50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Arlington

“Absolutely my favorite place for sushi when adding together freshness, service, and timeliness. After moving to Massachusetts from Florida, there has barely been any place with real flavor up here. After checking the reviews I saw this place might have some potential for a good price. It’s a small restaurant with a few tables, and the perfect hominess. We wanted to go out somewhere for Valentine’s Day with our baby, not somewhere too crowded considering she’s in her chaotic phase, and we went here. We got a maki party platter for us and a chicken teriyaki for the baby. It’s an adult portion so we decided to have something for her to have lunch and dinner with the next day. The sushi came out and it was so amazing and honestly super fast too. Then came the babies plate, it comes with a miso soup so we were able to get her to try it and she loved that. Then we cut up her food into bite size pieces and as we were preparing it, even though I personally hate chicken, it was SO FLAVORFUL!! We had to keep going back to her plate for tiny bites because it was delicious, the chicken was NOT dry and it felt so clean and refreshing each bite. Then when in regard to the service, WOW the waitress was absolutely the sweetest ever, was so interactive with our baby and attentive to us. Our new regular place for sure.“

“Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow.
Tip: get there early, right when they open, and you (hopefully) won’t be waiting in line.

We have offices in Japan, and we have had sushi all over the world, and this was so very very fresh. We took the bus all the way from Cambridge just to eat dinner here.

I had the Hamachi and the scallop and the Toro, all very reasonably priced and all very fresh. Really surprised at the price of the Toro, because it’s more expensive even in North Carolina! Great value for such a fresh fish.

Six dollars for a Sapporo and $11 for a carafe of hot sake was also a great deal.

We also tried the Buta Barra Kaku-ni (which was the Japanese raised pork belly). And it was outstanding! We have a lot of pork belly in the region where we live, and this interpretation of it was so tender. It just melted in your mouth!
We also tried the umaki, which was the egg and the eel combo. It was good, but I don’t think I would get that one again when there are so many other fabulous menu options. But I’m glad I tried it.

Great selection of sake as well.
We will be back when we are in Massachusetts!“

“Take out food ready at the expected time. Everything was wonderful! Fresh ingredients, well presented, followed our allergy restrictions exactly as requested, and really friendly staff who remember us from pre-pandemic days. Highly recommend.“

“We loved our food and had a great dining experience beside the windows in front of house. Our staff were helpful but not intrusive and we left happily full and with delicious leftovers to enjoy at home. Thank you nice folks at Fusion Taste!“

“My favorite hand roll place. Overall great food and speedy service. The handrolls are super fresh and come out quickly so everything stays fresh and flavorful. We ordered salmon mango, foe grais, miso butter cod and spicy scallops and all of them are really good. Highly recommend the spicy scallops. Our server Stelle are friendly, efficient, and keep things moving without rushing you. Easy spot for a really satisfying meal.“

“The food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice, but the waitress with red hair, who wasn't Asian and was wearing a Harley Davidson bomber jacket, was very rude. She had a judgmental and unhelpful attitude while we were choosing our meals. She suddenly brought the check even though we didn't ask for it, as if she wanted us to leave.“

“This was our second time dining at Ebi Sushi, and just like our first visit, everything was fantastic. The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared every time. Our server, Amanda, was wonderful friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. It’s service like hers that really adds to the experience. Jose, the owner, has truly outdone himself with this place. You can tell he takes great pride in what he’s built from the quality of the dishes to the amazing team that brings it all together. We’ll definitely be back again before the new location opens, and we’re looking forward to visiting that one as well. Ebi Sushi has become one of our favorite date night spots consistently great food, great people, and a great vibe. 🍣❤️“

“Decided to go out for dinner with a few friends and it was delicious. I liked the citrus dressing on the avocado salad. The filet mignon was tender and flavorful. For dessert, green tea ice cream is a must!“

“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“

“Unfortunately, my party made the waitress' job harder than it had to be. Thankfully, she decided to still give us the best customer service possible and even took the time to come chat with us. I am so glad she was gracious to us. I got the takoyaki and duck udon noodles and I love that the duck was both crispy and juicy. I will definitely be back.“

“Kenzoku Mazesoba is a great eatery for comforting, brothless ramen (mazesoba). The interior is bright and the staff are accommodating.

The meal started with three warm Kurobuta sausages that were topped with pickled red cabbage and a mustard-based sauce over fresh greens. Overall, a well-rounded appetizer with a nice balance of textures, richness, and acid.

Next, the torched Hamachi roll had fresh fish slices laid on a roll and then torched. The hamachi was then topped with black tobiko and complemented with fresh ginger and wasabi. The roll was light and tasty.

The Yuzu Shio Ramen was the standout and featured braised pork chashu and a delicious poached egg. The medium-bodied noodles were a pleasant to chew with the toppings.

