Thursday, August 04, 2011

Yakitori Zai Is Opening in Boston's South End

A Japanese tapas spot is on its way to the South End of Boston, moving into the space where an Italian-American restaurant used to be.

According to the South End Patch, Yakitori Zai is planning to open on Shawmut Avenue, taking over the former Joe V's spot (the person behind the now-closed Joe V's has opened a new restaurant in Brookline called Jimmy's). The article mentions that Yakitori Zai will feature small plates, including an item that may not be familiar to many--yakitori, or small pieces of skewered chicken that are grilled over charcoal. The grill will be in the middle of the restaurant, with the chef cooking food in front of diners.

The owner of the soon-to-open Yakitori Zai is also the person behind Snappy Sushi in Boston's Back Bay and Somerville's Davis Square, according to the Patch.

Expect a possible late September opening for Yakitori Zai (it was supposed to open in May, but the opening was delayed).

[June 20, 2012 update: A note sent via Twitter from @shelleysanders indicates that Yakitori Zai is now open. A check on the restaurant's website shows that from now until July 1, they are accepting a limited number of reservations by way of their site with "no walk-in customers accommodated during this time." A six-course tasting menu is being offered during this time period, with prices being $120 per person (drinks not included). For more information, please go to http://www.yakitorizai.com/reservations]

The address for this new Japanese restaurant in the South End is: Yakitori Zai, 315 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. Their website is at http://www.yakitorizai.com/

For more information on the opening of Yakitori Zai, please go to the South End Patch link below.
Union Park Tapas Restaurant Delayed

Thanks to Boston food/drinks writer MC Slim JB for bringing this to our attention.