First time here and it was great! We did the AYCE all-you-can-eat on a Monday (they only do it…read moreMonday and Tuesdays) - got there around 7:30p and even though it was very full, we got seated quickly with a table for 3. It's $50 for the regular AYCE or $80 for the Premium AYCE. We opted for the former, and it was plenty great. We have done lots of AYCE sushi and I will say this is the BEST of them - I think it's because it's the same grade sushi as they would normally do Ala carte on other nights. The $50 menu had plenty of sashimi and regular nigiri (sushi with rice) options and some Thai too. We had mostly the sashimi Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Octopus, a few rolls, some edamame, gyoza, shumai. My favorites were the salmon, as the cuts were large, thick and amazing silky, and the gyoza, as it was perfectly crispy. The Pad Thai was bit way too sweet for my taste - a skip for me next time. The decor is very nice - reminded me of a dive Tokyo bar. Service was quick and very attentive. We will be back!

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.

Great mom/pop restaurant. Food was excellent, a staple in the community! I got the hamachi kama,…read morewings, and a few rolls. All were very tasty.

This spot has a cool, underground vibe that makes it feel a little hidden and unique. The service…read moreis impressively quick -- you're in and out without much wait. The food is decent, but compared to other sushi restaurants I've tried, there are definitely higher-quality options. The Bruins Fire Maki (pictured below) was visually striking and definitely brought the heat -- something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to spicy food.

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.

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.

Absolutely perfect. Homestyle beef noodle soup is one of…read morethe must order. I am a picky foodie and I can tell their marinated beef and soup base is one of the best I have ever had in Boston. Would absolutely revisit.

This is my second time here and I still love it. Will recommend to reserve a table if you have a…read moreparty of more than 2 as the space is limited. However, I haven't seen people wait too long. I love the options and sushi is very fresh. The ramen is also delicious. The staff is friendly and efficient. The sake selection is great and the price is affordable. I highly recommend to come back to this place if you want an affordable yet quality sushi experience.

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.

My friend is a huge fan of Omori so we decided to go here for dinner on a summer Friday night. The…read moreweather was gorgeous so we decided to sit outside. This place has an outdoor patio seating area that overlooks Brookline Village. We ordered chicken katsu to start off and I ordered a bunch of different sushi rolls. I opted for Caterpillar Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Sweet Potato Roll. All were decent, though I've had better and fresher fish. The fish quality here isn't as high as many reviews claim it to be, it's not bad by any means but you can taste that it's not pristine. For this reason I would say my favorite of the evening was the sweet potato roll. Chicken katsu appetizer was just okay.

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.

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.

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!

Just tried Chef Jam's October menu at Akami Omakase, where seasonal winter ingredients were the…read moreSTAR Featuring creative seafood bites & an INSANE Thai-inspired fish soup, to melt-in-your-mouth tuna & a unique Thai dessert, this was a JOURNEY of flavors I can confidently say @akami_omakase serves up affordable, yet seriously high-quality omakase including Spain-importer bluefin tuna, sweet Hokkaido scallops & buttery, seasonal white fish THE CRAZIEST PART? ALL 14 COURSES FOR UNDER $100/PERSON THE FULL 14-COURSE EXPERIENCE: 1 Somen Uni Cream Pasta - Creamy uni sauce, masago & seaweed 2 Blue Point Oyster - Kimchi sauce, crispy shallots, ikura & microgreens 3 Chop Chop Salmon - Sweet-and-sour salmon in a crispy pani puri shell 4 Sweet & Sour Dashi Broth - Thai tom klong-style fish soup with smoky, herbal flavors INSANE flavors here! 5 Madai Nigiri -- Seasonal white fish with torched skin 6 Kanpachi Nigiri - Edible rose-gold garnish, pepper jack & pickled onion sparkled like a GEM 7 Kimedai Nigiri - Red snapper with kisame, pickled wasabi & smoky notes 8 Akami Bluefin Tuna Nigiri - Spanish bluefin tuna marinated in tsuke soy 9 Ika Nigiri - Sweet squid with homemade truffle paste & smoky truffle sauce MY FAVORITE! Hotate Nigiri - Sweet Hokkaido scallop with lime zest My bf's favorite! 11 Chūtoro Nigiri - Rich, medium-fatty Spanish bluefin tuna 12 Ōtoro Nigiri - Luxurious fatty tuna topped with Hokkaido uni. MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH! 13 Unagi Hand Roll - Grilled eel, sesame rice & crunchy rice pops 14 Thai Mango Sticky Rice - Sweet mango, coconut pandan cream & fragrant Thai-imported pandan

Had a chance to dine here for dinner with a girlfriend. Reservation is a must otherwise you might…read morenot get a seat. It's a small restaurant with bar seating and 4 tables. Everyone is seated facing the sushi chefs. We were served 15 courses, one extra course for July 4th celebration. Normally it's $99 for 14 courses. I was impressed by some of the flavors of the dishes at the beginning. The nigiri's served the second half felt repetitive (similar fish and tastes). It's definitely a good dining experience. Dining time was from 6:45pm to 8:30pm. They have 2-3 dining times a night. Definitely a good place to try omakase!