The vegetable mazesoba (vegan) included tofu soboro, mix of corn, quinoa, red pickles, and other goodies. It was a lighter flavor and we appreciated the opportunity to order the truffle oil on the side.

Overall, recommended for a casual and pleasant dinner among family and friends. The food quality and atmosphere make this hidden gem a great choice.“

“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!“

“We had a wonderful dinner a Mai during their soft opening. The foods good. The service amazing and overall a great night out. We tried a variety of hand rolls and some apps. The fish is definitely high quality in the hand rolls. Our favorites are the Akami, toro, Salmon, spicy tuna and the Duck Foie Gras“

“Absolutely amazing!! I can’t wait to go back.“

“My adult daughter and I had a FANTASTIC dinner. It was my first time, my daughter had told me how wonderful it was so I already had high expectations, but it completely surpassed them. The mushroom appetizer was spectacular, but honestly, we loved everything and one of the highlights was the delicious swordfish plate. A sauce to die for!  The pork fried rice was also exquisite. It was a particularly lovely treat to meet the owner at the end of our visit. What a charming and warm individual, so clearly committed to creating a fine dining experience with so much loving care. Cannot wait to go back and bring more friends and family! Highly recommend.“

“I was lucky enough to be able to host a private event with 311 for my birthday and they exceeded my expectations! Chef was able to create an incredible menu with a diversity of dishes and flavors. We were also fully enveloped in an extremely high level of service. The attention to detail on plating, quality of the bites and table management were unmatched. Having dinner here is an experience not to be missed!“

“I love their food jun our server she is great“

“Service was absolutely great and on the spot! As soon as we ordered food started to come in. We have been many times, but this time the service was exceptional! Great job! The food is good as always! We like the place and are regular customers.“

“We arrived at 5, and the restaurant was still empty. The hostess seated us by the window, where a cold draft hit my shoulder. We requested to move, and our server promptly assisted us. At 6:40, the same hostess approached to inform us that we needed to leave due to a two-hour table limit. This rule was not mentioned when I made the reservation or checked in. She did not inform others who arrived at the same time to leave!!“

“Great food and service. Will go back.“

“Definitely some of the freshest and tastiest seafood and innovative sushi and asian food I've had in a while, very fresh and tasty!“

“Chiharu House Roll! Almost too pretty to eat. Almost.“

“The sweetest Japanese couple runs this place! Only four tables and they cook right at the counter. Strongly recommend the katsudon, everybody at my table ordered a second portion to take home

I think the whole set with miso soup was 14.25$“

“For $99, this meal offers excellent value, as the quality of the food is genuinely good. The fish, aged for a few hours, was fairly fresh and tasty. Furthermore, the main chef was highly enthusiastic during the introduction of each course, which was a welcome highlight.

However, the experience as a whole failed to deliver what I would consider a high-quality omakase. The core issue is the scale of the operation: accommodating 10 guests at the counter plus an additional 6 or 7 at surrounding tables, all served the same meal, makes the interaction with the chef minimal.

This approach detracted from two key joys of the omakase format. First, the fish was pre-prepared and cut away from the counter, denying guests the traditional experience of watching the chef prepare the full course in front of them. Second, there were two apprentices beside the chef, who appeared to be learning basic hand-roll techniques and even inventing their own methods right there. As a place striving to establish itself as true omakase, this awkward, visible training significantly affected the overall professional presentation and appearance.

While the food is good and the price is right, the structure and execution prevent this establishment from achieving an authentic or intimate omakase dining experience.“

“Yum!! The sushi closest to the camera was the Southie , the back one is the coco salmon. Both delish but I think the Southie was the winner for me-

We also got the bim bam bop. It was so good I forgot to take a photo!

10/10“

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

“Ordered teriyaki chicken, rice, edamame and spring rolls. Everything was delicious! The spring rolls were extra yummy. 😋“

“We got some good sushi rolls and for a very reasonable price, considering the area. I’m not entirely sure what the theme/aesthetic they are going for is in terms of interior decor but that doesn’t take away anything really. It’s a neighborhood joint so don’t expect a fine dining experience. But it’s good food, nice people, and decent prices. Will definitely go back!“

“this place is such a cute, amazing spot hidden behind a parking lot. Absolutely loved the food, came back for more. This will be my sushi/poke bowl take out spot from now on. The gentleman in the register is so sweet and made great suggestions. Such a nice atmosphere. Food taste so fresh, and yummy.
They don’t disappoint!!“

“Underrated!!
Service is so friendly and communicates very well on ETA on food and expectations.
I got the shrimp stirfry udon and my wife got the crazy maki, both incredible.
The udon is fresh and flavorful, and has a generous amount of small shrimp throughout the dish, no tails!! A lot of similar places around here give you maybe 4-5 medium shrimp, tails on. This was perfect and exceeded expectations. I'm not sure why I can't find how to add the photo I took of it to my review, once I do I'll add it asap.
The crazy roll was perfectly wrapped and presented well even for a ToGo box, and was delicious as well.

