50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Arlington

“This spot is my Arlington gem. The seafood is fresh and the portion is good. I always order takeout and the food is ready within 20’. I’ve tried another restaurant on Arlington’s top rated list and Umi remains my go-to.

My favorite is the kohaku don. The chirashi bowl and sake bowl are also fantastic. Pictures are takoyaki and sake bowl.“

“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 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!!“

“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 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. 🍣❤️“

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

“レベル高いうまさです“

“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!“

“Visiting Boston, I stopped here because I wanted to come back and have lunch in Chinatown. The place was empty besides another couple of friends that were sitting parallel to me. The service was excellent, and the food was excellent. I had some shrimp tempura and a ribeye soup bowl. I recommend visiting for a quick solo or friends lunch.“

“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“

“I recently visited a izakaya restaurant wanted to share my thoughts. The food was okay, nothing extraordinary, but enjoyable. I tried a few different small plates, Sake was good. I found the overall experience to be decent. The atmosphere was cozy, which is typical for an izakaya setting. It's a good spot if you're looking for a casual place to grab a bite and a drink. A little bit pricey though.“

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

“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!“

“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.“

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

“We had the New Years Ever Omakase & it was everything we hoped. The head chef served every morsel, and each course was crafted with care and thoughtfulness. It really felt like we were bringing in the new year with the restaurant as we shared some "Kampai" moments with the chefs and other diners. Would highly recommend for a special night out.“

“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.“

“Great atmosphere, excellent food, unique drink menu, fabulous music, great vibes“

“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.“

“I literally think this is the best sushi in Boston. Better than all the top fancy places. Take out is great but sitting there is always so pleasant as well, great service and they always get you in even when they are busy. The sushi is top notch quality!“

“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!“

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

“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“

“They reopen midday and 4 minutes past that all tables are full. Everyone is ordering the fried chicken curry rice. We did too and it was good. Our order came with miso soup and small salad. Miso soup did not have any solid ingredient in it. The curry sauce was amazing and i wish i have tried thait beef curry as it is more similar to authentic japanese curry rice. The waitress/hostess is doing her best to keep up with the orders, I just wish there were a better way of communicating to the chefs other than yelling all the time“

“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!“

“Tres velar experience!! Top chef!“

“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!“

“Excellent salmon bento box!“

“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 fabulosooooo .“

“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“