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Akami

4.3 (39 reviews)

AKAMI · YELP ASSISTANT

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4/14
Vincent C.

The omakase at Akami could make any day a special occasion and even more so if it is a day worth celebrating! The full staff puts in the work to ensure an amazing experience. Food: The menu was a perfect blend of new unexpected flavor combinations, decadent fish cuts prepped with great care, and even normal fish cuts elevated to new flavor peaks! Service: The chefs gave enticing descriptions of the dishes that really emphasized an appreciation of food and the wait staff kept the meal flowing with ease. Atmosphere: The standard sushi bar was great for watching the staff, so even between bites we had something to talk about and get excited by. The interior is not only neat and clean it helps take your mind off of everything beyond the front doors.

Kylie B.

such a cool experience! For $99 and 14 courses that came with great care and attention, akami was a great omakase experience. Being omakase, the menu will change every 3 months but I loved each and every piece of our meal. There was great variety, the fish was fresh and buttery soft, and the chef was thorough in his descriptions. Akami is a small space and intimate experience as everyone dines together so be sure to make your reservation on time! Service is efficient and very friendly and attentive

Peter C.

A cute (New) little Omakase spot in Brookline. $99 for 14 courses is a pretty solid deal. Boston has a lack of cheap(ish) Omakase. Compare that to NYC where you have an Omakase spot on every corner almost. There is a liberal use of the torching technique here. Quite a few items were torched, which I find usually reserved for a Wagyu or Foie Gras type of item. Nonetheless, the assortment was very good. The staff is amazing. They probably average 1 staff member for every 3-4 guests, which means you are getting solid attention. You can add on individual pieces at the end of the meal for an extra charge, which is a good opportunity to get full. These is a course with Uni, but oddly, they opt to use Maine Uni, despite having Hokkaido Uni on hand. You can buy the Hokkaido Uni as an add on later, at the end of the meal. I was a bit disappointed that the price point didn't include Hokkaido Uni. A small piece is dropped on top of the fatty tuna, so it's not even an entire Uni sushi piece in the course. They are missing signature Wagyu and Foie Gras, which keeps it from feeling like an elevated experience. The price point is enough to not make it a casual meal. It's a difficult space to straddle. The courses were good. More sweet flavors than spicy, if you prefer that. I tend to lean toward spicy myself. Overall, you should certainly give it a shot. It might be among of the cheapest Omakase dinners in Boston. Reservations should be made well in advance.

Maria M.

Akami Omakase in Brookline is truly a 10/10 must-try. Even if it's a bit expensive, you're going for the experience, and it absolutely delivers. From the moment we sat down, Chef Jam's passion and dedication were obvious. He even showed us the fresh fish flown in from Japan and Norway that we'd be enjoying that night, which made the whole meal feel even more special. We had an incredible 14-course omakase for $100 per person, and every bite felt like a little work of art. Watching the chefs prepare each course right in front of us added so much to the experience. You can see the care and creativity that go into every dish, and it makes you appreciate each course on a whole new level. Our favorite dishes of the night were definitely the salmon and tuna. They were fresh, buttery, and unbelievably delicious The menu changes with the seasons, so every visit feels new and exciting. If you love sushi or have never tried an omakase before, this is your sign. Book a seat the next time you're in Brookline. It's worth every moment and every bite.

Chris T.

Such a fun and casual evening with the lady and good friend. Akami is entertaining, as you take on their i omakase journey. We opted for the premium which gets you some better cuts of fish etc and extra items. Items i tried to right down as they came out! Akami premium omakase Shabomushi - Japanese steam egg smoked dashi kambu broth flavor. Hamachi- yellow tail - white truffle yuzu ponzu sauce - crispy fried shallots Mackrel saba - vinegar and sake - 3-5 hours. Torched skin high heat. Good fat content Salmon two tone color - placed in salt beet root. Not as fatty. Natural color . Fish roe spicy mayo and wasabi fish roe sauces Nigiri - white fish. Pickled yuzus flavor of the kenpachi Sea bream (MaDie?) white fish one of highest qualities? Better then the last course. Nigiri Stuzuki - white fish Black Sea bass - yuzus gel and sauce nigiri Shimai-aji slapjack white fish brushed soy. Nigiri Ika- squid slippery, hold it tight - hot water run 3-5 seconds. Bouncy texture torching after brushing on nigiri sauce. White truffle paste on top Hakkaido hotate - scallop with paste of yuzu miso. Brings flavor together Akami red fish tuna nigiri sauce with hisami wasabi pickled wasabi Shutoro fish hand roll Otoro - dry aged tuna less fatty but still melt in mouth with Uni fresh from Japan on top the o-toro Shutoro Bogan Ebi - sweet shrimp tender creamy nigiri sauce, white truffle oil, topped with cavier oremium Torched unagi handroll Crispy black sesame rice puff I really like our first dish in the cup steamed egg dashi so tasty and the otoro piece. Everything was fresh, a bit of something for everyone. Would come back again to try other things i did think there was too many white fish dishes but i also don't mind. Wish there was more toro haha Service was great! Definitely kept us engaged and it felt like an intimate experience!

