Tori Japan to Open Locations by Boston University, Malden, and Taunton

Last week, it was reported that a small group of Japanese restaurants would be expanding to a Boston neighborhood, and now we have learned that they will be opening three other locations in the region as well.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Tori Japan is planning to open locations by Boston University, Malden, and Taunton, with the three new spots joining another upcoming location in Dorchester's Ashmont area. The article mentions that it looks like the first to open will be the BU location which will take over the former Boston Halal space on Commonwealth Avenue and which could debut later this month, while Malden and Taunton are slated to open later this year and Dorchester in 2027.

Expect all the new locations of Tori Japan to feature teppanyaki, sushi, and bento boxes, and they will join existing locations in the Back Bay, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Chelsea, Saugus, Randolph, and Brockton, along with others in Providence, Central Falls, RI, and the original in Bridgewater Township, NJ. The website for all locations is at https://www.torijapan.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tori Japan Plans to Open in the Ashmont Section of Dorchester

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Tori Japan Plans to Open in the Ashmont Section of Dorchester

A new location of a small group of Japanese restaurants could be coming to a Boston neighborhood.

According to a message from Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub, Tori Japan is planning to open in Dorchester, with a Dorchester Reporter article mentioning that it would move into a space on Dorchester Avenue in the Ashmont area. If approved, the new 30-seat location would feature teppanyaki, sushi, and bento boxes, and it would join others in the Back Bay, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Chelsea, Saugus, Randolph, and Brockton, along with others in Providence, Central Falls, RI, and the original in Bridgewater Township, NJ.

The address for the proposed location of Tori Japan in Dorchester is 1970 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124. The website for all locations is at https://www.torijapan.com/

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Juni Is Opening in Quincy Center

A brand new omakase spot is getting ready to open a few miles south of Boston.

According to an article from Boston Uncovered, Juni is on the verge of opening in Quincy, moving into a space on Hancock Street on the northern edge of Quincy Center. A Masslive article mentions that the restaurant is planning to open on Thursday, August 6, with both articles indicating that the place will feature 12-course meals for $69 per person.

Omakase spots are typically high-end sushi places with "chef's choice" tasting menus; a few found locally include Wa Shin, Momi Nonmi, O Ya, 311 Omakase, and Uni.

The address for Juni is 1211 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/juni.restaurant

[August 12 update: According to their social media, Juni is now open in Quincy Center.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Koro Ramen & Sushi in East Boston Is Expanding, Opening a Second Location in Revere

The people behind a Japanese restaurant in East Boston are going to be opening a second location not all that far away.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Koro Ramen & Sushi is planning to open in Revere, moving into a space on Shirley Avenue. The new location, which will join the original on Sumner Street in Eastie, will have a similar menu including such options as poke bowls, gyoza, wings, and bao buns, in addition to ramen and sushi.

The East Boston location of Koro Ramen & Sushi debuted in the spring of 2025, moving into the space that had previously been home to Mehak; Scalzi Hospitality (Pazza on Porter, Next Door Speakeasy) is behind Koro.

The address for the upcoming Koro Ramen & Sushi in Revere is 191 Shirley Avenue (Unit 2), Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the East Boston location is at https://eatkoro.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Yoki Express in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed; Happy Rice Sushi to Open in Its Space

A Japanese dining spot in Boston's waterfront area has shut down, and it looks like it will be replaced by another Japanese eatery.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yoki Express in the Seaport District is no longer in business, with Happy Rice Sushi planning to open in its space. Yoki Express was known for its sushi burritos and poke bowls and had an ownership connection to Yoki Japanese Restaurant & Bar, which remains open in Medford; the menu for Happy Rice Sushi doesn't yet have a menu, simply saying "modern sushi."

Yoki Express first opened back in 2017.

The address for the now-closed Yoki Express (and upcoming Happy Rice Sushi) is 53 Boston Wharf Road, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for Happy Rice Sushi will be at https://happyricesushi.com/

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Real Italian Gusto in Medford Has Closed Permanently; Team Behind Ebisuya Japanese Market Taking Over the Space

Earlier this week, it was reported that an Italian restaurant north of Boston appeared to have closed. We have now confirmed this, while also discovering who will be taking over the space.

A Facebook post from the restaurant confirms that Real Italian Gusto in Medford has indeed closed, with the note saying the following:

Dear friends, after 11 years of cooking, welcoming, laughing, and sharing moments together, we have made the very difficult decision to close our restaurant. This choice was not easy. This place has been our home, and all of you have been our extended family. Your support over the years has meant more to us than words can express....Today, we close this chapter to pursue new projects and new paths.

