I am totally not reviewing this place. As far as y'all are concerned, I didn't go and I didn't have a fabulous extremely filling and wonderfully high-quality chirashi sushi plate. From what I've heard (not that I've been there) Toraya is not only Japanese-run, the sushi and cooked foods are as authentic in the Boston area as you could possibly find. It's my guess that as the food is so delicious, it's not exactly the cheapest place, but I'd bet it's pretty worth it. People do call it a hole in the wall, so apparently the masses have yet to discover this treasure. After all, if lots of people started flocking here to taste the absolutely delectable Japanese fare (or so I've heard), it'd be pretty hard to find a table... So shhh. You didn't hear about it from me.
(5)
S B.
I was pretty let down by this place. I only got it once, so should probably try it again. The sushi was good, not incredible. They give you significantly less ginger than Mr. Sushi does, and the quality of their maki rolls does not make up for it. It's small and gets crowded easily, although everyone who worked there was very nice. I'd go to Mr. Sushi to get your fix.
(2)
Licong L.
I came here with a friend for the chirashi. Yes the wait was a bit long (can't really blame anyone though, it isn't a huge place), but the food was really excellent. I usually judge the quality of a sushi restaurant not only by the quality of the fish, but also the quality of the rice. And boy, the rice here is really really good. So good that I was grabbing for every last grain in the chirashi that I ordered. Somewhat pricy, yes, but not ridiculous like some of the Boston places, and certainly worth the splurge once in a while.
(5)
Ilya Jacob R.
Walking into this place, I felt like it was going to be a unique experience. I was partly right. Most sushi places give you a menu and a long half sheet to choose your sushi. Nope. You tell the waitress what you want - not a bad thing in itself, but we order less than we usually do because I couldn't go nuts and just mark off a bunch stuff. Otherwise, we ordered our usual appetizer: edamame. It took a while for it to come. Why? Because they serve it cold. This is the first time I've had it cold, so I guess it takes longer because they cook it then cool it. It would've been helpful if I had known more about this in advance...The sushi was decent, nothing to write on Yelp about...oh wait...nevermind...but it was good enough for a small little place. Some of the sushi rolls were smaller than what I usually get. Unique indeed...maybe unusual would be more appropriate...
(3)
Lynette M.
This is one of two Japanese owned restaurants Ive found in the city. It's bare bones but it's good
(4)
Tai Z.
Really delicious food, amusingly spartan decor, Japanese staff. There is only one waitress, so sometimes she is harried even though it is a tiny restaurant, but she is quite capable and friendly. Today I had the tempura bento box and a side order of salmon maki. Everything was quite oishii and fairly priced for lunch. The box came with lots of fun Japanese accoutrements, including sprinkles on the rice and pickled vegetables, gyoza, etc. I was surprised that they don't sell gift certificates; I thought they were pretty much a can't-lose situation for the seller. (Perhaps the waitress is so harried already she couldn't deal with one more task!) I would give it 5 stars if they improved the decor. Itadakimasu!
(4)
Claire W.
Well I am still on the look for a replacement for New Ginza's Teriyaki lunch special (which replaced my previous haunt Toyko CIty in Allston) I have been to Toraya once only and for lunch so here is what I thought: This place is seriously tiny! Intimate though and the toilet is more than ample for a wheelchair, once you get past the tables to it. I ordered a Bento box chicken teriyaki. lovely sides, complex and exciting. Tea was served without request and for free. It was more than I wanted to pay, but let's be honest, I am cheap. The next week I tried the less expensive Mr. Sushi three blocks away and the food was not nearly as complex. One thing really stuck in my mind. There were two burly biker guys sitting at the minature sushi bar having the time of their lives and having what appeared to be a very happy conversation with the sushi chef. I kept thinking one of them would fall off the little stools but they never did. It made the experience so warm and inviting just a few tables enjoying the food with no pretense. I guess we must have come early as the place began to rapidly fill even at lunch time and we hurried ourselves up to make room. The very nice waitress did not hurry us, we just felt a tad guilty. Parking was easy but I don't think I'd try to fight the crowds at dinner. Give this place a try!
(4)
Zachary A.
Favorite place in Boston for Sushi. Like everyone else mentioned it's the only place I'll go. However...be prepared for a wait as the place is tiny (but well worth it)
(5)
Monica T.
This is the only place in the Boston area that I go to everytime I visit. It's soooo great. The sushi is fresh and the service is wonderful. The big reason I go to Toraya is not for the Sushi though, it's for the Wafu steak. Sooo Yummy! I have tried recreating it here in Cali, with little success.
(5)
R I.
This place serves the best and authentic Sushi in Boston. I highly recommend their "Chirashi". Unlike other places, Toraya's Chirashi has probably 20 different kinds of fish on the rice. It's always so fresh and yummy. :)
(5)
S. A.
I loved this place, it's small, so big groups probably aren't a good idea. It looks like a mom n pop place. Very welcoming and really really fresh fish. The prices are reasonable, not cheaper than usual but not pricey either. The miso isn't salty but just right. The service was great, even though it was very busy. There's parking in the back in a lot. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
marlene a.
WOW! FRESH like I never knew possible. I expected my food to swim off the plate. At first I thought I was not going to like this place, but WOW was I wrong! It is tiny, and there WILL be a wait...but then you will have your own little piece of seafood heaven & KNOW it was all worth it. I was a little PO'ed that my dinner companion & I had to share a menu (they did not have enough to accommodate everyone in the place). I felt like the A/C should have been cranking...it was a little warm. No open tables, so we sat at the bar (no biggie because I think that is the best seat in the house). I was pretty sure I was in for a less then wonderful experience... was I so wrong! A waitress FINALLY (and yes there was only 1 waitress) came over . We started with Kaiso salad. It was pretty much the same as you get anywhere, but the Tako (octopus & veggies in vinegar) blew me away! Perfectly done (not too chewy), thinly sliced with MOST delish vinegar sauce w/ yummy thin sliced pickle's...Nomm nomm nommm Gyoza, done right; fried to perfection. So far so good. Now to the main course: I hated that they did not have my favorite, "fatty tuna" on the menu. They did say that they run it as special. California Maki (boring I know) but in all fairness the avocado prefect ripeness not to mushy, rice was prefectly seasoned. Maguro, Anago, Sake Maki...did I say WOW! fresh fresh fresh! I thought it would swim off the plate. Sushi rice was great...not to sweet or vinegary. I washed all down with a light Kirin...HEAVEN! I was going to Porter exchange for an occasional fix, and had lost hope of ever finding a true sushi chef & REAL Japanese place. Could have been 5 stars, if they carried fatty tuna, waitress was more attentive, A/C was put to better use, food came out in a more timely manor.
(4)
Jen N.
I would generally consider myself a sushi newbie. Until recently, I stuck with the philly rolls and tempura rolls and that was about it. But after a heavenly sushi experience in St. Louis of all places, I decided to get with the program and test out the sashimi / nigiri waters. Here's the thing: I am terrified of bad textures and that "not so fresh feeling" smell that you so often encounter at subpar sushi establishments. I just can't bear the thought of shoving a giant hunk of tuna into my mouth that feels like an eraser and tastes like the bottom of an aquarium, and then I'm left there for 45 seconds of awful chewing and trying not to puke. Enter Toraya, a tiny hole in the wall that's rumored to be the best sushi in Boston. This is one of the only sushi places in Boston where I will expand my repertoire and order scary things like octopus or those creepy little fish egg things. Everything is so fresh and tasty that it's hard to go anywhere else. I tried the surf clam nigiri, which was actually really chewy because that's just how it is, and it didn't freak me out at all. The fatty tuna is just phenomenal. Nothing tasted like an aquarium and I didn't almost puke even once. Next time I'm going to try something extra scary and I bet it'll be yummy too. Maybe that one with the raw quail egg on top.
(5)
Kristin C.
yum! really great sushi, very reasonably priced. only drawback is that it's tiny...just be prepared to wait.
(4)
Sara C.
I went here once and had the sashimi platter, and I was not impressed. The fish quality was hit-or-miss, and the platter itself seemed to be composed of a lot of less expensive filler. Not bad, but not a place I'd go again.
(2)
Chris T.
I've been getting into Sushi a lot within the past year, and I can say that i''ve been to many places that offer many kinds of Sushi. I eat sushi about 2 times a week, so I know quality products. This restaurant serves nothing but the freshest products that I have ever had. It was hands down the best sushi experience that I've had. The salmon nigiri melted in my mouth. The Crunchy roll, shimp tempura, and softshell crab rolls were in great portions and offered nothing but pure flavor. The nabeyaki udon was crazy good. All for an amazingly affordable price. I didn't pay more than $9 for a roll, and that is really good considering how pricey some restaurants charge for their lesser quality fish. Though it is small, that will do very little to prevent me from coming back to this place. This is my new go to place for sushi. I will most likely be there at least once this week. Highly recommended.
(5)
Glen D.
I hesitate to review this place, because it's already been getting more and more popular as the word spreads... but if you're looking for fantastic sushi, you can't do much better in the Boston area than Toraya. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable in this small traditional place, nothing fancy. But the food! Shinji-san holds court behind the sushi bar and dishes up some of the freshest and best-put-together fish I've had in town. The man makes the best hand rolls ever (if they have toro, which they seem to more often than many other places, the negi-toro hand rolls are outrageous), and they often have interesting specials like scallop, sweet shrimp, and monkfish pate. The rest of their menu shows the same care and attention to detail as the sushi - the miso is perfect, their hot dishes are just the right balance of flavorful and subtle, and even their edamame (served cold) is way better than most. They have a small but well-chosen sake list (I like the Hachitsuru). The only thing missing is dessert, which they don't serve. For authentic and delicious Japanese food, Toraya is a fantastic choice. Just don't tell too many people!
(5)
Joji S.
This is the ONLY Japanese restaurant in Boston that I have found (I've been living here since 1990) that is actually an authentic Japanese restaurant. Nothing fancy, just plain Japanese food that hits the spot for a native Japanese like no other place. After discovering this place last year, I have had no desire to go to any other Japanese restaurant in Boston. Also, this is the only place in Boston where everytime I go, the majority of the patrons are Japanese.
(5)
Mihir P.
This is a hole in the wall to be proud of! But beware that this place is tiny, so if it's crowded most likely you will be waiting outside until your table is ready. I had the Red Miso Soup which was excellent. Much more flavorful than the traditional and it had these micro mushrooms in it that snapped when I bit into them. Then I had the standard steamed shumai which was very good. Then I had the spicy tuna rolls w/ tempura flakes which was also very good but I've had better (spicier and crunchier). I would definitely go back especially since it is not far from me and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
sang l.
Toraya serves probably the best sushi in town but deserves only two stars because of the waitress who is obnoxiously unkind and clueless about service.
(2)
Jeffrey T.
Sushi was good. The scallops I had tasted fresh, as did the rest of my sushi. The prices were about average, and the portions were reasonable but not huge. Still I think it was a good deal. The place is very small, but it was crowded when I went in at 5:30 (usually a good sign). All being said, I will probably go back.
(4)
Patrick P.
We tried Toraya on a Thursday night. It was obviously the waitress's first night, but surprisingly that turned out all right. We ordered Sapporo's and got the coldest beer I've had in a while. We ordered shrimp tempura and Deep Fried Oysters for appetizers and both were good. Maki rolls were good, but the sushi, especially sea and fresh water eel, had no flavor and gave the impression that it was not fresh. Not a good first impression and won't be going back.
(1)
Kim D.
This place was ridiculous. The sushi brought a tear to my eye. Literally. Everything was so fresh and just melt-in-your-mouth. My hubby and I went and split three rolls (yellowtail, eel and spicy tuna) and two types of nigiri (salmon and fluke). It was just incredible. And the Kirin's that washed it all down? Perfection. I want to go back...now. Oh and it was only $43 with a 20% tip...nice!!!!
(5)
Anonymous P.
Toraya is good, but I don't think it's *that* good. In my estimation it's better than average sushi at an appropriate price. The fish is tasty to be sure, but it didn't wow me like the fish I've had at Oishii. The sushi menu is limited; they didn't even have toro on the menu or available as a special. I recommend Toraya if you're in the area, but Oishii comparisons seem inapposite.
(4)
Tom E.
At some point in the past in both space and time, probably somewhere in California in the last century, lies the primordial pre-cursor to all these sushi restaurants that populate affluent areas in the Western world. No doubt run by Japanese immigrants and most likely a very close approximation to a neighborhood sushi place in Tokyo. Primordial western sushi hit the big time with the California Roll - invented in LA in the 1970s. You can laugh all you like at the non-authenticity of this roll, but there's no doubt that avocado goes well with raw fish and rice and this roll is just as popular in Japan as it is here. So far everything is still lovely, right? The best of the local fresh fish, some imports from the East, Japanese staff and solid traditional recipes done to perfection. But then everything went a bit crazy... Toraya is the perfect place to go enjoy what happened before the madness. Japanese Sushi | | First Sushi in America | | California roll | | (- - - - - - - - - - - - TORAYA | --------------------------(madness)---------------Â----------------- | | | | | | | | | | HUGE | Fish-free Korean Inside-out SUSHI | Sushi sushi sushi | CREATIVE | | | | MAKI | | | Fugayku | Brown rice I Tom gets | O Ya ??? Thai Sushi rice in his problems for | | soy sauce tiny mouths $$$$ Italian sushi?? :(
(4)
Sox G.
I found this restaurant on Yelp and wanted to try it out. I'm glad I did-this place has GREAT sushi. It's pretty tiny and the tables are really close, but other than that, it was a great experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I saw some bugs on the table and the windowsill. ick! I would go back though. No silly little bugs would keep me away from this place!
(4)
Hilary C.
Love this place! While it doesn't have the and theatrical dishware of more well-known places, the quality of the food and its preparation is top shelf. They never try to drown it in sauces or decorations resembling tropical birds. You get beautiful, fresh, expertly prepared dishes that speak for themselves. Maki are made with a well balanced portion of rice and are firmly rolled, as they should be. Nigiri may have a wasabi booby trap for those of you sensitive to that. Generous portions of fish all around. I even ordered omakase once and got a fantastic mackerel and shiso combination. My personal measure of general fish quality at any sushi place is the mackerel; strongly flavored, but not too oily, dry, firm texture and a clean ocean smell. Toraya never fails to satisfy. Seats 16 or so, with another 6 maybe at the bar.
(4)
Ger T.
A real, live, sushi place in the middle of Arlington!? Whoa, I was impressed. The waitstaff and chef were from Japan. The menu was in Japanese. The fish, wow, I haven't tasted anything so fresh since Japan, and this was definitely on the higher end of the freshness scale. You'd never guess from its location that this was such an amazing spot for authentic sushi; it's sandwiched in a strip-mall type building about a block from Arlington High School. Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside. Go in!!
(5)
Michelle L.
This place is simply great. It is a small place with very simple deco. Low-key, warm, friendly, and relaxing. Very simple food but every little thing is divine and delicious. There is always a line during dinner time, even heavy snow days this restaurant won't be empty.
(5)
Rich C.
An underrated gem (though apparently not on Yelp :). The sushi and the hot food are delicious (try the nabeyaki udon) and I've never been disappointed by the fish quality. The only downside is that once it gets busy you can easily wait 30+ minutes for your sushi order. I've been going to Toraya since it opened and I have never seen anyone other than (I believe) the owner, an older Japanese gentleman, making the sushi -- filling the sushi orders truly is a one-man operation.
(5)
Esther K.
Simple, fresh, authentic, and delicious. This is not your average sushi joint. Came here for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. Our first impression: the place is small. The storefront is nondescript and easy to overlook. The interior is equally humble with very minimalistic decor. As we approached, a woman waiting outside told us that it can be a 20-25 minute wait but she added, "it's worth it, especially if it's your first time." So, we waited for a table and sure enough the line grew longer behind us. There's no room to wait inside and no hostess stand; there's no room for one. All told there are only 5.5 tables, and a few seats at the sushi bar, which is where we sat. The place was full of Asians, which I always take as a good sign (Asians know good food). I immediately noticed that the staff including the sushi chef are all Japanese. The sushi chef looks like an honorable man; a legit, old-school sushi chef who's been serving sushi longer than you've been alive. The staff are all attentive, prompt, and polite. The sushi was very good. We ordered the sushi and sashimi combo and the crunchy tuna maki. All of the fish was fresh and delicious. The prices are very reasonable, especially as far as sushi restaurants go. Eat here. Like the woman said, "it's worth it."
(4)
Svetlana S.
This review is just for cooked food at this place. Honestly, I expected much better. The food is decent, tastes good but I have definitely tried better. What disappointed me the most is a ratio between their price range and food portion size. Portions were extremely tiny. Other than that, it is ok. I might come back here to actually try the sushi, but I will think twice before doing so.
(3)
Ali D.
Let me start by saying that I actually grew up in a seafood restaurant on Cape Cod. So lets just say I know fresh fish! Also, I love sushi. I've eaten at quite a few sushi places in and around boston over the years. Some great, a lot not so good. I have never been disappointed by Toraya. The fish is always so fresh it's almost sweet. It's small and simple, like a great meal. Ps to others who say it expensive, do you know how much sushi grade fish costs? Also, do you really want to eat cheap raw fish?
(5)
Lee C.
Authentic Japanese food this way! Soooooo Fresh, I give 5 stars without any hesitation just because of that one reason! And it's opened by Japanese, the place is tiny, but you know it focuses on QUALITY of the food not QUANTITY. Service was great too by the way, waitress kept refilling the tea, and asking about the food, very caring. Sashimi tastes very fresh, sweet, looking transparent!! There were a few dishes definitely worth mentioning: - Sashimi entree (there are at least 8 types of sashimi, salmon was so fresh the fat just melt-in-your mouth instantly) - Daily special - Bonito sashimi + Whelk sashimi (Whelk - soooo crunchy and sweet, which I haven't been able to find on the east coast, it's white in color) - Daily special again - Boiled squid with some sort of sesame sauce, it was cooked just right so that the little whole squids were not too chewy, oh so delicious! What a gem in Arlington, I will be BACK!
(5)
Daniel E.
Good sushi, but poor service and very small portions. The restaurant is also very small and you can hear your neighbors entire conversation.
(3)
Scarlet A.
Terrible food, terrible service, awful decor.... Oh, just kidding. I'm really hoping you don't crowd up my favorite sushi resturaunt in the Boston area though. If you're looking for the freshest - (and yes, I mean, of all sushi in Boston, this place wins for freshness) - and most authentic, deliciously prepared nigiri and sushi, you need to make a trip out to Toraya. The tiny resturaunt fills up quickly - get here early! Take a seat at the sushi counter and watch the chef hand-prepare your meal. I recommend getting a tamago (egg), saba (mackerel), and hamachi (yellowtail). Stick with nigiri and sushi - don't go for the fancy stuff here. You shouldn't be covering up the delicious, expertly prepared fish with anything extra.
(5)
Kristin M.
Tried Toraya for the first time today. I called in a pick up order for the sashimi lunch with a spicy tuna hand roll and an order of ikura. The person who answered the phone had a difficult time understanding what ikura was. After she figured it out, I was told that it would be a 30 minute wait; which I could understand if they were in the middle of a lunch rush, but it was 11:30, just after they opened. Upon opening up the lunch bag, there was no spicy tuna hand roll, but maki instead; not what I ordered. The pieces of sashimi were PATHETICALLY SMALL, as in the size of a nickle, some of them and the yellow tail smelled fishy. They can't get your order right, they can't provide pick up orders in a timely fashion, the quality of the fish is questionable and the portions are sad. AVOID.
(1)
Danny F.
Yay for a true Japanese restaurant! And by that I mean one that is owned and run by Japanese. No odd appearances of bulgogi or yaki udon or crazy special rolls. Just excellent sushi/sashimi and comfort food from the kitchen. I LOVE the nabes. Mmmmm. There's nothing better for a cold New England winter night. Best of all, prices are totally reasonable. You don't leave feeling the least bit cheated. There is a downside, and that is the number of seats available. The restaurant is positively tiny. Oh, but it's so cute too, so no points lost there.
(5)
Mitch Q.
One of the best sushi bars near Boston. Place is small. Only 5-6 tables. So pack a lot of patience. The food is really worth it.
(5)
Carbon T.
I come here on average once a week for lunch. Sometimes I wait in line to eat lunch here. It's a small restaurant with maybe 20 seats in total, staffed by 1 sushi chef, 1 server, and maybe another 1-2 people in the back kitchen. I think everyone who works here is actually Japanese (I am generally wary of chinese/korean run sushi places). The place is not fancy, and the cuts of sashimi are admittedly on the smaller side, but it is always fresh and delicious (anyone else scared of places that charge $1 for sashimi? Where do they get their fish from??). My favorites are the Chirashi and the Sashimi Bento Box. You can tell by the way the miso soup separates after it sits for a couple minutes that it's not some powdered mix they pour into hot water and bring out to you. The green tea is constantly being refilled. I've eaten at many Japanese restaurants before and I think the prices here are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food they serve. The service can be hit or miss... I've seen different waitresses here; one is super nice (the one on the weekdays), but the weekend waitresses tend to be a bit rude at times.
(5)
Grains P.
Hair in seaweed salad. UNACCEPTABLE. I used to rave about this restaurant, but I find it very hard to now after my last experience there. The food is still great, but I found a piece of hair mixed in with my seaweed salad. This is really unacceptable for a restaurant. Perhaps it was a fluke, but I can't help but wonder if I'll find more hair in my food next time I go...
(3)
John B.
Small authentic Inexpensive Japanese cuisine! Chicken Hearts special was delicious and the Chirashi bowl was overflowing with fresh fishy bites!! Will be visiting again soon
(5)
Tim S.
We had dinner their Friday night and it was incredible. Very authentic. I had the sushie deluxe plate with miso soup. It was some of the best miso I have ever had. It had a rich and complex flavoring with very fresh scallions. All the fish was very fresh and well prepared. It is small so be prepared to wait if there is a crowd but it is well worth it.
(5)
Andrea B.
I love sushi, so I am really glad to have Toraya literally just down the street from where I live. But since the sushi they serve is really no-frills, plain and simple, I probably will find myself traveling elsewhere when I am in the mood for some really good maki. The place was packed when my friend and I arrived, and from what I hear, it is pretty much always that way. They don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Also, we found out that with the exception of weekend nights, there is only one person waiting on every table in the entire restaurant. Pretty impressive, if you ask me, especially considering the service was good and the one waitress didn't seem frazzled at all. My friend and I got seaweed salad and deep-fried oysters for appetizers. He got the miso soup as well, but I passed on that because I've tried it so many times that I just don't think I'll ever like it. The seaweed salad was good. I really enjoyed the deep-fried oysters, but that probably has more to do with the fact that I will eat deep-fried anything than with the oysters themselves. We ordered a few rolls that were good, especially considering I was really in a sushi mood, but nothing to write home about. So I know many Yelpers gave Toraya a five star rating, but for me, it's a solid three. But I'm sure I'll be back in a pinch when I'm craving a Philadelphia roll or something!
(3)
Francis C.
The fish is fresh, the service is great, and the atmosphere is cozy and homely. There is plenty of available parking in the area and it's just far enough away from Cambridge/Somerville. I had the chirashi, which was fresh and had a wide variety of fish. The mackerel, scallops, and hamachi were all very good. Plus the whole thing was $19! When was the last time you had a chirashi bowl with scallops for that price in these parts? My only negative comment is that the cuts were quite small (like a piece of sashimi divided into threes) for the salmon and tuna. Also had the uni, which wasn't as fresh or sweet as I would have hoped at the price of $7 for two pieces. Still, I'm definitely heading back if in the search for sushi, this definitely beats the places I'm familiar with in Cambridge like the shops at Porter Exchange.
(4)
TK W.
Legit real Japanese food! My fav is yellowtail collar. They don't have that all the time. You have to try out your luck or call and reserve it.
(5)
Patricia S.
It smelled of stale oil and fish. The miso also smelled like fish. The rice in several pieces of the making was falling apart. The wine was fairly good, and the wait staff very nice. The Japanese children in the table next to us were the best part of the entire experience. Still, I can't recommend this place
(1)
jon m.
Horrible sushi. Don't even think of coming here. Go to the Stop and Shop across the street for California rolls and La Choy soy sauce instead. (Of course I'm not serious, but this place is only ten minutes walking distance from me and I want to be sure I get a table ... )
(5)
Good M.
So far, this is my favorite "hole in the wall" sushi joint. I've had better raw fish and seafood here than most, if not, all sushi places Boston. Here, you get minimal filler and rice and more fish, not the other way around! Sushi is prepared by an elderly and kind master who I believe is the owner. The bill gets pricy if you pig out like I did, but I wouldn't spend my cash like that anywhere else. Don't bother calling and asking stupid questions like "how long?" or putting and names down, this place is first come, first serve. Typical wait time is 40 minutes and do expect to wait outdoors. The largest table seats up to five. Again, this is a hole in the wall joint, something you might see Anthony Bourdain walk into. You will hear every table's conversations. Staff are very accommodating, but leave any snobby or "American standards" attitudes outside. I found parking right at the front door on the street. Beer and Sake are served. Don't expect anything else from this place but the best handmade sushi just outside of Boston!
(4)
CJ B.
Awesome Sukiyaki!
(5)
Erin C.
Eh...I wasn't wowed. I can see that everyone loves this place so I'm not sure what happened?! Our rolls were ok. Nothing spectacular. Most of them fell apart before we could even start eating them. The soy sauce was probably one of the saltiest things I have ever tasted in my life. After the first dip into the sauce I was almost ruined for the whole night. The price is decent, but not worth a second trip for us.
(2)
Manfred S.
Fresh, really fresh. - I asked the boss what's really fresh and he seemed to give an honest recommendation. Today's fluke, tuna and salmon were excellent. One of us had a cooked salmon bento box - no idea why salmon should be cooked though - but she devoured everything with a smile. I hope that my judgement wasn't biased by the cold Kimoto sake flush. Perfect lunch buzz. But be prepared that you may have to wait. I was stunned that the little place was packed at 1 PM today.
(5)
Lee N.
I have only been twice but compared to anyplace else within 100 miles this is the best. From reading reviews I think a lot depends on what you like. I have spent lots of time in japan and eaten at a lot of sushi restaurants there including breakfast at Tsukiji market. I tend to like the small "mom and pop" kinds of places with small seating area. You can get very good sushi for a reasonable price. If you like fusion go to Oh Ya and spend 3x. If you like good sushi and a nice small place go to Toraya.
(5)
Joe S.
Went solo yesterday and at at the sushi bar, and had a great experience. Sashimi and rolls were excellent as was the nigiri special (a buttery white fish whose unique name escapes me right now). Prices were absolutely reasonable if not cheap for this area, and service was spot-on. Loved the sushi chef as well-was fast, and kept looking over to see if I wanted anything. When I asked for something, he just smiled and had it over to me in minutes. The location may be a bit tough for some to find (ok by me if that means less crowds :) ), but the place was steady last night- tables didn't stay empty for long if at all. Small and quaint inside, and one needs to be patient here with only one server (Definitely a place to enjoy and not rush). Planning a trip back already-a real gem in Arlington.
(5)
Diana W.
The scollops was so amazing there! It tasted like seafood butter!! Now I can understand why so many people recommended this place and this dish! The space of the restaurant was very limit and always full of people. But the service did not make you feel not to be taken care of. The sushi chief was very serious all the time which looked like a cooking show! I am so lucky and happy that we are living right near this restaurant! I definitely will go back with my family.
(5)
Humble T.
We live nearby and go to Toraya about once a month. The place is tiny but very homy, with nice and fresh sushi and sashimi. We are looking to begin exploring other Javanese dishes that we are not familiar with. The place is great, the waitress with a voice sounding like she is singing is always extra nice and quick. Prices are reasonable. The only downside is that the place is tiny, and there is is usually a line of people waiting. More often than not we stop by and leave because it may take at least 30 minutes to get seated if there are 3-4 people ahead of us, hence a four star rating.
(4)
William S.
I get sushi cravings and had one last night. After searching around Yelp reviews and Yelp talk for a good place to go i saw that Toraya is high up on the list. We live right up the street so had to try it out. We started with tempura and potstickers. The tempura was great - just what you expect with a good sauce. The potstickers were good as well. I also had a miso soup which was delicious. Stef had a California roll and I had the sushi delux. I am allergic to shellfish and so they made me up one I can eat. It was really very good, fresh with a variety of sushi from eel, to salmon ... there was one fatty tuna, an nigri a maguro, mackrel ...a few with roe. A nice, tasty and generous portion. We had cold Saki and a beer. As all the posts say it is very small and the waitresses are very nice and attentive. If you are int he area stop in. Not sure it is worth a special trip if you do not live in the area. $58.00 for all the items I listed in the review (sushi deluxe was $20.50) I liken the place to Etsogo up in Lowell. Good but not going out of my way to go there.
(3)
Sherrie G.
I can't believe I haven't had an opportunity to review this place yet. It's absolutely amazing, probably best sushi and Japanese food I've had in Boston. I'm sad that I had to move pretty far away from here. As much as I love my new neighborhood, there's nothing that even compares to this place. While I myself have not been to Japan, friends either from or that have visited think this place is the real deal. The staff is predominantly Japanese so I'm sure that helps. To be honest, I believe it's the only place I've been to that's manned by an actual Japanese sushi chef. Watching him at the bar is quite an experience. I would recommend any sashimi dishes since the quality of the fish is very stand-out. Their toro is out of this world. You may be disappointed if you're looking for funky designer rolls since this place is far more traditional. (but frankly, I can't see anyone having a problem with this place that enjoys REAL sushi) For hot dishes, the sukiyaki is very tasty and satisfying on a cold day. I also get the agadashi tofu almost anytime I come here. The pricing is completely reasonable as well, particularly the lunch menu. Be forewarned, this place is tiny so there's almost always a line or a wait. I'm pretty sure they do reservations though but I wouldn't bring more than four or five people here at a time unless you call ahead.
(5)
Anna L.