Marlana Y.

Great place to take a date and make sure to try to request to sit by the bar. The sushi chef will provide you a description of each sushi right before servicing so it's nice to be up front. The food was amazing and we enjoy each piece. I went with girlfriends and because of the time limit of 90 minute seating time and closeness of spacing sitting next to patrons, it's not the greatest place to have a conversation to catch up/gossip. A lot of the other patrons were there on a date so we tried to quiet down as to not bother everyone else. But we def enjoyed the experience. I would do it again and go back. The sushi chef shares that his goal is to have a different menu each time depending on the fish they have so I expect it to change it up at least every few months.

O-Toro/Fatty Tuna
Chuan-Wei L.

As an early birthday gift to myself, I booked a solo seat at Akami Omakase, a new sushi counter in Brookline that's already making noise...literally... This wasn't some hushed, serious omakase temple. It was high energy, full of laughs, good music, and chefs who actually want you to have fun. And somehow, they still delivered one of the most polished omakase experiences I've had in Boston. I went in solo, expecting a quiet night. By the end, everyone at the counter was raising sake shots to celebrate my birthday including the chefs. It was unpretentious, joyful, and absolutely unforgettable. I chose the Premium Omakase ($109), and it delivered! The fish was fresh, the rice was perfect, and the vibe? Immaculate. You're not just eating here, you're part of the energy. The chefs talk to you. They pour you drinks. They cheer with you. It feels like a celebration even if it's not your birthday. Akami might be new to Brookline, but they already feel like seasoned pros. If you want sushi that's refined but fun, elegant but not uptight, this is your spot! Their reservations fill up fast so book your visit now!

Matcha mochi + ice cream
Lydia C.

Omakase-only restaurant - a very decent experience for a relatively affordable price, though not as high quality as omakase you might find elsewhere. We did the 16-course premium omakase for $109 per person. I thought 11 courses were excellent, with the others ranging from fine to slightly disappointing (in particular the salmon, which is usually my favorite, but was lower quality than I was expecting). My favorites were the hamachi (amberjack), akami, otoro, and hand rolls. I was also quite surprised by the low Yelp rating, which reflects only a few extraordinarily poor reviews based around the strength of the wasabi. While many of the courses did include wasabi, the kick wasn't strong at all, and it certainly wasn't overwhelmingly present. Service was also excellent and quite enjoyable. It's a small interior that quickly books out, so be sure to make your reservation in advance (especially for a prime weekend time slot), and be sure to sit at the sushi bar for the best view!

Tristine T.

Akami Omakase is such a great addition to the omakase scene around Boston. It's the first omakase in the area that I've seen come in under $100, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Even with the lower price point compared to many other omakase spots nearby, the quality and freshness of the fish never felt like it was lacking. Every course tasted thoughtfully prepared and well balanced, and you could really tell care was put into the ingredients. What really makes the experience stand out though is Chef Jam. He keeps the atmosphere fun and engaging while still delivering a great omakase experience. It doesn't feel stiff or overly formal like some sushi counters can -- just great sushi and good energy. If you've been wanting to try omakase but were hesitant because of the price tags around Boston, this is the perfect place to start. Great value, fresh fish, and a really enjoyable experience.

Madai
Justin L.