The post from the High Street dining spot goes on to say that the people behind the shuttered Ebisuya Japanese Market--which was also in Medford--will be taking over the space, saying that "they will share more details soon." (Ebisuya Japanese Market closed last year, though their other spot--Ebisuya Japanese Noodle House--remains open in Malden.)

The address for the now-closed Real Italian Gusto (and the new spot from the Ebisuya Japanese Market team) is 24 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

[Earlier Article]
Real Italian Gusto in Medford Is Shuttered; Future of the Place Is Unknown

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Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Closes Today

Earlier this year, it was reported that a decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge would be shutting down, and it has been confirmed that today will indeed be its final day.

According to its website, Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area closes at the end of business hours today as the owner is retiring, with a note on the site saying that they will be doing dine-in and walk-up takeout orders only (takeout orders by phone will not be taken). The eatery first opened in the building in 1992 and was once being part of a bustling food court, with the dining spot offering such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry.

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website is at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Plans to Close Down in June

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Nagomi Bento Expands, Opening a New Location in Cambridge

A Somerville dining spot that is known for its bento boxes has expanded to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nagomi Bento at Bow Market now has a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue between Porter Square and Harvard Square, with the new location offering bento boxes along with miso soup, fried chicken, fried tofu, sushi, coffee, and tea. The business was established in 2022, initially as popups at farmers' markets and local events.

The address for the new location of Nagomi Bento is 1670 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the business can be found at https://nagomibento.com/

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Sushi Sang Lee in Gloucester Is Closing

An edomae-style omakase sushi bar on the North Shore that has a Food Network winner behind it is shutting down, though plans appear to be in the works for a new concept from the owner.

According to a source, Sushi Sang Lee is saying goodbye to its space in Gloucester, with an Instagram post from the Prospect Street spot saying the following:

After five wonderful years, Sushi Sang Lee is officially moving on from our current location, but this goodbye is only the beginning of a brand new journey that we're excited to bring to you....We pride ourselves in bringing you the best experience we can, and we're so excited to welcome you into this brand new beginning. With our new location, we plan on serving you an updated concept with the addition of an amazing a la carte menu. Stay tuned for updates of our grand reopening and new concept.

The last day of service at Sushi Sang Lee is May 24.

Sushi Sang Lee owner Sang Hyun Lee was crowned champion on the Food Network's Chopped: Sushi Showdown in 2025.

The address for Sushi Sang Lee is 76 Prospect Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930. Its website can be found at https://www.sushisanglee.com/

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Ramen Haven in Berlin Is Expanding, Opening a New Location in Sudbury

A ramen spot west of Boston will be expanding to a space a bit closer to the city.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Ramen Haven in Berlin is planning to open a new location in Sudbury, moving into a space within the Meadow Walk mixed-use development on Route 20. The article mentions that a variety of ramen options will be offered, including new ramen options within its expanded menu such as Lobster Ramen and Uni Ramen, while other items will include gyoza, edamame, Wagyu rice bowls, tiramisu, matcha crepe cake, milk teas, and fruit slushes.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Ramen Haven will open on May 1.

The address for the upcoming Ramen Haven in Sudbury is 530 A Boston Post Road (Route 20), Sudbury, MA, 01778. The website for the business is at https://ramenhavensudbury.toast.site/

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Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen Plans to Open in Wakefield

A brand new Asian restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen is planning to open in Wakefield, moving into a space on Main Street in the Greenwood section of town. Our source mentions that the proposed dining spot will focus on Asian fusion (including dishes with Japanese and Chinese influences), with sushi possibly being included among the offerings.

The address for the upcoming Howie's Bar and Vincent's Kitchen is 963 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587544162383

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Sumi House Opens in the Former Fupo Cafe Space in Cambridge's Huron Village

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a Cambridge restaurant known in part for its Asian Fusion fare and its Chinese-American dishes had closed, and now we have learned that a new dining spot has taken over its space.

Based on information sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Sumi House is now open in Huron Village, moving into the former Fupo Cafe space on Huron Avenue. The new eatery focuses on Japanese fare, with its menu including such options as shumai, gyoza, soups, salads, sushi, ramen, udon, poke bowls, and tempura ice cream.

The address for Sumi House is 359 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://sumihouse.online/

[Earlier Article]
Fupo Cafe in Cambridge's Huron Village Has Closed

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Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Plans to Close Down in June

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge is closing down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Cambridge Day article), Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area is shuttering in June after residing within the building since 1992 and once being part of a bustling food court. The eatery has been known for such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry over the years.

