Restaurants

Where to find the best sushi in Greater Boston, according to readers

From to-go grocery store rolls to fine-dining omakase menus, Greater Boston diners have plenty of sushi options to choose from.

The gold recommendation set at Sakabayashi Sushi Tavern on Boylston Street. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

By Katelyn Umholtz

August 12, 2025

6 minutes to read

It’s a good time to love sushi if you’re a Greater Boston diner.

Think you know sushi? Play our crossword to find out.

Boston has its classic spots; a few all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants have survived past the pandemic and inflation; and the city has seen a boom in the higher-priced omakase options.

The spectrum of sushi style — from fried rolls covered in spicy mayo to the finest cuts of fatty tuna topped with caviar — is also evident in Boston.

Our ultimate guide to sushi, done with the help of Boston.com readers, is a great tool to use for sushi lovers of all kinds, because as reader Matt from Brookline put it:

“All sushi is not created equal. They serve different purposes and satisfy different cravings.”

Sushi at 311 Boston in the South End prepared by chef Weifa Chen. Kegani, caviar, Hokkido hairy crab, crab tamales, caviar, and dashi jelly decorated with sea salt flowers. Served in an antique Japanese shell dish. – John Tlumacki/Globe

Splurge-worthy sushi in Greater Boston

Looking for an occasion dinner to impress a date, or celebrate an anniversary? Our readers have been to their fair share of Boston’s finest spots, like O Ya and Three 1 One.

“If you’re going to get sushi only occasionally, might as well make it superb,” said Alex of Cambridge, who loves sushi from O Ya and No Relation in the South End.

“For fancy sushi, Judy’s Bay sushi is the highest quality,” said Hannah E. from Cambridge. “Their menu is fire. Nothing average on it.”

“For the best, most authentic Omakase, you can’t beat Momi Nonmi in Cambridge,” said Aiden M.S. from Allston. “Chef Chris’ dedication to tradition and flavor will not disappoint you.”

“Best sushi in Boston is Sushi @ Temple Records — absolutely incredible, said Al B. from Medford. “Unagi Nigiri and the Kanpachi Maki are top tier. No other place I’ve tried in the city has come close.”

“For a very special meal, I recommend the omakase at Wa Shin,” said Dana S. from Needham. “They only seat 10 or so diners at a time for an intimate experience. It’s amazing to watch the chefs prepare the dishes in front of you, and they will engage in conversation (and answer all your questions). We walked out full but also learned a lot! We went 4 months ago and still tell everyone about it.”

“XOXO Sushi Bar is the absolute best,” said Melissa M. from Holliston. “I love their tuna nigiri and dry aged trout. Unreal.”

Chirashi from Cafe Sushi Shoten in Cambridge. *– Chris McIntosh for Boston.com*

Everyday sushi spots in Greater Boston

But what’s also great about Boston.com reader recommendations is the abundance of options for those with a daily or weekly sushi habit — otherwise known as “sushi that doesn’t break the bank.” At least not like a bill at an omakase would.

“Cafe Sushi Shoten near Harvard is the epitome of ‘better than expected’ take out that clearly has a lot of care put into it,” said Joe S. of Arlington.

“I lived in Japan for 4 years, and [Kura Sushi is] the closest thing that reminds me of being back ‘home’ since moving to Mass,” said Eve of Hanscom AFB. “It’s a sushi-go-round, so you pay by plate but super delicious, and the drink robot that brings your drinks is adorable.”

“The sushi at [Sugidama Soba & Izakaya] is incredible, and so is the Yellowtail Crudo, Tuna Tartare, Uni Shots, Chicken Karaage, and the list goes on,” said Sunil N. of Medford.

“Mad Monkfish is usually worth the parking challenge, especially for a solid donburi and fun cocktail,” said Allison C. from Malden.

“Laughing Monk in Mission Hill [has a] chill vibe and the best rolls,” said Liz from Roslindale. “Their omakase is also out of this world: fresh, unique flavors, and beautiful presentation.”

“Nijiya’s all-you-can-eat sushi in Medford is my favorite spot,” said Jess G. from Somerville. “Service is fast, the food is delicious, and the best part is you can eat as much as you want for an amazing price! Sushi is too expensive anywhere, but especially in Boston, so this hidden gem in Medford center was a great find.”