First omakase experience! It was wonderful. The chef was really nice along with the staff they were attentive. The space is clean and fresh. The price for the omakase is more affordable than most in the Boston area. There's two different options, $89 /109. I went with the premium option 109 one because it comes with 15 course +1 dessert. The $89 comes with 12 courses+1 dessert I believe. My favorite courses were the madai, chutoro, and the mackerel. Had to reorder more because it was soooo good. Chef knew his stuff and prepared / marinated his fish well. I was surprised with some dishes like the mackerel and squid. Usually, when I eat these dishes they aren't that great, but chef made sure the texture was soft enough to eat not too chewy and avoided the fishy taste by torching em! The mochi dessert was surprisingly good as well. Chef said he bought it from NY but the skin of the mochi was extremely soft and the ice cream wasn't too sweet which ended the meal nicely!

Han B.

My wife and I tried Akami tried today and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the food and friendly staff. The sequence of 14 piece omakase was well formatted to keep the experience interesting. The meal included a noodle dish, fish soup with fried tofu, several nigiri's, and an ending desert. Chef Jam is devoted to his craft and to providing a great dining experience to every customer and it shows with each piece he served up and his genuine interaction with customers. We recommend and will be back.

Hand roll
elizabeth m.

We had a wonderful time at Akami! The 14 course Omakase experience was well worth the price tag. We tried an array of different fish prepared in front of us as we sat at the food bar. The presentation of each course was like a work of art. Textures and sauces all completely unique and a wide variety of flavor profiles. Service was impeccable. Highly recommend. Give this place a try.

14 - Ube tiramisu
Alyanna T.

My partner and I enjoyed the premium chef's choice 14-course omakase (full list below), chika sake cup, and special hand roll - TASTE: 4/5 - highlights included #4) king salmon belly: indulgent, #9) suzuki: excellent, #11) sweet shrimp: buttery, and #12) dry-aged otoro w uni: so rich, fatty, and creamy! TEXTURE: 5/5 - more highlights included #2) tuna tataki: loved the crisp cracker, #3) Japanese steamed egg custard: pillowy perfection, #10) scallop: soft and buttery w a dollop of miso, and #13) unagi hand roll: salty seaweed w crunchies PRICE: 5/5 - thought the value was great. Definitely worth the $99! SERVING SIZE: 4/5 - felt satisfied after and opted to get the uni hand roll special as an add-on at the end! SERVICE: 5/5 - reserved a week before and walked in on time for our 5pm Sunday dinner. The entire staff was friendly and professional, and appreciated that Chef Jam described each course before it was served. Also appreciated that they accommodated my partner's shellfish allergy (swapped shrimp w fish roe) and the birthday candle that came w #14) ube tiramisu! ATMOSPHERE: 5/5 - small space that felt elegant and intimate. Seats by the wall are next to each other vs. across a table PARKING: 4/5 - got lucky w a metered street spot right on Harvard St 1 - Squid (ika) 2 - Tuna tataki 3 - Japanese steamed egg custard 4 - King salmon belly (sake belly) 5 - Yellowtail (hamachi) 6 - Red sea bream (madai) 7 - Amber jack (kanpachi) 8 - Striped jack (shima ahi) 9 - Suzuki (sea bass) 10 - Scallop (Hokkaido hotate) 11 - Sweet shrimp (botan ebi) 12 - Dry-aged fatty tuna (o-toro) 13 - Japanese eel (unagi) hand roll 14 - Ube tiramisu

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Ok for the price. Nothing particularly exceptional or memorable. Somewhat cramped seating/ claustrophobic. Still a bit hungry afterwards.

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1 year ago

The question is when can we get a reservation!! We loved it and will be on our list of places to go for quality and special occasions!

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Maguro

Maguro

4.3(398 reviews)
0.2 mi•Coolidge Corner
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Free WiFi

I love this place…read more Such good unagi don. I haven't tried a lot of places for unagi, but so far Maguro takes the cake. Idk what they do to make their eel but the flavor is fabulous and the meat is so tender and soft. Their AYCE menu is pricey and I wouldn't suggest everything. Typically, I'm selective to premium cuts when I try to "make up" for the cost at an AYCE. Their uni was good when I ordered it, not necessarily top notch stuff but I've had inedible uni before and Maguro gave me good uni in comparison. The point of the AYCE is to stuff yourself with fancy fish!!! Skip the ramen and wagyu. Their wagyu wasn't melt in your mouth like legit wagyu should be, but if I wanted steak, I'd go to a churrascaria. Really nice servers! I enjoyed their mango sticky rice too!