The website for Tampopo says "This journey has been made possible entirely through your warm support and continued patronage, for which we are deeply grateful....Serving this neighborhood has been the honor of a lifetime. We hope you'll stop by over the next six months so we can thank you in person."

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

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Nohri Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A new fusion restaurant has debuted in downtown Boston.

According to an article in boston.com as well as a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nohri is now open in Chinatown, moving into a space on Tyler Street a short distance south of where it meets Beach Street. The post says that the new spot features "the marriage of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients" focusing mostly on handrolls while also having tasting menus and ceviche.

The address for Nohri is 5 Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website is at https://www.nohriboston.com/ while its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/nohriboston

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Moro Mou to Open in Boston's Seaport District

It looks like a rather unique type of fusion restaurant is on its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Moro Mou is planning to open in an as-of-yet undisclosed space in the city's Seaport District this summer, with Xenia Greek Hospitality (Greco, Bar Vlaha, Kaia, Krasi, Hecate) being behind the upcoming spot. The article mentions that the 15-seat restaurant will be an omakase that combines Greek ingredients with Japanese techniques, with at least a partial focus on seafood and fermented food items.

No further details have been given as of yet for Moro Mou, so keep checking back for details as they come in.

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Umami Crudo Opens in Boston's North End in the Former Crudo Space

A fine-dining Japanese restaurant has come to the North End of Boston, taking over the space where another Asian dining spot had been.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Umami Crudo is now open on Salem Street, moving into the space where Crudo was until closing this past fall. The new restaurant has an ownership connection to the high-end Umami Omakase in Cambridge, and Eater says that the new place is "more accessible" with sushi, rolls, and Japanese tapas.

Previous to Crudo, Pulcinella Mozzarella Bar and Ristorante was also in the space where Umami Crudo now resides.

The address for Umami Crudo is 78 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at https://www.umamicrudo.com/

[Earlier Article]
Crudo in Boston's North End Has Closed

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Norinori Test Kitchen Opens in Brookline

Approximately a year ago, it was reported that the people behind a sushi spot and a French-Japanese fusion restaurant were planning to open a third eatery, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from MassLive, Norinori Test Kitchen is now open in Brookline, moving into a space on Chestnut Hill Avenue in the Cleveland Circle area by the Brighton line. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the new restaurant offers handrolls and bento boxes, and NoToro Hospitality Group (Matsunori Handroll Bar, Mai) is behind the spot.

The address for Norinori Test Kitchen is 399 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website can be found at https://norinori.kitchen/

[Earlier Article]
Norinori Test Kitchen Plans to Open in the Cleveland Circle Area in Brookline

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Kokoro Don Cafe Opens in Somerville

A new Japanese eatery has come to Somerville.

According to multiple sources, Kokoro Don Cafe is now open on Summer Street, moving into a space by the School Street intersection on the outer edge of Union Square. The new restaurant is a Japanese comfort food spot that focuses on takeout (a few window seats are set up inside), with the place offering donburi, sushi, and ramen, along with a Japanese-style breakfast.

The social media for Kokoro Don Cafe mentions that it soft-opened earlier this week

The address for Kokoro Don Cafe is 66 Summer Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/p/Kokoro-Don-Cafe-61580943861114/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kokorodoncafe/

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Tama Sushi & Hibachi Opens in Natick

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a new Japanese restaurant was planning to replace another Japanese spot in the western suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a source along with an article from the Natick Report, Tama Sushi & Hibachi is now open in Natick, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has taken over the former Oga's Japanese Cuisine space on Route 9. In addition to sushi and hibachi, the new restaurant also offer such options as ramen, nori tacos, bento boxes, dumplings, tempura, and more, though it doesn't appear to offer ramen, as had been previously mentioned when the plans were first announced in September of 2024.

The address for Tama Sushi & Hibachi is 915 Worcester Street (Route 9), Natick, MA, 01760. Its website is at https://www.tamanatick.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tama Plans to Open in the Former Oga's Space in Natick

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FuGaKyu in Brookline Is Closing

A well-known Japanese restaurant in Brookline that has been around for more than 25 years is shutting down.

According to a source, FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street dining spot saying the following:

We regret to announce that our owner decided to cease operations due to his personal reasons -- effective November 5, 2025. With deepest gratitude, we thank every patron who has graced our tables and shared countless memories with us over the years. This chapter may close, but it marks the dawn of exciting new journeys ahead for our team and family.

FuGaKyu, which is known in part for its sushi, first debuted in Brookline back in 1998, with other locations opening in Sudbury and MarketStreet Lynnfield (both of which have since closed). 

The address for FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is 1280 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://fugakyuatbrookline.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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