Best Japanese Restaurants in Waltham

Price

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$$$
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Regions

BostonBoston Metro North

Neighborhoods

Back BayBrooklineBurlingtonCambridgeCharlestownChestnut Hill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chestnut Hill restaurant

1. Legal Sea Foods - Chestnut Hill

4.5

Awesome(5312)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Chestnut Hill

Booked 89 times today

Legal Sea Foods - Chestnut Hill is a beacon of American cuisine, renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings that capture the true essence of American culinary tradition. Situated in the picturesque Chestnut Hill, this two-story fish emporium delights diners with its fresh and flavorful dishes. Reviewers rave about the "tender fresh tuna and salmon sushi" and the "perfectly prepared salmon." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a vibrant open kitchen and a scenic patio overlooking Hammond Pond, Legal Sea Foods offers an authentic American dining experience that’s hard to beat.

2. Uni

4.6

Exceptional(2293)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Back Bay

Booked 34 times today

Uni in Back Bay, Boston, is a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite and inventive Japanese cuisine. Helmed by Executive Chef David Bazirgan, Uni takes diners on a journey through the flavors of Tokyo, blending the freshest seafood from the famed Tsukiji market with local New England catches. The restaurant's "sushi is hailed as the best in Boston," offering a perfect harmony of sashimi and nigiri that leaves taste buds tingling. Diners rave about the "phenomenal service" and the unforgettable omakase experience, making each visit a memorable adventure. With a vibrant atmosphere and creative dishes, Uni is a must-visit for any Japanese food enthusiast.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Cambridge, MA | Harvard Square restaurant

3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Cambridge, MA | Harvard Square

4.7

Exceptional(763)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Cambridge

Booked 40 times today

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Cambridge's Harvard Square offers a standout barbecue experience that delights diners with its authentic yakiniku style. Renowned for its premium meats and interactive dining, Gyu-Kaku allows guests to become their own chefs, grilling selections like the popular Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. The "incredible food" and "amazing service" keep patrons returning, with many praising the "fun, interactive experience" of cooking at the table. The blend of traditional Japanese flavors and a modern dining concept ensures a memorable meal, making Gyu-Kaku a top choice for barbecue enthusiasts in Cambridge.

A photo of Akame Nigiri and Sake restaurant

4. Akame Nigiri and Sake

5.0

Exceptional(98)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Lexington

Booked 2 times today

Akame Nigiri and Sake in Lexington's historical district offers an unparalleled Seafood dining experience, blending authenticity with creativity. Known for its "outstanding food and unforgettable experience," the restaurant’s Omakase menu, crafted by acclaimed Chef Michael Monaco, features Japanese Seafood directly imported from the famed Toyosu fish market. Guests rave about the "fresh and delicious nigiri expertly prepared," with each piece being an event of its own. The intimate 6-seat setting ensures a semi-private dining experience, where diners can witness Chef Mike's artistry. It's a hidden gem that promises a "masterful omakase experience" that rivals the best sushiya in Japan.

5. Umami Omakase

4.8

Exceptional(120)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Cambridge

Booked 11 times today

Umami Omakase in Cambridge, MA, is a haven for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine, consistently earning accolades, including the Best Sushi Awards of 2021 and 2023. Revered as "the best omakase in Boston," this high-end dining spot meticulously crafts each dish, flying fresh fish directly from Japan to ensure unrivaled quality. Diners rave about the "top-notch food, service, and ambiance," with a Chef Tasting Menu that features exquisite offerings like Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef and Hokkaido Uni. The experience is elevated with expertly paired sake, making Umami Omakase a "truly amazing and intimate experience" that diners can't wait to revisit.

6. Blue Ribbon Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(565)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Back Bay

Booked 45 times today

Blue Ribbon Sushi is a vibrant Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located near Fenway Park in Kenmore Square, serving outstanding Japanese cuisine based in tradition and passion, including nigiri, sashimi, and chef-crafted maki rolls, all made with a selection of fresh fish flown in daily from the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and local New England waters. The sushi bar selections are complimented by grilled mains including A5 Wagyu offerings. Our curated beverage list features a variety of sake selections, Japanese micro-brews, wines from California and Europe, premium Japanese whiskey and an assortment of imaginative house cocktails.