My hubby and I got takeout from this place. Yes, there isn't any waiting room in the restaurant. However, I went there at around 9pm so most of the crowds are gone. I sat by the sushi bar awaiting my food. I got the Salmon sushi box, sashimi, and agedashi tofu. I got home and started unpacking... 2 miso soups, 1 thing of rice, my salmon sushi, agedashi tofu, and hubby's sashimi. The sashimi was small.. for 17.50, all the sashimi were in small slices, but not a lot. However, according to hubby, the sashimi is very fresh. My salmon sushi was amazing! There was a plum leaf wrapped into it, that made every bite very refreshing. The wasabi is definitely grinded from an actual root and not from powder or store bought. The miso soup is really quite decent and the agedashi tofu... well, it's agedashi tofu. We have definitely found our japanese restaurant! I can't wait to go back! Oh yea, the waitstaff is pretty nice. They gave me water while i waited.
(5)
Julie B.
I had a very great experience and I want to preface the review with why I docked one star. This place is tiny (fine) but there is a a lack of appropriate waiting area. I don't mind waiting, but I felt bad and awkward standing over diners who were just about to leave. I don't want to rush anyone and I'm sure they don't want to be rushed. Therefore, I wish there was a defined separator between these two areas. Now the important part - the sushi! I love sashimi and it's good here. Not only is it fresh, but it comes is a bunch of bite size pieces, rather than giant slabs that I can never fit in my mouth. Definitely try the salmon and the yellowtail. So good! As far as the rolls, they're pretty basic but high quality. Can't really complain about that, can you? Overall, the prices here are reasonable and I found the staff to be quite nice. I'll definitely be back since its just right down the street.
(4)
Travis M.
As someone who has lived in Japan for several years and sought out top-notch sushi in foodie cities around the world, I was really looking forward to trying Toraya. I'm a stickler for fresh fish and authenticity and this restaurant has been said to offer both. Unfortunately, I was not able to get as far as trying any of their food. The service was so shockingly poor and the staff - from the clueless waitress to the dour sushi chef - so unfriendly that I left without eating after waiting for almost half an hour without any acknowledgement. The only person at the restaurant (other than some friendly eaters) who could muster eye contact or a smile was the busboy. The rudeness was palpable. While good, even great food is the raison d'être for restaurants, if there is one thing that I learned during my time in Japan, it is the importance of service and respect for customers. The chef and waitress on duty tonight at Toraya quite obviously couldn't care less about either. If a humane and friendly culinary experience is important to you, do yourself a favor and avoid this place.
(1)
George A.
Excellent. TRhe lunch Bento Box is graet and a bargain at ~$10,
(4)
Sandy W.
Dinner started with a 5-star experience. Like everyone said, the sushi here is one of the best in town. The uni, ikura and hamachi were all super fresh. I think it's worthy of mention that the sushi chef creates a very elegant curvature in the nigiris and tucks the fish in ever so slightly. Very visually pleasing indeed. It was pleasant surprise to find that the tamago was authentic: smooth surface, velvety-soft texture and not too sweet. The rolls were delicious too and we tried many: crispy tuna, una-avo, shrimp tempura, futomaki and kanpyo. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have toro but no matter. The food was so good and so reasonably priced that we didn't even mind the brusque service by the lone waitress. In fact, we found her attitude rather charming (we caught her being sarcastic to a particularly fussy patron and thought that was funny). Then the experience turned a bit comical (3 stars) because we made the huge mistake of ordering take-out. We waited a FULL HOUR for our order. Half-way though the wait, the sushi chef and I locked eyes and we found out the reason for the delay--he tiled the rice cooker to show me that it was empty. How can a sushi restaurant run out of rice mid-way through service?! Since the way the chef did it was so cute, I decided to give Toraya back one star.
(4)
Alison F.
Many, many sushi lovers -- serious sushi eaters -- have told me this is the best sushi in the Boston area. I am a middle-serious sushi eater, which means I eat sushi frequently and enthusiastically, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable. Even I can tell that the food here is phenomenal, and it's not more expensive than other restaurants. It is very small (5-6 tables?). One waitress. One sushi chef. Whoever talked about a busboy must have been somewhere else. We've had sushi (excellent) and also miso soup (excellent) and also shumai and teriyaki (excellent, excellent, excellent). This is our "special occasion" sushi restaurant, where Mr. Sushi is our quick-bite-after-soccer-practice sushi restaurant. Not because it's more expensive, but just because it's SO small and SO renowned that if you dn't go really, really early, you can't get a table.
(5)
candice g.
had a delicious meal at Toraya on a Wednesday night with 6 other people. one of our friends was from japan so she did all of the ordering. I tried the beef tongue, asparagus salad, root tempura w shrimp (i think that's what it was), silken tofu in a sweet sauce + a huge plate of sushi & sashimi. yummy. the food was delicious and it did not break the bank. They have such a large menu and i also noticed there was a specials board at the entrance. The service was very attentive and friendly. i will definitely be back.
(4)
Kate M.
Best. Sushi. Ever. Everything else is irrelevant if you love yellow tail that tastes like butter and melts in your mouth. But yes: space is small, decor is minimal. I would go early if you plan on trying to get a table on a weekend!
(5)
Tommy N.
I had the chirashi which was pretty good: fresh fish, clams on the lemon was a nice touch, and the seared salmon sashimi was very nice. The chicken-asparagus appetizer was so-so, but this place still gets four stars on the quality of the fish and the all around good service. The pricing was pretty standard for sushi. There's parking around the area (or what appears to be parking in the back), which is a huge plus. The place was fairly busy so there might be a wait, but that's not necessarily a bad sign for a restaurant.
(4)
Adam W.
Great little sushi joint! The portioning can be on the small side, but they more than make up for it on quality.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Hidden Gem!!! Who knew there was such a phenomenal Japanese restaurant in Arlington! From the seaweed salad, to the saki to the melt in your mouth tuna; you can't ask for anything better. ;)
(5)
Crista B.
Yum! A really small restaurant, but worth the wait or good timing. We sat at the counter and enjoyed watching our meals being made. Great waitstaff that provides excellent service even though they are running around keeping all of us happy.
(5)
David P.
My wife and I went on a Friday night and waited about 45 minutes or so. Actually expected to wait longer, so we were happy to be seated when we did. She had the agedashi tofu and I had the white fish appetizer. The tofu was very good but the broth was a little salty. The white fish appetizer was very refreshing. I had the sashimi deluxe and she had the broiled hamachi (yellow tail). The sashimi was excellent. Great variety...mackeral, tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, yellow tail and others. (First time I had raw shrimp instead of the cooked shrimp you find at all other places. I was impressed.) The hamachi was good but a little salty. We also had some maki...bonzai (soft shell crab) and the eel, avocado one. Both were good. Overall, a very good experience. Like my hairstylist said, "go there for the sashimi/sushi."
(4)
Sally L.
If you are looking for some REAL japanese food, here you go! It's as authentic/fresh as those restaurants I visited in Japan.
(5)
Susan L.
Lovely little place for sushi, sashimi, tempura. Always seems busy, no matter which night of the week I've been there. Food is always fresh, service polite and friendly.
(4)
M. Deloris D.
DEELICIOUS!!! Toraya is a winner for so many reasons. *it's near home *the folks who work at the Porter Exchange eat here *my Japanese friends say: "it's authentic!!" Toraya serves wine, sake and beer. The sushi was the freshest I've had in a while and the menu offered all the variety of Bluefin without the hipster hassle. Yes the space is smallish but this place is worth the wait and take out is available. When budget is not a bummer, Toraya all the way...otherwise, Kotobukiya, here I come.
(5)
Lucy W.
It's all about the fish here...the other reviewers are right, in that this tiny Japanese joint is stripped down, no-frills sushi. I sat at the sushi bar and got the sashimi appetizer special- what a deal at $8.95, for a plate full of very fresh raw fish. Great place if you're just looking for the basics and nothing fancy.
(3)
Jen L.
This is my neighborhood sushi place. I am very lucky to live here as I am only 1 mile away from this little gem. I eat here about 2x/week and would do so more often if I had limitless funds. The fish is fresh, expertly cut, and super tasty. Their hot dishes are really good as well.
(5)
bean c.
We absolutely LOVE this place. In fact, I wouldn't otherwise write a review about this place just so that I wouldn't spoil such a well kept secret. But - I've moved out of Cambridge and don't need to worry about people crowding my favorite places. Warning. You have to have patience and be prepared to wait if you want to eat here. This place probably seats ~22 people if every table and sushi bar was fully and efficiently utilized. I always order the Chirashi (assorted chunks of sashimi fish) because Shinji gets the freshest stuff in town. Why mess around with anything else? For appetizers, I always get Agedashi tofu and spinach with sesame sauce. The Agedashi tofu comes piping hot and swimming in a sauce with shaved radish and mini mushrooms. Don't miss it.
(5)
Nancy L.
I can't believe that I live so close to Toraya for over a year, only to discover it via the Yelp post of friends! Toraya is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant tucked in a non-descript front in Arlington Center. It's tiny less than 10 tables and is quite cozy . The waiter, chef, and diners were all Japanese when I was there for lunch. When the customers are all of the culture/ethnicity of the cuisine, you know that you are at an authentic restaurant. Green tea was served. The miso was a strong red miso soup. I had the chirashi sushi and my friend had the sashimi bentou. The fish was so fresh and delicious, unlike the frozen kind. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a sushi lover. There is also a selection of soba, udon, and donburi (things over rice such as eel). Since it is a small and popular restaurant, I suggest going at a less busy time so you can sit and truly enjoy thebeautiful seafood. When there is a constant stream of customers waiting less than 4 feet away from you, you just felt bad for sitting there too long. Accepts credit card, $15 minimum.
(5)
Jonathan W.
Yes, I don't want anyone to know about this place....tiny, excellent, but I DO want them to stay in business. The owner is there all the time and the quality is fantastic. Not as inventive as some, but hands down excellent.
(5)
Kim H.
LIke everyone else says, fantastic fresh sushi and the place we stop into when craving some. Star taken away for the size as there's often a wait or we have to squish at the end of the bar next to the hot tea dispenser, and then twist my shoulder away every time the waitress needs hot tea dispensed.
(4)
Local E.
Agree with the consensus here: usually the sushi is quite good. The chef has great attention to detail, but the waits are usually LOOONG. They range from minimal (if you arrive prior to standard lunchtime) to about 60 minutes from sit-down to getting your food (at dinner). There is one sushi chef, and one or two wait staff who usually seem to be overwhelmed. E.g., you will need to ask repeatedly for water, otherwise you will be ignored. Generally the wait is worth it; I greatly prefer Toraya to "Mr Sushi" down the street, and slightly prefer it to Bluefin (in Porter Exchange). Recommend the sashimi bento at lunchtime. The non-sushi elements are tasty and creative. Consider taking the time to thank the chef - he puts his heart in it. But I'm serious about the waits. If the tables are full, you could wait 30 minutes to be seated, or more. And be sure to ask about delays if you phone-in your order, which can be hours, not minutes.
(4)
Anna N.
Seriously, Yelp? 4.5 stars? When it comes to sushi, I don't care about ambiance or even service. As long as the fish is fresh, the ingredients complement each other and the rice is right, I am a happy customer. Unfortunately this outfit was a huge disappointment. I had a dinner with 2 other people and the three of us left the place wondering why on Earth this place is attracting customers. The only positive part of the meal was that the rolls were small. I didn't feel guilty having another meal after leaving Toraya, just to erase the aftertaste.
(1)
Naoyuki T.
It's owned and operated by Japanese sushi chef who used to work at (good) Ginza. Lately main back kitchen cook left which made me worried about non sushi dishes but Salmon Okabe was just as good before. Sushi is better than most places (or say average in Japanese owned sushi shops - better than non Japanese sushi shops, except Oishii) though one occasion, I had bad tasting fish and other occasion sushi rice with very little flavoring. I think that the food is not consistent, but good most of the time. One of few places I can get real katsu-don - pork cutlet over rice in bowl. My Japanese coworker and I (Japanese) go there for lunch to get Japanese food fix rather regularly. I order Chirashi sushi as a yard stick of sushi restaurant, and it is worth its admission. Other than having bad days infrequently, dishes are above average and certainly better than Mr. Sushi just down the road for Japanese food. Just to be clear, if you go to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, any sushi shop is better than Toraya, and often cheaper. The fish quality in Boston cannot be as good, just because sheer volume of fish consumed in Tokyo.
(4)
Joe C.
The only thing that should knock this down to a 4 star review is the atmosphere. This dive-y, nook of a restaurant leaves something to be desired. Personally, food is the most important factor to me (secondly service) so I will chose to find comfort in great food with a non-pretentious atmosphere. Being raised on a large amount of home-style japanese food, this place is a constant reminder of my childhood. I have tried many of the local "Japanese" restaurants and many are okay, some are good, but Toraya is excellent. (Sidenote - "Japanese" = non-Japanese owned). I recommend you try it but secretly wish you wouldn't so not to overcrowd one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Lauren M.
This might be the best sushi in Boston. It is very comparable to Oishi in Chestnut Hill- no frills and super tiny, but amazing sushi. It's also pretty inexpensive- what a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)
Catherine H.
After reading the reviews, I was expecting AMAZING sushi. We ordered 4 rolls, and they were just OK. I thought the rice was gummy. I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Han K.
A hidden gem, often forgotten in the debate over who has the best sushi in Boston. Really tiny small intimate space that serves up some of the best sushi preiod. Authentic doesn't even begin to describe how good this place really is. For the price / quality ratio this place is very very difficult to beat. Why not the perfect 5? Because you can get better sushi, but it'll cost you a lot more than dining at Toraya.
(4)
Sam D.
This is hands down my favorate Japanese restaurant. The food is delicious every time and the service is friendly and quick.
(5)
Jamie L.
My husband and I recently ate at Toraya and we LOVE it! We'd been going to Blue Fin in Porter Sq for our sashimi fix, but now that we've discovered Toraya we will never eat at another Japanese restaurant again. We ordered a big plate of sashimi to share (tuna, salmon, yellowtail) and it tasted amazing. We loved that the fish was cut in thin, bite-sized pieces, not the oversized pieces that we see so often in other restaurants. We also shared a special of the day (clams) and washed it all down with two flasks of sake. This is a modest place, with attentive service and delicious food. We love you Toraya!
(5)
Pete G.
I wouldn't say it's the very best sushi in the area, but it is close. Loved it. It's a fantastic little sushi place. Everything I've ever had from here was perfectly made. They do a great little pickled octopus salad, and I don't know how the guy does it but his toro sushi is the tastiest every time. The prices are fine. The only problem I can think of is that it's kind of small, and it's a little far out there. But if you're willing to truck way into Arlington for some good sushi, go here.
(4)
John Paul N.
Located outside of Arlington Center, Toraya is a very, very small sushi restaurant that apparently caters to a huge Japanese clientele. Or so says all the reviews online I could find. My GPS unit took us through Arlington Central and there was no parking to be found. Thinking it'd be the same in front of Toraya, I took the first parking spot available .3 miles away. This was a mistake. Not only was there plenty of parking in front of Toraya, but apparently there's parking in the back too. This will be good to know for next time. Like I said earlier, Toraya is very small. 3 4-seaters and 3 2-seaters along with 6 or so seats at the sushi bar. We were next in line behind a family of 4 and we stood in the doorway and tried to stay out of the way. After a 20 or so minutes, we were seated slightly before the family because a 2-seater opened up. While we were waiting I noticed one of the specials was tempura soft shelled crab for only $8.50. That took care of my appetizer. I wasn't really feeling sushi that night, so I went with the Udon noodles, sans chicken because it is still lent. Abby went for the Maki deluxe special as well as some edamame and an extra order of Philly Maki. My tempura soft shelled crab came out with Abby's edamame and miso soup. The crab was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. The tempura batter was light (like all tempura batter) and covered the crab just enough to not over power the wonderful delicate meat. Abby devoured her edamame in no time but neither of us really touched the miso soup. (I'm not the biggest fan of miso in general, so it wasn't like the soup was nasty or anything like that.) My udon noodles were came out and had a very strong mushroom flavor. Inside the soup was a whole egg. I broke the yolk up and mixed it all around. The flavor the yolk gave to the soup was very nice. The noodles were typical udon noodles, thick and lacking of any real flavor other than the broth they laid in. The tempura shrimp were just like like my soft shell crab earlier, perfectly fried in just the right amount of batter. A very good noodle soup. Abby's sushi came out and they looked great. She thought they were fantastic and just the way she liked it. I tried one of each type and thought the sushi was good to better than good, but nothing ground breaking. My main problem was that the other ingredients took away from the fish. For example the avocado was such big pieces that all I couldn't get over the buttery creamy taste to get the flavor of the eel at all. This could just be me though, because Abby loved every single bite. Overall, Toraya is a very nice little sushi restaurant. You could do a lot worse. The chef/owner, Mr Toraya, was behind the sushi counter carefully taking his time to slice every piece of fish correctly. He seemed like the type of sushi chef that would gladly trade shots of sake with customers at the bar. Maybe next time we come we can sit and the bar and find out. The prices were pretty good too. However I ordered a coke and when I got a refill I had a feeling that it wasn't free. Sure enough I got charged $1.75 twice for both drinks. I just wish I could have gotten the coke in a larger glass the first time so I wouldn't have needed the refill, but now I know. Toraya gets a 3 and 1/2 out of 5, good and better than average but not exactly great.
(3)
Mai O.
When I used to live in Arlington, it used to be my regular sushi place. Pros: Authentic Price/quality ratio is good Japanese-owned Cons: The wait staff there used to be better, the current woman is not very helpful nor is she friendly. The current woman is kind of rude. I asked her if we can pack the remainder of food to go, and she said "all of it?" No, just 1/3 of it... yes all of it, what do you think? People who used to work here switched to working at Bluefin in Porter Square. When it's crowded, it takes forever to get serviced and get food, because there is only one sushi chef. No AC Last visit there was not very pleasant, both me and my grandmother got stressed, ate half of what was on the plate and left.
(3)
Mark O.
I can't add anything to the best reviews, we eat here about 4 times a month. Fresh, fresh, fresh, and you can taste it!
(5)
Adrienne A.
We have been in a lot of sushi restaurants all over the world (though not Japan, sadly), and this is head and shoulders the best. Flavors are subtle but deep and nuanced, fish incredibly fresh - actually the best fish raw or cooked anywhere. Anything fried (tempura, tofu, fish, etc.) is crispy and tender. They are masters. We are here at least twice a month, and sometimes are embarrassed when we feel like going two days in a row. We feel like family - they know what beer we want, and that we want our edamame warm. It is small (so don't bring a baby stroller, and be prepared for lines if you go at peak times), but a warm cozy atmosphere. We are lucky to live only short distance away. (And, as a note - We've been here a lot, and never noticed that the temperature inside was a problem - except once when the AC was on the blink.)
(5)
Beantown Newbie e.
I lived in Tokyo for over four years, and this restaurant has the most authentic Japanese food I've had in the U.S. And, it's in Arlington of all places! You'd expect this level of quality in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. A lot of the patrons at dinner are Japanese nationals, so that may something about its authenticity. The prices are very reasonable and, I would argue, cheap for the quality and freshness of the food. The restaurant itself is a bit small, and the ambiance is by no means swanky like you'd see in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. It's all about the food here. It's kind of off the beaten path, but it's so worth it to make the hike.
(5)
Kerry D.
The atmosphere is small, crowded, and really pretty uncomfortable over all. But the sushi is fabulous, and the bento box lunches are the best deal around.
(4)
Brittany H.
A great hidden gem tucked away just past Arlington Center. My favorite local sushi place. You can tell from the clientele, as others have mentioned, Toraya is very authentic. The service was great and I thought my sushi was very fresh. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
DB U.
Put simply: BEST sushi in the Boston area by far! The place is cozy and the ambient is great. The staff has been friendly and courteous from our very first visit and all visits since. For my husband and I, it is a small haven, providing us with a much needed break from our very busy lifestyles. Whenever we feel like having sushi or traditional Japanese food, we are at their door. When our parents (who have been to Japan multiple times) visited, we took them there too, and they really enjoyed it and liked it better than the you-know-that-restaurant-in-Porter-Sq we've been previously taking them to :) I really like the size of the place and how personal the attention is. They seem to care about details, the presentation of the food is a visual treat, just wonderful, making the already delicious foods into something even better! I really appreciate the latter because too many great restaurants have been spoiled by growing too quickly, losing the attention they once had to foods and customers and they become sloppy. Even on nights we know the restaurant will be busy, we don't hesitate about going. We know we'll have to wait because the space there is limited, but it's all worth it. Even on the busiest of nights, the longest we've ever waited for is about 15-20 minutes. Even on that occasion, people seemed to share our thoughts and they didn't seem to mind the wait, giddy in anticipation. However, one time we witnessed a really rude customer, who even insulted the sushi chef for not being friendly... I thought this was really unfair because the place was really packed, the staff were doing their best, there were 2-3 couples already waiting before this customer's arrival, and when the waitress cleaned up a couple of seats in front of the sushi counter, he bypassed the waiting people and sat himself there. He said something in Japanese to the chef (the customer was not Japanese) and the chef didn't really respond (specially because he had his hands full and perhaps he even witnessed what the rest of us did -- how this guy just cut in line!). After a minute, this customer totally flipped out and bad mouthed the place saying how he's been to Japan and people there were so nice and this place was nothing like Japan because the chef would not make conversation with him and entertain him. Well, boohoo from all of us who were waiting. You think you're going to get special treatment because you speak Japanese to the chef? Some people need to get off their high horses... I'm glad the chef ignored him... when the customer left, everyone was laughing at how ridiculous this guy was... but the chef was serious and I felt really bad for him... I mean, come on... the chef was so busy... I would have been offended had the chef stopped doing what he was doing and started chatting or entertaining this guy... because that would have meant a longer wait for food to be made/served and an even longer wait for us waiting for seats! Conclusion: if you are looking for a comfy place with delicious and amazing traditional Japanese food, this is the place 100% (and no, spicy California tornado rainbow whatever rolls do not count as traditional sushi... go to Porter or some other place if you want Japanese foods with "western" twists). Also, if you like just going to a place and being immediately seated, you may want to avoid popular times to eat out (for example, weekends) or just try your luck somewhere else with a bigger seating area because I really hope they keep it as small and cozy as it's been to this day. PS. We just tried their lunch menu (take-out) this past Saturday and it was as amazing. What a great deal the sashimi lunch box was for $11! It's great they have the lunch menus on Saturdays too! We called and they had it ready for pick-up in 30 minutes. The lunch box was reminiscent of the bento boxes you get on the Shinkansen... pretty looking and yummy :)
(5)
Alison Y.
Being Japanese, I rate Toraya high on the list of "authentic" Japanese restaurants. I moved from Arlington last year and have not found a true Japanese restaurant in the city :-( Toraya's chef is from Japan unlike the "other" Japanese restaurants in the city and greater Boston and it shows in his sushi freshness and presentation as well as who he has cooking the traditional dishes. Tenzaru soba noodles with tempura is delicious as is the lunch Bento box special, which is a great deal at $11-12. Place is small and always packed, so be prepared to wait, but it's well worth it.
(5)
Al K.
Fresh, delicious food, and great service.
(5)
Mary R.
I had such high hopes, but was unfortunately a bit disappointed. Our appetizer, edamame took forever to arrive. It seems they cook it first, then cool it to serve it cold. I actually prefer warm edamame, so this process seemed just long to me. The pieces of sashimi and sushi we had were good overall. The fish tasted fresh, but the rolls were small and just not as amazing as other places we've been. I was hoping we'd found a new, great place, not real far from our home, but I don't think I'll become a regular customer.
(3)
Fuyu A.
Just made the mistake of not eating at Toraya again (it was logictically impossible) - but that just increases my wife and my respect for Toraya - they have the best quality at not the highest prices and it's never a disappointment to eat here - ever.
(5)
ftyuv e.
My girlfriend and I were there the same night as Travis M., but we had quite a different experience. There was a bit of a rush, and it did take a few minutes for the sole waitress to get a handle on the situation -- but it certainly wasn't terrible. I would describe the atmosphere as brisk, but not rude. And once she got the rush under control (shortly after Travis M stormed out), the service was quite good. This is a small restaurant, with the service one would expect from that -- if you want four-star service with fancy place settings, this place won't impress. As far as the food, we had gyoza, cold buckwheat with dipping sauce, and maki -- salmon and tuna. The gyoza weren't crisply enough fried for my liking, and it was the first time I had cold buckwheat -- so I can't judge how good it was in relative terms, though in absolute terms I liked it a lot. The sushi was amazing. Melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The waitress was nice enough to go table to table announcing last call, and my girlfriend and I couldn't resist another order or salmon maki. For $5 per a-la-carte order, I really can't imagine going anywhere else for a quick sushi craving.
(5)
Karman L.
Hole in the wall in Arlington. Great sushi place in Arlington (same block as Blue Ribbon!) I did a grab and run ... ordered the sashimi lunch combo ... it was $12.95 or something ... and fish was very fresh ... Can't wait to go back to have a sit down meal there ...
(4)
Dan B.
Great sushi. My wife is Japanese and attests to the authenticity. A little spendy but certainly worth a try.
(5)
Lisa W.
This place is terrible, please don't come here so I can get a seat!!!! Don't believe me? Sigh.. ok. This place is amazing. We stopped by on a Saturday at 11:40am (they open at 11:30), and all the tables were already filled! We luckily got seats at the sushi bar and got to see the master at work. The wait for food was a bit long, but there is only one sushi chef and he's making everyone's lunches! The chirashi.. wow.. it was amazing. The fish just melts in your mouth... I still dream about it. Anyway. Don't come here. All your sushi are belong to us!
(5)
erica l.
Amazing sushi! It's a little hole in the wall kind of place, but is phenomenal. The only problem I've ever had there is the long wait because it's so tiny, but popular.
(4)
Silvia V.
This place was highly recommended to my husband by someone. We had high expectations, kind of. Went there on a Tuesday night. There were 5 other people having dinner, three of which were this obnoxiously loud and annoying family. The restaurant is tiny, so unfortunately we couldn't not hear them. That's not the reason I am giving it only two stars. The seafood salad was not what we expected. It was served on a bed of lettuce = weird. The sashimi and sushi were too small. The fish was fresh, but... We ordered lots of food, but I was still hungry after we left. $80 for a dinner in Arlington on a Tuesday night is a bit much. Solid two stars.
(2)
Jamal G.
I came here for lunch and ordered the chirashi bowl because of the other reviews saying that this is the restaurant's specialty. It was great! It came with miso soup, which was very well prepared. I also ordered a spicy salmon hand roll, but it was just ok. The restaurant employees all speak Japanese (not Chinese like at those dime-a-dozen, inauthentic soso sushi places). I think only the waitress speaks English, and she was very efficient. I didn't find myself waiting for anything I needed even though the restaurant was nearly full at noon. I will be coming back again. This place is a bit out of my way, but it's worth it.
(5)
Emerson O.
Very traditional and professional sushi restaurant. Sushi is probably the best in metro west Boston. I like to eat here by myself during lunch or on a date with my wife for dinner. Try the lunch box, it's heaven if you're into raw fish. Location is a little awkward (across from Stop & Shop) and decor is simple if not a bit drab. But if it was in Arlington center and decked out with a renovation, it wouldn't be as good for some reason. What you have here is an out of the way and low profile sushi restaurant, and these tend to be the best. That certainly applies here.
(5)
R B.
Good, but so small that you feel rushed during peak hours. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but this would be my go-to place in the area. Nothing memorable enough to travel for, I guess.
(4)
Sara S.
As one can tell by the clientele, this is undoutably very authentic. The majority of the people here were speaking Japenese to each other and the waitress, which to me, is a good sign. The only Japenese restaurant I've seen the same was at Oishii. As others said, the place is a hole-in-the wall and pretty divey. Don't come here if it's super hot or cold out, because the interior temperature is quite reflective of the exterior. Initially, I ordered a crunchy tuna roll (spicy tuna with tempura flakes, which is different than their "spicy tuna roll", which is also on the menu), unakyu roll (eel and cucumber). I was surprised that the eel-cucumber roll was the smaller type with the seaweed on the inside and minimal rice. The filling of eel-cucumber was also quite skimpy. Normally, eel rolls are heftier, with a large amount of eel and rice on the outside (I believe this is called an "inside out" roll). I was quite hungry, so I then ordered a negihama maki (yellowtail and scallions). The sushi itself was very, very good. The spicy tuna was perfect (tuna and spicy mayo mixed together rather than a large piece of tuna). I only wish the unakyu roll was the inside-out version because it was delicious and I wanted more! The freshness was obvious by the look and taste of the fish. I left feeling satiated but not stuffed. Other diners around me got the tempura, which looked out of this world!
(4)
zilla b.
The food is amazing... some of the freshest sushi I've had in Boston, however like many other reviews said, their buiness sense leaves little to be desired. no reservations, strange seating arrangements, but for the quality of food and the great prices I'll take this any day!!!
(4)
Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: Was virtually perfect. Had very fresh fish and had almost everything on my list with the exception of the ones in the Cons below. Cons: Missing wakame salad, pickled radish, amaebi, ikura/tobiko, seared white tuna. I did ask for no tako (octopus) and the waitress gave me attitude saying she thought i said tobiko. Luckily others at my table corroborated what i had originally requested and she reluctantly took my dish away, but instead of removing it and replacing it with something else, she just removed it. I'd dock this place half a star just for that, but i don't know how to do that, so i'll just be nice and round up to 4 stars. In general, other than the bad customer experience, I did like my food and will probably come back the next time I'm in town!
(4)
Pamela R.
Cozy location. Sushi was good.. Nothing spectacular however. The appetizers were the best part try the Ohitashi especially if you feel weird about having a seaweed salad.. If you are a hardcore fish and chip fan try the aji-fry.. Their version of fried mackerel with soy barbecue sauce.. Really yummy!
(4)
Nancy A.
