Where’s the Best Sushi in Boston?
The Best Sushi in Boston Isn’t the Same Old, Same Old
Sushi is all about one thing, and that’s fresh fish. Whether prepared simply or intricately plated, covered with gold flakes and truffles, sushi lovers want to taste the ultimate freshness. Thankfully, the best sushi in Boston is all about that and more.
From a traditional order of salmon sashimi or spicy tuna roll to an hours-long omakase banquet or caviar affair, there’s no shortage of sushi places throughout New England. Now, the only question left to ask is, “where to head to enjoy the tastiest sushi in Boston?”
Whether for delivery, dine-in, or take-out, sushi restaurants in Boston have something for everyone.
O Ya
Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s 100% worth the splurge.
O Ya Sushi Boston offers a burst of flavor you never experienced before with the freshest fish in town and precise knife work. Opened in 2007 by Tim and Nancy Cushman, one of Boston’s best sushi spots is used to receiving recognition and accolades.
The sushi and omakase menu at O Ya is beyond marvelous, covering both the flavors and presentation. Our favorites are salmon sashimi with ponzu and scallion oil and bluefin tuna.
A Sweet Surprise
But we’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the chocolate with foie gras beauty at the end. It’s incredibly inventive and something we’ve never seen anywhere before. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to their better-than-average sake offerings.
In case you find $250 grand omakase (per person before tax, tip, and drinks) with 20 perfect little courses a bit too high, you can always opt for O Ya standard omakase at $185. The a la carte menu is option number three and still holds up compared to most Japanese restaurants throughout New England.
One trip, and we think you’ll agree that O Ya should be on every best sushi in Boston list.
Average entrée price: $185 for standard omakase
Address: 9 East Street in South Boston
Website: O Ya
Douzo
How about a sushi affair with a cocktail lounge vibe?
Elegant seating, beautiful lighting, and a chill ambiance make this stylish place a must-visit for a delicious variety of sushi, sashimi, and special rolls. Just take our advice and be sure to grab a cocktail before ordering your favorite Japanese classics.
Custom Sushi
If you gravitate to the basics, Douzo’s maki menu, sashimi, and sushi will not disappoint. But we highly recommend going for some of the unique rolls. Douzo Snow Mountain roll with Snow Crab and Back Bay with asparagus, cucumber, wasabi mayo, and avocado wrapped with seared tuna are some must-tries that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Oops, we almost forgot to mention that we love the tasty Douzo Special roll with shrimp tempura, tobiko, seafood salad, eel sauce, sriracha, and avocado, wrapped with tuna and soy paper. Shhh, don’t tell anyone else!
Average entrée price: Special rolls from $15.99 to $24.99
Address: 131 Dartmouth Street in the Back Bay
Website: Douzo
Umami
Are you looking for the best sushi in Boston that’s also all-inclusive and doesn’t break the bank? Well, we’ve got you hooked up then with a Cambridge sushi spot that covers all the bases.
Umami is a top-rated omakase restaurant with three different menu options.
Affordable Omakase
You can get a 12-course meal for just $69, a 15-course option for $98, or an 18-course dinner featuring langoustine and caviar for $138. With two omakase courses under $100, it’s the only sushi place in Boston where you can enjoy a high-end omakase experience for under $100. But the prices aren’t the only reason we love Umami.
With Gary Lei, formerly of Uni, and a fleet of fresh and luxury ingredients like wagyu and foie gras, Umami has been making headlines since its launch just a few short years ago in 2019. The intimate Boston sushi spot offers set menus for dine-in. However, it’s got different take-out options, such as a mini omakase complete with nine nigiri and a chef’s-choice maki roll, plus appetizers.
Average entrée price: Mini omakase at $69, Shokado Bento at $59
Address: 2372 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge
Website: Umami
Oishii
Oishii offers a high-end omakase experience that includes more than just nigiri. It’s also slightly more affordable than O Ya.
The $200 omakase has fewer courses but larger portions. For example, steak tartare here comes with tempura, crispy rice, and poached lobster, and the taste is simply outstanding. But you don’t have to go all-in with nine courses as you always have the option of ordering a la carte.
This upscale Japanese restaurant in Boston is known for its innovative and creative dining experience, along with the freshest ingredients used in every dish by talented Chef Ting San. The Chef’s presentation is nothing short of artwork.
Best of Boston Winner
You’ll find something special about all of the offerings. Maki rolls, like savory Hamachi with seared fish and truffle maki with shrimp tempura, caviar, spicy mayo, and cucumber or California roll with real snow crab all showcase Oishii’s staff’s culinary talents. So, it’s no surprise that Oishii has won multiple Best of Boston awards, as it serves some of the best sushi in New England.
Reservations are mandatory for the time being. However, outdoor patio dining is available and may accommodate walk-ins.
Average ala carte entrée price: $25
Address: 1166 Washington Street in the South End
Website: Oishii
Cafe Sushi
Have you ever seen a line of visitors outside what looks like a standard strip mall sushi spot?
One of those lines is for Café Sushi, and there is nothing standard about its food.
Eighteen and Affordable
With the $100 omakase, Café Sushi brings you some of the best sushi in Boston with a blend of traditional and innovative dishes. The epic 18-course meal includes fish cured in-house and topped with treats like hickory-smoked caramelized onions and bourbon-soaked cherries.
You can also opt for a la carte menu showcasing some of the same nigiri treats offered at the sushi counter.
You’ll love Café Sushi’s creative and fresh sushi, nigiri, and sashimi in an elegant setting which is certainly not typical of strip malls. It might be more of a no-frills Boston sushi spot. But, in any case, Café Sushi has won a handful of Best of Boston awards.
Average entrée price: $100 for omakase, Hanami box at $65
Address: 1105 Mass Ave., Harvard Square in Cambridge
Website: Café Sushi
Begin with the Best Sushi in Boston
We hope you’ll bookmark our Boston City Guide as the best sushi in Boston is just the beginning. We’ve also recently added Boston area restaurants with outdoor dining and will continue to post fresh (and helpful!) content.
If you have something to share about living in Boston – food, things to do, discounts, etc., please shoot us an email. We love expert contributions that benefit everyone!