Have been hearing about their Mon & Tue AYCE, so went on to try it a month or so ago. With what…read moreseems to be a recent price increase, now $50++ allows access to a good variety of sushi/sashimi, on top of apps, ramen, poke bowls, and cooked rice/noodle dishes. Whereas $80++ offers diners a set of amount of uni, plus unlimited amount of everything else, wagyu included. Sounds like a good deal, especially when one can eat a lot. Even as we are no longer Team Eat Till You Burst, we went for the premium, mainly for the nicer cuts such as toro and wagyu, and because uni!! Jumping in shortly after 5pm, we were promptly seated, marked a bunch of stuff on paper, and soon after submission, we got food brought to our table. It was a decent meal overall, so why 3 stars? Let's recap. Menu variety is fantastic, though of course we didn't get "one of everything", coz that's simply impossible. While the premium did cover a lot of grounds, it would have been nice if they also included anago (sea eel) which is currently only available on the a la cart menu, and maybe even offer couple lesser-known items such as monk fish liver app, sea grapes, off-the-beaten-path fish cuts, what have you. Would be happy even if we only get an allotment of those like we do with the uni. Now, service - great overall. Servers circulated around and were alert of customers' needs. Approached at appropriate times to take our order sheets, refill water, provide new order sheets, and ask if we wanted more food. So kudos on that. Their denotation of serving "regular portion" of cooked food had us hesitant in ordering, since we didn't want to be wasteful (or use our limited stomach space for dishes we can easily get elsewhere). But from other tables' orders as well as the one noodle dish that we ended up getting, it seems that the portion size was what I would like to see at AYCE places -- about 50-60% of regular Asian dish size, where 3-4 people can each have a couple bites "just to try". However, to think if that is what they call "regular portion", then it is definitely "Brookline pricing" on a la carte, which I would not recommend one to do such things on these items. Food is fantastic in general; we got a variety of stuff, and everything was really of top quality and taste. The meal would have been a "highly recommended" if they didn't serve the uni that we got. Out of the 12 pcs of uni sushi, all of them were... while not "foul" to a point where one cannot safely consume, they were definitely more sub-par than "ok but not great". Colors aside (which I understand there can be a range depending on origins and such), the uni was a "splat" of yellow stuff on rice, without distinct shape of the flesh. On top of the fishy smell (I'm talking about slightly ammonia-ish), the presentation and taste-texture upon them hitting our tongues... really left the ENTIRE room to be desired. In retrospect, we should have sent them back even if they weren't going to replace them. But instead, we stupidly forced ourselves to shove them all down in cowardly silence, then ordered another round of wagyu just to make us feel a little better about it. Yes, we weren't smart as customers. But if the restaurant is going to charge $100++ per person (after tax and tip), someone from the kitchen should have known better than pushing this thing out for customers to deal with. In their defense, yes, the uni itself was still "edible" in a sense that it didn't make us sick, but I'd maintain that better judgment should have been made. Once the shell was cracked open and you see this pale-gray yellow mush, it should have been decided that it is better repurposed, than be served straight to your customers as your star/featured product. As seen in other diners' experiences, it could just have been a one-off mishap, so I'm not knocking them entirely. But I do hope the restaurant would improve on their QC accordingly. It was such a disappointing low point in an otherwise wonderful meal.

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Maguro - Two favorites ..

Two favorites ..

Maguro - Variety is good ..

Variety is good ..

Maguro - Combos ..

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Combos ..