Firstly, I've been to this place about 5 times now and have never had a bad experience. The first time was a few years ago, and I enjoyed it, but it was so far away from where I lived that I didn't really give it much thought as a viable "go-to" sushi joint. Fast forward to a few months ago. My boyfriend and I were discussing sushi, and where we should go for dinner. Lo and Behold! He knows the "awesome" place - a 5 minute walk from his house! So we trek down, and there it is. A tiny place, nestled between two nondescript store-fronts (I think one might even be empty now). Of the three times we've been, twice we sat at the bar and once we ordered take-out. The two times we stayed, we sat at the sushi bar. The sushi chef is an extremely quiet guy, but speaks volumes with the delicate sushi he artfully prepares. Being two relatively non-decisive people, we ask for a "chef's choice" every time, and we are never disappointed. The waitress will merely check with the chef to make sure he's amenable, then the only things she needs is a price range, the type (sushi/sashimi/etc), how many people it's for, and anything he should steer clear of (for me it's the sea urchin - I can't stand it). The dishes he creates are not only tasty, but beautiful - he'll make flowers out of thinly sliced fish! The last time we ordered was for take-out, and when I called the waitress was unsure if he would do a chef's special for a take-out, but they must not have been very busy because he was able to accommodate us. When I came to pick it, the waitress walked over with a GIANT circular tray. When I looked inside, it was simply gorgeous. There were at least 7 different kinds of fish, a few prepared more than one way. I can't vouch for anything besides the sushi plate and the pickle appetiser, but both of those are what keeps us coming back. The service is always as quick as can be (yes, if it's busy, it will take a little bit longer - your patience will be rewarded), the waitress is generally friendly even if she may be a bit brusk at times because she has a slew of other tables to take care of, the sake is tasty, and the atmosphere is perfect.
(5)
A B.
Although this place is tiny and simple,don't be fooled. Toraya features a traditional sushi menu at lunch. It is nothing fancy or particularly creative, but it is the best, most consistent, and nicely presented sushi restaurant I know. The dinner menu is much larger, and also excellent. My only criticism is that they are not sized to handle the volume of business they attract. You have to wait a long time on weekends, so go on a weekday. You won't be sorry you made the trip. PS, chirashi is their signature dish at lunch: I can't say enough about it. If you prefer hot food, I recommend their nabeyaki udon.
(5)
Ling H.
fresh fish, really good food. The place is really small. I went on Sunday night and it was packed. Service was a little slow to sit down but there was only one staff so understandable. The salmon portion is small but really good. I would def be back.
(5)
Kate M.
Love Toraya! Sometimes they don't take pick up orders if it's too full in the restaurant, but I can understand this as they only have one guy making sushi. It doesn't matter though, anytime I've been there I've been impressed. The Crunchy Maki is my favorite. The fish is fresh, and of great quality.
(5)
Boulder And Pebbles H.
Amazing local Japanese - limited but terrific menu. Highlights include agedashi tofu , asparagus salad , crunchy maki, and tomago nigiri (best I've had anywhere) - scallops from Japan are amazing as are sweet shrimp from Maine
(5)
Julie B.
Best sushi we have ever had. Love the small restaurant ambiance, super friendly staff. We went back twice in one weekend because we were so happy with it. We found it reviewed on hiddenboston.com and everything they said was dead on. GREAT fish, different specials all the time, tons of parking, doesn't get any better than this. Sometimes there's a wait but its TOTALLY worth it.
(5)
reese w.
Did I forget to review this? After a couple visits to Toraya, I am thoroughly pleased to report that this is my favourite sushi joint in Boston. Yes, better than Sakurabana (ooh hot spicy scallop roll, I do still love you). It's a small place, so if you come during the busy hours, you may have to wait a bit. The service is friendly and quick and the sushi chef is appropriately gruff and professional. Ok, so I only wrote this review so I could upload my food porn. Yeah.
(5)
J. L.
Sushi is better on some days than others. When it's good, it's very good. When it's not good, it's average. Ultimately too inconsistent for sushi in my view. Cooked food is good.
(3)
Jon P.
I'm always on the lookout for authentic, simple, Japanese-style sushi, and this is probably the only one I've found so far in the Boston area. I'm not into the Chinese or Korean-run sushi places where the rice is slightly mushy, or like Fugakyu where the fish slabs are barely thawed out from the freezer and cut in huge slabs. I like my sushi consistent and bite-sized--the rice needs to be al-dente such that the grains are singly articulate, and the fish should be fresh but not too fresh, and definitely not frozen. And some fish needs to be cold, some need to be less cold, like the escolar which should be slightly chillier served. On one hand Toraya doesn't have the variety of raw seafoods for me to be able to judge whether or not they would serve everything the way I prefer it, but what they do have, they've always done right. That comes to the only possible negative--if I'm in a decadent mood, I don't go to Toraya , as they don't have the widest selection of raw fish. They don't seem to always have raw shrimp or clams, and seem to only deal with the standard sushi fare. But for authentic Japanese style sushi that evokes a family-style ambience straight from Japan, Toraya is by far my favorite.
(5)
Deb D.
Great little restaurant! I've never been disappointed in the quality of their food. Friendly and efficient waitstaff. Would not hesitate to recommend Toraya.
(4)
Amy S.
Thank you yelpers for leading me to Toraya. I would never have found this hole in the wall without your guidance. Arlington? What's in Arlington? Why would you go there? Now I know. You go there for really fresh, really perfect sushi. The Toro that I sampled as both sushi and as maki was perfect... The agedashi tofu was hands down the best I've ever had. Yum yum. Thank you Toraya. Thank you search function. Thank you "best sushi in Boston" list makers.
(4)
Tatsu I.
Feed Me Eat Me Sushi Me Tuesday Pachi-Pachi, very hard to type my reviews when you nibble on my lower lip. I know, but I miss the Hokki at Toraya! We go again tonight? Maybe we try his wife's entrees, they look really good too! But we just ate there yesterday! I don't care! I haven't even brushed my teeth I just want to have that taste in my mouth forever! God, his rice is so perfect, I don't even have "sushi rice plaque"! Well, his seasoning is perfect. You know he has a deft touch. Unusual, Senji's very light with the vinegar, even on his Tako-su. But ultimately it's very classical, very Japanese and you cannot argue with it. Like Murray Perahia's old piano playing style, detailed, faithful to the composer's notes, internalized, subdued. Nary a sushi chef in the U.S. like this... *Snap!* Whatevs, babe, take me there. Here's your keys. Wednesday Pumps, hard to breathe with your devilishly long tongue fondling my plica sublingualis. Plus you're stimulating my salivary glands so I'm drooling on us. Sorry babe, but your glands are so Salivdor Dali Clock soft like the Uni at Toraya! Your spittle reminds me of the soy strings coming off Senji's Natto. Open your mouth! Ok, ok. You know, Senji's standards are set very high. He buys fish everyday himself you know. And...*Click!* Save your breath, can we go back for Sashimi and Nigiri Omakase? I have to have it! Open your mouth! Rrrrwwwhhmmm, but we *cough* just ate there 2 nights in a row. Uh oh, do your feel that? What? Migrane, oh, definitely migranes, feel it in the air, don't you? Shall we turn in early? Sigh...you win, let's go. Of course I win, my little Yellowtail, but don't I make you happy? Please stop calling me Yellowtail. Thursday Puki, why are you holding my 270 millimeter Yanagiba sashimi blade and looking at me like that? Oh, I was just wondering how many years it takes to cut fish like Senji. Well, a really long time, he cuts better than any chef I've seen in the States for sure. He really is genius with a blade... Mmm hmm, shush babe, you really prattle on too much. Gee thanks. And you still have that squirrelly look in your eye, put the knife down. Oh, sorry, YT, just thinking if I sliced a piece of your forearm while you typed away there, would it be as red and shaped like Senji's Maguro? Or kind of pale like the Chutoro special last night? Or should I practice on your fingertips making little discs like the Ankimo special? And would your blood taste like momiji oroshi cuz you so spicy? Ok, I get the picture, put it away! I'll take you to Toraya. Man, 3 nights in a row, what the heck is going on! Friday Puca-Poo, it doesn't have to be 9 1/2 Weeks every night, can I take the blindfold off? I feel a bit emasculated. And that's really expensive Tuscan olive oil there, don't spill. Dame des yo! You are the rice and I make the fish, I'm on top! Hold out your hand and shut up! Now if I just dust the oil with the desiccated vinegar I made and a touch of J salt and the smallest cocaine line of confectioners sugar, the base of your thumb will be just like Toraya's Saba, so good! You're really crazy, ouch, oi, ok. Baby, what's wrong? Hey! Hey don't cry! I'm sorry! It's not you stupid! It's the taste, it doesn't have the creamy fatty texture of his Saba at all! *Huuuuuuuuuggghhhwwaaahh!* Baby, Baby-Boo, I'll take you for lunch when they open tomorrow, I swear, ok?, Calm down. Wanna try, you know, something else? Asshole! I will never ever do the Hirame trick again for you ever! I want his Saba so bad right now!!! *Huuuuuugggh!!! Wahh!!* *Sigh* Honeypot, I brought home Saba just in case. *Sniff* Youuu, you did? *Sniffle* Yes, for you. My Sushi-Wushi how I love you! Love you too HP. Where do you want it? Here?
(5)
Julia Z.
A great and authentic sushi restaurant in the Arlington neighborhood, owned and ran by Japanese people. My all time favorites are their sakana tempura and spicy tuna maki with tempura flakes. Large selection of sushi and price is reasonable, great for frequent visits!
(4)
Doug Y.
Best kept secret in Arlington! We ordered tuna sashimi and the chicken teriyaki bento box, as well as tuna and salmon sushi. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. We got there and found a table, it quickly filled up at lunch time. They only had one waitperson working while we were there, so it can get a little busy at times, but be patient, the food is worth it.
(5)
Mini S.
Toraya reminds me of those little local restaurants in Japan. I like their food because it is not "American-Japanese" food. IT IS JAPANESE FOOD!! Sushi there was very good too. My husband got Vegetarian Sushi and he was very happy about his food. This is a hidden great Japanese restaurant!
(4)
Lesley D.
This sushi was delicious. We got it to go and they were even considerate enough to stack the shaomai on cardboard separating it from the sushi so the sushi didn't get warm. (so many sushi places put everything together and then the sushi practically cooks. Ick!) It's such a tiny quaint little restaurant. I can see that it would be difficult to get a table. We didn't even go on what we thought would be a busy night or time and there was barely room to stand while we waited. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars for me personally was that the sushi was actually a bit too generous, if that's even possible haha. I know that probably sounds weird and you'd want it to be this way! But for me, the chunks of fish were almost a little too big, and the rolls themselves were a bit hard to get all in one bite. But this is just a matter of preference. All in all, the taste was great, the freshness was definitely clear, and I enjoyed it. Just a bit too much of a mouthful for both me and the hubby. We'll likely stick with Manna Sushi up the street because we love it there, but if people invited us to go out to Toraya, we'd certainly oblige!
(4)
Matt W.
Sushi is decent. A real hole in the wall. Not the cleanest place. Not worth a return visit.
(3)
Yuko I.
I am a Japanese so I know what I am eating. The food is amazingly decent considering it is a hall in the wall place, probably the best sushi in Boston. I also tried unagi, pretty good too. The wait for food can be long during lunch, seating quick in the evening. Parking is available at the back of the restaurant. I have been coming back several times and bringing friends - they are all happy with the food. They have impressive selection of takeout - I want to check this out on the next occasion.
(5)
Jaime v.
It's authentic. In contrast to the stuff you would get at Porter Exchange, this is high quality and tasty. Filling up is going to be expensive and the menu isn't really built around this notion. I like the Agedashi Tofu as it brought back memories of my travels in Japan. The Sashimi is good though I recommend the adventurous explore the non Sushi menu items.
(5)
H T.
Hey, Mr. To_ra_YA! How are YA_? Why are you so HAP_PY?! Rollin' Your SU_SHI? Full of smiles and NODS (^o^)! You've got some good ROLLS! BUT very tradition_AL! I like it.. I like it... And yay- there's sweet pota_TO! However, no OhTO_RO! For my aMI_GO!~ Old Japanese COUPle, drinking SA_KE! Lots of kiddies, eating tempura Ma_KI! Choose wines_beers_or TEA! Ho_HUM! The last one, so powder_Y! My biggest disappointment: they use matcha_TEA! Eek! NO! Sushi were good, but not the best. I'd say 3.75, but the sushi chef is so O_jolly_O! And I'm happy, so 4.O!
(4)
thermopylae x.
impressed to see an actual sake/keg warmer when most of boston's japanese restaurants microwave 1 waitress handling 5 tables + the bar polite service sticky menus yummy
(4)
Cecilia L.
This Arlington neighborhood favorite is in competition with Shiki for my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. Everything we had at a recent lunch was excellent. Miso soup was wonderfully flavorful - clearly based on homemade dashi. Uni and scallop nigiri were fresh, well cut and nestled on crackling, high-quality nori and well-seasoned rice. Chirashi nestled in a lacquered box was lovely and delightful. The meat in the pork katsu donburi achieved the rare balance between crisp and tender, accompanied with a bowl of delicious pickles. The setting is warm, modest and kid-friendly - nearly every table at Saturday lunch had a tot chowing out of a bento.
(5)
Haviva P.
The food at Toraya is amazing. Really, this is not your average Japanese place. The menu is authentic, everything is fresh and if you want to venture off the typical spicy tuna roll ordering, this is your place. The agadashi tofu is to die for - perfectly fried in a broth that disappears too quickly forcing you to order a second. My husband had the salmon stuffed with tofu, wrapped in a banana leaf and it was also delish. Perfectly portioned and cooked,with a great sauce, I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. The tempura was beautifully fried, light and sweet. Really great meal food-wise. So why the missing star? The service. Oh. My. God. We ordered at 9 and were not out until 11:30. There were 6 of us, and 3 of us ordered sushi with a side as our main course. I ordered a crunchy tuna roll with a side of cold buckwheat noodles and dipping sauce, my brother a spicy salmon maki and a side of sushi rice, my nephew spicy salmon and the crunchy tuna. NOT complicated and all the dishes were essentially cold... . All the other plates came out first and there we sat, the 3 sushi eaters waiting. Even my cold noodles did not come out until 11! Half the table was done, plates cleared, before I got my one maki and cold noodles (both tasted great for the record, but at the pace I scarfed them down, I am not sure I am the best judge.) We asked what was taking so long and we were told there were several cooks in the kitchen but only one sushi chef. Sure, I get that, but the place is small and you have a sushi bar, at the very least pace yourselves better in the kitchen. I hate having a meal with family or friends and getting served at different times. If things are backed up, bring out some edamame on the house and tell me you are 'sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it.' The whole thing was silly and frustrating. Which is really too bad, because the food is completely top notch. For the record I will go back, but I will make sure that I have a snack ahead of time. :)
(4)
Leslie S.
This is my favorite sushi place on the planet. They are not fancy just good fresh awesomeness. You do have to stand in line to get in for lunch on weekends. You can find my husband in line every Saturday morning fifteen minutes before they open!
(5)
Stephanie C.
Excellent food. Friendly service. Definitely the best sushi place in the whole MA! You can taste the freshness of all their food. Me and my boyfriend lives almost an hour away but it's worth the drive every single time!
(5)
Alex K.
Have their own version of sashimi and tempera, very subtle and delicious. The fat level of several type of sashimi are just sublime
(5)
Rainshadow L.
Well, I was really disappointed. 5-6 small tables? It's ok if the food is good. Poor service? It's ok if the food is good. Well, the food was not good. We were there twice, but will not any more. Agedashi tofu was soggy and salty, Chirashi has too little sashimi with too much rice, Sashimi deluxe tasted plain and Gyoza was too hard to chew. We ordered several rolls but don't remember what we ordered since all tasted plain...
(2)
Chloe S.
This place is amazing. There is only one sushi chef and he does ALL the sushi. All of it every day. He also personally hand selects the fish daily at the fish market. This is a man who is Passionate with a capital P about his craft. The fish is always fresh and flavorful and perfectly cut, the rice is always spot on, and this is a really, really nice attention to detail but the fish is always the right temperature. It's not too cold when he serves it, which is a mistake the vast majority of sushi places make. I always order the chef's choice combos because he knows what's best. I have brought several out of town guests here and they've all been blown away.
(5)
Myra T.
This place may place Arlington Sushi on the map, great service is key, The food is fresh not frozen, quality, they take the time to be sure of what you want not just fast and funky.
(4)
William L.
Hands down my favorite sushi place in the Boston area, and I've frequented it for the last 6 years. They do great traditional sushi, and the sushi chef here is from Japan and very skilled. The nigiri is well-made, the rice is packed just right and the fish is very fresh and cut extremely well. I typically get the sushi moriawase, which is a sushi sampler which has 8 pieces of nigiri and a maki roll (typically tuna or salmon), for a decent price (I think for lunch it's $13). The only hot foods I get here are agedashi tofu, fried baby octopus, and fried aji (Japanese horse mackerel), but I can vouch for those three. I probably wouldn't recommend this place if you're just going for hot food, as that's not what their specialty really is. For sushi, though, they are the best traditional sushi I've had in the US, and the best I've had outside Japan. However, if you're a fan of over-the-top rolls like you'd get at Super Fusion Cuisine, or you love rolls with mango and avocado and all sorts of fancy stuff, then this is not the place for that.
(5)
David T.
Great traditional Japanese sushi in a no-frills setting. No over-the-top American rolls here. The quality of the food and the relatively low price for this quality is amazing. This is a very small restaurant. There are only 6 small tables and a very small counter. There is one Japanese sushi chef and one waitress. The waitress is very friendly, but can be stretched thin covering the tables and takeout. Their Chirashi is astoundingly good. You get a wide selection fo fish and plenty of it. They use real sushi rice, so its nice and starchy. The Uzaku (eel and cucumber with vinagar sauce) is delicious. The Kyuri-momi cucumber salad was also very good. The tori no aspari maki (green asparagus rolled in teriyaki chicken) was quite good and something I have not seen at many other restaurants. Asparagus wrapped with very thin beef pieces is more common. I still prefer this with beef as you can slice the beef thinner so the dish is more about the asparagus than the meat. But preferences aside this is a nice variation.
(4)
kim s.
There are five tables and four counter seats so be prepared for a long wait to eat (I waited about 30 minutes). The sushi and sashimi is very good and all prepared from scratch. Pricing is reasonable and service is good as well. Next time I think I will call ahead and get take out.
(4)
Peter S.
Really good sushi served in authentic setting. You know you are in the right place when the menu comes in English and Japanese. The chef seems like a very competent Japanese sushi chef too. The portions were very good for a sushi restaurant and the staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jimmy B.
Ah I was so hoping this place would be a 5, but am settling on a 4, which solely is based on their signature item - the one and only Chirashi bowl: Value-wise, 5 stars. $12 for a lunch bowl of tasty Chirashi? Good luck finding that anywhere else. This jumps to $18 for dinner though, so this place will remain a lunch-only establishment for me. Variety, fantastic! I've never seen so many different types of slices in a Chirashi bowl as this place. Ranges from your standard of salmon and tuna to unique toppings such as marinated sliced shiitake mushrooms, tender tamago, and tuna roll pieces. Great! However, because there were so many different types of toppings on here, the size was much smaller than I had imagined (the pictures make them look so much bigger). But, for $12, I guess that's what you can expect! Quality. Here's where I was a bit disappointed - and this may be partial to the fact I had take-out. Although the sushi was solid, it wasn't necessarily near the best in Boston. With the fact that there is limited seating and management will sometimes turn away take-out orders, I'm surprised it wasn't better. It just didn't have the wow factor that really fresh and expertly prepared sushi gives me - for a few dollars more, I'd go to Daikanyama in Lexington if my priority was quality.
(4)
Karen N.
Well color us unimpressed. We came in with high hopes as it had four stars but we've definitely had better -- even in the Boston area. It wasn't bad sushi but there was nothing special about the food and given the small tables and slow/unfriendly service, we can only rate it two stars for "Meh - We've experienced better." My partner had the sushi deluxe which was good but not great. We've had better at fast-food type sushi places. I had the tonkatsu, which was good but even the tonkatsu at the food court in the Mitsuwa at Fort Lee, NJ was better. It's not terrible food but I think Arlington could do much better. Perhaps go there if you have a craving for Japanese food and don't want to take the T into the city, but it's not worth going out of your way for. (signed by two Japanese-Japanese women who went out of their way to go there).
(2)
Amy D.
3.5 stars but rounding up. During my work trips to Waltham, MA, I usually make a point to check out new Japanese restaurants in the area. Toraya was next on my list, and I called in my order late on a Thursday night (around 8pm). They had it ready by the time I got there 20 minutes later, and I tried: -Chirashi (Assortment of Fresh Fish, Eggs, Vegetables Over Sushi Rice, $18.50, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): The assortment of different fish in their chirashi was nice, since you don't always get as many types of fish or a couple pieces of toro. However, the pieces were a little too small for my preference, and I would have preferred larger slices. The fish was fresh though, and I would consider ordering this again. -Uni/Sea Urchin Nigiri ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): Good, but I was super full from eating half the chirashi, and wish I could have requested they add uni to the chirashi for an added price (I tried asking over the phone and got rejected). Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Toraya, and will have to come back and order other items. The restaurant is small, so call ahead of time if you're planning on dining in. Parking here is horrible since they do not have a parking lot and there isn't much street parking available.
(4)
Sylvia C.
Definitely can see why fellow Yelpers rave about this place. Though the place is small - it's worth the lil wait. They don't have a huge menu or a ton of maki rolls to choose but everything they serve was well executed...at least from what we'd ordered. - Fried baby octopus - crispy on the outside and tender inside - Beef tongue - tenderly prepared - Small sashimi plate - great assortment and knife skill set - Salmon with tofu wrapped in bamboo leaves - flavorful and nice contrast in texture - Salmon and tobiko sashimi - thin sweet slices and sweet lil bits of yumminess - Spicy salmon and yellowtail maki rolls All expectations met. =)
(4)
Heather L.
Delicious. Fresh sushi. This is what the eating experience of sushi should be like. Yeah, there are those times when you just need to stuff your face with AYCE sushi while wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants, but if you're in the mood to savor, to enjoy melt in your mouth sashimi, then come here. I got the sashimi lunch special, which also came with a bowl of white rice and a bowl of miso soup. For $11.95, I would say that's a pretty great deal. To be fair, I am not a connoisseur of sushi, but I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others!
(5)
Damien S.
Stop, collaborate and listen: the chirashi lunch bowl. Get here when Toraya opens. Do not bring a group; there are six tables. (As a matter of fact, going solo is best.) Order the chirashi bowl. For $12, you'll get PERFECT SASHIMI - the freshness, the cut, the variety, the balance of flavors - over a heap of slightly sweet sushi rice. And a durn fine cuppa miso. And tea. And a smile, because, hey, you're attractive. The surf clam, the mackerel, hell, even the tamago... I've not had higher quality sashimi in the greater Boston fast casual scene. Is it as good as others claim? It's better. Bold statement? I dare you to prove me wrong. This review will not be any longer because I'm afraid it wouldn't be able to fit in the restaurant's tiny, tiny space. It's wee.
(5)
Christine J.
Horrible service. They let another girl take a whole table for 4 while none of their party arrived. While there were 2 parties standing waiting for a table. The worst Japanese place for service. Rude and inattentive. The best food and sushi chef but the worst waiters. I've endured their bad service for a long time now. This was the tipping point. Simply ridiculous.
(1)
Deanna D.
I've been here for lunch at least once a month for the past 2 years, and love this place (obviously). The Chirashi, seaweed salad, and sashimi box are all perfection. They also have a nice small selection of sake, and the service is always efficient and friendly. The prices are very reasonable considering the variety, quality and quantity of sashimi. Get there before noon to avoid the wait. The ambiance is not particularly interesting, but I come here for the great sushi, not for the fancy ambiance.
(4)
Kevin L.
This place never ceases to disappoint me! By now, I've had 10 + Toraya vists. Ordered the sushi moriawase and it was amazing. The freshness of the seafood says it all. The sushi chef never serves the same sushi or sashimi; he picks the freshest selection each day. This also pertains to the chirashi bowl as well.
(5)
Joichi I.
As advertised, they do not take reservations so we arrived and had to wait. It was a bit strange that there was almost no acknowledgement that we were there and the service was dry and not very friendly. The sushi and the food was fairly good but the waitress we had didn't even know what "shishamo" was even though it was on the menu so we had to point at it. Considering the lack of reservations, the service, and the only incremental quality difference of the food - unlikely it will be a regular place for us to go.
(3)
Michael B.
I've been coming here since it opened. The owner / sushi chef hasn't aged a day, but his virtuosity has only improved. This man is a sushi genius. Their dinner is a great value for the quality, but the lunch value is beyond anything i know. If you love the freshest most carefully prepared raw fish, you will eat every last bit of the chirashi or sashimi. The Agedashi Tofu is the best tofu dish I've ever eaten. I can say the same about the tempura soft shell crab. I could not love this food any more than I do. EDIT: I've seen several reviews criticizing the service here. I don't understand this. In my experience, their service is always excellent.
(5)
Ziyan C.
This is my best friend's favorite sushi spot in Boston for its quality of fish, value, and vibe. I'm so glad she took me here the last time I was in town! Everything was well-made and had quality ingredients. Nothing super fancy, just your classic sushi. Toraya is a very tiny, unassuming spot. There's one old, very wise-looking sushi chef behind the counter, and one very friendly server running the whole restaurant. All your dishes come in differently designed plates/bowls that look different; I love that they all look different and are each beautiful! It has the small local business vibe. THE SERVICE: The one server is always scurrying around, she has so much to do, but it's easy to catch her eye to ask for something, and she will always help with whatever you ask for. She works quickly and the food is always timely. THE WAIT: There was no wait around noon on a Friday for 2 at the sushi bar. There was a small wait for a table, but that seemed to move pretty fast. THE COST: Not bad at all. We got a ton of stuff for and it came out to $46 total for two. TORAYA LUNCH: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Sashimi (assortment of sliced, fresh raw fish. $11.95) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A good mix of fish! Very fresh & tasty. It's a little odd that most things came in 3 pieces, some in 2. It made it a little hard to share between the two of us. * Side: Agedashi tofu (fried tofu, served in a special sauce w/ scallion & daikon radish. $6.75) - 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… The fried breading was softer than I've had at other Japanese restaurants so it didn't really add crunch; rather, it was like a mushy bundle of stuff that came off of the tofu excessively easily. When you take a bite, all of it tends to come off in one piece. However, the flavor of the sauce was excellent, the scallion crunchy and fresh, and I really liked the grated radish that added that extra bit of sharp flavor and texture. DONBURI & NOODLES: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Tempura Udon (noodle soup with shrimp tempura Japanese wheat noodles or Buckwheat noodles. $8.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A nice simple broth, very thick and soft udon, a soft fried tempura on the shrimp. Good! SUSHI A LA CARTE: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Banzai Maki (fried soft-shell crab w/ spicy mayo. $9.50) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… I love spider rolls generally and had to get this! I guess I see a pattern that Toraya's tempura tends to be on the soft side. That's not my personal preference, but maybe it is just their style. The crab in this roll, once again, had a softer tempura. Not enough crunch! Also, there wasn't much temperature contrast between the rice and the crab. Both were a little above room temperature; I like it rather when the crab is hot, like it was just fried, and the rice colder! I couldn't taste the spicy mayo either so the flavor was pretty bland. My friend noticed that their sushi rice doesn't have vinegar in it. This was still overall enjoyable.
(4)
Qianwen W.
My favorite Japanese restaurant! I have been there for two years and never got anything not good! The house sake is a must try, with the sashimi!
(5)
Nate Y.
I'm just going to repeat what others have said; It's a small place, so better to come early, and not have a big group. The Chirashi bowl is a deal with a large variety of chef's choice bite-size sashimi over sushi rice. Comes with a bowl of miso soup. Doesn't get much better.
(4)
Sarah A.
I'm... very confused. What had been suggested as some of the "best sushi" near Boston ended up being a very disappointing experience. I hesitated to write this review because I have been on a long journey to find amazing sushi in Boston. Run by a Japanese sushi chef, I had high hopes that this would be "the one". Upon entering the establishment, I surveyed the quaint restaurant and noticed, as other reviewers had, that there was only one sushi chef and one waitress who seemed extremely busy. We arrived exactly at 11:30am and unfortunately had just missed the first seating so had to wait at the entrance of the tiny shop for over an hour for a seat for 2 adults and a baby. I used this hour to observe the sushi chef. From what I observed, I had high hopes that this would prove to be the most authentic sushi experience that I would experience in Massachusetts. After waiting an hour, my expectations were at an all time high. We ordered the iidako karaage (deep fried baby octopus) to start and I ordered the chirashi and ikura nigiri. The food took about 30 minutes and when it arrived, I was so excited to dig in. The iidako karaage came out and I wasn't impressed with how greasy it was. The octopus also didn't taste fresh. The next item I had was the ikura. ...................... oh no. It tasted like the ikura had gone bad. It had this putrid spoiled taste to it that signified that it had probably been defrosted and left out at room temperature for too long. Really quite gross. I then dug into my chirashi. The fish was good, but the rice was horrible. Like, really really inedibly bad. It had little to no flavor and was incredibly mushy (it was obviously made with way too much water). Some sushi chefs claim that the rice in sushi is more important than the fish, as the sushi chef has complete control over the rice vs. the fish which can vary from day-to-day depending on their source. I left all of my rice, it was that bad. I couldn't believe it! After all the hype and positive reviews... Another thing to note was the service. I understand that the waitress is extremely busy but that doesn't excuse her from being rude. There were two instances where she was very condescending to my friend and I, and we were both very put-off by her attitude. Overall a 1 star experience but it's obvious to any customer how hard both the sushi chef and waitress work so I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
(2)
Marlana Y.
Chirashi lunch special is amazing and you can tell that each fish and the way it's set was thoughtfully prepared. The space is a bit small so I would suggest going late lunch or early dinner or get take out. I was so full after this meal that I could barely finish it! But I will because it's so delicious!!!! Free green tea! I never understood why people made such a big deal over miso soup but their miso soup was fantastic! Love the saltiness of it!
(5)
Hana K.
日本人ã®æ–¹ã€æ˜¯éžã‚ªã‚¹ã‚¹ãƒ¡ã§ã™ï¼ã”ã¡ãã†ã•ã¾ã§ã—ãŸã€‚Growing up in Japan, I struggle to find authentic sushi in Boston. Anywhere that serves spicy mayo or crunchy tuna (as delicious as it is) is not REAL Japanese sushi. Toraya, on the other hand, run by a Japanese family with the husband slicing each sashimi behind the counter and wife courteously serving every customer, is so authentic it would bring nostalgia to any Japanese or those who have visited Japan. I highly recommend the SUSHI DELUXE (though on the pricey side at $20.50), the quality and variety you get is unbeatable. Try to guess their sushi names by looking at the fun poster on the wall. NOTE: They do not take reservations so do not come here with a big group and try to come well ahead of time!
(5)
Yasmin C.
