50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Arlington

“Started going to toraya when it was smaller. I would not say I know much about Japanese food, but I can say this is the restaurant I go to.

Fish are fresh.
Service is friendly and knowledgeable
Price is great
Presentation is pleasing

I know it is not easy to get a table even on weekdays. But it is worth it.

Parking: Typical Mass Ave Street parking expectation. If you don't mind 5min walk. You can find a spot“

“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.“

“Fusion Taste is a great spot to enjoy solid Chinese food, a huge sushi bar, or grab a drink at the full bar. There’s table service and the bar can provide beer, wine, and a variety of Asian cocktails or traditional cocktails. You will not be disappointed. I would recommend a visit or even takeout!

Vegetarian options: Plenty of dishes can be prepared meatless

Parking: There’s a small lot right out front. Inexpensive paid parking but free at night and on Sunday.

Kid-friendliness: Hugh chairs available. Plenty of options for a young one.

Wheelchair accessibility: Flat entry. Door is not electronic but swings open with a flat entrance to get in.“

“What a great new spot! I’m always on the hunt for good ramen and this place certainly hits the mark. It’s a small place with a cozy atmosphere and an open kitchen so you can watch the magic happen. The food isn’t cheap but it’s not exorbitant either, and you certainly get your money’s worth. Service was speedy and we didn’t feel at all rushed taking our time over our food.

If you’re looking for a lower key date night or an extra delicious dinner with friends this is the perfect place!“

“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!“

“Some of the highest quality fish I've had in the Boston area outside of Uni and Oya. The only thing they need to fix is the pace (one person shouldn't get multiple rolls at once and the nori should always arrive crisp) and order (leanest to fattiest)“

“Amazing noodles and dashi“

“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!!“

“It's almost the only Mazesoba restaurant in downtown Boston, and the rolls and Mazesoba are delicious!! However, the inside of the store is small and there is a long line on weekend evenings, so you have to wait outside and it is very cold in the winter.“

“Oh Somenya~

Saturday night was my first time dining in. Line got out the door quickly by 5:30! But I love how the hostess took down me and my friend’s names the second we got inside, rather than keeping us guessing for the wait time.❤️ Fortunately there was a table of two available shortly after and we got to skip a few bigger groups ahead of us.

Inside there is a beautiful ambiance and it felt so cozy! We were quickly given glasses of water and menus at our table.

We started off with their Hiya Yakko Japanese Cold Tofu. So delicious and perfect size for two. I highly recommend the Beef Sukiyaki with Soba Noodles! My friend got their Curry Beef Udon. Both were DELICIOUS and the perfect hot temperature for a rainy day in Boston.

Would I come back? Yes!?

Thank you Somenya waitstaff and kitchen for your hard word and hospitality.???“

“outstanding!! we missed our flight to South Beach Miami so we decided to spoil ourselves and boy were we spoiled. so so good. everything was outstanding. excellent cocktails too“

“Incredible experience. High quality ingredients. Creative and beautiful presentation. Service is impeccable and informative. It is a bit traditional and on the serious side, so just be aware. The music though....... Overall this this place is master class and worth your hard earned money and worth your time. If youre a serious sushi lover come here ASAP!!!

Tip:
Do yourself a favor and get these add ons:

Black bass
Sardine roll
Auction uni“

“Words can't describe the incredible experience I had today. I especially want to point out our servers Kayla and Ethan for their beautiful service. They are attentive, make good conversation, and walked us through the entire process. I will gladly be back again as this is now my new favorite Japanese place!“

“レベル高いうまさです“

“José and his crew always serve beautiful, fresh, delicious sushi with innovative flair! The newly designed space is stylish and comfortable.“

“I have tried many different dishes, and none of them disappoint me. I love having my lunch or dinner here because the food is always fresh and staff is courteous. I highly recommend to eat here.�����“

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

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

“It doesn't get much better, and I have had sushi in many different places.“

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

“Deluxe Sashimi Platter ⭐️ It was great! It's really fresh and there are a lot of varieties, except for the sea urchin, which is a bit fishy Octopus Carpaccio ⭐️ The seasoning is very refreshing and the octopus is very chewy, I love it Torched Japanese Scallop ⭐️ It was very light, I couldn't really taste the seasoning, but it was very tender Unagi Don ⭐️ A friend ordered this. Gyu Don + Onsen Egg ⭐️ The beef is very juicy and the onsen egg is very flavorful“

“Came here around 6-630 on a Friday night and was able to get a seat without waiting. Ordered some takoyaki and edamame for starters which were pretty solid. For udon, we ordered the pork kimchi udon and the sukiyaki udon. Both were really good and I would recommend both. At the end, the waiter poured my leftover noodles in the takeout cup perfectly and I was in awe. Coming earlier around 6 is perfect on a weekend night because when we left there was a line out the door waiting for a table. Definitely would come back again for a hot giant serving of noodles.“

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

“Food was really delicious and the service was so kind! The crab rangoons were so good and I get their eel maki everytime. The rice is never dry and the portions will fill you up! The owners are a lovely and sweet immigrant family and they’ll pay lots of attention to you. The restaurant is very clean and the atmosphere is perfect.“

“The cutest restaurant in Porter Square! If my math is correct, Tampopo is celebrating 30 years at porter square, so they must be doing something right.