Definitely regret not finding this place sooner. A new favorite for us ♡“

“Love the food but their delivery is getting worse and worse. If you order before 5 p.m. it is nice if it can be delivered by 6:30 pm (especially if that is the window they promised). Did all we can to keep this place open during the pandemic but may need to start looking elsewhere for our family's sushi fix. VERY disappointed about their service.“

“Fresh and tasty! Great meal option.“

“Great sushi Great service“

“Food was phenomenal. Prices were excellent.
The solo waitress was a beast… she did a fantastic job. The seating situation is far from ideal, but I love that they are working with what they got in the best way. Definitely a comfort type restaurant.

We ordered shrimp dumplings - Crispy Shumai (see photo) - excellent.
Chicken Tatsuta- original (photo) - cooked perfectly, moist.
And Yaki Don (photo) - great meat /rice ratio!

This place is worth a wait. We lucked out and didn’t have a wait, but I can see a wait happening frequently. I will be happy to wait next time I’m in the neighborhood!“

“Yama in Wellesley is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. Warm, family-friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious, it’s the kind of restaurant that makes you slow down, relax, and actually enjoy your meal.

First of all—bring your own wine. Not only is it welcomed, but they’ll open and serve it for you at no charge, which already feels like a small act of hospitality magic. 🍷

Now, the food: the Fire Dragon is a must—bold, flavorful, and just the right amount of exciting. The noodles are excellent, perfectly cooked, and comforting in that “I’ll be thinking about this tomorrow” kind of way.

One of the hidden charms of Yama is the seating at the back of the restaurant, where tables are carved into a cozy nook. It feels intimate and inviting, like you’ve discovered a secret corner meant only for those in the know. A perfect spot to linger, talk, laugh, and enjoy truly good food.

Yama is a hidden gem for locals, elegant without trying, fun without being loud, and consistently satisfying. A place you return to not just for the food, but for how it makes you feel—welcome, relaxed, and already planning your next visit. 💫“

“We catered an event with Nagomi Bento and ordered inarizushi and onigiri. I only got to try the miso negi onigiri because everything went so fast and it was delicious! I also loved working with them as they were responsive, timely, and professional. I would cater from them again and hope to eat at the shop soon!“

“Fantastic service, food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is perfect.

Soup dumplings, crab Rangoon, the sauce that came with the crab Rangoon and the maki exceeded my expectations and I will be coming back here whenever possible.“

“Tres velar experience!! Top chef!“

“I ordered food from here by pickup late at 10pm. Both of these things typically cause food to generally be worse in my opinion.

However, the food was amazing! The miso soup and shrimp tempura maki were really good.

I also got the chicken katsu, and it was absolutely delicious! Not only that, but it was a very generous portion size too! Given how much chicken there was, I would've liked a little more katsu sauce, but it was so yummy.

Can't wait to go back!“

“Great food and great service“

“Delicious food and clean environment and friendly people here“

“Fabulous as always!“

“Every city, county, town I visit I must try the sushi! This place had your typical sushi choices. I just felt there were so many choices and without pictures it can be hard to choose. Some items were the same but had 2 different names because one ingredient was different.“

“Great small plates, gyoza, soft shell crab, maki is excellent Mt Fuji a favorite. Delicious drinks, fried green tea ice cream hard to find in New England!“

“The food is fresh and sooo yummy, just incredible! New favorite lunch spot! Definitely recommend!“

“The food is fabulosooooo .“

“Very good ramen bowls and great service“

“Cozy place with window seating, I can't wait to eat here more often! I got the brisket noodle soup and, while it wasn't piping hot as I'd liked, the brisket was tender, there was soybean curd, and the perfect combination of 5 spice, crispy garlic, and peppers. Very worth the promised 15 minute wait - they should add another crew member because that phone was RINGING so you know people love this place!!
Chewy boba - it was a divine eating experience“

“I had the Sukiyaki Udon here and it was absolutely magnificent! The udon's broth was rich and flavorful, and all the ingredients were distinct, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The portion size and price point were both very reasonable, as it’s not “cheap,” but the quality thoroughly justifies the cost.

More than just food, what stood out most to me was the level of hospitality. The servers in this place were passionate and attentive, frequently checking in to make sure everything was going well and even refilling my water without me having to ask. It made this whole dining experience feel warm and welcoming.

If I could suggest one thing, I’d love to see a bit more East Asian ambiance, by maybe having some popular background music to match the amazing udons.

Overall, a wonderful experience! I highly, HIGHLY recommend Futago Udon if you’re looking for a cozy, comfortable, and tasty Japanese dining place in Boston!“