Hmmm, pretty good but nothing to write home about. All of the great reviews and the fact that the place was packed got my expectations up a bit, but I wasn't super impressed. My brother and I waited about 15 minutes around Saturday lunch, and were then seated at the bar. Service was a tad slow, though not surprising since there was only one server in the place. My maki and nigiri combo was very reasonably priced and fresh, but really nothing super special. Nice variety, good fish, and that's it. Shamefully, I peg every sushi place against my favorite delicious spot in San Diego, where the fish literally melts in your mouth. Honestly, nowhere ever really matches up so trying new sushi places is always tough for me. I would definitely come back but not expecting to be wowed!
(3)
Chris O.
I hate to review this place because I don't want it to blow up. I think it's too late though. This is the best sushi in Boston.
(5)
Phil C.
Yes, there are some of the big boys, in terms of sushi, in the vicinity of Toraya, but for my money, I think I'd rather come here. Toraya is simple elegance, personified. The last time I visited was for lunch before a meeting. I went for the sashimi lunch set. The miso soup was good, and definitely a nice starter. However, the sashimi was fantastic. The colorful assortment of sliced fish was beautifully, yet simply arranged to make the plate attractive. The tuna was excellent, along with the salmon, octopus, and clam. All of it tasted fresh and went well with the wasabi and soy sauce. There were less common pieces like spanish mackerel. I know rice is something that doesn't get reviewed often, but it's important in something like this: it was above-average. Service was terrific as the server was extremely prompt and polite. I was a little fortunate to find a spot to sit just as I entered. I don't expect to be so fortunate the next time around.
(5)
Joanna C.
The lunch chirashi was really good - honestly, not the best I've had (I've had chirashi where they season the rice with cut up vegetables and pickles and other insane goodness - which after reading about how good this Chirashi was I was kind of expecting, which was just my overblown expectations)! I started with their pork goyza which was pretty good. It's a tiny place so the tables fill up fast! The server here was SO sweet! She didn't let my tea cup go lower than half a cup, and she handled all of the tables so well! Amazing service!
(4)
Steve Y.
This is definitely your hole in the wall joint and I mean that in the utmost respect. It's as authentic as you can get for quality sushi. The place is tiny and doesn't seat many people so be prepared to wait a while on a busy night. We had to sit at the bar which was fine. The table layout wasn't conducive in maximizing utilization as there were a few 4 seaters taken by two people but no biggie. We started off with the seaweed salad and squid tempura and it was delicious. Then we moved on to maki rolls which were flawless. The portions are small but that was perfect for us. For our first time here, we were very happy with the food and our waitress was quite attenitve.
(4)
Brian F.
I've been to Japan several times, and Toraya is in the same league as the best I've had there. It's small, a few tables and the bar. The chef is from Japan and skillfully prepares your meal to his high standards. The fish is fresh and delicious. My test of sushi is the mackerel. Here it was delightful and mild,. The rice is prepared properly, not plain rice, but with a nice bit of rice vinegar. I'm not a sake connoisseur, but one time we had it, it pleased everyone. Service has been one waitress for the room, but efficient. It's totally in line with what a social, multi-course dinner should be. I wouldn't call it a fancy restaurant exactly, but everything is top notch, at a reasonable price This is where I treated my new boss and a former colleague who gave me a great recommendation for the new job. It's the kind of restaurant that you can take clients, bosses, dates, etc., to because the atmosphere and food are such a good experience. The chef is also a high-rank black belt in Aikido, so don't think about doing a dine and dash!
(5)
James C.
I am ALWAYS on the hunt for the best sushi, wherever I go. It's a struggle at times to find just that in the Boston area. Then a friend of mine sent me to Toraya and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a very small, cozy sushi bar/restaurant and you can tell the sushi chef is a master at his trade, and proud of his work. Absolutely delicious and great cuts of fish. The one thing Boston lacks is sushi chefs who do their rice properly. Some people overly use rice vinegar, others don't even use it at all. I found Toraya's sushi rice done pretty well, it was subtle yet noticeable in taste and not over/under cooked. Sushi is 80% about well done sushi rice to me, and they did just that. I couldn't complain about how fresh the fish was either :) Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great sushi restaurant in the Boston area, and the 5 stars are earned based on this restaurant's quality compared to what's available in the Boston area.
Came here at an off hour on a Sunday. We were able to sit right away, which apparently is hard to do at any normal hour here. The place is small and the decor is nothing fancy but the service was fine and the food was great. Teriyaki Salmon - Served with rice. the salmon is perfectly marinated in teriyaki sauce. Agedashi Tofu - I only ordered this because of the high praise I saw on Yelp. It is definitely worth getting if you like mushrooms as all. Not that the tofu tastes like mushrooms, just the broth. The tofu has a really unique and rich flavor.
(4)
Sharon Z.
The quality here is unbelievable. Thinly sliced to perfect portions, the fish's quality is really top-notch, the freshness comparable to some of the more famous places in Boston (like Oishii) but at an extremely inexpensive price. The simple dishes are the best - pure sushi or sashimi without the fancy makis. The freshness of the everything is evidence, even for the types of sashimi I don't usually get (i.e Tako, Uni), I ended up enjoying them very much. We pretty much sat at the bar and ordered all types of sashimi. The seared salmon is incredible, the regular salmon and hamachi are the melts in your mouth without effort. We went through 2 rounds of orders for sushi and sashimi because it was THAT good. The size of both appetizers and regular dishes are very generous. The chicken hearts yakitori were also very very good. Visit when they just open up for dinner and you won't have to wait!
(5)
Jamie M.
The best! The sushi is always fresh and the lunch specials can't be beat. It is always crowded - and takeout often takes an hour or more but so worth it.
(5)
Nicholas C.
Best Japanese restaurant in the area that I have been to (particularly for sushi). Has affordable (for sushi) and sufficiently filling $11-12 platters for lunch. Also has similar priced bento boxes. It's part of this little cluster of restaurants that also includes Blue Ribbon, and it's one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Linda K.
Simple, straightforward sushi served in a small storefront. Fresh and delicious.
(4)
Thomas L.
Toraya is an excellent sushi restaurant, in the traditional sense. Do not expect spicy sauces, crunchy maki and such. It is small, doesn't take reservations, very quiet and always a good destination. The fish is extremely fresh, cut in front of you by an old Japanese chef. I strongly recommend the sushi special as well as the flan dessert. Everything is simple, cheap yet surprisingly high quality. Simple things such as the miso soup or the green tea are excellent. Advantage: there's a parking lot in the back. Credit cards starting at $15
(4)
Elijah C.
Authentic, delicious, and fresh. Limited hours, but one of the best sushi places around. Can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)
Jeff D.
I have now reviewed a fairly large number of restaurants on Yelp and this place is the best, most authentic sushi joint in greater Boston. I love it and recommend it to everyone I can. no one has ever been disappointed.
(5)
Nicole L.
Best sushi I've had in the whole Boston area. Other stuff (noodles, appetizers, chicken katsu) is also fabulous. The place is tiny and there isn't much space inside to wait, so worth considering if you're trying to go on a Fri/Sat night, but well worth it.
(5)
Andre K.
Best sushi in the Boston area! The Maki rolls are delicious. Great service, great sushi, in a very cozy setting. Oh and try the shrimp dumplings!
(5)
Scratchie S.
This place is amazing; one of the reasons my wife and I decided to move to Arlington. We were regulars there for 13 years (less often after we had kids, unfortunately) and never got a bad meal. Our go-to meal was a combination of Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail sashimi and it was always fresh and delicious. I've eaten a lot of sashimi at a lot of other American sushi restaurants and it is rarely as tender and delicious as it is here (what's up with the restaurants that give you a chunk of raw tuna bigger than your thumb??). Service can be a little slow but the atmosphere is always friendly, and they usually have some good jazz playing on the stereo.
(5)
Leila L.
We got sushi moriawase, sashimi combo, smoked chicken heart, and agedashi tofu. After seeing all the good reviews on yelp, I guess I kind of set the bar too high, especially when we drove 20 mins to get here and waited for another 20 mins for our seats for a Saturday lunch. The place is very small, but still since there was only one waitress there, she is in charge of everything, which makes eh situation kinda messed. The food is okay - seriously, average okay, not significantly better than any other sushi place I tried in boston area. My bf says the fish and wasabi is definitely better, but I don't feel it. Anyways, probably i ll not drive all te way to Arlington to come back for this place unless I have some business in this area.
(3)
Frank E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is simply great yet not too expensive. The chef is hard working and so is the waitress. The restaurant is very small though and is almost always packed. What else do you expect for such a great place?
(5)
Yow-Bang W.
This is a restaurant of real pros I would say. The tablewares are not really attractive, service and cleansiness are not impressive, and the portion of their foods are in general small. However, the food is really at a high level that I believe only the sharpest taster can realize that it's probably top of the top.
(4)
Ben C.
Overrated. I tried twice because of the good reviews. Kind of sad: Boston needs better sushi restaurants. BTW, I only rated for sushi; maybe others are good?
(2)
Mike Q.
Small place like 6 tables. I thought it was ok but my sushi loving friends loved it.
(4)
Gustavo D.
By far the BEST sushi restaurant that I've ever been in the United States. Authentic Japanese itamae making the sushi. Words cannot describe how good this sushi is, you have to go and try it by yourself. The place is tiny, it reminds me of the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi's restaurant in Tokyo. Expect long lines on weekends.
(5)
J K.
My favorite Sushi place! The Sashimi bento is my favorite, and the waitress that works there is beyond polite! I go here for celebratory meals, even birthdays :)
(5)
Shiori S.
Food was OK but not so good. Taste was like instant food. The meat in the yosenabe was very stick. The worst was the attitude of the shop staff. They were so rude. It was not like Japanese style. I was sooooo disappointed...
(1)
Bryce H.
Had a wrong review. This spot is one of my favorite. Sorry for the confusion fellas
(4)
Sam S.
The place is small but it is definitely worth it. The maki is fresh and you can watch it all get made before your eyes. An endless river of green tea and sake to boot! A true gem in the town of Arlington.
(5)
Sue H.
Toraya is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. By Boston standards, I would say it is as authentic as it gets. It is a hole in the wall and has limited offerings and seating, but there are great daily specials posted on a board by the entrance that I highly recommend trying. Some of my favorite dishes are the grilled chicken hearts, shrimp and vegetable tempura, aji fry, nabe, and sushi. They're all total comfort foods and seem to be made with lots of care. Also, I would recommend trying to go for lunch sometime because their lunch menu is amazing. I love their bento boxes and lunch sets! They're delicious and are a total bang for your buck. It's a humble restaurant with homey food. There's only one sushi chef and one waitress at all times! The only draw I can really find in Toraya is its size. It's teeny! Then again, I would say that's almost part of its charm. I can imagine that when it gets busy, it can take forever to get a table. Luckily for me, I've never really had a problem getting seated, so who am I to complain? While it is a little out of my way, I'd say it's totally worth the drive up to Arlington. Go try it and be amazed.
(4)
J C.
A gem you wouldn't expect to find in Arlington. Getting a seat at dinner is impossible, so go earlier. The fish is extremely fresh and everything is reasonably priced.
(4)
Ramon L.
A five star place for boston, and 2 3/4 stars in Japan, but cannot give 5 stars though. Boston has horrible sushi and this is the only place I will eat sushi in Boston. It is the only REAL Japanese sushi restaurant. Very small place, nice service. If you want real Japanese sushi, come here, if not go everywhere else. SOmetimes tuna needs to be more red, but cant complain for Boston
(4)
Jiyea C.
I guess the third time's the charm with Toraya, because that is how many tries it took for me to finally get my hands on the lunch here. The first time, I called 20 minutes after opening on a Saturday to put in an order for takeout, but was told that the restaurant was very busy and would not be taking any takeout orders for the entire day. The following Monday, I tried ordering again but realized that they were not open on Mondays. So, the next day, I decided to put an alarm on my phone at 11:29am (one minute before opening) so I could put in a takeout order as soon as Toraya opened for the day. What an ordeal to satisfy a sushi craving! After those two tries, I couldn't possibly settle for anything less than what people called the one of the best sushi joints in Boston! Anyway, I call at 11:30am and this time, I am able to put in an order!!!! And while some older reviews say that Toraya is not offering takeout for items on their sushi menu, this was not the case because I was able to order the lunch chirashi and the sushi moriawase. I asked the lady with the cute voice (with a slight Japanese accent--a good sign when the employees of a sushi restaurant sound Japanese in my book) when my order would be ready, and she said 30 minutes, which was perfect because it would take quite a while for me to get all the way past Arlington Center from Harvard Square on the 77 bus. Approximately 32 minute later, I had a brown paper bag filled with my sushi moriawase and my friend's chirashi + miso soup for each of us! W I N! Without further ado, the food! OhMyGosh it was D E L I C I O U S! Fish tasted fresh, buttery, almost sweet and the variety was great. My dish came with a tuna roll, which was also good in terms of fish quality but the wasabi wasn't quite distributed well. Two pieces a lot of wasabi (it was a little surprise in my mouth) but the remaining pieces did not taste like wasabi at all! Hmm. I found inconsistency with the rice as well. The rice that came with my hamachi nigiri tasted a little soggy, but the other pieces were fine, not only in terms of consistency but also taste. I prefer my sushi rice a little tangy, and the rice at Toraya was the perfect vinegar-y taste. Love it, and really wanted to comment on the rice because so much of the time, the rice is overlooked with sushi, when actually it's one of the most important/crucial foundations of a good piece of sushi. (I think I read somewhere that sushi chefs spend their first decade or so of training perfecting sushi rice. Sounds crazy, huh?) Maybe the sushi chef put in more effort for the rice for my friend's chirashi, because I took a few bites from my friend's lunch and every bite was perfect! She was satisfied with every single fish in her chirashi, and said that even the octopus, which she normally doesn't like, was good! I have the same issue with octopus too, because I've experienced rubbery-tasting octopus on chirashi before, but this one was not rubbery at all! (She gave me a piece, hehe. I think she was feeling more generous about sharing because it was I who went alllll~ the way to Toraya by myself to pick up our order--she was in class.) I'm perfectly aware that I'm being extra picky about the food at Toraya because it was so hyped on Yelp, and because I had to put in a little more effort than usual in order to try it. This doesn't mean that I didn't LOVE the food though! Despite the minor hiccups that I mentioned above, Toraya is a very solid choice for sushi and I can understand why people consider this place one of the best in Boston. I don't think i've tried enough sushi here to say that this is the very best, but I will say that it's the most authentic sushi I have tried here and that the quality of fish x price point is EXCELLENT. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations and sometimes refuses takeout orders but it's worth a visit if you have a craving for delicious raw fish. I don't believe this is a place you would go for specialty rolls, but the fish stands out on its own so why would you want to douse it with extra ingredients and sauces anyway?
(4)
Espresso T.
Excellent sushi! And, the prices are amazingly affordable! I loved my sushi moriawase lunch set there. The fish was very fresh and it was a lot of pieces for the price they charged. The extra order of scallop sushi I got was also among the freshest I have had in the U.S. The one minor issue is their sushi rice. The rice didn't quite hold together as well as I would normally expect, but it was still of decent consistency and tasted fine. Can't wait to go back to have more sushi and try their other dishes!
(5)
Steve M.
I want to thank all of the Yelp reviewers who come to Mr. Toraya's restaurant with (silly) expectations and leave poor reviews on this site. Because of you, my family and I know that we will be able to be seated on a weeknight at our favorite sushi venue if we arrive by 7 p.m. (unfortunately you now need to arrive a little earlier than that on the weekends). Most every criticism of Toraya that I have read is very true - the space is cramped and simple, the pace is slow, the waits can be long, they only have green tea, the (one) waiter can be overworked and brusque, and the Maki selection is limited, blah, blah, blah. Please let these criticisms color your judgement when you consider Toraya! A few helpful tips: 1. Keep your eyes peeled for the little specials marker-board near the entry. If Mr. Toraya is serving Toro sushi (which is not often), please leave it for me! 2. Usually the Uni (see urchin gonads) sushi is extremely fresh when available - please leave that for me as well. 3. The tempura at Toraya is extremely light and flaky, my son loves it. Have as much as you like!
(5)
vincent j.
Japanese restaurant owns by Japanese. Great egg and tuna sushi.
(5)
Xun L.
Very authentic Japanese sushi restaurant.Their atmosphere and food are amazing!
(5)
Helen V.
Please don't come here.... Number 1: This makes the wait even longer, for locals like me who need their chirashi lunch fix--the 20 person seating is also another reason. Number 2: Since everyone is packing into the restaurant, I can't even place a takeout order over the phone to avoid the packed restaurant. :( Number 3: There is only one sushi chef and he's pretty skillful with the sushi knife. He takes a lot of care with his ingredients. When it's as busy as it has been, I can't even say hi/bye to him; he'll never know about his most loyal customer. So shhhh...I want this to be my little secret, hole in the wall, authentic Japanese eatery. (It's less than a mile away with modest prices, great food and a diligent sushi chef.)
(4)
Emily S.
Meh. Am I missing something???? This is suppose to be THE place for sushi in the area but after having their maki for a second time recently I'm still not that impressed. I'll try them again but thus far I don't see what all the 5 stars are about.
(3)
Denise B.
Sushi is very good and consistent. Love the chirashi! We usually go during lunch to avoid the crowds. Great food and value for the lunch menu is excellent. Get here early or expect to wait, especially at dinnertime. As the other reviews mentioned, there are only six tables and the sushi bar. The sushi chef takes pride and care in his work though. Never disappointed. Allow ample time if phoning in a take out order during dinner.
(5)
Ariel F.
Toraya is the best sushi I've ever had, and I eat a lot of it. I was thrilled to find this gem just down the road in Arlington. The fish is incredibly fresh and each dish is prepared meticulously by a chef who takes a lot of pride in his work. I recommend getting the sushi / sashimi combo so you get the best of the day's catch. I often have no idea what I'm eating but every bite is delicious. Things to know: 1) You will wait for a table. This is a tiny venue, but be patient. It's worth it. 2) You will wait for your food. If you are someone who cares about speedy service, go elsewhere. Each dish is lovingly prepared by hand so sit back and savor it. 3) You will have a memorable meal. I've been to this place at least half a dozen times and haven't once been disappointed.
(5)
R H.
I am reluctant to write a positive review because Toraya is a small place, does not take reservations and there is usually a wait of 10-30 minutes, so the last thing I want is to make the wait longer by encouraging others to come. That said, Toraya deserves a great review. My husband and I love this place and have been eating here on average 3-4 times per month for the 8 years we've lived in Arlington. Toraya has excellent sushi and other Japanese basics. Agedashi tofu and tamago are the best I've had anywhere, Oishi included. All the fish is fresh, precisely cut (not too huge which is a pet peeve of mine) and prepared. They know what they are doing. I think where people feel disappointed is when they expect a fine dining experience and/or a huge menu. This is not it. It's small, clean and efficient. It's a place to get great basic Japanese food with none of the bells and whistles so popular at other Japanese restaurants. But in its simplicity it surpasses most of the sushi in fancier restaurants (i.e., Fugaku) in Boston. As for the service, it's not overly in-your-face but friendly, which is how I like it.
(5)
Dan W.
This place is truly as good as it gets for sushi in North Boston. The food is top notch and pleasantly fresh. Take note however that there is usually a wait during peak hours so I recommend getting creative with your schedule and dropping by midweek or for an earlier dinner. There are not many tables here and the pace is slow, so be patient and you will be rewarded.
(5)
C C.
Love this place. Toraya is not fancy, but when it comes to quality, freshness, and taste, it's hard to beat. Some personal favorites of mine are the salmon and hamachi sashimi, the crunchy roll (which is like a spicy tuna roll, but with tempura flakes inside to add yummy texture), and the beef sukiyaki.
(5)
Crystal J.
Food is really good, I can tell they use very high quality material. It's just you are very likely to wait for a while because it is a popular restaurant and there aren't lots of tables and only one waitress.
(5)
Corona W.
Fresh sushi and friendly service.
(4)
Jet F.
A real authentic Japanese experience The service can be quite slow since the place is usually full during lunch hours. However, the food is delicious and well-prepared. Not to mention the the price point is good for the quality
(5)
Christine V.
An Honest Review: Authenticity. Quality. Niche. These are the three words I would use to describe Toraya. The restaurant is a very well designed hole in the wall type place. The lighting, trim and decor transform you to a Japanese sushi restaurant. A small bar wraps around the sushi chef's station and a few tables are nestled around the remaining space. There is a small waiting area where we ourselves waited and couldn't help but feel like were intruding on someone's already started dinner party. Once we finally were able to sit down, the single wait staff was very busy helping all the patrons, that we had to wait longer to get drinks ordered. Translation, don't come if you're starving. Unfortunately they have a limited tea menu. Translation, do you like green tea? Ordering was pretty simple, the menu had a very nice selection, lots of authentic Japanese dishes and a nice sushi offering. But waiting for our food (I mentioned don't come if you're starving) seemed to take far too long. When our food did arrive, the deluxe sashimi plate was an impressive variety of fish, but very small bites of each. The quality seemed very good, but I could see others complaining about the amount of food offered. The staff seem to work hard, and I really liked the look and feel. But I didn't leave impressed, and I wouldn't go back again.
(3)
Keiko Z.
This is as close to Japan as you can get without hopping on the new non-stop Boston to Tokyo flights at Logan.
(5)
n i.
Great little place. It would be silly to compare with places in NYC or west coast, but as far as Sushi is concerned, this is probably as good as it gets in this area.
(4)
Scott W.
When I lived in Arlington about 3 minutes away (walking) from Toraya I would go to this place maybe 2-3 times a month. It's a tiny restaurant but it's the best sushi place I've ever been to. Because of its size, it's best for single parties, couples, and groups 4 and under but I have seen them accommodate slightly bigger parties before. The sushi here has never let me down and everything is very authentic. I haven't really tried the non-sushi items besides the appetizers but there really isn't a need to. I've always been in love with how big their menu is and how many choices you have for maki and nigiri a la carte. The staff is a constant. Mr. Toraya (or I think that's his name) is always there and seems to have a nice back story according to other reviews. The waitress is very nice and polite which is always a plus in my book. Since I've been there last they may have gotten an extra hand to work the dining room but I've only ever dealt with the main waitress. The prices are excellent. Nothing is over-priced. Be sure to get there early because the tables fill fast on most nights I've been there. Even take out will be a wait given the small staff and how everything is made to order by the talented Mr. Toraya. Despite this I wouldn't have them change a thing as expansion would only decrease quality.
(5)
Sharon D.
A hidden gem in Arlington! We have been coming here for years and were never disappointed! It is uber intimate, I think my kitchen is bigger than their dining room, but don't let that scare you away! There is convenient parking and they also do take out! You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. The wait is worth it!
(4)
Le N.
I live so far from here, yet I've frequented this restaurant so many times. Hands down best japanese food I've ever had. Must have: chirashi bowl - the rice and mushroom alone are addicting; the fresh fish is just an added plus! =) Recommendation: go for lunch (if you can) versus dinner since the portions are the same with lunch being cheaper. Although, prices were decent either way, with lunch specials being a complete steal! Tip: If you want to be able to taste the heavenly food Toraya has to offer, come early! Come before the restaurant opens! There's ALWAYS a line and once you taste their food, you'll know why!
(5)
Eric M.
Toraya is absolutely a hidden gem on Mass Ave in Arlington. This is hands down the best sushi restaurant we have been to in this price range. The restaurant is extremely small, perhaps 16-20 seats total, so if you plan to dine-in, be prepared to wait. Another option is to do takeout, but as with dining in, be prepared to wait an hour for the food to be ready. Despite the long waits, the food is absolutely worth it and the price is excellent for the quality.
(5)
Albert L.
I have been coming to Toraya once every month or two for at least 7 years. I'm willing to put up with: - utter lack of ambiance - not able to make reservations - 30-60 minute wait to get a table on Friday or Saturday - fairly cramped seating - desserts do not measure up to the rest of their food and would give Toraya 6 stars if I could. Toraya consistently serves up excellent Japanese-style sushi and Japanese food. The only sushi I've had that is regularly better than Toraya I've had in Japan. The fish at Toraya is always fresh. Salmon, yellowtail, mackerel, tuna - everything is consistently very good. If you like Uni, I think Toraya's is consistently better than just about every place in greater Boston. It has been very good at worst and spectacular at best. I really love the fact that when you order something once at Toraya, and then decide to have it again the next month, or even a couple years later, it tastes the same. The consistency of execution of Toraya never ceases to amaze me. Here are some of my favorite dishes: - Clam miso. This is one of the most flavorful soups I have ever had. - Agadashi tofu. Toraya does it better than anyone else - Oshinko. The portions are pretty small, but this is an absolutely delightful and motley crew of pickled vegetables - Spider roll. Simple goodness - Tempura (shrimp or vegetable). Incredibly light like tempura should be. I avoid tempura at most restaurants basically because Toraya spoils me. - Seaweed salad. Toraya has hit upon the right combination of spices and seaweeds. Subtly better in a way I can't describe in words. I have only recently been to Toraya for lunch. All the superlatives hold, except there doesn't seem to be much of a line or a crowd. As other reviewers have mentioned, the value for the money is superb. My family of four orders with abandon and the bill rarely tops $120 including tip, and occasionally is as low as $100 with tip. (we typically don't order alcohol, though) If you haven't been, go. Toraya is a special find and at this point, I have resigned myself to the fact I will have to wait in order to eat what I know will be a meal that will not disappoint.
(5)
Eric L.
Try unaju
(5)
Hasan K.
We have been coming to this place regularly for over five years and have never been disappointed except when we could not get a table. A small informal restaurant that serves VERY good food including excellent sushi. Watching the chef is fun. The service is attentive and cheerful. Well priced and worth frequenting.
(5)
Stephanie G.
I generally actively avoid eating sushi, so I will openly admit that I got dragged to this place. Once there I had some skepticism. Eel? Why can't we all just get avocado? But I was convinced, and I tried something new, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of sushi at Toraya. It addressed several fears: 1) The sushi was not too salty 2) The fish on the sushi was good, not fishy 3) There was enough sushi to satisfy my appetite - THIS IS NO EASY FEAT. Next time I will go happily. There's was no wait at all (we went early on a weeknight) and the service was very good. I was surprised only by the number of small children eating sushi with more poise than me...
(4)
Wen Y.
Best handmade sushi I've ever had, bar none! Love everything about Toraya, interior designs, food, and services. The only thing has to keep on mind is that seats are really limited, and no reservations are acceptable. If you decide to have dinner at Toraya, a good timing will help (e.g. right before it opens).
(5)
Raymond L.
This is probably the best sushi restaurant I ever had in the Boston area, and probably the best in a 60 mile radius around it. The restaurant is opened up by traditional Japanese people. We got a few orders of salmon, hamachi (yellowtail) and tuna nigiri and it was very fresh. I highly recommend those 3 nigiri if you like raw sushi. Another one I like (my friends didn't like it as much) was the plum beefsteak leaf sushi. I would definitely come here again in the future! and again...and again...
(5)
AJ M.
Toraya is a little gem. You know you are at an authentic Japanese restaurant when many of the customers are Japanese themselves. The food here is always delicious and fresh.The restaurant itself is tiny and we have gone more than once and been turned away because it was so full. I don't recommend going during the usual peak hours, but we've always lucked out arriving early for dinner or at lunch during the week. The sushi chef could also be a Zen master, for all I know: he prepares the food unperturbed by anything going on around him and that he does beautifully. Service is usually good and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Anthony C.
Sushi is extremely fresh. Probably because the restaurant is so small they are able to control their supply with great margins. If you like sashimi this is a good place to go to. Their udon is pretty good as well. Other than Super Fusion I wouldn't go anywhere else but here.
(5)
David X.
File this under yet another example of yelp mass psychosis. I can only assume that the rave reviews were written by people who live in arlington who need to convince themselves that their choice to live there was a good decision. In other words, people who write rave reviews about all their local establishments to convince themselves there's no reason to travel outside their immediate geographic area. The sashimi portions are TINY. The quality is average. We tried a bunch of things across the menu. Other items like various maki were certainly adequate and of expected quality. All in all, this is a mediocre local joint at best. It should be a crime to mention this place and oishii or oya in the same sentence. I guess I am gullible because those comparisons are what made me want to try it. These so-called sushi experts writing these rave reviews have clearly never had great sushi. That's the only polite thing I can say. Sushi lovers, be warned. PS to tiny g, Emily S is absolutely right. You are wrong. 'nuff said.
(2)
Lala I.
simple delicious fresh sushi.
(5)
Layla L.
Seriously, what is up with people hating on this place? Everything was SO GOOD but your eel was bland, so you gave it 1 star? 2 stars because you didn't get as much ginger on the side as you did at Mr Sushi? Who the fuck are these eel and ginger fanatics? Why do they even go out to eat? Just sit at home and huff ginger all night instead, you fucking psychos. Also, nothing more ironic than a white person telling a (native) Japanese person that their establishment isn't Japanese enough. All that said... I like their food. I like the waitress. I like the sushi chef. I have never encountered anything but friendliness and courtesy here. I like Toraya and you should go there... that is, unless you're THAT GUY....
(5)
David C.
3.5 Stars I would definitely recommend Toraya for someone living in Arlington, but I don't know if it's worth the trek from Brookline for me, especially when there are so many other great sushi options right in my neighborhood (Fugakyu, Genki Ya, Gari, and Super Fusion all spring immediately to mind). The locals clearly love it, however, as it's packed to the brim even on a weeknight. My friend and I went on a Thursday around 8, and found ourselves waiting almost 20 minutes for a table. There was one waitress servicing the whole restaurant (not to mention running the take-out business), and she did an admirable job. There was only one sushi chef working as well, so my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to get some kitchen appetizers before our sushi. The miso soup was good--not watered down at all--as was the seaweed salad, but the special deep-fried oysters were kind of lame. Now on to the sushi. Toraya serves up the classics (don't come here expecting super complex maki with ingredients more befitting a pizza than a roll), and they hit the spot, but nothing will blow you away flavor-wise. What will blow you away is the price of their toro. I've dined at a million sushi joints, and from what I can tell, $6.50 for two pieces of nigiri and $8.50 for three pieces of sashimi is a steal. They also have a delicious negitoro roll for $6.50. It certainly isn't the best fatty tuna you'll ever have, but at that price, you won't be complaining.
(3)
Alan S.
