BEST SUSHI
Grab your chopsticks and get ready to indulge in a true treat...sushi. Not just any sushi, but some of the very best. And by now, you know we're pretty particular here at These Days with Devon. We spent time researching and sampling some of the area's top sushi spots, and here are a few of our favorites.
Karma – Wellesley
We love Karma in Wellesley. It's hard to beat the dozen or more sushi chefs they have on hand on any given day. We enjoy sitting at the sushi bar and watching them expertly prepare each dish. Some selections are even prepared tableside. While enjoying these delicious offerings, you're surrounded by beautiful décor that is every bit as impressive as the food itself. Karma delivers a dining experience that is both elegant and memorable.
Katara – Wellesley
We also have to recommend Devon's local favorite, and family owned Katara. At Katara, there is a clear commitment to quality and consistency. From the welcoming staff to the wide variety of offerings, every detail is designed to create an exceptional dining experience.
Step inside and you'll find a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary style. As Katara says, "Every moment is crafted to perfection." We agree. And if you're lucky, you might even spot Devon enjoying a Caterpillar Roll or her personal favorite, the Passion Maki.
Sono – Arlington
Sono is a popular destination for Asian fusion and sushi lovers alike. Their extensive menu features a wide variety of sushi rolls, including favorites like Dragon Rolls and Rainbow Rolls. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, and the service is consistently friendly and efficient. It's easy to see why Sono has earned such a loyal following.
Laughing Monk – Wellesley
Who knew Wellesley was such a fantastic sushi town? Some of our favorites happen to be right in our own backyard.
Laughing Monk first caught our attention with its memorable name, but it keeps us coming back with its fresh, high-quality sushi. This cozy spot features a large screen displaying beautiful exotic scenery, creating a relaxing atmosphere that perfectly complements the dining experience. There is a peaceful ambiance here that makes it feel like a hidden gem. And best of all, the food is consistently excellent. If you're looking for a quieter, more serene sushi experience, Laughing Monk is the place for you.
O Ya – Boston
Our writer Renee recommends O Ya for some of the very best sushi and sake in the Boston area and beyond! This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is highly acclaimed, and for good reason. The menu is inventive, the presentation is beautiful, and even the sake selection is exceptional.
We enjoyed the Moon Rabbit sparkling’s sake, and everything we tasted was first-class and spectacular. If you're looking for somewhere truly special, or a place to celebrate a memorable occasion, make your plans now.
O Ya is a contemporary Japanese-inspired restaurant born from years of extensive travel and work in Japan and around the world. Proprietors Chef Tim and Nancy Cushman have created an extraordinary dining experience inspired by the hospitality of Japan and the freshness, quality, and variety of Japanese food and sake.
We can't wait to go back. With palms together and a bow, we say, "O Ya," and smile.
Oishii
And there is always Tom Brady’s favorite sushi place, Oishii. Another standout for top notch sushi in Boston. If your thing is highly creative plates in a super cool environment, we suggest Oishii. We over heard someone say, “Every bite hits different.” We can say, it’s some of the best. And who knows, you might even run into Tommy!
311 Omakase
311 Michelin Star: 311 Omakase in Boston's South End became Boston's first Michelin-starred restaurant. It's an intimate 10-seat omakase experience where Chef Wei Fa Chen serves an 18-course tasting menu focused on premium Japanese seafood and meticulous preparation. It's considered one of the most sought-after sushi experiences in the city. So, if you really want to go over the top, 311 is the way to roll.
YAMA – Yama – Wellesley
One of Devon's favorite sushi spots is Yama. We've been there so many times, we've lost count, and we're happy to report that it is consistently excellent.
A longtime favorite in Wellesley, Yama has built its reputation on fresh sushi, attentive service, and quality that keeps customers coming back year after year. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or trying it for the first time, there is something on the menu for everyone.
One thing we especially appreciate is that guests are welcome to bring their own sake, beer, or favorite mocktail to enjoy with their meal. Pair that with beautifully prepared sushi and a welcoming atmosphere, and it's easy to see why Yama remains one of our go-to destinations.
When a restaurant stays this good for this long, that's saying something.
Temple Record Sushi
Now for Henry’s favorite: Temple Record Sushi: This is the coolest little hideaway: What makes it unique is that it's hidden beneath Temple Records, a Japanese-inspired vinyl listening bar. To get in, you go through the bar and then descend to an intimate sushi counter downstairs. The atmosphere is sleek, sophisticated, and very different from a traditional sushi restaurant. They have a great following and Chef Kenta Katagai creates a personalized experience since Temple Record Sushi is small and intimate. He emphasizes seasonal local fish along with seafood sourced directly from Japan.