Miraku Boston - Spicy miso ramen

Miraku Boston

4.4(71 reviews)
0.3 mi•Coolidge Corner
•$$

Miraku Boston is a ramen-focused Japanese restaurant in Brookline that centers its menu around rich…read morebroths, carefully prepared noodles, and a small selection of appetizers and sides. We walked into a cozy, understated space that often filled up quickly, giving it a lively but still relatively calm dining atmosphere once we were seated. The room was warm and functional, with a layout that kept the focus on the food rather than the décor, and the steady hum of conversation added to the comfortable energy. The main draw here is the ramen itself, especially the broth-forward bowls like shoyu and miso variations. We ordered a few different styles and found the Yaki Shoyu and spicy miso standing out the most, with deep umami flavors and a layered richness that built as we ate. The sesame ramen was also a popular option for its nutty, aromatic profile. When everything was hitting well, the broth was the clear highlight and felt like the reason to come. The noodles were a bit more divisive depending on preference. Some bowls landed perfectly, while others felt more standard or less fresh compared to the broth, which could slightly affect the overall balance of the dish. Because of that, the experience tended to be strongest when we stuck to the core ramen offerings rather than branching out too far into appetizers or rice dishes. Service was generally friendly and efficient, but the restaurant could get busy during peak hours, which might lead to a short wait before seating. Once inside, the pacing of the meal was smooth, and the atmosphere stayed comfortable enough for a relaxed lunch or dinner, even when the dining room was full. The staff moved through the room with ease, and the food came out without much delay. Overall, Miraku Boston is a solid ramen spot in the Brookline area that does best when focusing on its strengths: rich, flavorful broth-based ramen bowls. It is not overly experimental, but when the kitchen is on point, it delivers a satisfying and comforting ramen experience worth returning for.

Came here with some friends as this was their favorite ramen spot and they were having a popup…read morewhere a Japanese chef came here to make some limited bowls of seabream and shellfish white soy sauce ramen. As this was limited pop up, we did wait about 1-1.5 hours to be able to get inside and order the food, but it was a relatively organized experience. We got sat at the bar at the side where the waiters/waitresses entered/exited which was mildly annoying and flagging them to get more water was a little hard as well. I didn't order the limited bowl as that's not usually my choice of flavor for ramen broths but I got to try it. It was very mild and had a nice taste but still wouldn't be my go to order. For myself, I got the spicy miso which was nice and flavorful. My friends also ordered the Takoyaki and the Zangi Fried Chicken which were both good. For dessert we also ordered the Monako Ice Cream and Hojicha Chiffon Cake. The Hojicha Chiffon cake didn't have as much flavor as I would've liked and the ice cream that came with it, kind of just overpowered it, should get hojicha ice cream with this one to taste more hojicha.

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Miraku Boston - Bar seating

Bar seating

Miraku Boston - Matcha cheesecake

Matcha cheesecake

Miraku Boston - Hojicha ice cream

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Hojicha ice cream

Maruichi Select - Premium Chirashi

Maruichi Select

4.2(85 reviews)
0.3 mi•Coolidge Corner
•$$

In a world where so many Japanese-style items aren't actually made in Japan (and aren't always the…read morebest quality), I really respect Maruichi Select for carrying so many genuinely Japanese items. The shop, with all its ceramics, is SO cute. I want everything. It's also just a lovely little cafe: calm, cozy, neat, clean, and surprisingly spacious. Also, the onigiri is the biggest onigiri I've ever had. Maybe I just haven't eaten enough onigiri in my life, but I swear theirs is huge and also one of the most flavorful. I got the spicy chicken karaage onigiri and did not regret it. I also got the matcha latte, which was really good. And I respect that they serve Ogawa Coffee, a Japanese coffee. So based. I wish I lived closer so I could just roll out of bed and work here. Honestly, I wish I could WFH so I could work here. Why can't I just live here while I'm at it? They also have a good selection of ramen, udon, sandos, and, when they aren't short-staffed, kakigori shaved ice. I'm sad about the kakigori. It's summer, goddamnit! They could be making so much money if they had enough staff for it. You really can't go wrong being here. It's a little serene Japanese oasis, and I'm very glad it exists.

Don't know if it's because I visited on a weeknight but the food did not impress me. The chirashi…read morebowl was solid- fresh seafood but rice could be a bit better. The matcha latte was fine but a little mild. The onigiri was the biggest disappointment. I ordered a "premium" one from the counter and expected it to be better than the ones on the grab and go fridge section. But no. They grabbed an unwrapped one from the fridge with soggy seaweed. Just confused of why they would do this. This place is a great place to stop by for a quick bite or rest. Would be a good working space but there's no wifi or outlets. Mostly everything is self serve and there's a microwave that you can use to heat up anything you bought.