I walked around all day with a smile on my face. That's because I found Toraya. As a Japanese American living in Boston, it is so hard to find great sushi places and a restaurant where I can find Japanese comfort foods like my mom used to make. Found it! Went there around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. There were probably 5 people in front of us and we waited for like 20 minutes. The place is small. There are 5 or so tables with maybe 6 bar seats. Pretty easy to get filled up. I know some people mentioned about the service being slow. I thought it was fine. There's really only one person working the entire room. I got the chirashi, which was a huge bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi, egg, and pickled mushrooms. It was $12. That is best deal in the city. I can't wait to come back and try other things!
(5)
Aboud Y.
Despite the sterile ambiance (too cramped) and lackluster service, Toraya delivers an authentic and delicious helping of Japanese cuisine. The food I sampled was outstanding. Clear soup (served with both a clam in its shell and a lemon wedge in the broth) was delicious, as were the soft-shell crab tempura and grilled chicken hearts. The sushi was also stellar...with sea bass, yellowtail, and salmon nigiri all top notch and the Crunchy Roll also delivered the goods. Its too bad service was so off. Had to ask for water three times, and there was absolutely no progression to the food (it all pretty much came out at once). I would expect at least the soup to come out first . Nevertheless, dinner (including a large bottle of Sake) came to less than $60 which is a great value. Toraya has got to be in my top five list of sushi spots in the Boston area. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Adriana D.
When my husband and I came here, we were lucky we just got in before the rush, because boy did it fill up fast! I can't stand waiting for a table at a restaurant, but having had a beautiful dinner here, I can say that a meal of this caliber is worth waiting for. The fish is incredibly fresh and delicately prepared, somehow being authentic and judiciously creative at the same time (not overblown or tacky, just to mask something that's... well... heh heh, fishy). As for the place itself, it's small and fairly spare, foregoing any elaborate decorations, but who cares? At least it allows you to focus on the thing that matters -- the delicious morsels on your plate. If you have any foodie friends, they'll be impressed with this find. The space is not something you'll stumble on unless you're looking for it, and it's in an unassuming part of the street, but that all works somehow -- like you're a sushi insider with the line on a secret place with the best nigiri. But with over a hundred reviews and more mounting, the secret is leaking out. So go soon, if you can -- preferably during an off-peak hour.
(5)
John W.
Another one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The place is small, comparable to Oiishi in Chestnut Hill, and they don't take reservations. But the fish is fresh! That's all that matters. Great nigiri and sashimi choices. They serve whelk sashimi, which other places don't have. I also love their octopus tempura, yes not sushi, but and excellent dish! So good!
(4)
T V.
This is a Chinese run sushi place which is not a bad thing. I've had very good sushi at other Chinese owned sushi places. 1) There were no asians eating in the restaurant which is already ominous to me. i decided to give it a try anyway. it could be just an off day. 2) I had the "Deluxe" sushi entree which consisted of 2 salmon nigiri, 2 yellow tail nigiri, maguro nigiri and some other white fish nigiri. Then a cut roll of maguro with sesame oil and sesame seeds. The fish on the nigiri looked very suspicious. The salmon looked so artificial in color. When I tasted it, I couldn't taste salmon but tasted as if the fish has been washed several times. There was no "fish oil" as salmon is usually kinda fatty. The same went for the other nigiri. 3) The cut roll was over loaded with sesame oil that I couldn't taste the fish. 4) Miso soup was overly salty. Over all...not a very good dinner...but at least I didn't get a stomachache.
(2)
Martha S.
If it weren't for the risk of mercury poisoning, I would eat sushi every day--As it stands, I probably eat sushi more than I should, and frequently, more than once a week. Sure, I like Americanized rolls as much as the next sushi goer, but I LOVE nigri and sashimi! Lucky for me, Toraya serves up some EXCELLENT sushi! The fish here is very fresh, and one chef prepares it. It takes quite a long time for your order to come out, let alone get a table if the place is busy. But when you get it, you can taste the love put into the preparation! You can almost feel the warmth of the chefs hands in the shape of the rice, and the coolness of the knife blade used to cut the pieces of fish! Mmmm..yum. The waitstaff is somewhat curt, but if I were as busy as the tend to be, I would be curt too. I give this place 5 stars, but there are some crucial facts which tempt me to give it four stars. (1) it is incredibly difficult to get a table during peak dining hours! When the weather is cold, there is no where for people waiting for a table to wait, so the door is constantly opening and closing, making it uncomfortable to dine without a coat on! (2) Sometimes they are too busy to accept take-out orders, (3) if you don't have a car, it is difficult to get here.
(5)
Alex C.
Not sure how this place has over 170 reviews and 4 plus stars. What am I missing? It is more like 2.5 stars. Tried the sushi and maki deluxe combination dinner plate, spicy salmon handroll, miso soup and agedashi tofu. While the miso was pleasant and the agedashi tofu flavorful, the sushi and maki were huge disappointments. So, that's a problem in my book for a Japanese restaurant. Neither the cut nor freshness of the fish was anything more than average as were the prices. While the ratio of fish to rice was appropriate, the pieces of fish were relatively small, but not thin like supermarket sushi. The restaurant bills itself as preparing "home style" Japanese food and the presentation comfortably matches that description, but "home style" should not mean just okay tasting raw fish preparations. Given the many Yelp rave reviews here, I was expecting a hidden gem of sorts. Not so.
(3)
Christian M.
Average. Cons: Very small place. Not too many choices. Long waiting time. Pros: Fresh food.
(3)
Hannah M.
Whoa! I can't believe I didn't write a review of Toraya before now! One of the best sushi restaurants I've been to! Toraya is a tiny little (6ish tables, small sushi bar) blink and you'll miss it place, but so worth the find. The waitress has been there as long as I've been going and she's quick, quiet, and oh-so polite with her "excuse me" every time she sets your food down, fills your water, or walks past your table. The sushi is top-notch! Always fresh, always good. My only issue is the lack of innovation. Sure, they've got all the staples, but rarely do they shake it up with something fusion-y or unique. It's OK though - we'll still frequent Toraya, no worries! The gyoza is outstanding - light, crispy, and not greasy at all and the vinegar-y dipping sauce is amazing! Mr likes the shumai, I'm eh about them. They are really fishy (shocking, I know, for shrimp dumplings). The oitashi is delish - perfectly seasoned and always fresh and the seaweed salad is one of the best I've had. We almost always order some appetizer combo and then crispy roll (spicy, crispy, tuna, yum!) and una-avo (eel and avocado). I guess we fall short of shaking it up too :-) We always leave full, happy, and awaiting our next trip.
(4)
Anne W.
A small mom and pop shop that seats about 20 people. If you are looking for traditional Japanese.. this is probably a great place to go. I am Asian so I can see what crowd this caters to. They don't have fancy rolls.. no mayo.. just fish and rice. One sushi chef.. one waitress.. and one person in the kitchen. I like this sometime.. but I can't really say that I think the fish is the freshest in the world... there are places that are comparable in Boston. I know for a fact that the slices are not that large. I agree with other reviews.. not that much to rave about. The waitress is what brings this place down. She's rude.. and not attentive. Tons of parking. The prices are not that high... but sometimes they do not turn on the a/c in there and it's mighty hot in the summer.
(3)
Vina A.
Agadashi tofu was fantastic. My chirashi was good with a nice selection but was too warm by the end of the meal. Also the salmon had a bit of a questionable taste. Appreciated the scallops and the massaged octopus! Well priced, quick service. Go early.
(3)
Gina T.
This was our regular spot. Tonight after a long hiatus for which we forgot the reason, we decided we needed a fix. Their fish is always super fresh and everything is well prepared... however, by the time we got our table I remembered why I stopped coming here: 1) they only have about 20 seats including the sushi bar, so getting a table is often difficult. 2) they do a terrible job of utilizing their seating. It is not unheard of for them to give a 4-top to a single person, EVEN on a weekend night. 3) they don't appreciate their regulars, regardless of how nice, respectful, or good-tipping you are. We (3 of us) were behind two people waiting for a table. After waiting over a 1/2 hour, a two top and a four top opened up. The people in front of us asked if they could have the 4 top and the hostess/waitress gave it to them! So now there is a table for two empty and two seats at their table empty and we had to wait another 10 minutes before we got a table and another ten before we got drinks. To top it all off, Mr. and Mrs. Rude ordered about $20 of food and no drinks, and our order came to over $100... Simply doesn't make sense!!! We will not be going back...
(2)
Jessie E.
My FAVORITE Japanese restaurant This is simple classic food, no fancy rolls or spicy mayo-ness There is always the same sushi chef, sometimes they are a bit slow but the quality of the fish more makes up for it. I have worked in sushi restaurants and I am VERY picky about the freshness of the fish I eat and nothing beats Toraya. The Agedashi tofu is delicious, light broth, tasty mushrooms I would order any of the sushi, sashimi, chirashi. The bento boxes at lunch are an outstanding deal. Whatever I order always resembles a glittering jewel box filled with an assortment of sparkling fresh items. I spend a good amount of time admiring the beauty of my dish prior to eating it. Lame, I know.
(5)
Ryan S.
Great sushi, everything was fresh and quick service!
(4)
Ilya Jacob R.
Walking into this place, I felt like it was going to be a unique experience. I was partly right. Most sushi places give you a menu and a long half sheet to choose your sushi. Nope. You tell the waitress what you want - not a bad thing in itself, but we order less than we usually do because I couldn't go nuts and just mark off a bunch stuff. Otherwise, we ordered our usual appetizer: edamame. It took a while for it to come. Why? Because they serve it cold. This is the first time I've had it cold, so I guess it takes longer because they cook it then cool it. It would've been helpful if I had known more about this in advance...The sushi was decent, nothing to write on Yelp about...oh wait...nevermind...but it was good enough for a small little place. Some of the sushi rolls were smaller than what I usually get. Unique indeed...maybe unusual would be more appropriate...
(3)
Lynette M.
This is one of two Japanese owned restaurants Ive found in the city. It's bare bones but it's good
(4)
Tai Z.
Really delicious food, amusingly spartan decor, Japanese staff. There is only one waitress, so sometimes she is harried even though it is a tiny restaurant, but she is quite capable and friendly. Today I had the tempura bento box and a side order of salmon maki. Everything was quite oishii and fairly priced for lunch. The box came with lots of fun Japanese accoutrements, including sprinkles on the rice and pickled vegetables, gyoza, etc. I was surprised that they don't sell gift certificates; I thought they were pretty much a can't-lose situation for the seller. (Perhaps the waitress is so harried already she couldn't deal with one more task!) I would give it 5 stars if they improved the decor. Itadakimasu!
(4)
Claire W.
Well I am still on the look for a replacement for New Ginza's Teriyaki lunch special (which replaced my previous haunt Toyko CIty in Allston) I have been to Toraya once only and for lunch so here is what I thought: This place is seriously tiny! Intimate though and the toilet is more than ample for a wheelchair, once you get past the tables to it. I ordered a Bento box chicken teriyaki. lovely sides, complex and exciting. Tea was served without request and for free. It was more than I wanted to pay, but let's be honest, I am cheap. The next week I tried the less expensive Mr. Sushi three blocks away and the food was not nearly as complex. One thing really stuck in my mind. There were two burly biker guys sitting at the minature sushi bar having the time of their lives and having what appeared to be a very happy conversation with the sushi chef. I kept thinking one of them would fall off the little stools but they never did. It made the experience so warm and inviting just a few tables enjoying the food with no pretense. I guess we must have come early as the place began to rapidly fill even at lunch time and we hurried ourselves up to make room. The very nice waitress did not hurry us, we just felt a tad guilty. Parking was easy but I don't think I'd try to fight the crowds at dinner. Give this place a try!
(4)
Zachary A.
Favorite place in Boston for Sushi. Like everyone else mentioned it's the only place I'll go. However...be prepared for a wait as the place is tiny (but well worth it)
(5)
Monica T.
This is the only place in the Boston area that I go to everytime I visit. It's soooo great. The sushi is fresh and the service is wonderful. The big reason I go to Toraya is not for the Sushi though, it's for the Wafu steak. Sooo Yummy! I have tried recreating it here in Cali, with little success.
(5)
R I.
This place serves the best and authentic Sushi in Boston. I highly recommend their "Chirashi". Unlike other places, Toraya's Chirashi has probably 20 different kinds of fish on the rice. It's always so fresh and yummy. :)
(5)
S. A.
I loved this place, it's small, so big groups probably aren't a good idea. It looks like a mom n pop place. Very welcoming and really really fresh fish. The prices are reasonable, not cheaper than usual but not pricey either. The miso isn't salty but just right. The service was great, even though it was very busy. There's parking in the back in a lot. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
marlene a.
WOW! FRESH like I never knew possible. I expected my food to swim off the plate. At first I thought I was not going to like this place, but WOW was I wrong! It is tiny, and there WILL be a wait...but then you will have your own little piece of seafood heaven & KNOW it was all worth it. I was a little PO'ed that my dinner companion & I had to share a menu (they did not have enough to accommodate everyone in the place). I felt like the A/C should have been cranking...it was a little warm. No open tables, so we sat at the bar (no biggie because I think that is the best seat in the house). I was pretty sure I was in for a less then wonderful experience... was I so wrong! A waitress FINALLY (and yes there was only 1 waitress) came over . We started with Kaiso salad. It was pretty much the same as you get anywhere, but the Tako (octopus & veggies in vinegar) blew me away! Perfectly done (not too chewy), thinly sliced with MOST delish vinegar sauce w/ yummy thin sliced pickle's...Nomm nomm nommm Gyoza, done right; fried to perfection. So far so good. Now to the main course: I hated that they did not have my favorite, "fatty tuna" on the menu. They did say that they run it as special. California Maki (boring I know) but in all fairness the avocado prefect ripeness not to mushy, rice was prefectly seasoned. Maguro, Anago, Sake Maki...did I say WOW! fresh fresh fresh! I thought it would swim off the plate. Sushi rice was great...not to sweet or vinegary. I washed all down with a light Kirin...HEAVEN! I was going to Porter exchange for an occasional fix, and had lost hope of ever finding a true sushi chef & REAL Japanese place. Could have been 5 stars, if they carried fatty tuna, waitress was more attentive, A/C was put to better use, food came out in a more timely manor.
(4)
jon m.
Horrible sushi. Don't even think of coming here. Go to the Stop and Shop across the street for California rolls and La Choy soy sauce instead. (Of course I'm not serious, but this place is only ten minutes walking distance from me and I want to be sure I get a table ... )
(5)
Jen N.
I would generally consider myself a sushi newbie. Until recently, I stuck with the philly rolls and tempura rolls and that was about it. But after a heavenly sushi experience in St. Louis of all places, I decided to get with the program and test out the sashimi / nigiri waters. Here's the thing: I am terrified of bad textures and that "not so fresh feeling" smell that you so often encounter at subpar sushi establishments. I just can't bear the thought of shoving a giant hunk of tuna into my mouth that feels like an eraser and tastes like the bottom of an aquarium, and then I'm left there for 45 seconds of awful chewing and trying not to puke. Enter Toraya, a tiny hole in the wall that's rumored to be the best sushi in Boston. This is one of the only sushi places in Boston where I will expand my repertoire and order scary things like octopus or those creepy little fish egg things. Everything is so fresh and tasty that it's hard to go anywhere else. I tried the surf clam nigiri, which was actually really chewy because that's just how it is, and it didn't freak me out at all. The fatty tuna is just phenomenal. Nothing tasted like an aquarium and I didn't almost puke even once. Next time I'm going to try something extra scary and I bet it'll be yummy too. Maybe that one with the raw quail egg on top.
(5)
Kristin C.
yum! really great sushi, very reasonably priced. only drawback is that it's tiny...just be prepared to wait.
(4)
Sara C.
I went here once and had the sashimi platter, and I was not impressed. The fish quality was hit-or-miss, and the platter itself seemed to be composed of a lot of less expensive filler. Not bad, but not a place I'd go again.
(2)
Anonymous P.
Toraya is good, but I don't think it's *that* good. In my estimation it's better than average sushi at an appropriate price. The fish is tasty to be sure, but it didn't wow me like the fish I've had at Oishii. The sushi menu is limited; they didn't even have toro on the menu or available as a special. I recommend Toraya if you're in the area, but Oishii comparisons seem inapposite.
(4)
Chris T.
I've been getting into Sushi a lot within the past year, and I can say that i''ve been to many places that offer many kinds of Sushi. I eat sushi about 2 times a week, so I know quality products. This restaurant serves nothing but the freshest products that I have ever had. It was hands down the best sushi experience that I've had. The salmon nigiri melted in my mouth. The Crunchy roll, shimp tempura, and softshell crab rolls were in great portions and offered nothing but pure flavor. The nabeyaki udon was crazy good. All for an amazingly affordable price. I didn't pay more than $9 for a roll, and that is really good considering how pricey some restaurants charge for their lesser quality fish. Though it is small, that will do very little to prevent me from coming back to this place. This is my new go to place for sushi. I will most likely be there at least once this week. Highly recommended.
(5)
Glen D.
I hesitate to review this place, because it's already been getting more and more popular as the word spreads... but if you're looking for fantastic sushi, you can't do much better in the Boston area than Toraya. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable in this small traditional place, nothing fancy. But the food! Shinji-san holds court behind the sushi bar and dishes up some of the freshest and best-put-together fish I've had in town. The man makes the best hand rolls ever (if they have toro, which they seem to more often than many other places, the negi-toro hand rolls are outrageous), and they often have interesting specials like scallop, sweet shrimp, and monkfish pate. The rest of their menu shows the same care and attention to detail as the sushi - the miso is perfect, their hot dishes are just the right balance of flavorful and subtle, and even their edamame (served cold) is way better than most. They have a small but well-chosen sake list (I like the Hachitsuru). The only thing missing is dessert, which they don't serve. For authentic and delicious Japanese food, Toraya is a fantastic choice. Just don't tell too many people!
(5)
Mitch Q.
One of the best sushi bars near Boston. Place is small. Only 5-6 tables. So pack a lot of patience. The food is really worth it.
(5)
Carbon T.
I come here on average once a week for lunch. Sometimes I wait in line to eat lunch here. It's a small restaurant with maybe 20 seats in total, staffed by 1 sushi chef, 1 server, and maybe another 1-2 people in the back kitchen. I think everyone who works here is actually Japanese (I am generally wary of chinese/korean run sushi places). The place is not fancy, and the cuts of sashimi are admittedly on the smaller side, but it is always fresh and delicious (anyone else scared of places that charge $1 for sashimi? Where do they get their fish from??). My favorites are the Chirashi and the Sashimi Bento Box. You can tell by the way the miso soup separates after it sits for a couple minutes that it's not some powdered mix they pour into hot water and bring out to you. The green tea is constantly being refilled. I've eaten at many Japanese restaurants before and I think the prices here are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food they serve. The service can be hit or miss... I've seen different waitresses here; one is super nice (the one on the weekdays), but the weekend waitresses tend to be a bit rude at times.
(5)
Grains P.
Hair in seaweed salad. UNACCEPTABLE. I used to rave about this restaurant, but I find it very hard to now after my last experience there. The food is still great, but I found a piece of hair mixed in with my seaweed salad. This is really unacceptable for a restaurant. Perhaps it was a fluke, but I can't help but wonder if I'll find more hair in my food next time I go...
(3)
John B.
Small authentic Inexpensive Japanese cuisine! Chicken Hearts special was delicious and the Chirashi bowl was overflowing with fresh fishy bites!! Will be visiting again soon
(5)
Tim S.
We had dinner their Friday night and it was incredible. Very authentic. I had the sushie deluxe plate with miso soup. It was some of the best miso I have ever had. It had a rich and complex flavoring with very fresh scallions. All the fish was very fresh and well prepared. It is small so be prepared to wait if there is a crowd but it is well worth it.
(5)
Andrea B.
I love sushi, so I am really glad to have Toraya literally just down the street from where I live. But since the sushi they serve is really no-frills, plain and simple, I probably will find myself traveling elsewhere when I am in the mood for some really good maki. The place was packed when my friend and I arrived, and from what I hear, it is pretty much always that way. They don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Also, we found out that with the exception of weekend nights, there is only one person waiting on every table in the entire restaurant. Pretty impressive, if you ask me, especially considering the service was good and the one waitress didn't seem frazzled at all. My friend and I got seaweed salad and deep-fried oysters for appetizers. He got the miso soup as well, but I passed on that because I've tried it so many times that I just don't think I'll ever like it. The seaweed salad was good. I really enjoyed the deep-fried oysters, but that probably has more to do with the fact that I will eat deep-fried anything than with the oysters themselves. We ordered a few rolls that were good, especially considering I was really in a sushi mood, but nothing to write home about. So I know many Yelpers gave Toraya a five star rating, but for me, it's a solid three. But I'm sure I'll be back in a pinch when I'm craving a Philadelphia roll or something!
(3)
Francis C.
The fish is fresh, the service is great, and the atmosphere is cozy and homely. There is plenty of available parking in the area and it's just far enough away from Cambridge/Somerville. I had the chirashi, which was fresh and had a wide variety of fish. The mackerel, scallops, and hamachi were all very good. Plus the whole thing was $19! When was the last time you had a chirashi bowl with scallops for that price in these parts? My only negative comment is that the cuts were quite small (like a piece of sashimi divided into threes) for the salmon and tuna. Also had the uni, which wasn't as fresh or sweet as I would have hoped at the price of $7 for two pieces. Still, I'm definitely heading back if in the search for sushi, this definitely beats the places I'm familiar with in Cambridge like the shops at Porter Exchange.
(4)
TK W.
Legit real Japanese food! My fav is yellowtail collar. They don't have that all the time. You have to try out your luck or call and reserve it.
(5)
Patricia S.
It smelled of stale oil and fish. The miso also smelled like fish. The rice in several pieces of the making was falling apart. The wine was fairly good, and the wait staff very nice. The Japanese children in the table next to us were the best part of the entire experience. Still, I can't recommend this place
(1)
Diana W.
The scollops was so amazing there! It tasted like seafood butter!! Now I can understand why so many people recommended this place and this dish! The space of the restaurant was very limit and always full of people. But the service did not make you feel not to be taken care of. The sushi chief was very serious all the time which looked like a cooking show! I am so lucky and happy that we are living right near this restaurant! I definitely will go back with my family.
(5)
Good M.
So far, this is my favorite "hole in the wall" sushi joint. I've had better raw fish and seafood here than most, if not, all sushi places Boston. Here, you get minimal filler and rice and more fish, not the other way around! Sushi is prepared by an elderly and kind master who I believe is the owner. The bill gets pricy if you pig out like I did, but I wouldn't spend my cash like that anywhere else. Don't bother calling and asking stupid questions like "how long?" or putting and names down, this place is first come, first serve. Typical wait time is 40 minutes and do expect to wait outdoors. The largest table seats up to five. Again, this is a hole in the wall joint, something you might see Anthony Bourdain walk into. You will hear every table's conversations. Staff are very accommodating, but leave any snobby or "American standards" attitudes outside. I found parking right at the front door on the street. Beer and Sake are served. Don't expect anything else from this place but the best handmade sushi just outside of Boston!
(4)
CJ B.
Awesome Sukiyaki!
(5)
Erin C.
Eh...I wasn't wowed. I can see that everyone loves this place so I'm not sure what happened?! Our rolls were ok. Nothing spectacular. Most of them fell apart before we could even start eating them. The soy sauce was probably one of the saltiest things I have ever tasted in my life. After the first dip into the sauce I was almost ruined for the whole night. The price is decent, but not worth a second trip for us.
(2)
Manfred S.
Fresh, really fresh. - I asked the boss what's really fresh and he seemed to give an honest recommendation. Today's fluke, tuna and salmon were excellent. One of us had a cooked salmon bento box - no idea why salmon should be cooked though - but she devoured everything with a smile. I hope that my judgement wasn't biased by the cold Kimoto sake flush. Perfect lunch buzz. But be prepared that you may have to wait. I was stunned that the little place was packed at 1 PM today.
(5)
Lee N.
I have only been twice but compared to anyplace else within 100 miles this is the best. From reading reviews I think a lot depends on what you like. I have spent lots of time in japan and eaten at a lot of sushi restaurants there including breakfast at Tsukiji market. I tend to like the small "mom and pop" kinds of places with small seating area. You can get very good sushi for a reasonable price. If you like fusion go to Oh Ya and spend 3x. If you like good sushi and a nice small place go to Toraya.
(5)
Joe S.
Went solo yesterday and at at the sushi bar, and had a great experience. Sashimi and rolls were excellent as was the nigiri special (a buttery white fish whose unique name escapes me right now). Prices were absolutely reasonable if not cheap for this area, and service was spot-on. Loved the sushi chef as well-was fast, and kept looking over to see if I wanted anything. When I asked for something, he just smiled and had it over to me in minutes. The location may be a bit tough for some to find (ok by me if that means less crowds :) ), but the place was steady last night- tables didn't stay empty for long if at all. Small and quaint inside, and one needs to be patient here with only one server (Definitely a place to enjoy and not rush). Planning a trip back already-a real gem in Arlington.
(5)
Humble T.
We live nearby and go to Toraya about once a month. The place is tiny but very homy, with nice and fresh sushi and sashimi. We are looking to begin exploring other Javanese dishes that we are not familiar with. The place is great, the waitress with a voice sounding like she is singing is always extra nice and quick. Prices are reasonable. The only downside is that the place is tiny, and there is is usually a line of people waiting. More often than not we stop by and leave because it may take at least 30 minutes to get seated if there are 3-4 people ahead of us, hence a four star rating.
(4)
William S.
I get sushi cravings and had one last night. After searching around Yelp reviews and Yelp talk for a good place to go i saw that Toraya is high up on the list. We live right up the street so had to try it out. We started with tempura and potstickers. The tempura was great - just what you expect with a good sauce. The potstickers were good as well. I also had a miso soup which was delicious. Stef had a California roll and I had the sushi delux. I am allergic to shellfish and so they made me up one I can eat. It was really very good, fresh with a variety of sushi from eel, to salmon ... there was one fatty tuna, an nigri a maguro, mackrel ...a few with roe. A nice, tasty and generous portion. We had cold Saki and a beer. As all the posts say it is very small and the waitresses are very nice and attentive. If you are int he area stop in. Not sure it is worth a special trip if you do not live in the area. $58.00 for all the items I listed in the review (sushi deluxe was $20.50) I liken the place to Etsogo up in Lowell. Good but not going out of my way to go there.
(3)
Sherrie G.
I can't believe I haven't had an opportunity to review this place yet. It's absolutely amazing, probably best sushi and Japanese food I've had in Boston. I'm sad that I had to move pretty far away from here. As much as I love my new neighborhood, there's nothing that even compares to this place. While I myself have not been to Japan, friends either from or that have visited think this place is the real deal. The staff is predominantly Japanese so I'm sure that helps. To be honest, I believe it's the only place I've been to that's manned by an actual Japanese sushi chef. Watching him at the bar is quite an experience. I would recommend any sashimi dishes since the quality of the fish is very stand-out. Their toro is out of this world. You may be disappointed if you're looking for funky designer rolls since this place is far more traditional. (but frankly, I can't see anyone having a problem with this place that enjoys REAL sushi) For hot dishes, the sukiyaki is very tasty and satisfying on a cold day. I also get the agadashi tofu almost anytime I come here. The pricing is completely reasonable as well, particularly the lunch menu. Be forewarned, this place is tiny so there's almost always a line or a wait. I'm pretty sure they do reservations though but I wouldn't bring more than four or five people here at a time unless you call ahead.
(5)
Anna L.
My hubby and I got takeout from this place. Yes, there isn't any waiting room in the restaurant. However, I went there at around 9pm so most of the crowds are gone. I sat by the sushi bar awaiting my food. I got the Salmon sushi box, sashimi, and agedashi tofu. I got home and started unpacking... 2 miso soups, 1 thing of rice, my salmon sushi, agedashi tofu, and hubby's sashimi. The sashimi was small.. for 17.50, all the sashimi were in small slices, but not a lot. However, according to hubby, the sashimi is very fresh. My salmon sushi was amazing! There was a plum leaf wrapped into it, that made every bite very refreshing. The wasabi is definitely grinded from an actual root and not from powder or store bought. The miso soup is really quite decent and the agedashi tofu... well, it's agedashi tofu. We have definitely found our japanese restaurant! I can't wait to go back! Oh yea, the waitstaff is pretty nice. They gave me water while i waited.
(5)
Julie B.
I had a very great experience and I want to preface the review with why I docked one star. This place is tiny (fine) but there is a a lack of appropriate waiting area. I don't mind waiting, but I felt bad and awkward standing over diners who were just about to leave. I don't want to rush anyone and I'm sure they don't want to be rushed. Therefore, I wish there was a defined separator between these two areas. Now the important part - the sushi! I love sashimi and it's good here. Not only is it fresh, but it comes is a bunch of bite size pieces, rather than giant slabs that I can never fit in my mouth. Definitely try the salmon and the yellowtail. So good! As far as the rolls, they're pretty basic but high quality. Can't really complain about that, can you? Overall, the prices here are reasonable and I found the staff to be quite nice. I'll definitely be back since its just right down the street.
(4)
Travis M.
As someone who has lived in Japan for several years and sought out top-notch sushi in foodie cities around the world, I was really looking forward to trying Toraya. I'm a stickler for fresh fish and authenticity and this restaurant has been said to offer both. Unfortunately, I was not able to get as far as trying any of their food. The service was so shockingly poor and the staff - from the clueless waitress to the dour sushi chef - so unfriendly that I left without eating after waiting for almost half an hour without any acknowledgement. The only person at the restaurant (other than some friendly eaters) who could muster eye contact or a smile was the busboy. The rudeness was palpable. While good, even great food is the raison d'être for restaurants, if there is one thing that I learned during my time in Japan, it is the importance of service and respect for customers. The chef and waitress on duty tonight at Toraya quite obviously couldn't care less about either. If a humane and friendly culinary experience is important to you, do yourself a favor and avoid this place.
(1)
Sandy W.
