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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One Bite in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed

An Asian restaurant in Cambridge has shut down after being in business for a bit less than two years.

According to multiple sources, One Bite in Inman Square is no longer in operation, with a sign out front indicating that it closed its doors on July 30. The dining spot first opened in the latter part of 2024, taking over the space where JP Restaurant had been, and before that, Midwest Grill Fusion, a short-lived Korean BBQ spot, and the Midwest Grill Brazilian BBQ; the restaurant offered a variety of sushi dishes including such options as taco sushi and mini bowls.

The address for the now-closed One Bite was 1124 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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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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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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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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Oishii in Boston's South End Is Closing

One of Boston's best-known sushi spots is shutting down.

According to a source, Oishii in the city's South End neighborhood is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street restaurant saying the following:

After many unforgettable years, Oishii Boston will be closing its doors at the end of business on Father’s Day. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served our guests, shared special celebrations, and been a part of so many cherished memories. What began as a vision to bring exceptional Japanese cuisine and hospitality to Boston became something much greater because of the support of our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and community. We are proud of the history we have built together—from countless first dates, family dinners, and milestone celebrations to the friendships and connections formed around our tables. Your support, encouragement, and trust have meant more to us than words can express. To every guest who dined with us, recommended us to a friend, celebrated a special occasion, or simply made Oishii part of their routine: thank you.

Oishii first started out in Chestnut Hill in 1998, expanding to the South End in 2006; another location called Oishii Too (which debuted around that time as well) remains in operation.

The address for Oishii in the South End is 1166 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at https://www.oishiiboston.com/

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Shinjuku Station to Open in Allston

A growing group of revolving sushi bars will be expanding into the local area, with a location coming to a Boston neighborhood.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Shinjuku Station is planning to open in Allston, moving into the space on Brighton Avenue that had been home to a location of YAS Chicken. The website for the business mentions that its restaurants feature a revolving sushi belt and app-based ordering system, with "bold, playful visuals and tech-driven dining designed to make each visit feel fresh, exciting, and new."

Shinjuku Station has a handful of locations mostly on the East Coast with more on the way, though at this point in time, this appears to be the only outlet coming to the Greater Boston area.

The address for the upcoming Shinjuku Station in Allston is 128 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations is at https://www.shinjukusushi.com/

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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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Yakiniku Plans to Open in Waltham

It looks like a new Asian restaurant will be opening in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yakiniku is looking to open in Waltham, moving into a space on Main Street just east of Prospect Street. A Waltham Times article says that the dining spot will focus on Korean BBQ, with burners in the tables for diners to cook all-you-can-eat meat, and the restaurant will offer ramen and sushi as well. If all goes well, Yakiniku could be opening sometime in May.

The address for the proposed Yakiniku is 863-867 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451.

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Matsunori Handroll Bar to Open in Lynnfield

A restaurant in Boston that features a type of handheld sushi is going to be expanding to the suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Matsunori Handroll Bar is planning to open at an as-of-yet undisclosed space in Lynnfield, with this being confirmed by the social media for the business. Once it opens, the new location will join the original on Beacon Street in the Audubon Circle area, and based on that location, a variety of handrolls featuring such possible ingredients as tuna, salmon, cod, eel, shrimp, crab, scallops, and wagyu will be offered.

The original Matsunori Handroll Bar first opened in Boston in the early part of 2023. Its website can be found at https://matsunori-handroll-bar.menu-world.com/

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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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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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Sushi Kingdom to Open in Cambridge

It looks like a new sushi spot is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, a "coming soon" sign for Sushi Kingdom is now up at a storefront on Mass. Ave., and it appears to be moving into the space between Harvard Square and Central Square where Flame Hot Pot & Sushi had been. No other information can be found on the place other than the fact that the sign says "all you can eat," so as soon as any additional info comes in, we will post an update here.

It appears that the address for Sushi Kingdom will be 1001 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

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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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Cafe Sushi in Cambridge Is Reopening Its Dining Room

An award-winning sushi spot between Harvard Square and Central Square in Cambridge that has been takeout/delivery only for the past few years is bringing back its dining area.

According to a source (via a job post within the bostonchefs.com site), Cafe Sushi on Mass. Ave. is opening its dining room back up and the dine-in part will be called Cafe Sushi Nisei, with the job post saying the following:

As we reopen our dining room, Cafe Sushi Nisei marks a new chapter. It's our way of honoring where we come from, while continuing to evolve — bridging Japan and Cambridge, past and present, heritage and creativity....Since 2020, we've been focused on takeout and delivery only — but this fall, we're relaunching dine-in service with Cafe Sushi Nisei, a much-anticipated new chapter for our restaurant.

Cafe Sushi, which first opened 1984, has received high praise over the years including multiple "Best of Boston" awards from Boston Magazine; the dining room was closed off during the pandemic (and the restaurant changed its name to Cafe Sushi Shoten which will continue to be used for its takeout/retail section) and it has focused on takeout and delivery ever since.

The address for Cafe Sushi is 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://www.cafesushicambridge.com/

[December 3 update: Boston Magazine states that Cafe Sushi's dine-in area is now open.]

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Love Art Sushi Opens in Boston's Seaport District

A pair of sushi spots in Boston have been joined by a third location, and this one comes to a space near the water.

According to a Patch article, Love Art Sushi officially opens in the Seaport District today, moving into a space on Northern Avenue in the Fan Pier area. The new location joins two others in the Fenway and downtown, and it offers sushi, bowls, bubble tea, matcha, and more.

The address for the new location of Love Art Sushi in the Seaport District is 53 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for all locations can be found at https://loveartsushi.com/

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Lab 13 Handroll Bar Opens at Chestnut Hill Square

A new sushi spot has come to a mixed-use development a few miles west of Boston.

According to a press release, Lab 13 Handroll Bar is now open at Chestnut Hill Square, which is located along Route 9 by the Newton/Brookline border. The new restaurant is a specialty omakase-style hand roll place that offers set menus with 3, 4, 5, or 6 options along with individual hand rolls and sashimi. The website for Lab 13 Handroll Bar has a statement on it saying that "Sushi is truly a rice dish, not just about the fish, and we honor that with premium seaweed, house made soy sauce, and top quality seafood in every roll."

The address for Lab 13 Handroll Bar is 210 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. Its website can be found at https://www.lab13handroll.com/

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Kaiyo Sushi Replaces Gen Sushi in Belmont

A new sushi spot has opened in the western suburbs of Boston, replacing another sushi place that had been in business for nearly 15 years.

According to a source, Kaiyo Sushi is now open in Belmont, moving into the space on Concord Avenue that had been home to Gen Sushi. Our source mentions that the owners of Gen Sushi apparently retired and sold the business to new owners who turned it into Kaiyo Sushi, which--in addition to sushi--also offers such options as soups, salads, noodle and rice dishes, and poke bowls.

Gen Sushi first opened its doors in the early part of 2012.

The address for Kaiyo Sushi is 61 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at https://www.kaiyobelmont.com/

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Shogun Restaurant in West Newton Has Closed

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston has shut down.

According to a Bluesky post from @y2000k.bsky.social, Shogun Restaurant in West Newton is no longer in business, with a photo posted indicating that it closed permanently as of May 5. The Washington Street dining spot, which had been open for approximately 40 years, was known for its sushi while also offering such options as teriyaki, shumai, gyoza, yakitori, udon, sukiyaki, donburi, and katsu.

The address for the now-closed Shogun Restaurant in West Newton was 1385 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02465.

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