times. It’s slower and cheaper during weekday lunch with their lunch specials. Besides, the long wait and people willing to wait shows how