Dinner started with a 5-star experience. Like everyone said, the sushi here is one of the best in town. The uni, ikura and hamachi were all super fresh. I think it's worthy of mention that the sushi chef creates a very elegant curvature in the nigiris and tucks the fish in ever so slightly. Very visually pleasing indeed. It was pleasant surprise to find that the tamago was authentic: smooth surface, velvety-soft texture and not too sweet. The rolls were delicious too and we tried many: crispy tuna, una-avo, shrimp tempura, futomaki and kanpyo. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have toro but no matter. The food was so good and so reasonably priced that we didn't even mind the brusque service by the lone waitress. In fact, we found her attitude rather charming (we caught her being sarcastic to a particularly fussy patron and thought that was funny). Then the experience turned a bit comical (3 stars) because we made the huge mistake of ordering take-out. We waited a FULL HOUR for our order. Half-way though the wait, the sushi chef and I locked eyes and we found out the reason for the delay--he tiled the rice cooker to show me that it was empty. How can a sushi restaurant run out of rice mid-way through service?! Since the way the chef did it was so cute, I decided to give Toraya back one star.
(4)
Alison F.
Many, many sushi lovers -- serious sushi eaters -- have told me this is the best sushi in the Boston area. I am a middle-serious sushi eater, which means I eat sushi frequently and enthusiastically, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable. Even I can tell that the food here is phenomenal, and it's not more expensive than other restaurants. It is very small (5-6 tables?). One waitress. One sushi chef. Whoever talked about a busboy must have been somewhere else. We've had sushi (excellent) and also miso soup (excellent) and also shumai and teriyaki (excellent, excellent, excellent). This is our "special occasion" sushi restaurant, where Mr. Sushi is our quick-bite-after-soccer-practice sushi restaurant. Not because it's more expensive, but just because it's SO small and SO renowned that if you dn't go really, really early, you can't get a table.
(5)
candice g.
had a delicious meal at Toraya on a Wednesday night with 6 other people. one of our friends was from japan so she did all of the ordering. I tried the beef tongue, asparagus salad, root tempura w shrimp (i think that's what it was), silken tofu in a sweet sauce + a huge plate of sushi & sashimi. yummy. the food was delicious and it did not break the bank. They have such a large menu and i also noticed there was a specials board at the entrance. The service was very attentive and friendly. i will definitely be back.
(4)
Kate M.
Best. Sushi. Ever. Everything else is irrelevant if you love yellow tail that tastes like butter and melts in your mouth. But yes: space is small, decor is minimal. I would go early if you plan on trying to get a table on a weekend!
(5)
Tommy N.
I had the chirashi which was pretty good: fresh fish, clams on the lemon was a nice touch, and the seared salmon sashimi was very nice. The chicken-asparagus appetizer was so-so, but this place still gets four stars on the quality of the fish and the all around good service. The pricing was pretty standard for sushi. There's parking around the area (or what appears to be parking in the back), which is a huge plus. The place was fairly busy so there might be a wait, but that's not necessarily a bad sign for a restaurant.
(4)
Adam W.
Great little sushi joint! The portioning can be on the small side, but they more than make up for it on quality.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Hidden Gem!!! Who knew there was such a phenomenal Japanese restaurant in Arlington! From the seaweed salad, to the saki to the melt in your mouth tuna; you can't ask for anything better. ;)
(5)
Crista B.
Yum! A really small restaurant, but worth the wait or good timing. We sat at the counter and enjoyed watching our meals being made. Great waitstaff that provides excellent service even though they are running around keeping all of us happy.
(5)
David P.
My wife and I went on a Friday night and waited about 45 minutes or so. Actually expected to wait longer, so we were happy to be seated when we did. She had the agedashi tofu and I had the white fish appetizer. The tofu was very good but the broth was a little salty. The white fish appetizer was very refreshing. I had the sashimi deluxe and she had the broiled hamachi (yellow tail). The sashimi was excellent. Great variety...mackeral, tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, yellow tail and others. (First time I had raw shrimp instead of the cooked shrimp you find at all other places. I was impressed.) The hamachi was good but a little salty. We also had some maki...bonzai (soft shell crab) and the eel, avocado one. Both were good. Overall, a very good experience. Like my hairstylist said, "go there for the sashimi/sushi."
(4)
Sally L.
If you are looking for some REAL japanese food, here you go! It's as authentic/fresh as those restaurants I visited in Japan.
(5)
Susan L.
Lovely little place for sushi, sashimi, tempura. Always seems busy, no matter which night of the week I've been there. Food is always fresh, service polite and friendly.
(4)
Emerson O.
Very traditional and professional sushi restaurant. Sushi is probably the best in metro west Boston. I like to eat here by myself during lunch or on a date with my wife for dinner. Try the lunch box, it's heaven if you're into raw fish. Location is a little awkward (across from Stop & Shop) and decor is simple if not a bit drab. But if it was in Arlington center and decked out with a renovation, it wouldn't be as good for some reason. What you have here is an out of the way and low profile sushi restaurant, and these tend to be the best. That certainly applies here.
(5)
R B.
Good, but so small that you feel rushed during peak hours. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but this would be my go-to place in the area. Nothing memorable enough to travel for, I guess.
(4)
Sara S.
As one can tell by the clientele, this is undoutably very authentic. The majority of the people here were speaking Japenese to each other and the waitress, which to me, is a good sign. The only Japenese restaurant I've seen the same was at Oishii. As others said, the place is a hole-in-the wall and pretty divey. Don't come here if it's super hot or cold out, because the interior temperature is quite reflective of the exterior. Initially, I ordered a crunchy tuna roll (spicy tuna with tempura flakes, which is different than their "spicy tuna roll", which is also on the menu), unakyu roll (eel and cucumber). I was surprised that the eel-cucumber roll was the smaller type with the seaweed on the inside and minimal rice. The filling of eel-cucumber was also quite skimpy. Normally, eel rolls are heftier, with a large amount of eel and rice on the outside (I believe this is called an "inside out" roll). I was quite hungry, so I then ordered a negihama maki (yellowtail and scallions). The sushi itself was very, very good. The spicy tuna was perfect (tuna and spicy mayo mixed together rather than a large piece of tuna). I only wish the unakyu roll was the inside-out version because it was delicious and I wanted more! The freshness was obvious by the look and taste of the fish. I left feeling satiated but not stuffed. Other diners around me got the tempura, which looked out of this world!
(4)
zilla b.
The food is amazing... some of the freshest sushi I've had in Boston, however like many other reviews said, their buiness sense leaves little to be desired. no reservations, strange seating arrangements, but for the quality of food and the great prices I'll take this any day!!!
(4)
Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: Was virtually perfect. Had very fresh fish and had almost everything on my list with the exception of the ones in the Cons below. Cons: Missing wakame salad, pickled radish, amaebi, ikura/tobiko, seared white tuna. I did ask for no tako (octopus) and the waitress gave me attitude saying she thought i said tobiko. Luckily others at my table corroborated what i had originally requested and she reluctantly took my dish away, but instead of removing it and replacing it with something else, she just removed it. I'd dock this place half a star just for that, but i don't know how to do that, so i'll just be nice and round up to 4 stars. In general, other than the bad customer experience, I did like my food and will probably come back the next time I'm in town!
(4)
Pamela R.
Cozy location. Sushi was good.. Nothing spectacular however. The appetizers were the best part try the Ohitashi especially if you feel weird about having a seaweed salad.. If you are a hardcore fish and chip fan try the aji-fry.. Their version of fried mackerel with soy barbecue sauce.. Really yummy!
(4)
Nancy A.
Firstly, I've been to this place about 5 times now and have never had a bad experience. The first time was a few years ago, and I enjoyed it, but it was so far away from where I lived that I didn't really give it much thought as a viable "go-to" sushi joint. Fast forward to a few months ago. My boyfriend and I were discussing sushi, and where we should go for dinner. Lo and Behold! He knows the "awesome" place - a 5 minute walk from his house! So we trek down, and there it is. A tiny place, nestled between two nondescript store-fronts (I think one might even be empty now). Of the three times we've been, twice we sat at the bar and once we ordered take-out. The two times we stayed, we sat at the sushi bar. The sushi chef is an extremely quiet guy, but speaks volumes with the delicate sushi he artfully prepares. Being two relatively non-decisive people, we ask for a "chef's choice" every time, and we are never disappointed. The waitress will merely check with the chef to make sure he's amenable, then the only things she needs is a price range, the type (sushi/sashimi/etc), how many people it's for, and anything he should steer clear of (for me it's the sea urchin - I can't stand it). The dishes he creates are not only tasty, but beautiful - he'll make flowers out of thinly sliced fish! The last time we ordered was for take-out, and when I called the waitress was unsure if he would do a chef's special for a take-out, but they must not have been very busy because he was able to accommodate us. When I came to pick it, the waitress walked over with a GIANT circular tray. When I looked inside, it was simply gorgeous. There were at least 7 different kinds of fish, a few prepared more than one way. I can't vouch for anything besides the sushi plate and the pickle appetiser, but both of those are what keeps us coming back. The service is always as quick as can be (yes, if it's busy, it will take a little bit longer - your patience will be rewarded), the waitress is generally friendly even if she may be a bit brusk at times because she has a slew of other tables to take care of, the sake is tasty, and the atmosphere is perfect.
(5)
A B.
Although this place is tiny and simple,don't be fooled. Toraya features a traditional sushi menu at lunch. It is nothing fancy or particularly creative, but it is the best, most consistent, and nicely presented sushi restaurant I know. The dinner menu is much larger, and also excellent. My only criticism is that they are not sized to handle the volume of business they attract. You have to wait a long time on weekends, so go on a weekday. You won't be sorry you made the trip. PS, chirashi is their signature dish at lunch: I can't say enough about it. If you prefer hot food, I recommend their nabeyaki udon.
(5)
Ling H.
fresh fish, really good food. The place is really small. I went on Sunday night and it was packed. Service was a little slow to sit down but there was only one staff so understandable. The salmon portion is small but really good. I would def be back.
(5)
Kate M.
Love Toraya! Sometimes they don't take pick up orders if it's too full in the restaurant, but I can understand this as they only have one guy making sushi. It doesn't matter though, anytime I've been there I've been impressed. The Crunchy Maki is my favorite. The fish is fresh, and of great quality.
(5)
Boulder And Pebbles H.
Amazing local Japanese - limited but terrific menu. Highlights include agedashi tofu , asparagus salad , crunchy maki, and tomago nigiri (best I've had anywhere) - scallops from Japan are amazing as are sweet shrimp from Maine
(5)
Julie B.
Best sushi we have ever had. Love the small restaurant ambiance, super friendly staff. We went back twice in one weekend because we were so happy with it. We found it reviewed on hiddenboston.com and everything they said was dead on. GREAT fish, different specials all the time, tons of parking, doesn't get any better than this. Sometimes there's a wait but its TOTALLY worth it.
(5)
reese w.
Did I forget to review this? After a couple visits to Toraya, I am thoroughly pleased to report that this is my favourite sushi joint in Boston. Yes, better than Sakurabana (ooh hot spicy scallop roll, I do still love you). It's a small place, so if you come during the busy hours, you may have to wait a bit. The service is friendly and quick and the sushi chef is appropriately gruff and professional. Ok, so I only wrote this review so I could upload my food porn. Yeah.
(5)
J. L.
Sushi is better on some days than others. When it's good, it's very good. When it's not good, it's average. Ultimately too inconsistent for sushi in my view. Cooked food is good.
(3)
Jon P.
I'm always on the lookout for authentic, simple, Japanese-style sushi, and this is probably the only one I've found so far in the Boston area. I'm not into the Chinese or Korean-run sushi places where the rice is slightly mushy, or like Fugakyu where the fish slabs are barely thawed out from the freezer and cut in huge slabs. I like my sushi consistent and bite-sized--the rice needs to be al-dente such that the grains are singly articulate, and the fish should be fresh but not too fresh, and definitely not frozen. And some fish needs to be cold, some need to be less cold, like the escolar which should be slightly chillier served. On one hand Toraya doesn't have the variety of raw seafoods for me to be able to judge whether or not they would serve everything the way I prefer it, but what they do have, they've always done right. That comes to the only possible negative--if I'm in a decadent mood, I don't go to Toraya , as they don't have the widest selection of raw fish. They don't seem to always have raw shrimp or clams, and seem to only deal with the standard sushi fare. But for authentic Japanese style sushi that evokes a family-style ambience straight from Japan, Toraya is by far my favorite.
(5)
Deb D.
Great little restaurant! I've never been disappointed in the quality of their food. Friendly and efficient waitstaff. Would not hesitate to recommend Toraya.
(4)
Amy S.
Thank you yelpers for leading me to Toraya. I would never have found this hole in the wall without your guidance. Arlington? What's in Arlington? Why would you go there? Now I know. You go there for really fresh, really perfect sushi. The Toro that I sampled as both sushi and as maki was perfect... The agedashi tofu was hands down the best I've ever had. Yum yum. Thank you Toraya. Thank you search function. Thank you "best sushi in Boston" list makers.
(4)
Ariel F.
Toraya is the best sushi I've ever had, and I eat a lot of it. I was thrilled to find this gem just down the road in Arlington. The fish is incredibly fresh and each dish is prepared meticulously by a chef who takes a lot of pride in his work. I recommend getting the sushi / sashimi combo so you get the best of the day's catch. I often have no idea what I'm eating but every bite is delicious. Things to know: 1) You will wait for a table. This is a tiny venue, but be patient. It's worth it. 2) You will wait for your food. If you are someone who cares about speedy service, go elsewhere. Each dish is lovingly prepared by hand so sit back and savor it. 3) You will have a memorable meal. I've been to this place at least half a dozen times and haven't once been disappointed.
(5)
R H.
I am reluctant to write a positive review because Toraya is a small place, does not take reservations and there is usually a wait of 10-30 minutes, so the last thing I want is to make the wait longer by encouraging others to come. That said, Toraya deserves a great review. My husband and I love this place and have been eating here on average 3-4 times per month for the 8 years we've lived in Arlington. Toraya has excellent sushi and other Japanese basics. Agedashi tofu and tamago are the best I've had anywhere, Oishi included. All the fish is fresh, precisely cut (not too huge which is a pet peeve of mine) and prepared. They know what they are doing. I think where people feel disappointed is when they expect a fine dining experience and/or a huge menu. This is not it. It's small, clean and efficient. It's a place to get great basic Japanese food with none of the bells and whistles so popular at other Japanese restaurants. But in its simplicity it surpasses most of the sushi in fancier restaurants (i.e., Fugaku) in Boston. As for the service, it's not overly in-your-face but friendly, which is how I like it.
(5)
Dan W.
This place is truly as good as it gets for sushi in North Boston. The food is top notch and pleasantly fresh. Take note however that there is usually a wait during peak hours so I recommend getting creative with your schedule and dropping by midweek or for an earlier dinner. There are not many tables here and the pace is slow, so be patient and you will be rewarded.
(5)
C C.
Love this place. Toraya is not fancy, but when it comes to quality, freshness, and taste, it's hard to beat. Some personal favorites of mine are the salmon and hamachi sashimi, the crunchy roll (which is like a spicy tuna roll, but with tempura flakes inside to add yummy texture), and the beef sukiyaki.
(5)
Crystal J.
Food is really good, I can tell they use very high quality material. It's just you are very likely to wait for a while because it is a popular restaurant and there aren't lots of tables and only one waitress.
(5)
Jet F.
A real authentic Japanese experience The service can be quite slow since the place is usually full during lunch hours. However, the food is delicious and well-prepared. Not to mention the the price point is good for the quality
(5)
Espresso T.
Excellent sushi! And, the prices are amazingly affordable! I loved my sushi moriawase lunch set there. The fish was very fresh and it was a lot of pieces for the price they charged. The extra order of scallop sushi I got was also among the freshest I have had in the U.S. The one minor issue is their sushi rice. The rice didn't quite hold together as well as I would normally expect, but it was still of decent consistency and tasted fine. Can't wait to go back to have more sushi and try their other dishes!
(5)
Christine V.
An Honest Review: Authenticity. Quality. Niche. These are the three words I would use to describe Toraya. The restaurant is a very well designed hole in the wall type place. The lighting, trim and decor transform you to a Japanese sushi restaurant. A small bar wraps around the sushi chef's station and a few tables are nestled around the remaining space. There is a small waiting area where we ourselves waited and couldn't help but feel like were intruding on someone's already started dinner party. Once we finally were able to sit down, the single wait staff was very busy helping all the patrons, that we had to wait longer to get drinks ordered. Translation, don't come if you're starving. Unfortunately they have a limited tea menu. Translation, do you like green tea? Ordering was pretty simple, the menu had a very nice selection, lots of authentic Japanese dishes and a nice sushi offering. But waiting for our food (I mentioned don't come if you're starving) seemed to take far too long. When our food did arrive, the deluxe sashimi plate was an impressive variety of fish, but very small bites of each. The quality seemed very good, but I could see others complaining about the amount of food offered. The staff seem to work hard, and I really liked the look and feel. But I didn't leave impressed, and I wouldn't go back again.
(3)
Keiko Z.
This is as close to Japan as you can get without hopping on the new non-stop Boston to Tokyo flights at Logan.
(5)
n i.
Great little place. It would be silly to compare with places in NYC or west coast, but as far as Sushi is concerned, this is probably as good as it gets in this area.
(4)
Raymond L.
This is probably the best sushi restaurant I ever had in the Boston area, and probably the best in a 60 mile radius around it. The restaurant is opened up by traditional Japanese people. We got a few orders of salmon, hamachi (yellowtail) and tuna nigiri and it was very fresh. I highly recommend those 3 nigiri if you like raw sushi. Another one I like (my friends didn't like it as much) was the plum beefsteak leaf sushi. I would definitely come here again in the future! and again...and again...
(5)
Scott W.
When I lived in Arlington about 3 minutes away (walking) from Toraya I would go to this place maybe 2-3 times a month. It's a tiny restaurant but it's the best sushi place I've ever been to. Because of its size, it's best for single parties, couples, and groups 4 and under but I have seen them accommodate slightly bigger parties before. The sushi here has never let me down and everything is very authentic. I haven't really tried the non-sushi items besides the appetizers but there really isn't a need to. I've always been in love with how big their menu is and how many choices you have for maki and nigiri a la carte. The staff is a constant. Mr. Toraya (or I think that's his name) is always there and seems to have a nice back story according to other reviews. The waitress is very nice and polite which is always a plus in my book. Since I've been there last they may have gotten an extra hand to work the dining room but I've only ever dealt with the main waitress. The prices are excellent. Nothing is over-priced. Be sure to get there early because the tables fill fast on most nights I've been there. Even take out will be a wait given the small staff and how everything is made to order by the talented Mr. Toraya. Despite this I wouldn't have them change a thing as expansion would only decrease quality.
(5)
Sharon D.
A hidden gem in Arlington! We have been coming here for years and were never disappointed! It is uber intimate, I think my kitchen is bigger than their dining room, but don't let that scare you away! There is convenient parking and they also do take out! You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. The wait is worth it!
(4)
Le N.
I live so far from here, yet I've frequented this restaurant so many times. Hands down best japanese food I've ever had. Must have: chirashi bowl - the rice and mushroom alone are addicting; the fresh fish is just an added plus! =) Recommendation: go for lunch (if you can) versus dinner since the portions are the same with lunch being cheaper. Although, prices were decent either way, with lunch specials being a complete steal! Tip: If you want to be able to taste the heavenly food Toraya has to offer, come early! Come before the restaurant opens! There's ALWAYS a line and once you taste their food, you'll know why!
(5)
Eric M.
Toraya is absolutely a hidden gem on Mass Ave in Arlington. This is hands down the best sushi restaurant we have been to in this price range. The restaurant is extremely small, perhaps 16-20 seats total, so if you plan to dine-in, be prepared to wait. Another option is to do takeout, but as with dining in, be prepared to wait an hour for the food to be ready. Despite the long waits, the food is absolutely worth it and the price is excellent for the quality.
(5)
Wen Y.
Best handmade sushi I've ever had, bar none! Love everything about Toraya, interior designs, food, and services. The only thing has to keep on mind is that seats are really limited, and no reservations are acceptable. If you decide to have dinner at Toraya, a good timing will help (e.g. right before it opens).
(5)
Albert L.
I have been coming to Toraya once every month or two for at least 7 years. I'm willing to put up with: - utter lack of ambiance - not able to make reservations - 30-60 minute wait to get a table on Friday or Saturday - fairly cramped seating - desserts do not measure up to the rest of their food and would give Toraya 6 stars if I could. Toraya consistently serves up excellent Japanese-style sushi and Japanese food. The only sushi I've had that is regularly better than Toraya I've had in Japan. The fish at Toraya is always fresh. Salmon, yellowtail, mackerel, tuna - everything is consistently very good. If you like Uni, I think Toraya's is consistently better than just about every place in greater Boston. It has been very good at worst and spectacular at best. I really love the fact that when you order something once at Toraya, and then decide to have it again the next month, or even a couple years later, it tastes the same. The consistency of execution of Toraya never ceases to amaze me. Here are some of my favorite dishes: - Clam miso. This is one of the most flavorful soups I have ever had. - Agadashi tofu. Toraya does it better than anyone else - Oshinko. The portions are pretty small, but this is an absolutely delightful and motley crew of pickled vegetables - Spider roll. Simple goodness - Tempura (shrimp or vegetable). Incredibly light like tempura should be. I avoid tempura at most restaurants basically because Toraya spoils me. - Seaweed salad. Toraya has hit upon the right combination of spices and seaweeds. Subtly better in a way I can't describe in words. I have only recently been to Toraya for lunch. All the superlatives hold, except there doesn't seem to be much of a line or a crowd. As other reviewers have mentioned, the value for the money is superb. My family of four orders with abandon and the bill rarely tops $120 including tip, and occasionally is as low as $100 with tip. (we typically don't order alcohol, though) If you haven't been, go. Toraya is a special find and at this point, I have resigned myself to the fact I will have to wait in order to eat what I know will be a meal that will not disappoint.
(5)
Eric L.
Try unaju
(5)
Hasan K.
We have been coming to this place regularly for over five years and have never been disappointed except when we could not get a table. A small informal restaurant that serves VERY good food including excellent sushi. Watching the chef is fun. The service is attentive and cheerful. Well priced and worth frequenting.
(5)
Stephanie G.
I generally actively avoid eating sushi, so I will openly admit that I got dragged to this place. Once there I had some skepticism. Eel? Why can't we all just get avocado? But I was convinced, and I tried something new, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of sushi at Toraya. It addressed several fears: 1) The sushi was not too salty 2) The fish on the sushi was good, not fishy 3) There was enough sushi to satisfy my appetite - THIS IS NO EASY FEAT. Next time I will go happily. There's was no wait at all (we went early on a weeknight) and the service was very good. I was surprised only by the number of small children eating sushi with more poise than me...
(4)
AJ M.
Toraya is a little gem. You know you are at an authentic Japanese restaurant when many of the customers are Japanese themselves. The food here is always delicious and fresh.The restaurant itself is tiny and we have gone more than once and been turned away because it was so full. I don't recommend going during the usual peak hours, but we've always lucked out arriving early for dinner or at lunch during the week. The sushi chef could also be a Zen master, for all I know: he prepares the food unperturbed by anything going on around him and that he does beautifully. Service is usually good and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Anthony C.
Sushi is extremely fresh. Probably because the restaurant is so small they are able to control their supply with great margins. If you like sashimi this is a good place to go to. Their udon is pretty good as well. Other than Super Fusion I wouldn't go anywhere else but here.
(5)
David X.
File this under yet another example of yelp mass psychosis. I can only assume that the rave reviews were written by people who live in arlington who need to convince themselves that their choice to live there was a good decision. In other words, people who write rave reviews about all their local establishments to convince themselves there's no reason to travel outside their immediate geographic area. The sashimi portions are TINY. The quality is average. We tried a bunch of things across the menu. Other items like various maki were certainly adequate and of expected quality. All in all, this is a mediocre local joint at best. It should be a crime to mention this place and oishii or oya in the same sentence. I guess I am gullible because those comparisons are what made me want to try it. These so-called sushi experts writing these rave reviews have clearly never had great sushi. That's the only polite thing I can say. Sushi lovers, be warned. PS to tiny g, Emily S is absolutely right. You are wrong. 'nuff said.
(2)
Lala I.
simple delicious fresh sushi.
(5)
Layla L.
Seriously, what is up with people hating on this place? Everything was SO GOOD but your eel was bland, so you gave it 1 star? 2 stars because you didn't get as much ginger on the side as you did at Mr Sushi? Who the fuck are these eel and ginger fanatics? Why do they even go out to eat? Just sit at home and huff ginger all night instead, you fucking psychos. Also, nothing more ironic than a white person telling a (native) Japanese person that their establishment isn't Japanese enough. All that said... I like their food. I like the waitress. I like the sushi chef. I have never encountered anything but friendliness and courtesy here. I like Toraya and you should go there... that is, unless you're THAT GUY....
(5)
David C.
3.5 Stars I would definitely recommend Toraya for someone living in Arlington, but I don't know if it's worth the trek from Brookline for me, especially when there are so many other great sushi options right in my neighborhood (Fugakyu, Genki Ya, Gari, and Super Fusion all spring immediately to mind). The locals clearly love it, however, as it's packed to the brim even on a weeknight. My friend and I went on a Thursday around 8, and found ourselves waiting almost 20 minutes for a table. There was one waitress servicing the whole restaurant (not to mention running the take-out business), and she did an admirable job. There was only one sushi chef working as well, so my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to get some kitchen appetizers before our sushi. The miso soup was good--not watered down at all--as was the seaweed salad, but the special deep-fried oysters were kind of lame. Now on to the sushi. Toraya serves up the classics (don't come here expecting super complex maki with ingredients more befitting a pizza than a roll), and they hit the spot, but nothing will blow you away flavor-wise. What will blow you away is the price of their toro. I've dined at a million sushi joints, and from what I can tell, $6.50 for two pieces of nigiri and $8.50 for three pieces of sashimi is a steal. They also have a delicious negitoro roll for $6.50. It certainly isn't the best fatty tuna you'll ever have, but at that price, you won't be complaining.
(3)
Alan S.
I walked around all day with a smile on my face. That's because I found Toraya. As a Japanese American living in Boston, it is so hard to find great sushi places and a restaurant where I can find Japanese comfort foods like my mom used to make. Found it! Went there around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. There were probably 5 people in front of us and we waited for like 20 minutes. The place is small. There are 5 or so tables with maybe 6 bar seats. Pretty easy to get filled up. I know some people mentioned about the service being slow. I thought it was fine. There's really only one person working the entire room. I got the chirashi, which was a huge bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi, egg, and pickled mushrooms. It was $12. That is best deal in the city. I can't wait to come back and try other things!
(5)
Aboud Y.
Despite the sterile ambiance (too cramped) and lackluster service, Toraya delivers an authentic and delicious helping of Japanese cuisine. The food I sampled was outstanding. Clear soup (served with both a clam in its shell and a lemon wedge in the broth) was delicious, as were the soft-shell crab tempura and grilled chicken hearts. The sushi was also stellar...with sea bass, yellowtail, and salmon nigiri all top notch and the Crunchy Roll also delivered the goods. Its too bad service was so off. Had to ask for water three times, and there was absolutely no progression to the food (it all pretty much came out at once). I would expect at least the soup to come out first . Nevertheless, dinner (including a large bottle of Sake) came to less than $60 which is a great value. Toraya has got to be in my top five list of sushi spots in the Boston area. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Adriana D.
When my husband and I came here, we were lucky we just got in before the rush, because boy did it fill up fast! I can't stand waiting for a table at a restaurant, but having had a beautiful dinner here, I can say that a meal of this caliber is worth waiting for. The fish is incredibly fresh and delicately prepared, somehow being authentic and judiciously creative at the same time (not overblown or tacky, just to mask something that's... well... heh heh, fishy). As for the place itself, it's small and fairly spare, foregoing any elaborate decorations, but who cares? At least it allows you to focus on the thing that matters -- the delicious morsels on your plate. If you have any foodie friends, they'll be impressed with this find. The space is not something you'll stumble on unless you're looking for it, and it's in an unassuming part of the street, but that all works somehow -- like you're a sushi insider with the line on a secret place with the best nigiri. But with over a hundred reviews and more mounting, the secret is leaking out. So go soon, if you can -- preferably during an off-peak hour.
(5)
T V.
This is a Chinese run sushi place which is not a bad thing. I've had very good sushi at other Chinese owned sushi places. 1) There were no asians eating in the restaurant which is already ominous to me. i decided to give it a try anyway. it could be just an off day. 2) I had the "Deluxe" sushi entree which consisted of 2 salmon nigiri, 2 yellow tail nigiri, maguro nigiri and some other white fish nigiri. Then a cut roll of maguro with sesame oil and sesame seeds. The fish on the nigiri looked very suspicious. The salmon looked so artificial in color. When I tasted it, I couldn't taste salmon but tasted as if the fish has been washed several times. There was no "fish oil" as salmon is usually kinda fatty. The same went for the other nigiri. 3) The cut roll was over loaded with sesame oil that I couldn't taste the fish. 4) Miso soup was overly salty. Over all...not a very good dinner...but at least I didn't get a stomachache.
(2)
Martha S.
If it weren't for the risk of mercury poisoning, I would eat sushi every day--As it stands, I probably eat sushi more than I should, and frequently, more than once a week. Sure, I like Americanized rolls as much as the next sushi goer, but I LOVE nigri and sashimi! Lucky for me, Toraya serves up some EXCELLENT sushi! The fish here is very fresh, and one chef prepares it. It takes quite a long time for your order to come out, let alone get a table if the place is busy. But when you get it, you can taste the love put into the preparation! You can almost feel the warmth of the chefs hands in the shape of the rice, and the coolness of the knife blade used to cut the pieces of fish! Mmmm..yum. The waitstaff is somewhat curt, but if I were as busy as the tend to be, I would be curt too. I give this place 5 stars, but there are some crucial facts which tempt me to give it four stars. (1) it is incredibly difficult to get a table during peak dining hours! When the weather is cold, there is no where for people waiting for a table to wait, so the door is constantly opening and closing, making it uncomfortable to dine without a coat on! (2) Sometimes they are too busy to accept take-out orders, (3) if you don't have a car, it is difficult to get here.
(5)
Alex C.
Not sure how this place has over 170 reviews and 4 plus stars. What am I missing? It is more like 2.5 stars. Tried the sushi and maki deluxe combination dinner plate, spicy salmon handroll, miso soup and agedashi tofu. While the miso was pleasant and the agedashi tofu flavorful, the sushi and maki were huge disappointments. So, that's a problem in my book for a Japanese restaurant. Neither the cut nor freshness of the fish was anything more than average as were the prices. While the ratio of fish to rice was appropriate, the pieces of fish were relatively small, but not thin like supermarket sushi. The restaurant bills itself as preparing "home style" Japanese food and the presentation comfortably matches that description, but "home style" should not mean just okay tasting raw fish preparations. Given the many Yelp rave reviews here, I was expecting a hidden gem of sorts. Not so.
