50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Lexington

“Hands down THE MOST creative omakase I've ever been to. The chef literally takes imported fresh, authentic fish from Japan and pushes the boundaries with them in unthinkable yet genius ways.

Every piece he delivers is a masterpiece. He brilliantly hits different ratios of sweet/savory and intentionally incorporates variety in texture in literally everything he serves up. This man can COOK.

I would like to add that I have never been a fan of uni, but the chef changed my mind on that real quick. That's crazy. It was actually one of my favorite pieces from the whole set.

I would also like to add that one of the courses was a plate of multiple slices of perfectly cooked, geniusly assembled wagyu. That blew my mind. It was the best form of wagyu I've ever had, and I was so glad we got a small plate of it instead of one slice. Each piece assimilated into my tongue and gave me a sample of heaven. Praise the Lord for that.

The meal tastefully ended with two dessert courses. Bravo. I love dessert. Both of them went NUTS. Both were the best desserts I've ever had at any omakase, but I personally loved the second to last the most. Think of like a rice crispy, but give it an Asian twist, then level it up and evolve it all the way like your favorite Pokémon. Seriously, I wish I had an elf in my brain taking notes on each dish for me because they were so unique that I couldn't even comprehend how to describe the flavors more concretely right now.

The establishment was clean, simple, yet very homey —like if you had an uncle who turned his kitchen into an omakase joint. The chef was so very kind and sweet. He was great at making conversation and making you feel seen on a more personal level, which is way more than I can say for most places. Mind you, although it was a 6 seater, he was still a one man team —and he executed everything perfectly in a timely manner amidst the friendly convo. Just impressive. A gem among gems and a MUST try. Please, somebody just give this man some Michelin stars already.“

“Fresh, clean and authentic. Incredible menu. You won't be disappointed.“

“Very tasty food, great service. No reservations, first come first serve. Prices are not super inexpensive but it is worth the cost. We were only grabbing a snack as we had some commitment afterward. Only pitty is that it is difficult to share bites if you are like me and want to try it all. I guess we will have to come back! 😜
My favorite was the shrimp tempura, but the eel was great too.“

“Delicious Enmi ramen! First time seeing a citrusy yuzu-based ramen on a menu, and it was yummmy! Our server Justin was also so warm and welcoming, subbing the broth out for a vegan one. And the atmosphere is so cozy and intimate, will be back the next time we're in Boston for sure!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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“

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

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

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

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

“Love this little Japanese family eatery!

The atmosphere is so friendly and feels like being fed yummy food by lovely Japanese family.

The Tempura is fresh and delicious! The presentation is also really beautiful and just like shown on the picture!

The lady was very nice to give us two bowls of miso soup since I was going to share a combo meal with my kid.

This place is a wonderful diner that feeds you yummy food with great attention and care! I will come back and strongly recommend!!“

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

“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“

“Very good ramen bowls and great service“

“The uni udon was one of my favorite meals in Boston! Noodles were chewy and the uni, crab and roe made it a decadent meal. Super pleased with the quality, taste and service. I came around 5 pm on a Sunday and did not have to wait. Recommended if you love seafood and udon!“

“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“

“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.“

“We live in Winchester, and we have ordered takeout at Umi Sushi twice now. The sushi, the entire order has been extremely fresh, well-packaged, and just delicious. Umi Sushi will be our 'go-to' going forward. The staff are all friendly and responsive. It's a home run for people who love fresh sushi and a local setting.“

“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.“

“Delicious food and clean environment and friendly people here“

“Great food and great service“

“Good options for meat, fish and veggies“

“No longer cash only! This tucked away eatery serves delicious curries and chicken cutlets. Feels like a legit Japan-style restaurant where you can get a comfortable, familiar meal, by yourself or with friends and family. Delicious sesame salad and miso soup! The red pickled radishes with the curry were best. Attentive service and dishes are served at just the right pace. Plus enough for two meals!“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great sushi Great service“

“I visited this restaurant with a friend after our trip to the MFA—just a 10-minute walk away. This place exceeded my expectations. Their menu features a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, and eel. We ordered the beef with onion and the stewed beef with curry—both dishes came in generous portions with fantastic flavor, served with rice and vegetables.

They also offer skewers, and the lamb skewers are the best I’ve had in Boston—only $7.50 for two! The pricing is excellent for the quality and portion sizes. Absolutely loved it—so delicious!“

“Tres velar experience!! Top chef!“

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

“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!“

“This restaurant is run by a very sweet husband and wife duo. I was the only customer there around 9:30pm on a Tuesday night so it was just the 3 of us! This wasn’t the best sushi I ever had, but it was good and I did enjoy the intimate, quiet setting, also I appreciated their great service so I’d love to return some day and try more from their menu. I’d probably go for the beef bento box next time.“

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

“PaPa Sushi is AMAZING! Went here a couple nights ago with some friends. Everything we ordered tasted SO good and so fresh. Service was great, too—never had to ask for waters refilled, and our server even flagged us down when we nearly forgot our takeout. Very calm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and eating sushi until your heart’s content. They even have a jukebox so you can play your favorite songs. 10/10 would recommend!!“

“Everything fresh, delicious, and artfully presented by the husband and wife team who run the place all by themselves.“

“Decent sushi for a takeout place, considering the low prices. I tried the spider maki and the scorpion maki. The fried crab in the spider maki was not crispy at all, but the scorpion maki was very good. The ginger on the side was also good.Good and fast service. My order was ready within 10 minutes. I made a mistake ordering online and somehow ordered an extra of a roll. I called within a minute and there was no trouble getting it changed to a different roll and paying the difference in person (in cash).There is another takeout place just a block away that has similar prices, with some things better and some things worse. I would try this place again.“

“The best sushi restaurant in the North Shore, bar none! The owners are so friendly and inviting! Food is as fresh as it gets. Please support small businesses like this one! They truly deserve all the praise for their amazing service and high quality sushi“

“Great food and drinks! Definitely try this place if your in the area.“

“Wonderful service, clean restaurant, and really good selection of all you can eat Sushi. Was visiting Boston from New Jersey and will definitely come back when in the area. Highly recommended!