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Maruichi Select - Drinks menu

Drinks menu

Maruichi Select - Premium Chirashi

Premium Chirashi

Maruichi Select - Premium Chirashi

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Premium Chirashi

Omori Izakaya Brookline - Snow mountain Maki

Omori Izakaya Brookline

4.0(260 reviews)
0.5 mi•Brookline Village
•$$

This is a go to for us in Brookline with great service, a variety of food and a casual environment…read more It feels like a local Izakaya that I have been to in Japan. You can get a variety of items from Yakitori (grilled meats on a skewer over a hibachi), Kushiyaki (the same with veggies), different types of sushi, tempura and classic hot dishes. You are quickly met at the door and seated and the restaurant. While it's a little bit dated, it is a pub and it is comfortable. The service is super attentive and always prompt. When you seated at the table, you immediately get water and a delicious cabbage salad gratis. You can get a picture of beer for $25 and a great selection of Sake and other cocktails. The food prices are very reasonable for the quality and value that you get. The food is always super tasty with the yakitori served hot. The sushi is fresh and delicious. The grilled salmon with vegetables is wonderful with a nice accompanying savory sauce.

Omori is a staple of the Brookline Village area. Conveniently located next to the D line…read more Great prices, especially for drinks. Overall value is very high. Some of the freshest sashimi in the city, recommend the omakase. The service is often very good, and the food always arrives much faster than similar spots. Sometimes the service really misses the mark, especially when sitting in the bar seats as opposed to a regular table. I am surprised how forgotten you can feel in the lower section bar especially. The place could be cleaner. They are really hanging on to a very struggling mini split unit, which leaks on the small two top to the very right. Bathroom is one stall for a good sized izakaya.

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Omori Izakaya Brookline
Omori Izakaya Brookline - Grilled Squid

Grilled Squid

Omori Izakaya Brookline - Ramen Noodle with Cha-Shu Pork

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Ramen Noodle with Cha-Shu Pork

Yume Ga Arukara - Signature Cold Niku Udon

Yume Ga Arukara

4.6(875 reviews)
3.3 mi•Porter Square
•$$

Four words: spicy cold niku udon. The signature is also good!…read more I've been a fan of Yume ever since I found out about it when I went to Tufts for college. It was the Asian-American community's go-to spot for dine-in, take-out, or both! This was back when they had their location in the Lesley University food court too - people would be lining up for 30+ minutes to get a coveted seat at one of their humble seats. I look fondly on when they would yell "perfect" whenever I finished my bowl, praising how I slurped every freshly cut udon noodle and devoured every ounce of broth or crispy tempura bit they put in there. The new location is just a few stores down, still in/out of the Lesley University mall area. It has a nice ambiance and feels less cramped. While I miss the "perfect" yelling, the flavor still tastes just as good even if it's gotten an insane amount of hype since then. Would highly recommend ordering takeout if you're in a rush - they do it very efficiently, both at the original Cambridge location and the new Seaport location too. I'm so happy for all of their success!

Food: hot udon, DD had hot niku udon and hubby had spicy hot niku udon. The noodles tasted very…read morechewy and the hot udon soup base was ok but I've had better. Note that it was a little spicy because they put shichimi on top, so if you don't want that be sure to tell them. It gave added flavor. Service: we went extremely early (before 5pm) so there was no wait and service was efficient and water glasses filled without request. Ambiance: quite a few tables and several bar tables. Came here because my daughter loves this place but I thought it was just ok.

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Yume Ga Arukara - Interior seating

Interior seating

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Hot Niku Udon

Spicy Hot Niku Udon

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Niku Udon (to go)

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Spicy Cold Niku Udon (to go)

Gen Sou En - Curry

Gen Sou En

4.1(13 reviews)
0.3 mi•Coolidge Corner

I really enjoyed my visit to Gen sou en! I think it's relatively popular place to hangout and go on…read moredates, etc. they don't have wi fi so I guess it's not really a study spot. I had their 10 dollar signature curry. It was a lot of food for the price. Complete with shredded chicken and served with plenty of rice! I loved it! The hojicha latte was very strong and tasted amazing. It wasn't sweetened much, so I guess you can really taste the hojicha! I think it was very skillfully made. Also tried one of their onigiri. You get the onigiri at the cashier when you order. Not sure what happened but the first person I talked to didn't give me one when I ordered. I had to go back and talk to them to get one. The braised pork and egg is quite good and almost tastes like fish roe as it's so rich and tasty. The interior is spacious. But can feel a little cramped or difficult to get around it.