(3)
Christian M.
Average. Cons: Very small place. Not too many choices. Long waiting time. Pros: Fresh food.
(3)
Hannah M.
Whoa! I can't believe I didn't write a review of Toraya before now! One of the best sushi restaurants I've been to! Toraya is a tiny little (6ish tables, small sushi bar) blink and you'll miss it place, but so worth the find. The waitress has been there as long as I've been going and she's quick, quiet, and oh-so polite with her "excuse me" every time she sets your food down, fills your water, or walks past your table. The sushi is top-notch! Always fresh, always good. My only issue is the lack of innovation. Sure, they've got all the staples, but rarely do they shake it up with something fusion-y or unique. It's OK though - we'll still frequent Toraya, no worries! The gyoza is outstanding - light, crispy, and not greasy at all and the vinegar-y dipping sauce is amazing! Mr likes the shumai, I'm eh about them. They are really fishy (shocking, I know, for shrimp dumplings). The oitashi is delish - perfectly seasoned and always fresh and the seaweed salad is one of the best I've had. We almost always order some appetizer combo and then crispy roll (spicy, crispy, tuna, yum!) and una-avo (eel and avocado). I guess we fall short of shaking it up too :-) We always leave full, happy, and awaiting our next trip.
(4)
Anne W.
A small mom and pop shop that seats about 20 people. If you are looking for traditional Japanese.. this is probably a great place to go. I am Asian so I can see what crowd this caters to. They don't have fancy rolls.. no mayo.. just fish and rice. One sushi chef.. one waitress.. and one person in the kitchen. I like this sometime.. but I can't really say that I think the fish is the freshest in the world... there are places that are comparable in Boston. I know for a fact that the slices are not that large. I agree with other reviews.. not that much to rave about. The waitress is what brings this place down. She's rude.. and not attentive. Tons of parking. The prices are not that high... but sometimes they do not turn on the a/c in there and it's mighty hot in the summer.
(3)
Vina A.
Agadashi tofu was fantastic. My chirashi was good with a nice selection but was too warm by the end of the meal. Also the salmon had a bit of a questionable taste. Appreciated the scallops and the massaged octopus! Well priced, quick service. Go early.
(3)
Gina T.
This was our regular spot. Tonight after a long hiatus for which we forgot the reason, we decided we needed a fix. Their fish is always super fresh and everything is well prepared... however, by the time we got our table I remembered why I stopped coming here: 1) they only have about 20 seats including the sushi bar, so getting a table is often difficult. 2) they do a terrible job of utilizing their seating. It is not unheard of for them to give a 4-top to a single person, EVEN on a weekend night. 3) they don't appreciate their regulars, regardless of how nice, respectful, or good-tipping you are. We (3 of us) were behind two people waiting for a table. After waiting over a 1/2 hour, a two top and a four top opened up. The people in front of us asked if they could have the 4 top and the hostess/waitress gave it to them! So now there is a table for two empty and two seats at their table empty and we had to wait another 10 minutes before we got a table and another ten before we got drinks. To top it all off, Mr. and Mrs. Rude ordered about $20 of food and no drinks, and our order came to over $100... Simply doesn't make sense!!! We will not be going back...
(2)
John W.
Another one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The place is small, comparable to Oiishi in Chestnut Hill, and they don't take reservations. But the fish is fresh! That's all that matters. Great nigiri and sashimi choices. They serve whelk sashimi, which other places don't have. I also love their octopus tempura, yes not sushi, but and excellent dish! So good!
(4)
Jessie E.
My FAVORITE Japanese restaurant This is simple classic food, no fancy rolls or spicy mayo-ness There is always the same sushi chef, sometimes they are a bit slow but the quality of the fish more makes up for it. I have worked in sushi restaurants and I am VERY picky about the freshness of the fish I eat and nothing beats Toraya. The Agedashi tofu is delicious, light broth, tasty mushrooms I would order any of the sushi, sashimi, chirashi. The bento boxes at lunch are an outstanding deal. Whatever I order always resembles a glittering jewel box filled with an assortment of sparkling fresh items. I spend a good amount of time admiring the beauty of my dish prior to eating it. Lame, I know.
(5)
Ryan S.
Great sushi, everything was fresh and quick service!
(4)
Rich C.
An underrated gem (though apparently not on Yelp :). The sushi and the hot food are delicious (try the nabeyaki udon) and I've never been disappointed by the fish quality. The only downside is that once it gets busy you can easily wait 30+ minutes for your sushi order. I've been going to Toraya since it opened and I have never seen anyone other than (I believe) the owner, an older Japanese gentleman, making the sushi -- filling the sushi orders truly is a one-man operation.
(5)
Esther K.
Simple, fresh, authentic, and delicious. This is not your average sushi joint. Came here for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. Our first impression: the place is small. The storefront is nondescript and easy to overlook. The interior is equally humble with very minimalistic decor. As we approached, a woman waiting outside told us that it can be a 20-25 minute wait but she added, "it's worth it, especially if it's your first time." So, we waited for a table and sure enough the line grew longer behind us. There's no room to wait inside and no hostess stand; there's no room for one. All told there are only 5.5 tables, and a few seats at the sushi bar, which is where we sat. The place was full of Asians, which I always take as a good sign (Asians know good food). I immediately noticed that the staff including the sushi chef are all Japanese. The sushi chef looks like an honorable man; a legit, old-school sushi chef who's been serving sushi longer than you've been alive. The staff are all attentive, prompt, and polite. The sushi was very good. We ordered the sushi and sashimi combo and the crunchy tuna maki. All of the fish was fresh and delicious. The prices are very reasonable, especially as far as sushi restaurants go. Eat here. Like the woman said, "it's worth it."
(4)
Svetlana S.
This review is just for cooked food at this place. Honestly, I expected much better. The food is decent, tastes good but I have definitely tried better. What disappointed me the most is a ratio between their price range and food portion size. Portions were extremely tiny. Other than that, it is ok. I might come back here to actually try the sushi, but I will think twice before doing so.
(3)
Ali D.
Let me start by saying that I actually grew up in a seafood restaurant on Cape Cod. So lets just say I know fresh fish! Also, I love sushi. I've eaten at quite a few sushi places in and around boston over the years. Some great, a lot not so good. I have never been disappointed by Toraya. The fish is always so fresh it's almost sweet. It's small and simple, like a great meal. Ps to others who say it expensive, do you know how much sushi grade fish costs? Also, do you really want to eat cheap raw fish?
(5)
Lee C.
Authentic Japanese food this way! Soooooo Fresh, I give 5 stars without any hesitation just because of that one reason! And it's opened by Japanese, the place is tiny, but you know it focuses on QUALITY of the food not QUANTITY. Service was great too by the way, waitress kept refilling the tea, and asking about the food, very caring. Sashimi tastes very fresh, sweet, looking transparent!! There were a few dishes definitely worth mentioning: - Sashimi entree (there are at least 8 types of sashimi, salmon was so fresh the fat just melt-in-your mouth instantly) - Daily special - Bonito sashimi + Whelk sashimi (Whelk - soooo crunchy and sweet, which I haven't been able to find on the east coast, it's white in color) - Daily special again - Boiled squid with some sort of sesame sauce, it was cooked just right so that the little whole squids were not too chewy, oh so delicious! What a gem in Arlington, I will be BACK!
(5)
Daniel E.
Good sushi, but poor service and very small portions. The restaurant is also very small and you can hear your neighbors entire conversation.
(3)
Scarlet A.
Terrible food, terrible service, awful decor.... Oh, just kidding. I'm really hoping you don't crowd up my favorite sushi resturaunt in the Boston area though. If you're looking for the freshest - (and yes, I mean, of all sushi in Boston, this place wins for freshness) - and most authentic, deliciously prepared nigiri and sushi, you need to make a trip out to Toraya. The tiny resturaunt fills up quickly - get here early! Take a seat at the sushi counter and watch the chef hand-prepare your meal. I recommend getting a tamago (egg), saba (mackerel), and hamachi (yellowtail). Stick with nigiri and sushi - don't go for the fancy stuff here. You shouldn't be covering up the delicious, expertly prepared fish with anything extra.
(5)
Kristin M.
Tried Toraya for the first time today. I called in a pick up order for the sashimi lunch with a spicy tuna hand roll and an order of ikura. The person who answered the phone had a difficult time understanding what ikura was. After she figured it out, I was told that it would be a 30 minute wait; which I could understand if they were in the middle of a lunch rush, but it was 11:30, just after they opened. Upon opening up the lunch bag, there was no spicy tuna hand roll, but maki instead; not what I ordered. The pieces of sashimi were PATHETICALLY SMALL, as in the size of a nickle, some of them and the yellow tail smelled fishy. They can't get your order right, they can't provide pick up orders in a timely fashion, the quality of the fish is questionable and the portions are sad. AVOID.
(1)
Danny F.
Yay for a true Japanese restaurant! And by that I mean one that is owned and run by Japanese. No odd appearances of bulgogi or yaki udon or crazy special rolls. Just excellent sushi/sashimi and comfort food from the kitchen. I LOVE the nabes. Mmmmm. There's nothing better for a cold New England winter night. Best of all, prices are totally reasonable. You don't leave feeling the least bit cheated. There is a downside, and that is the number of seats available. The restaurant is positively tiny. Oh, but it's so cute too, so no points lost there.
(5)
George A.
Excellent. TRhe lunch Bento Box is graet and a bargain at ~$10,
(4)
Julia Z.
A great and authentic sushi restaurant in the Arlington neighborhood, owned and ran by Japanese people. My all time favorites are their sakana tempura and spicy tuna maki with tempura flakes. Large selection of sushi and price is reasonable, great for frequent visits!
(4)
Doug Y.
Best kept secret in Arlington! We ordered tuna sashimi and the chicken teriyaki bento box, as well as tuna and salmon sushi. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. We got there and found a table, it quickly filled up at lunch time. They only had one waitperson working while we were there, so it can get a little busy at times, but be patient, the food is worth it.
(5)
Mini S.
Toraya reminds me of those little local restaurants in Japan. I like their food because it is not "American-Japanese" food. IT IS JAPANESE FOOD!! Sushi there was very good too. My husband got Vegetarian Sushi and he was very happy about his food. This is a hidden great Japanese restaurant!
(4)
Tatsu I.
Feed Me Eat Me Sushi Me Tuesday Pachi-Pachi, very hard to type my reviews when you nibble on my lower lip. I know, but I miss the Hokki at Toraya! We go again tonight? Maybe we try his wife's entrees, they look really good too! But we just ate there yesterday! I don't care! I haven't even brushed my teeth I just want to have that taste in my mouth forever! God, his rice is so perfect, I don't even have "sushi rice plaque"! Well, his seasoning is perfect. You know he has a deft touch. Unusual, Senji's very light with the vinegar, even on his Tako-su. But ultimately it's very classical, very Japanese and you cannot argue with it. Like Murray Perahia's old piano playing style, detailed, faithful to the composer's notes, internalized, subdued. Nary a sushi chef in the U.S. like this... *Snap!* Whatevs, babe, take me there. Here's your keys. Wednesday Pumps, hard to breathe with your devilishly long tongue fondling my plica sublingualis. Plus you're stimulating my salivary glands so I'm drooling on us. Sorry babe, but your glands are so Salivdor Dali Clock soft like the Uni at Toraya! Your spittle reminds me of the soy strings coming off Senji's Natto. Open your mouth! Ok, ok. You know, Senji's standards are set very high. He buys fish everyday himself you know. And...*Click!* Save your breath, can we go back for Sashimi and Nigiri Omakase? I have to have it! Open your mouth! Rrrrwwwhhmmm, but we *cough* just ate there 2 nights in a row. Uh oh, do your feel that? What? Migrane, oh, definitely migranes, feel it in the air, don't you? Shall we turn in early? Sigh...you win, let's go. Of course I win, my little Yellowtail, but don't I make you happy? Please stop calling me Yellowtail. Thursday Puki, why are you holding my 270 millimeter Yanagiba sashimi blade and looking at me like that? Oh, I was just wondering how many years it takes to cut fish like Senji. Well, a really long time, he cuts better than any chef I've seen in the States for sure. He really is genius with a blade... Mmm hmm, shush babe, you really prattle on too much. Gee thanks. And you still have that squirrelly look in your eye, put the knife down. Oh, sorry, YT, just thinking if I sliced a piece of your forearm while you typed away there, would it be as red and shaped like Senji's Maguro? Or kind of pale like the Chutoro special last night? Or should I practice on your fingertips making little discs like the Ankimo special? And would your blood taste like momiji oroshi cuz you so spicy? Ok, I get the picture, put it away! I'll take you to Toraya. Man, 3 nights in a row, what the heck is going on! Friday Puca-Poo, it doesn't have to be 9 1/2 Weeks every night, can I take the blindfold off? I feel a bit emasculated. And that's really expensive Tuscan olive oil there, don't spill. Dame des yo! You are the rice and I make the fish, I'm on top! Hold out your hand and shut up! Now if I just dust the oil with the desiccated vinegar I made and a touch of J salt and the smallest cocaine line of confectioners sugar, the base of your thumb will be just like Toraya's Saba, so good! You're really crazy, ouch, oi, ok. Baby, what's wrong? Hey! Hey don't cry! I'm sorry! It's not you stupid! It's the taste, it doesn't have the creamy fatty texture of his Saba at all! *Huuuuuuuuuggghhhwwaaahh!* Baby, Baby-Boo, I'll take you for lunch when they open tomorrow, I swear, ok?, Calm down. Wanna try, you know, something else? Asshole! I will never ever do the Hirame trick again for you ever! I want his Saba so bad right now!!! *Huuuuuugggh!!! Wahh!!* *Sigh* Honeypot, I brought home Saba just in case. *Sniff* Youuu, you did? *Sniffle* Yes, for you. My Sushi-Wushi how I love you! Love you too HP. Where do you want it? Here?
(5)
Lesley D.
This sushi was delicious. We got it to go and they were even considerate enough to stack the shaomai on cardboard separating it from the sushi so the sushi didn't get warm. (so many sushi places put everything together and then the sushi practically cooks. Ick!) It's such a tiny quaint little restaurant. I can see that it would be difficult to get a table. We didn't even go on what we thought would be a busy night or time and there was barely room to stand while we waited. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars for me personally was that the sushi was actually a bit too generous, if that's even possible haha. I know that probably sounds weird and you'd want it to be this way! But for me, the chunks of fish were almost a little too big, and the rolls themselves were a bit hard to get all in one bite. But this is just a matter of preference. All in all, the taste was great, the freshness was definitely clear, and I enjoyed it. Just a bit too much of a mouthful for both me and the hubby. We'll likely stick with Manna Sushi up the street because we love it there, but if people invited us to go out to Toraya, we'd certainly oblige!
(4)
Matt W.
Sushi is decent. A real hole in the wall. Not the cleanest place. Not worth a return visit.
(3)
Yuko I.
I am a Japanese so I know what I am eating. The food is amazingly decent considering it is a hall in the wall place, probably the best sushi in Boston. I also tried unagi, pretty good too. The wait for food can be long during lunch, seating quick in the evening. Parking is available at the back of the restaurant. I have been coming back several times and bringing friends - they are all happy with the food. They have impressive selection of takeout - I want to check this out on the next occasion.
(5)
Jaime v.
It's authentic. In contrast to the stuff you would get at Porter Exchange, this is high quality and tasty. Filling up is going to be expensive and the menu isn't really built around this notion. I like the Agedashi Tofu as it brought back memories of my travels in Japan. The Sashimi is good though I recommend the adventurous explore the non Sushi menu items.
(5)
H T.
Hey, Mr. To_ra_YA! How are YA_? Why are you so HAP_PY?! Rollin' Your SU_SHI? Full of smiles and NODS (^o^)! You've got some good ROLLS! BUT very tradition_AL! I like it.. I like it... And yay- there's sweet pota_TO! However, no OhTO_RO! For my aMI_GO!~ Old Japanese COUPle, drinking SA_KE! Lots of kiddies, eating tempura Ma_KI! Choose wines_beers_or TEA! Ho_HUM! The last one, so powder_Y! My biggest disappointment: they use matcha_TEA! Eek! NO! Sushi were good, but not the best. I'd say 3.75, but the sushi chef is so O_jolly_O! And I'm happy, so 4.O!
(4)
thermopylae x.
impressed to see an actual sake/keg warmer when most of boston's japanese restaurants microwave 1 waitress handling 5 tables + the bar polite service sticky menus yummy
(4)
Cecilia L.
This Arlington neighborhood favorite is in competition with Shiki for my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. Everything we had at a recent lunch was excellent. Miso soup was wonderfully flavorful - clearly based on homemade dashi. Uni and scallop nigiri were fresh, well cut and nestled on crackling, high-quality nori and well-seasoned rice. Chirashi nestled in a lacquered box was lovely and delightful. The meat in the pork katsu donburi achieved the rare balance between crisp and tender, accompanied with a bowl of delicious pickles. The setting is warm, modest and kid-friendly - nearly every table at Saturday lunch had a tot chowing out of a bento.
(5)
Haviva P.
The food at Toraya is amazing. Really, this is not your average Japanese place. The menu is authentic, everything is fresh and if you want to venture off the typical spicy tuna roll ordering, this is your place. The agadashi tofu is to die for - perfectly fried in a broth that disappears too quickly forcing you to order a second. My husband had the salmon stuffed with tofu, wrapped in a banana leaf and it was also delish. Perfectly portioned and cooked,with a great sauce, I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. The tempura was beautifully fried, light and sweet. Really great meal food-wise. So why the missing star? The service. Oh. My. God. We ordered at 9 and were not out until 11:30. There were 6 of us, and 3 of us ordered sushi with a side as our main course. I ordered a crunchy tuna roll with a side of cold buckwheat noodles and dipping sauce, my brother a spicy salmon maki and a side of sushi rice, my nephew spicy salmon and the crunchy tuna. NOT complicated and all the dishes were essentially cold... . All the other plates came out first and there we sat, the 3 sushi eaters waiting. Even my cold noodles did not come out until 11! Half the table was done, plates cleared, before I got my one maki and cold noodles (both tasted great for the record, but at the pace I scarfed them down, I am not sure I am the best judge.) We asked what was taking so long and we were told there were several cooks in the kitchen but only one sushi chef. Sure, I get that, but the place is small and you have a sushi bar, at the very least pace yourselves better in the kitchen. I hate having a meal with family or friends and getting served at different times. If things are backed up, bring out some edamame on the house and tell me you are 'sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it.' The whole thing was silly and frustrating. Which is really too bad, because the food is completely top notch. For the record I will go back, but I will make sure that I have a snack ahead of time. :)
(4)
M. Deloris D.
DEELICIOUS!!! Toraya is a winner for so many reasons. *it's near home *the folks who work at the Porter Exchange eat here *my Japanese friends say: "it's authentic!!" Toraya serves wine, sake and beer. The sushi was the freshest I've had in a while and the menu offered all the variety of Bluefin without the hipster hassle. Yes the space is smallish but this place is worth the wait and take out is available. When budget is not a bummer, Toraya all the way...otherwise, Kotobukiya, here I come.
(5)
Lucy W.
It's all about the fish here...the other reviewers are right, in that this tiny Japanese joint is stripped down, no-frills sushi. I sat at the sushi bar and got the sashimi appetizer special- what a deal at $8.95, for a plate full of very fresh raw fish. Great place if you're just looking for the basics and nothing fancy.
(3)
Jen L.
This is my neighborhood sushi place. I am very lucky to live here as I am only 1 mile away from this little gem. I eat here about 2x/week and would do so more often if I had limitless funds. The fish is fresh, expertly cut, and super tasty. Their hot dishes are really good as well.
(5)
bean c.
We absolutely LOVE this place. In fact, I wouldn't otherwise write a review about this place just so that I wouldn't spoil such a well kept secret. But - I've moved out of Cambridge and don't need to worry about people crowding my favorite places. Warning. You have to have patience and be prepared to wait if you want to eat here. This place probably seats ~22 people if every table and sushi bar was fully and efficiently utilized. I always order the Chirashi (assorted chunks of sashimi fish) because Shinji gets the freshest stuff in town. Why mess around with anything else? For appetizers, I always get Agedashi tofu and spinach with sesame sauce. The Agedashi tofu comes piping hot and swimming in a sauce with shaved radish and mini mushrooms. Don't miss it.
(5)
Nancy L.
I can't believe that I live so close to Toraya for over a year, only to discover it via the Yelp post of friends! Toraya is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant tucked in a non-descript front in Arlington Center. It's tiny less than 10 tables and is quite cozy . The waiter, chef, and diners were all Japanese when I was there for lunch. When the customers are all of the culture/ethnicity of the cuisine, you know that you are at an authentic restaurant. Green tea was served. The miso was a strong red miso soup. I had the chirashi sushi and my friend had the sashimi bentou. The fish was so fresh and delicious, unlike the frozen kind. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a sushi lover. There is also a selection of soba, udon, and donburi (things over rice such as eel). Since it is a small and popular restaurant, I suggest going at a less busy time so you can sit and truly enjoy thebeautiful seafood. When there is a constant stream of customers waiting less than 4 feet away from you, you just felt bad for sitting there too long. Accepts credit card, $15 minimum.
(5)
Jonathan W.
Yes, I don't want anyone to know about this place....tiny, excellent, but I DO want them to stay in business. The owner is there all the time and the quality is fantastic. Not as inventive as some, but hands down excellent.
(5)
Kim H.
LIke everyone else says, fantastic fresh sushi and the place we stop into when craving some. Star taken away for the size as there's often a wait or we have to squish at the end of the bar next to the hot tea dispenser, and then twist my shoulder away every time the waitress needs hot tea dispensed.
(4)
Local E.
Agree with the consensus here: usually the sushi is quite good. The chef has great attention to detail, but the waits are usually LOOONG. They range from minimal (if you arrive prior to standard lunchtime) to about 60 minutes from sit-down to getting your food (at dinner). There is one sushi chef, and one or two wait staff who usually seem to be overwhelmed. E.g., you will need to ask repeatedly for water, otherwise you will be ignored. Generally the wait is worth it; I greatly prefer Toraya to "Mr Sushi" down the street, and slightly prefer it to Bluefin (in Porter Exchange). Recommend the sashimi bento at lunchtime. The non-sushi elements are tasty and creative. Consider taking the time to thank the chef - he puts his heart in it. But I'm serious about the waits. If the tables are full, you could wait 30 minutes to be seated, or more. And be sure to ask about delays if you phone-in your order, which can be hours, not minutes.
(4)
Anna N.
Seriously, Yelp? 4.5 stars? When it comes to sushi, I don't care about ambiance or even service. As long as the fish is fresh, the ingredients complement each other and the rice is right, I am a happy customer. Unfortunately this outfit was a huge disappointment. I had a dinner with 2 other people and the three of us left the place wondering why on Earth this place is attracting customers. The only positive part of the meal was that the rolls were small. I didn't feel guilty having another meal after leaving Toraya, just to erase the aftertaste.
(1)
Naoyuki T.
It's owned and operated by Japanese sushi chef who used to work at (good) Ginza. Lately main back kitchen cook left which made me worried about non sushi dishes but Salmon Okabe was just as good before. Sushi is better than most places (or say average in Japanese owned sushi shops - better than non Japanese sushi shops, except Oishii) though one occasion, I had bad tasting fish and other occasion sushi rice with very little flavoring. I think that the food is not consistent, but good most of the time. One of few places I can get real katsu-don - pork cutlet over rice in bowl. My Japanese coworker and I (Japanese) go there for lunch to get Japanese food fix rather regularly. I order Chirashi sushi as a yard stick of sushi restaurant, and it is worth its admission. Other than having bad days infrequently, dishes are above average and certainly better than Mr. Sushi just down the road for Japanese food. Just to be clear, if you go to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, any sushi shop is better than Toraya, and often cheaper. The fish quality in Boston cannot be as good, just because sheer volume of fish consumed in Tokyo.
(4)
Joe C.
The only thing that should knock this down to a 4 star review is the atmosphere. This dive-y, nook of a restaurant leaves something to be desired. Personally, food is the most important factor to me (secondly service) so I will chose to find comfort in great food with a non-pretentious atmosphere. Being raised on a large amount of home-style japanese food, this place is a constant reminder of my childhood. I have tried many of the local "Japanese" restaurants and many are okay, some are good, but Toraya is excellent. (Sidenote - "Japanese" = non-Japanese owned). I recommend you try it but secretly wish you wouldn't so not to overcrowd one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Lauren M.
This might be the best sushi in Boston. It is very comparable to Oishi in Chestnut Hill- no frills and super tiny, but amazing sushi. It's also pretty inexpensive- what a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)
Catherine H.
After reading the reviews, I was expecting AMAZING sushi. We ordered 4 rolls, and they were just OK. I thought the rice was gummy. I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Han K.
A hidden gem, often forgotten in the debate over who has the best sushi in Boston. Really tiny small intimate space that serves up some of the best sushi preiod. Authentic doesn't even begin to describe how good this place really is. For the price / quality ratio this place is very very difficult to beat. Why not the perfect 5? Because you can get better sushi, but it'll cost you a lot more than dining at Toraya.
(4)
Sam D.
This is hands down my favorate Japanese restaurant. The food is delicious every time and the service is friendly and quick.
(5)
Jamie L.
My husband and I recently ate at Toraya and we LOVE it! We'd been going to Blue Fin in Porter Sq for our sashimi fix, but now that we've discovered Toraya we will never eat at another Japanese restaurant again. We ordered a big plate of sashimi to share (tuna, salmon, yellowtail) and it tasted amazing. We loved that the fish was cut in thin, bite-sized pieces, not the oversized pieces that we see so often in other restaurants. We also shared a special of the day (clams) and washed it all down with two flasks of sake. This is a modest place, with attentive service and delicious food. We love you Toraya!
(5)
Pete G.
I wouldn't say it's the very best sushi in the area, but it is close. Loved it. It's a fantastic little sushi place. Everything I've ever had from here was perfectly made. They do a great little pickled octopus salad, and I don't know how the guy does it but his toro sushi is the tastiest every time. The prices are fine. The only problem I can think of is that it's kind of small, and it's a little far out there. But if you're willing to truck way into Arlington for some good sushi, go here.
(4)
Brittany H.
A great hidden gem tucked away just past Arlington Center. My favorite local sushi place. You can tell from the clientele, as others have mentioned, Toraya is very authentic. The service was great and I thought my sushi was very fresh. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Alison Y.
Being Japanese, I rate Toraya high on the list of "authentic" Japanese restaurants. I moved from Arlington last year and have not found a true Japanese restaurant in the city :-( Toraya's chef is from Japan unlike the "other" Japanese restaurants in the city and greater Boston and it shows in his sushi freshness and presentation as well as who he has cooking the traditional dishes. Tenzaru soba noodles with tempura is delicious as is the lunch Bento box special, which is a great deal at $11-12. Place is small and always packed, so be prepared to wait, but it's well worth it.
(5)
Al K.
Fresh, delicious food, and great service.
(5)
John Paul N.
Located outside of Arlington Center, Toraya is a very, very small sushi restaurant that apparently caters to a huge Japanese clientele. Or so says all the reviews online I could find. My GPS unit took us through Arlington Central and there was no parking to be found. Thinking it'd be the same in front of Toraya, I took the first parking spot available .3 miles away. This was a mistake. Not only was there plenty of parking in front of Toraya, but apparently there's parking in the back too. This will be good to know for next time. Like I said earlier, Toraya is very small. 3 4-seaters and 3 2-seaters along with 6 or so seats at the sushi bar. We were next in line behind a family of 4 and we stood in the doorway and tried to stay out of the way. After a 20 or so minutes, we were seated slightly before the family because a 2-seater opened up. While we were waiting I noticed one of the specials was tempura soft shelled crab for only $8.50. That took care of my appetizer. I wasn't really feeling sushi that night, so I went with the Udon noodles, sans chicken because it is still lent. Abby went for the Maki deluxe special as well as some edamame and an extra order of Philly Maki. My tempura soft shelled crab came out with Abby's edamame and miso soup. The crab was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. The tempura batter was light (like all tempura batter) and covered the crab just enough to not over power the wonderful delicate meat. Abby devoured her edamame in no time but neither of us really touched the miso soup. (I'm not the biggest fan of miso in general, so it wasn't like the soup was nasty or anything like that.) My udon noodles were came out and had a very strong mushroom flavor. Inside the soup was a whole egg. I broke the yolk up and mixed it all around. The flavor the yolk gave to the soup was very nice. The noodles were typical udon noodles, thick and lacking of any real flavor other than the broth they laid in. The tempura shrimp were just like like my soft shell crab earlier, perfectly fried in just the right amount of batter. A very good noodle soup. Abby's sushi came out and they looked great. She thought they were fantastic and just the way she liked it. I tried one of each type and thought the sushi was good to better than good, but nothing ground breaking. My main problem was that the other ingredients took away from the fish. For example the avocado was such big pieces that all I couldn't get over the buttery creamy taste to get the flavor of the eel at all. This could just be me though, because Abby loved every single bite. Overall, Toraya is a very nice little sushi restaurant. You could do a lot worse. The chef/owner, Mr Toraya, was behind the sushi counter carefully taking his time to slice every piece of fish correctly. He seemed like the type of sushi chef that would gladly trade shots of sake with customers at the bar. Maybe next time we come we can sit and the bar and find out. The prices were pretty good too. However I ordered a coke and when I got a refill I had a feeling that it wasn't free. Sure enough I got charged $1.75 twice for both drinks. I just wish I could have gotten the coke in a larger glass the first time so I wouldn't have needed the refill, but now I know. Toraya gets a 3 and 1/2 out of 5, good and better than average but not exactly great.
(3)
Mai O.
When I used to live in Arlington, it used to be my regular sushi place. Pros: Authentic Price/quality ratio is good Japanese-owned Cons: The wait staff there used to be better, the current woman is not very helpful nor is she friendly. The current woman is kind of rude. I asked her if we can pack the remainder of food to go, and she said "all of it?" No, just 1/3 of it... yes all of it, what do you think? People who used to work here switched to working at Bluefin in Porter Square. When it's crowded, it takes forever to get serviced and get food, because there is only one sushi chef. No AC Last visit there was not very pleasant, both me and my grandmother got stressed, ate half of what was on the plate and left.