A photo of Bisuteki Tokyo Japanese Steak House - Marriott Hotel Cambridge restaurant

7. Bisuteki Tokyo Japanese Steak House - Marriott Hotel Cambridge

4.1

Excellent(387)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Cambridge

Booked 7 times today

Bisuteki Tokyo Japanese Steak House is one of Greater Boston's most famous eateries. This landmark authentic Japanese restaurant features world class international cookery and hand-crafted Sushi demonstrations. Bisuteki Tokyo Japanese Steak House experience is part dining and part entertainment. Our Teppanyaki chefs prepare delightful four course dinners right at your table. Each chef brings his own level of showmanship to the experience as he flips, chops, and serves with flair. Bisuteki Tokyo Japanese Steak House is located at the 1st Floor of Courtyard Marriott Hotel on the Charles River in Cambridgeport.

8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Brookline, MA | Beacon Street

4.4

Awesome(1097)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Brookline

Booked 42 times today

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on Beacon Street in Brookline, MA, offers an unparalleled Barbecue experience that transports you to the heart of Japan. Renowned for its authentic yakiniku dining, "Gyu-Kaku is always a treat," allowing diners to grill premium meats right at their table. The Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib are standout favorites, praised for their exceptional flavor and quality. Guests rave about the "great service and good quality," making it a perfect spot for gatherings with friends and family. With a lively atmosphere and a unique interactive dining concept, it's no wonder patrons describe their visits as a "10/10" experience.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Burlington, MA | The Village Mall restaurant

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Burlington, MA | The Village Mall

4.6

Exceptional(276)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Burlington

Booked 58 times today

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Burlington, MA offers a unique and authentic Japanese barbecue experience that truly makes it stand out. As the world’s leading Japanese BBQ brand, diners can expect "amazing food" that is both fresh and flavorful. The restaurant's centerpiece, a table-top smokeless grill, allows guests to become the chefs, grilling premium cuts like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib to perfection. Many have praised the "wonderful variety of meats" and "fun dining experience," making it an ideal spot for gatherings. Whether you're with family or friends, Gyu-Kaku promises an unforgettable BBQ experience that leaves customers eager to return.

10. Hojoko

4.6

Exceptional(995)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 35 times today

Hojoko is a vibrant gem of Izakaya cuisine, capturing the spirit of Japanese nightlife right in the heart of Fenway–Kenmore, Boston. Celebrated for its eclectic menu, Hojoko offers a delightful array of sushi, robata grilled yakitori, and unique street food small plates that keep "locals and travelers coming back." The dishes, like the Wagyu Cheeseburger and 48-hour Ramens, are consistently praised for their flavor and innovation. Diners rave about the "fantastic" food and "great vibe," often mentioning the "amazing menu" and "super chill and vibey ambiance." Whether for a casual meetup or a special celebration, Hojoko delivers an authentic and unforgettable Izakaya experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Steven
Greater Boston •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very tasty meal and enjoyable evening. Wait staff was friendly and helpful.
More info
Legal Sea Foods - Chestnut HillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Chestnut Hill
•
4.5
K
Katie
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was so good and service was impeccable. Ask for Todd to be your server because not only was he AMAZING and super friendly, but we just told him to bring us whatever. He had great recommendations and was an absolute joy!
More info
Blue Ribbon SushiPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Back Bay
•
4.8
D
David
London •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Too noisy1. With inappropriate booming base in recorded music. Not very Japanese! And definitely not pleasant! Tables too close together! Food was excellent! Our server was very attentive and helpful in making in selections. Inappropriate charge for “kitchen” added to bill.
More info
UniPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Back Bay
•
4.6
C
Charles
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is the second time I've dined at Umami Omakase. They're expensive, so I don't often have the opportunity, but they are well worth it. Service was exemplary, and they easily accommodated my allergies. Every dish was a single, perfect bite. And yes, despite the tiny portions for each dish, 18 courses was definitely enough food to leave me comfortably full.
More info
Umami OmakasePrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Cambridge
•
4.8
A
Alvaro
Greater Boston •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Tried the all you can eat today for the first time and it was awesome! Excellent service as usual!👏🏼👍🏻😋
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Cambridge, MA | Harvard SquarePrice: Expensive• Japanese• Cambridge
•
4.7

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