I wanted to love this place, but it's a mismatch for the vibe I was seeking…read more I was looking for zen, and given my view of the grocery store from my seat, a view of the prep kitchen in the other direction, the beat of the hip pop music playing unexpectedly loudly, and the lines, I'm thinking it's more of an urban, 20-something vibe. I probably would have loved it in my 20s. They do have a room with tatami mats & exposed brick with the vibes I was hoping for, but a woman is talking and gesticulating animatedly in there, and at another table there's a toddler, whereas the tables on the floor are ironically much quieter. Maybe I'll check out that room next time? I get the establishment isn't responsible for patrons' volume or meltdowns. They have signs asking you not to stay more than 90 minutes...which I find fascinating, as the ambiance doesn't lend itself towards lingering. Nonetheless, 4 stars because I really enjoyed my first iced Houjicha Latte. In the future, I'll take my drink orders to go.

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Gen Sou En - Inside

Inside

Gen Sou En - Premium Onigiri

Premium Onigiri

Gen Sou En

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Kyuramen - Brookline

Kyuramen - Brookline

4.3(329 reviews)
0.8 mi
•$$

We were tired of sitting in traffic after leaving Boston Logan so we just picked a random exit and…read morea random restaurant for quick snacks and drinks! There was plenty of street parking when we arrived, however does look like it could get pretty busy. The restaurant was so pretty! I loved all the finishes and the design! It is a very clean establishment. There are private little dining areas which was my favorite! Inside the dining space is a call button you can press when you need service. The food was good! We weren't expecting much, just needed a snack and get back on the road to get to Worcester, I would recommend it for tourist like myself.

Awesome ambience! Bright and clean, great use of space with booths that are almost completely…read moreenclosed with a little curtain even so you can easily converse. There's a button on the wall when you're ready to order. We came for lunch after enjoying the Isabella Gardner museum, and didn't have a reservation but they had no problem seating us right away at about 1 p.m. today. We ordered the honeycomb appetizer plate, several spicy Sapporo miso ramens, a chicken shoyu, a beef shoyu ramen, and a Korean kimchi ramen. Our server was helpful and conscientious, making sure my brother's request for non-dairy was complied with, while still giving him options/alternatives. We're still not sure why the trend of adding butter to ramen broth became popular (although I do like butter). The Sapporo miso ramen was savory but didn't really taste like miso, it tasted like smoky chili. My kimchi ramen was wonderful, exactly what I expected. The chicken and beef shoyu ramen had delicious mellow broth, so they added the sauerkraut pepper provided on the table (plus shichimi and cayenne pepper) to taste. Overall, super satisfying!

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Kyuramen - Brookline - Inside of the restaurant

Inside of the restaurant

Kyuramen - Brookline - Takoyaki Octopus Balls (6Pcs)

Takoyaki Octopus Balls (6Pcs)

Kyuramen - Brookline - Takoyaki Octopus Balls (6Pcs)

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Takoyaki Octopus Balls (6Pcs)

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen - Tan Tan

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen

4.3(1.3k reviews)
0.3 mi•Coolidge Corner
•$$

When I tried the tsukumen, it tasted like heaven!…read more However, the fried baby octopus was a little spicy and the fried chicken karrage was deep fried. But it was yummy! I like it.

A small space inside an old arcade building, Ganko is always packed so come during an off time…read more We visited at 2:30pm on a Thursday and saw that only a few tables were taken up. There were plenty of other open tables and no one else around. I came early and tried to get a table first for my party of 3 but was turned away saying the whole party needed to be there. Completely understandable if the restaurant was packed and there were people waiting. The person I spoke to was also a bit dismissive so I ended up just waiting around for my party to arrive. We did get a table after another person in my party arrived and spoke to another staff who made it a point to say they don't usually do this and acted like it was a favor to us(?). We appreciated the gesture especially since we were one of 3 parties in the whole restaurant so they really went out of their way to accommodate us - how nice. The karaage came in 4 big pieces so I'd recommend ordering more if you're sharing. The shoyu ramen was extremely rich and fatty. Texture of noodles were great but soup was a bit too fatty and greasy for my liking. Food was okay and service could definitely use a lot of improvements.

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Ganko Ittetsu Ramen
Ganko Ittetsu Ramen - Chicken karage extra crispy with ponzu dipping sauce

Chicken karage extra crispy with ponzu dipping sauce

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen

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Akami - japanese - Updated November 2026

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