Parking: During my experience, at the time of my visit there was no charge on the meters for parking.“

“Basho is an incredible restaurant. The black cod is the best I’ve had and I have been around the world twice. I love your soup. The miso ramen is incredible the right amount of tofu spice and noodle makes it so delectable anything that ails you it will cure. The shrimp fried rice had nearly a dozen large shrimp in it the taste was sublime and full of vegetable, completely disheveled for easy consumption.. the pork Gyoza was just a vine, and the sauce that came with it was not salty, but added just the right amount of zippy flavor. Their cocktails are amazing and go without saying that they’re inventive and delicious as well as refreshing and light……. As always, I would will return to Basho even after these five years, it is one of the best restaurants in the fenway, and it is a must visit.!!!!!“

“In the heart of a bustling city, tucked away on a vibrant street, stood the Berklee Noodles Factory. Its charm lay in the sight of hand-pulled noodles dancing through the air, the warm glow of lanterns, and the inviting laughter that echoed from within. The atmosphere was a blend of culinary artistry and community spirit, where the aroma of spices mingled with the joy of shared meals.

My own life had grown dimmer with each passing day. After losing my job, I found myself wandering the city, burdened by unfulfilled dreams and a sense of hopelessness. One rainy evening, seeking refuge from the storm, I stumbled into the Berklee Noodles Factory.

The moment I stepped inside, the earthy aroma of broth and spices enveloped me. The chef, a master of his craft, was busy crafting a fresh batch of noodles. With a welcoming smile, he approached me and offered a steaming bowl of his famous pho—a gift for my first visit.

“Try this,” he said, placing the bowl in front of me. “It’s good for the soul.”

With the first taste, memories of family dinners flooded back, and I felt something shift inside me. The flavors wrapped around me like a warm hug, awakening a part of me that had been dormant for too long.

Over the following weeks, I returned to the Berklee Noodles Factory, finding solace in the routine of sharing meals and stories. Each visit felt like a balm for my restless spirit. The chef’s passion for cooking was infectious; he spoke of food as an art form and a bridge between people.

One evening, I noticed a flyer on the counter: “Noodle-Making Workshop: Discover Your Flavor.” My heart raced at the thought of participating, but self-doubt crept in. The chef, noticing my hesitation, encouraged me to join.

“Don’t let fear hold you back,” he said. “Everyone has a story to tell through their food. Come join us.”

I signed up, and that workshop changed everything. As I learned to knead dough and stretch noodles, I felt the weight of my worries lift. The experience reignited my love for cooking, a passion I had buried under layers of anxiety.

But life can be unpredictable. Just as I began to reclaim my spirit, I received a call that shattered my newfound peace: my father had suffered a heart attack. Panic consumed me as I rushed to the hospital, guilt gnawing at my insides.

In the midst of those turbulent days, I sought solace at the Berklee Noodles Factory. The chef noticed the change in me—the way my laughter had faded, replaced by a heavy silence. One evening, he pulled me aside, his gaze steady.

“Life can be brutal,” he said softly. “But you’ve got the strength to overcome this. Remember, every noodle we make has a story. Don’t let fear dictate yours.”

His words struck a chord deep within. I decided to channel my fear and grief into something positive. Inspired by the chef’s kindness, I organized a fundraiser at the Berklee Noodles Factory to support my father’s recovery. The community rallied together, filling the restaurant with warmth and laughter as we cooked side by side, sharing our stories and forging connections.

As I stood before the crowd, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Their support reignited my spirit. Months later, my father was recovering, and I had found a renewed purpose in my culinary pursuits.

On a sunny afternoon, I stood outside the Berklee Noodles Factory, watching the world buzz by. The chef joined me, a knowing smile gracing his face.

“Ready for your next adventure?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

I nodded, feeling the weight of the past lift. “Thanks to you, I’ve learned that life is a blend of flavors—some sweet, some bitter—but all worth tasting.”

With a new recipe in hand and a heart full of hope, I knew I had not only found a passion but also a mentor and a friend. The Berklee “

“Tori Jiro is an absolute gem for anyone who loves authentic Japanese cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The yakitori is perfectly grilled with just the right balance of flavor and tenderness, and the variety on the menu ensures there’s something for everyone. Every dish is beautifully presented, and you can tell the ingredients are top quality. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend something new. Tori Jiro has quickly become one of my favorite spots for a relaxing, delicious meal. Highly recommend!“

“Great sushi, particularly liked the Around the World roll if you’re in to salmon tempura.“

“Best authentic Sushi I had in the US! They brought Sushi chefs from Japan! 🇯🇵“

“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.“

“Sushi Today, is by far my favorite place to order form during quarantine. I ordered from them before quarantine whenever I would babysit for my neighbors. Even though a lot of places are busy and haven't gotten my orders wrong, sushi today has not disappointed me yet. Sushi Today is the only place I will ever order sushi from. They make eel avocado rolls, which are surprisingly rare and hard to find when looking for take-out. Overall the accuracy, taste, and packaging of my orders from Sushi Today have been awesome.“