I ordered the tempura combo and was very impressed with what I got. The tempura was light and crispy and the rice was perfectly cooked (some very old comments mention mushy rice but I can say that my rice was cooked to perfection).

When dining in here, you must realize that it is only being run by 2 people, so you may wait a while to get your food as they fill takeout orders; but the food is well worth the wait!“

“We were seated and ordering before the restaurant told us that half the menu was out of stock. The lobster roe pasta and black sesame dessert also didn’t live up to the hype. Overall, had an average experience here, but bumping it up a star because their baby cauliflower was actually a pleasant surprise“

“Got this place for the first time when I was craving some terriyaki chicken and milk tea!!! Was so delicious. I love the cabbage and broccoli they were steamed and seasoned perfectly over the white rice. Definitely ask for extra sauce it was so, so good. Quality ingredients, tummy felt so happy and satisfied after. Love that they're open late too!! Will be coming back many times“

“Great food and service. Will go back.“

“Very good ramen bowls and great service“

“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.“

“My spouse and I have been coming to Yama for over 20 years, and we have always enjoyed meals together, with family and with friends. The meals are well prepared and attractively plated. Service is personable and excellent even when they are busy. [As an observation more than criticism, Asian restaurants in general have had to struggle obtaining and affording top quality rice of all sorts, from Japanese-grown short grain to premium Indian basmati. Unfortunately, it seems Yama is no exception — the rice is good and acceptable, but not exceptional.] Lunch bento boxes and sashimi/sushi specials are excellent and good value.“

“Great food and great service“

“Sleeper gem!! I had the sushi deluxe and my friend had the crispy salmon and toro truffle roll. Rare to find a good deal, fresh fish, attentive service and sushi rice done right in Boston :)

Also a cozy atmosphere inside, for a relaxing meal in comfortable surroundings. They have gluten free soy sauce and can note an allergy when preparing your meal.

Dietary restrictions: Gluten free“

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

“A gem! The owners were very friendly and attentive. The sushi was amazing! It was nice to just hang out at the sushi bar and enjoy a lovely dinner and share it with a friendly & thoughtful staff.“

“Great sushi Great service“

“Straight up some of the most authentic and delicious Japanese food I've had outside of Japan.

Nagisa and crew also experiments with things like a katsu hotdog. The whole operation is incredibly earnest, and I'm so stoked they got their own location after spinning out from nibble kitchen next door.

Wishing them all the best!“

“The food at Café Mami was good, but the service was truly exceptional. The lady working there was incredibly kind, attentive, and made sure our dining experience was as pleasant as possible. One downside is that the restaurant is quite small, with only two or three tables, so on a busy day, you might expect a long wait. However, the overall experience was very enjoyable, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.“

“Tres velar experience!! Top chef!“

“Delicious food and clean environment and friendly people here“

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

“Fresh and tasty! Great meal option.“

“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!“

“Fantastic experience dining-in. Small and cozy atmosphere inside the restaurant. Food was tremendous and could tell was carefully created by the chef. Sushi was very tasty. Simplicity heightened the experience. Small restaurant with a gentle kind lady serving us. Very friendly chef who kindly asked how our meal was.

Quiet compared to the other typical yuppy sushi places around. Allowed for a casual laid back and homey feel. We certainly prefer this place over any loud and crowded sushi places in Brookline. They have great take out options available too!

We ordered 4 rolls and edamame and were extremely budget friendly and affordable. The rolls were very fresh and had great structure. Nothing worse than when the sushi falls apart. This delivered. Give it a try and appreciate the simple setting and a cozy/quiet feel.

Tremendous value. We will certainly be coming back to support this local business.“

“We been here so many times and we really enjoyed the food specially sushi ? is excellent The staff and the service is great! Great atmosphere, great people, excellent Live Music some nights. It’s welcoming to all ages, including families. It has couched and an art room to self entertain younger people! The fish is so so fresh - great sushi chefs from Japan, a great long bar. Hats off to Yen and to Debra the Bartender, two of our favorite staff members! Awesome drinks and appetizers and entrees too! Go try Hanami!! Five BIG Stars all around!“

“Unique, delicious pastry. Best croissants and sourdough bread. Nice people. Can sit inside or outside.“

“I needed dinner while in the neighborhood and this restaurant didn't have a long wait. The service and food were excellent. The atmosphere was fine but wasn't anything to write home about. I had delicios seaweed salad, eel-cucumber maki roll, and irashai maki roll. All were fresh, flavorful, and filling.“

“The sushi is good here. They put a lot of large pieces of fish on their rolls and the ingredients like the rice and what not are usually fresh. I usually just stick to 2 or 3 of my go to rolls there. Rainbow roll, spicy tuna and the torched roll. Usually 1 waitress handles all the tables during a lunch or dinner service and food comes out fast.“

“I'm new to the Boston area and this place has the best poke bowl I've ever had in my life. I will drive the extra distance just to come here.

The freshness of the fish and the quantity in the poke bowl was simply amazing. I will come back here many times I just wish it was closer to my house.“

“Came here for a late night meal. Staff was friendly and helpful. We grabbed a few items. The Tokyo style ramen, dope yolk , & crispy heirloom potato. All was pretty good. The ramen was hearty and the pork belly was crispy. Dope yolk was a different.all the texture just went together. All they have a decent food. I would be back“