17 Best Japanese Restaurants in Cambridge

“A really good, quiet, and friendly environment. They all welcome you and say bye afterwards. Their sushi and ramen are really good and had a beautiful presentation. If you are looking for a quiet place where to read and eat this is your place but go between 4:45-5:30!“

“Run don't walk to Pagu for absolutely scrumptious food that weaves together Japanese and Spanish Basques Cuisines! A must order is the Tuna Collar - I've never had anything like it - it's huge, great for a crowd, bone-suckingly good (literally have done that) served with rice and nori! Also make sure you don't miss Tracy Chang's homemade nonalcoholic sparking teas - my favorites are the genmaicha and the hojicha - again I've never tasted a drink like this anywhere else. And then you have to end the night with a Basque Cheesecake - I particularly love when Pagu makes a seasonal Matcha or Ube Basque cheesecake! Pagu's dishes and drinks are across the board innovative but also welcoming and absolutely delicious!“

“Overall ingredients + service + ambiance, I give it 3 stars 🌟🌟🌟 (Hawaii's is a bit better 😆🌺)“

“This was one of the BEST omakase experiences I have ever had. The attention to detail was extraordinary. I ate at several two and three star Michelin restaurants last summer in France and I was happier with my dining experience at Umami. The quality of ingredients is absolutely stellar and it is truly a treat for all the senses. Go!!“

“レベル高いうまさです“

“This is a unique Asian restaurant in the heart of Cambridge - very cozy with exceptional service, many vegetarian options and beautiful decor and ambiance. We ordered several vegetarian options including the fried rice, tofu, edamame, oyster mushrooms all were brought piping hot to the table and devoured in the next few minutes! The entire meal was simple yet extremely enjoyable. The dessert selected was a strawberry tapioca pudding in coconut milk - just sweet enough and extremely flavorful.“

“Great food as always, and the staff are really nice once you walk into the restaurant they always say hi to you“

“Cafe Mami is a Japanese comfort food spot that focuses on simple, hearty dishes like curry rice, katsu, hamburg steak, and donburi-style meals. The space is fairly small and tucked away, with more of a functional, casual feel rather than a polished dining room. It’s the kind of place people go for a quick, filling meal rather than a long sit-down experience.

The standout here is definitely the Japanese curry and katsu combinations. The pork tonkatsu curry in particular is a go-to, with a thick, crispy cutlet served over rich curry sauce and rice. The portions are generous for the price, and the curry itself leans comforting and slightly sweet-savory in a way that feels very classic and approachable. The hamburg steak and oyakodon are also solid options if you want something different from fried cutlet dishes.

Service is fast and handled by a very small staff, so things move quickly once you order. Because of how busy it can get during peak hours and how limited the seating is, there’s often a bit of a rush feel to the experience. It works well as a quick lunch or casual dinner, but it’s not really a place you linger for long.

The seating situation is probably the biggest drawback. It fills up quickly, and the space feels tight, especially when there’s a line forming. That said, the turnover is fast enough that you usually don’t have to wait too long, even when it looks crowded from outside.

Overall, Cafe Mami is a reliable spot for Japanese comfort food in the Porter Square area. The value is strong, the portions are generous, and the curry dishes are consistently satisfying. It’s not fancy, but it does exactly what it’s meant to do well, which is serve quick, filling, and comforting Japanese meals.“

“Excellent salmon bento box!“

“Tres velar experience!! Top chef!“

“fish amazing but also blown away by vegetable roll!“

“Green curry was fresh and delicious and the Thai basil rice , not heavy in oil but looks of flavor. Especially for New Year’s Eve. Everything taste very good and fresh.“

“Very good ramen bowls and great service“

“These guys are always amazing no matter what we get there. I love this place“

“Delicious ramen on par with experiences from Japan. Big bowls for big appetites.“

“Fresh fish, wonderful flavor a d quick service. It is small, but well worth it for the portion and service you get. Delicious!! I will be going back very soon.“

“I ordered delivery and got the agu chim 아구찜. It exceeded my expectations! Big chunks of fish, clams, bean sprouts, and sea squirt 미더덕. I’ve never seen sea squirt in other Korean restaurants so it was a pleasant surprise. The sauce was spicy and well seasoned as well. A big portion that was very reasonable for the price and well packaged for the delivery.“