15 Best Japanese Restaurants in Cambridge

“The additional noodle option was very worth it (nearly doubles the amount) and the soup base for the Umami Ramen is delicately seasoned and has a rich taste. Crew was also extremely friendly and helpful, a flawless experience for the price point.“

“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!“

“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“

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

“We enjoyed our meal at Judy’s Bay. We got the scallop crudo, the gochujang mussels (great flavors), the lobster roe pasta (good), the oyster mushrooms (relatively plain), and the stuffed hake (very good). For the price, I would have expected the dishes to be a little more complex. We were a group of three and it was a full but light meal, and we paid about $55 per person including tip. The servers were very good - they gave unhurried advice on the menu, they were unobtrusive when refilling our water glasses, and they always preemptively brought clean dishes when we needed them.“

“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!“

“Very good ramen bowls and great service“

“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.“

“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.“