(3)
Mark O.
I can't add anything to the best reviews, we eat here about 4 times a month. Fresh, fresh, fresh, and you can taste it!
(5)
Adrienne A.
We have been in a lot of sushi restaurants all over the world (though not Japan, sadly), and this is head and shoulders the best. Flavors are subtle but deep and nuanced, fish incredibly fresh - actually the best fish raw or cooked anywhere. Anything fried (tempura, tofu, fish, etc.) is crispy and tender. They are masters. We are here at least twice a month, and sometimes are embarrassed when we feel like going two days in a row. We feel like family - they know what beer we want, and that we want our edamame warm. It is small (so don't bring a baby stroller, and be prepared for lines if you go at peak times), but a warm cozy atmosphere. We are lucky to live only short distance away. (And, as a note - We've been here a lot, and never noticed that the temperature inside was a problem - except once when the AC was on the blink.)
(5)
Beantown Newbie e.
I lived in Tokyo for over four years, and this restaurant has the most authentic Japanese food I've had in the U.S. And, it's in Arlington of all places! You'd expect this level of quality in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. A lot of the patrons at dinner are Japanese nationals, so that may something about its authenticity. The prices are very reasonable and, I would argue, cheap for the quality and freshness of the food. The restaurant itself is a bit small, and the ambiance is by no means swanky like you'd see in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. It's all about the food here. It's kind of off the beaten path, but it's so worth it to make the hike.
(5)
Kerry D.
The atmosphere is small, crowded, and really pretty uncomfortable over all. But the sushi is fabulous, and the bento box lunches are the best deal around.
(4)
Mary R.
I had such high hopes, but was unfortunately a bit disappointed. Our appetizer, edamame took forever to arrive. It seems they cook it first, then cool it to serve it cold. I actually prefer warm edamame, so this process seemed just long to me. The pieces of sashimi and sushi we had were good overall. The fish tasted fresh, but the rolls were small and just not as amazing as other places we've been. I was hoping we'd found a new, great place, not real far from our home, but I don't think I'll become a regular customer.
(3)
DB U.
Put simply: BEST sushi in the Boston area by far! The place is cozy and the ambient is great. The staff has been friendly and courteous from our very first visit and all visits since. For my husband and I, it is a small haven, providing us with a much needed break from our very busy lifestyles. Whenever we feel like having sushi or traditional Japanese food, we are at their door. When our parents (who have been to Japan multiple times) visited, we took them there too, and they really enjoyed it and liked it better than the you-know-that-restaurant-in-Porter-Sq we've been previously taking them to :) I really like the size of the place and how personal the attention is. They seem to care about details, the presentation of the food is a visual treat, just wonderful, making the already delicious foods into something even better! I really appreciate the latter because too many great restaurants have been spoiled by growing too quickly, losing the attention they once had to foods and customers and they become sloppy. Even on nights we know the restaurant will be busy, we don't hesitate about going. We know we'll have to wait because the space there is limited, but it's all worth it. Even on the busiest of nights, the longest we've ever waited for is about 15-20 minutes. Even on that occasion, people seemed to share our thoughts and they didn't seem to mind the wait, giddy in anticipation. However, one time we witnessed a really rude customer, who even insulted the sushi chef for not being friendly... I thought this was really unfair because the place was really packed, the staff were doing their best, there were 2-3 couples already waiting before this customer's arrival, and when the waitress cleaned up a couple of seats in front of the sushi counter, he bypassed the waiting people and sat himself there. He said something in Japanese to the chef (the customer was not Japanese) and the chef didn't really respond (specially because he had his hands full and perhaps he even witnessed what the rest of us did -- how this guy just cut in line!). After a minute, this customer totally flipped out and bad mouthed the place saying how he's been to Japan and people there were so nice and this place was nothing like Japan because the chef would not make conversation with him and entertain him. Well, boohoo from all of us who were waiting. You think you're going to get special treatment because you speak Japanese to the chef? Some people need to get off their high horses... I'm glad the chef ignored him... when the customer left, everyone was laughing at how ridiculous this guy was... but the chef was serious and I felt really bad for him... I mean, come on... the chef was so busy... I would have been offended had the chef stopped doing what he was doing and started chatting or entertaining this guy... because that would have meant a longer wait for food to be made/served and an even longer wait for us waiting for seats! Conclusion: if you are looking for a comfy place with delicious and amazing traditional Japanese food, this is the place 100% (and no, spicy California tornado rainbow whatever rolls do not count as traditional sushi... go to Porter or some other place if you want Japanese foods with "western" twists). Also, if you like just going to a place and being immediately seated, you may want to avoid popular times to eat out (for example, weekends) or just try your luck somewhere else with a bigger seating area because I really hope they keep it as small and cozy as it's been to this day. PS. We just tried their lunch menu (take-out) this past Saturday and it was as amazing. What a great deal the sashimi lunch box was for $11! It's great they have the lunch menus on Saturdays too! We called and they had it ready for pick-up in 30 minutes. The lunch box was reminiscent of the bento boxes you get on the Shinkansen... pretty looking and yummy :)
(5)
Fuyu A.
Just made the mistake of not eating at Toraya again (it was logictically impossible) - but that just increases my wife and my respect for Toraya - they have the best quality at not the highest prices and it's never a disappointment to eat here - ever.
(5)
ftyuv e.
My girlfriend and I were there the same night as Travis M., but we had quite a different experience. There was a bit of a rush, and it did take a few minutes for the sole waitress to get a handle on the situation -- but it certainly wasn't terrible. I would describe the atmosphere as brisk, but not rude. And once she got the rush under control (shortly after Travis M stormed out), the service was quite good. This is a small restaurant, with the service one would expect from that -- if you want four-star service with fancy place settings, this place won't impress. As far as the food, we had gyoza, cold buckwheat with dipping sauce, and maki -- salmon and tuna. The gyoza weren't crisply enough fried for my liking, and it was the first time I had cold buckwheat -- so I can't judge how good it was in relative terms, though in absolute terms I liked it a lot. The sushi was amazing. Melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The waitress was nice enough to go table to table announcing last call, and my girlfriend and I couldn't resist another order or salmon maki. For $5 per a-la-carte order, I really can't imagine going anywhere else for a quick sushi craving.
(5)
Karman L.
Hole in the wall in Arlington. Great sushi place in Arlington (same block as Blue Ribbon!) I did a grab and run ... ordered the sashimi lunch combo ... it was $12.95 or something ... and fish was very fresh ... Can't wait to go back to have a sit down meal there ...
(4)
Dan B.
Great sushi. My wife is Japanese and attests to the authenticity. A little spendy but certainly worth a try.
(5)
Joji S.
This is the ONLY Japanese restaurant in Boston that I have found (I've been living here since 1990) that is actually an authentic Japanese restaurant. Nothing fancy, just plain Japanese food that hits the spot for a native Japanese like no other place. After discovering this place last year, I have had no desire to go to any other Japanese restaurant in Boston. Also, this is the only place in Boston where everytime I go, the majority of the patrons are Japanese.
(5)
Mihir P.
This is a hole in the wall to be proud of! But beware that this place is tiny, so if it's crowded most likely you will be waiting outside until your table is ready. I had the Red Miso Soup which was excellent. Much more flavorful than the traditional and it had these micro mushrooms in it that snapped when I bit into them. Then I had the standard steamed shumai which was very good. Then I had the spicy tuna rolls w/ tempura flakes which was also very good but I've had better (spicier and crunchier). I would definitely go back especially since it is not far from me and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
sang l.
Toraya serves probably the best sushi in town but deserves only two stars because of the waitress who is obnoxiously unkind and clueless about service.
(2)
Jeffrey T.
Sushi was good. The scallops I had tasted fresh, as did the rest of my sushi. The prices were about average, and the portions were reasonable but not huge. Still I think it was a good deal. The place is very small, but it was crowded when I went in at 5:30 (usually a good sign). All being said, I will probably go back.
(4)
Patrick P.
We tried Toraya on a Thursday night. It was obviously the waitress's first night, but surprisingly that turned out all right. We ordered Sapporo's and got the coldest beer I've had in a while. We ordered shrimp tempura and Deep Fried Oysters for appetizers and both were good. Maki rolls were good, but the sushi, especially sea and fresh water eel, had no flavor and gave the impression that it was not fresh. Not a good first impression and won't be going back.
(1)
Kim D.
This place was ridiculous. The sushi brought a tear to my eye. Literally. Everything was so fresh and just melt-in-your-mouth. My hubby and I went and split three rolls (yellowtail, eel and spicy tuna) and two types of nigiri (salmon and fluke). It was just incredible. And the Kirin's that washed it all down? Perfection. I want to go back...now. Oh and it was only $43 with a 20% tip...nice!!!!
(5)
Tom E.
At some point in the past in both space and time, probably somewhere in California in the last century, lies the primordial pre-cursor to all these sushi restaurants that populate affluent areas in the Western world. No doubt run by Japanese immigrants and most likely a very close approximation to a neighborhood sushi place in Tokyo. Primordial western sushi hit the big time with the California Roll - invented in LA in the 1970s. You can laugh all you like at the non-authenticity of this roll, but there's no doubt that avocado goes well with raw fish and rice and this roll is just as popular in Japan as it is here. So far everything is still lovely, right? The best of the local fresh fish, some imports from the East, Japanese staff and solid traditional recipes done to perfection. But then everything went a bit crazy... Toraya is the perfect place to go enjoy what happened before the madness. Japanese Sushi | | First Sushi in America | | California roll | | (- - - - - - - - - - - - TORAYA | --------------------------(madness)---------------Â----------------- | | | | | | | | | | HUGE | Fish-free Korean Inside-out SUSHI | Sushi sushi sushi | CREATIVE | | | | MAKI | | | Fugayku | Brown rice I Tom gets | O Ya ??? Thai Sushi rice in his problems for | | soy sauce tiny mouths $$$$ Italian sushi?? :(
(4)
Sox G.
I found this restaurant on Yelp and wanted to try it out. I'm glad I did-this place has GREAT sushi. It's pretty tiny and the tables are really close, but other than that, it was a great experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I saw some bugs on the table and the windowsill. ick! I would go back though. No silly little bugs would keep me away from this place!
(4)
Hilary C.
Love this place! While it doesn't have the and theatrical dishware of more well-known places, the quality of the food and its preparation is top shelf. They never try to drown it in sauces or decorations resembling tropical birds. You get beautiful, fresh, expertly prepared dishes that speak for themselves. Maki are made with a well balanced portion of rice and are firmly rolled, as they should be. Nigiri may have a wasabi booby trap for those of you sensitive to that. Generous portions of fish all around. I even ordered omakase once and got a fantastic mackerel and shiso combination. My personal measure of general fish quality at any sushi place is the mackerel; strongly flavored, but not too oily, dry, firm texture and a clean ocean smell. Toraya never fails to satisfy. Seats 16 or so, with another 6 maybe at the bar.
(4)
Ger T.
A real, live, sushi place in the middle of Arlington!? Whoa, I was impressed. The waitstaff and chef were from Japan. The menu was in Japanese. The fish, wow, I haven't tasted anything so fresh since Japan, and this was definitely on the higher end of the freshness scale. You'd never guess from its location that this was such an amazing spot for authentic sushi; it's sandwiched in a strip-mall type building about a block from Arlington High School. Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside. Go in!!
(5)
Michelle L.
This place is simply great. It is a small place with very simple deco. Low-key, warm, friendly, and relaxing. Very simple food but every little thing is divine and delicious. There is always a line during dinner time, even heavy snow days this restaurant won't be empty.
(5)
Maria V.
I am totally not reviewing this place. As far as y'all are concerned, I didn't go and I didn't have a fabulous extremely filling and wonderfully high-quality chirashi sushi plate. From what I've heard (not that I've been there) Toraya is not only Japanese-run, the sushi and cooked foods are as authentic in the Boston area as you could possibly find. It's my guess that as the food is so delicious, it's not exactly the cheapest place, but I'd bet it's pretty worth it. People do call it a hole in the wall, so apparently the masses have yet to discover this treasure. After all, if lots of people started flocking here to taste the absolutely delectable Japanese fare (or so I've heard), it'd be pretty hard to find a table... So shhh. You didn't hear about it from me.
(5)
S B.
I was pretty let down by this place. I only got it once, so should probably try it again. The sushi was good, not incredible. They give you significantly less ginger than Mr. Sushi does, and the quality of their maki rolls does not make up for it. It's small and gets crowded easily, although everyone who worked there was very nice. I'd go to Mr. Sushi to get your fix.
(2)
Licong L.
I came here with a friend for the chirashi. Yes the wait was a bit long (can't really blame anyone though, it isn't a huge place), but the food was really excellent. I usually judge the quality of a sushi restaurant not only by the quality of the fish, but also the quality of the rice. And boy, the rice here is really really good. So good that I was grabbing for every last grain in the chirashi that I ordered. Somewhat pricy, yes, but not ridiculous like some of the Boston places, and certainly worth the splurge once in a while.
(5)
William L.
Hands down my favorite sushi place in the Boston area, and I've frequented it for the last 6 years. They do great traditional sushi, and the sushi chef here is from Japan and very skilled. The nigiri is well-made, the rice is packed just right and the fish is very fresh and cut extremely well. I typically get the sushi moriawase, which is a sushi sampler which has 8 pieces of nigiri and a maki roll (typically tuna or salmon), for a decent price (I think for lunch it's $13). The only hot foods I get here are agedashi tofu, fried baby octopus, and fried aji (Japanese horse mackerel), but I can vouch for those three. I probably wouldn't recommend this place if you're just going for hot food, as that's not what their specialty really is. For sushi, though, they are the best traditional sushi I've had in the US, and the best I've had outside Japan. However, if you're a fan of over-the-top rolls like you'd get at Super Fusion Cuisine, or you love rolls with mango and avocado and all sorts of fancy stuff, then this is not the place for that.
(5)
Chloe S.
This place is amazing. There is only one sushi chef and he does ALL the sushi. All of it every day. He also personally hand selects the fish daily at the fish market. This is a man who is Passionate with a capital P about his craft. The fish is always fresh and flavorful and perfectly cut, the rice is always spot on, and this is a really, really nice attention to detail but the fish is always the right temperature. It's not too cold when he serves it, which is a mistake the vast majority of sushi places make. I always order the chef's choice combos because he knows what's best. I have brought several out of town guests here and they've all been blown away.
(5)
David T.
Great traditional Japanese sushi in a no-frills setting. No over-the-top American rolls here. The quality of the food and the relatively low price for this quality is amazing. This is a very small restaurant. There are only 6 small tables and a very small counter. There is one Japanese sushi chef and one waitress. The waitress is very friendly, but can be stretched thin covering the tables and takeout. Their Chirashi is astoundingly good. You get a wide selection fo fish and plenty of it. They use real sushi rice, so its nice and starchy. The Uzaku (eel and cucumber with vinagar sauce) is delicious. The Kyuri-momi cucumber salad was also very good. The tori no aspari maki (green asparagus rolled in teriyaki chicken) was quite good and something I have not seen at many other restaurants. Asparagus wrapped with very thin beef pieces is more common. I still prefer this with beef as you can slice the beef thinner so the dish is more about the asparagus than the meat. But preferences aside this is a nice variation.
(4)
kim s.
There are five tables and four counter seats so be prepared for a long wait to eat (I waited about 30 minutes). The sushi and sashimi is very good and all prepared from scratch. Pricing is reasonable and service is good as well. Next time I think I will call ahead and get take out.
(4)
Peter S.
Really good sushi served in authentic setting. You know you are in the right place when the menu comes in English and Japanese. The chef seems like a very competent Japanese sushi chef too. The portions were very good for a sushi restaurant and the staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sylvia C.
Definitely can see why fellow Yelpers rave about this place. Though the place is small - it's worth the lil wait. They don't have a huge menu or a ton of maki rolls to choose but everything they serve was well executed...at least from what we'd ordered. - Fried baby octopus - crispy on the outside and tender inside - Beef tongue - tenderly prepared - Small sashimi plate - great assortment and knife skill set - Salmon with tofu wrapped in bamboo leaves - flavorful and nice contrast in texture - Salmon and tobiko sashimi - thin sweet slices and sweet lil bits of yumminess - Spicy salmon and yellowtail maki rolls All expectations met. =)
(4)
Jimmy B.
Ah I was so hoping this place would be a 5, but am settling on a 4, which solely is based on their signature item - the one and only Chirashi bowl: Value-wise, 5 stars. $12 for a lunch bowl of tasty Chirashi? Good luck finding that anywhere else. This jumps to $18 for dinner though, so this place will remain a lunch-only establishment for me. Variety, fantastic! I've never seen so many different types of slices in a Chirashi bowl as this place. Ranges from your standard of salmon and tuna to unique toppings such as marinated sliced shiitake mushrooms, tender tamago, and tuna roll pieces. Great! However, because there were so many different types of toppings on here, the size was much smaller than I had imagined (the pictures make them look so much bigger). But, for $12, I guess that's what you can expect! Quality. Here's where I was a bit disappointed - and this may be partial to the fact I had take-out. Although the sushi was solid, it wasn't necessarily near the best in Boston. With the fact that there is limited seating and management will sometimes turn away take-out orders, I'm surprised it wasn't better. It just didn't have the wow factor that really fresh and expertly prepared sushi gives me - for a few dollars more, I'd go to Daikanyama in Lexington if my priority was quality.
(4)
Karen N.
Well color us unimpressed. We came in with high hopes as it had four stars but we've definitely had better -- even in the Boston area. It wasn't bad sushi but there was nothing special about the food and given the small tables and slow/unfriendly service, we can only rate it two stars for "Meh - We've experienced better." My partner had the sushi deluxe which was good but not great. We've had better at fast-food type sushi places. I had the tonkatsu, which was good but even the tonkatsu at the food court in the Mitsuwa at Fort Lee, NJ was better. It's not terrible food but I think Arlington could do much better. Perhaps go there if you have a craving for Japanese food and don't want to take the T into the city, but it's not worth going out of your way for. (signed by two Japanese-Japanese women who went out of their way to go there).
(2)
Amy D.
3.5 stars but rounding up. During my work trips to Waltham, MA, I usually make a point to check out new Japanese restaurants in the area. Toraya was next on my list, and I called in my order late on a Thursday night (around 8pm). They had it ready by the time I got there 20 minutes later, and I tried: -Chirashi (Assortment of Fresh Fish, Eggs, Vegetables Over Sushi Rice, $18.50, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): The assortment of different fish in their chirashi was nice, since you don't always get as many types of fish or a couple pieces of toro. However, the pieces were a little too small for my preference, and I would have preferred larger slices. The fish was fresh though, and I would consider ordering this again. -Uni/Sea Urchin Nigiri ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): Good, but I was super full from eating half the chirashi, and wish I could have requested they add uni to the chirashi for an added price (I tried asking over the phone and got rejected). Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Toraya, and will have to come back and order other items. The restaurant is small, so call ahead of time if you're planning on dining in. Parking here is horrible since they do not have a parking lot and there isn't much street parking available.
(4)
Heather L.
Delicious. Fresh sushi. This is what the eating experience of sushi should be like. Yeah, there are those times when you just need to stuff your face with AYCE sushi while wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants, but if you're in the mood to savor, to enjoy melt in your mouth sashimi, then come here. I got the sashimi lunch special, which also came with a bowl of white rice and a bowl of miso soup. For $11.95, I would say that's a pretty great deal. To be fair, I am not a connoisseur of sushi, but I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others!
(5)
Myra T.
This place may place Arlington Sushi on the map, great service is key, The food is fresh not frozen, quality, they take the time to be sure of what you want not just fast and funky.
(4)
Damien S.
Stop, collaborate and listen: the chirashi lunch bowl. Get here when Toraya opens. Do not bring a group; there are six tables. (As a matter of fact, going solo is best.) Order the chirashi bowl. For $12, you'll get PERFECT SASHIMI - the freshness, the cut, the variety, the balance of flavors - over a heap of slightly sweet sushi rice. And a durn fine cuppa miso. And tea. And a smile, because, hey, you're attractive. The surf clam, the mackerel, hell, even the tamago... I've not had higher quality sashimi in the greater Boston fast casual scene. Is it as good as others claim? It's better. Bold statement? I dare you to prove me wrong. This review will not be any longer because I'm afraid it wouldn't be able to fit in the restaurant's tiny, tiny space. It's wee.
(5)
Christine J.
Horrible service. They let another girl take a whole table for 4 while none of their party arrived. While there were 2 parties standing waiting for a table. The worst Japanese place for service. Rude and inattentive. The best food and sushi chef but the worst waiters. I've endured their bad service for a long time now. This was the tipping point. Simply ridiculous.
(1)
Deanna D.
I've been here for lunch at least once a month for the past 2 years, and love this place (obviously). The Chirashi, seaweed salad, and sashimi box are all perfection. They also have a nice small selection of sake, and the service is always efficient and friendly. The prices are very reasonable considering the variety, quality and quantity of sashimi. Get there before noon to avoid the wait. The ambiance is not particularly interesting, but I come here for the great sushi, not for the fancy ambiance.
(4)
Kevin L.
This place never ceases to disappoint me! By now, I've had 10 + Toraya vists. Ordered the sushi moriawase and it was amazing. The freshness of the seafood says it all. The sushi chef never serves the same sushi or sashimi; he picks the freshest selection each day. This also pertains to the chirashi bowl as well.
(5)
Ziyan C.
This is my best friend's favorite sushi spot in Boston for its quality of fish, value, and vibe. I'm so glad she took me here the last time I was in town! Everything was well-made and had quality ingredients. Nothing super fancy, just your classic sushi. Toraya is a very tiny, unassuming spot. There's one old, very wise-looking sushi chef behind the counter, and one very friendly server running the whole restaurant. All your dishes come in differently designed plates/bowls that look different; I love that they all look different and are each beautiful! It has the small local business vibe. THE SERVICE: The one server is always scurrying around, she has so much to do, but it's easy to catch her eye to ask for something, and she will always help with whatever you ask for. She works quickly and the food is always timely. THE WAIT: There was no wait around noon on a Friday for 2 at the sushi bar. There was a small wait for a table, but that seemed to move pretty fast. THE COST: Not bad at all. We got a ton of stuff for and it came out to $46 total for two. TORAYA LUNCH: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Sashimi (assortment of sliced, fresh raw fish. $11.95) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A good mix of fish! Very fresh & tasty. It's a little odd that most things came in 3 pieces, some in 2. It made it a little hard to share between the two of us. * Side: Agedashi tofu (fried tofu, served in a special sauce w/ scallion & daikon radish. $6.75) - 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… The fried breading was softer than I've had at other Japanese restaurants so it didn't really add crunch; rather, it was like a mushy bundle of stuff that came off of the tofu excessively easily. When you take a bite, all of it tends to come off in one piece. However, the flavor of the sauce was excellent, the scallion crunchy and fresh, and I really liked the grated radish that added that extra bit of sharp flavor and texture. DONBURI & NOODLES: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Tempura Udon (noodle soup with shrimp tempura Japanese wheat noodles or Buckwheat noodles. $8.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A nice simple broth, very thick and soft udon, a soft fried tempura on the shrimp. Good! SUSHI A LA CARTE: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Banzai Maki (fried soft-shell crab w/ spicy mayo. $9.50) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… I love spider rolls generally and had to get this! I guess I see a pattern that Toraya's tempura tends to be on the soft side. That's not my personal preference, but maybe it is just their style. The crab in this roll, once again, had a softer tempura. Not enough crunch! Also, there wasn't much temperature contrast between the rice and the crab. Both were a little above room temperature; I like it rather when the crab is hot, like it was just fried, and the rice colder! I couldn't taste the spicy mayo either so the flavor was pretty bland. My friend noticed that their sushi rice doesn't have vinegar in it. This was still overall enjoyable.
(4)
Qianwen W.
My favorite Japanese restaurant! I have been there for two years and never got anything not good! The house sake is a must try, with the sashimi!
(5)
Nate Y.
I'm just going to repeat what others have said; It's a small place, so better to come early, and not have a big group. The Chirashi bowl is a deal with a large variety of chef's choice bite-size sashimi over sushi rice. Comes with a bowl of miso soup. Doesn't get much better.
(4)
Joichi I.
As advertised, they do not take reservations so we arrived and had to wait. It was a bit strange that there was almost no acknowledgement that we were there and the service was dry and not very friendly. The sushi and the food was fairly good but the waitress we had didn't even know what "shishamo" was even though it was on the menu so we had to point at it. Considering the lack of reservations, the service, and the only incremental quality difference of the food - unlikely it will be a regular place for us to go.
(3)
Sarah A.
I'm... very confused. What had been suggested as some of the "best sushi" near Boston ended up being a very disappointing experience. I hesitated to write this review because I have been on a long journey to find amazing sushi in Boston. Run by a Japanese sushi chef, I had high hopes that this would be "the one". Upon entering the establishment, I surveyed the quaint restaurant and noticed, as other reviewers had, that there was only one sushi chef and one waitress who seemed extremely busy. We arrived exactly at 11:30am and unfortunately had just missed the first seating so had to wait at the entrance of the tiny shop for over an hour for a seat for 2 adults and a baby. I used this hour to observe the sushi chef. From what I observed, I had high hopes that this would prove to be the most authentic sushi experience that I would experience in Massachusetts. After waiting an hour, my expectations were at an all time high. We ordered the iidako karaage (deep fried baby octopus) to start and I ordered the chirashi and ikura nigiri. The food took about 30 minutes and when it arrived, I was so excited to dig in. The iidako karaage came out and I wasn't impressed with how greasy it was. The octopus also didn't taste fresh. The next item I had was the ikura. ...................... oh no. It tasted like the ikura had gone bad. It had this putrid spoiled taste to it that signified that it had probably been defrosted and left out at room temperature for too long. Really quite gross. I then dug into my chirashi. The fish was good, but the rice was horrible. Like, really really inedibly bad. It had little to no flavor and was incredibly mushy (it was obviously made with way too much water). Some sushi chefs claim that the rice in sushi is more important than the fish, as the sushi chef has complete control over the rice vs. the fish which can vary from day-to-day depending on their source. I left all of my rice, it was that bad. I couldn't believe it! After all the hype and positive reviews... Another thing to note was the service. I understand that the waitress is extremely busy but that doesn't excuse her from being rude. There were two instances where she was very condescending to my friend and I, and we were both very put-off by her attitude. Overall a 1 star experience but it's obvious to any customer how hard both the sushi chef and waitress work so I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
(2)
Marlana Y.
Chirashi lunch special is amazing and you can tell that each fish and the way it's set was thoughtfully prepared. The space is a bit small so I would suggest going late lunch or early dinner or get take out. I was so full after this meal that I could barely finish it! But I will because it's so delicious!!!! Free green tea! I never understood why people made such a big deal over miso soup but their miso soup was fantastic! Love the saltiness of it!
(5)
Hana K.
日本人ã®æ–¹ã€æ˜¯éžã‚ªã‚¹ã‚¹ãƒ¡ã§ã™ï¼ã”ã¡ãã†ã•ã¾ã§ã—ãŸã€‚Growing up in Japan, I struggle to find authentic sushi in Boston. Anywhere that serves spicy mayo or crunchy tuna (as delicious as it is) is not REAL Japanese sushi. Toraya, on the other hand, run by a Japanese family with the husband slicing each sashimi behind the counter and wife courteously serving every customer, is so authentic it would bring nostalgia to any Japanese or those who have visited Japan. I highly recommend the SUSHI DELUXE (though on the pricey side at $20.50), the quality and variety you get is unbeatable. Try to guess their sushi names by looking at the fun poster on the wall. NOTE: They do not take reservations so do not come here with a big group and try to come well ahead of time!
(5)
Yasmin C.
Hmmm, pretty good but nothing to write home about. All of the great reviews and the fact that the place was packed got my expectations up a bit, but I wasn't super impressed. My brother and I waited about 15 minutes around Saturday lunch, and were then seated at the bar. Service was a tad slow, though not surprising since there was only one server in the place. My maki and nigiri combo was very reasonably priced and fresh, but really nothing super special. Nice variety, good fish, and that's it. Shamefully, I peg every sushi place against my favorite delicious spot in San Diego, where the fish literally melts in your mouth. Honestly, nowhere ever really matches up so trying new sushi places is always tough for me. I would definitely come back but not expecting to be wowed!
(3)
Chris O.
I hate to review this place because I don't want it to blow up. I think it's too late though. This is the best sushi in Boston.
(5)
Phil C.
Yes, there are some of the big boys, in terms of sushi, in the vicinity of Toraya, but for my money, I think I'd rather come here. Toraya is simple elegance, personified. The last time I visited was for lunch before a meeting. I went for the sashimi lunch set. The miso soup was good, and definitely a nice starter. However, the sashimi was fantastic. The colorful assortment of sliced fish was beautifully, yet simply arranged to make the plate attractive. The tuna was excellent, along with the salmon, octopus, and clam. All of it tasted fresh and went well with the wasabi and soy sauce. There were less common pieces like spanish mackerel. I know rice is something that doesn't get reviewed often, but it's important in something like this: it was above-average. Service was terrific as the server was extremely prompt and polite. I was a little fortunate to find a spot to sit just as I entered. I don't expect to be so fortunate the next time around.
(5)
Joanna C.
The lunch chirashi was really good - honestly, not the best I've had (I've had chirashi where they season the rice with cut up vegetables and pickles and other insane goodness - which after reading about how good this Chirashi was I was kind of expecting, which was just my overblown expectations)! I started with their pork goyza which was pretty good. It's a tiny place so the tables fill up fast! The server here was SO sweet! She didn't let my tea cup go lower than half a cup, and she handled all of the tables so well! Amazing service!
(4)
Brian F.
I've been to Japan several times, and Toraya is in the same league as the best I've had there. It's small, a few tables and the bar. The chef is from Japan and skillfully prepares your meal to his high standards. The fish is fresh and delicious. My test of sushi is the mackerel. Here it was delightful and mild,. The rice is prepared properly, not plain rice, but with a nice bit of rice vinegar. I'm not a sake connoisseur, but one time we had it, it pleased everyone. Service has been one waitress for the room, but efficient. It's totally in line with what a social, multi-course dinner should be. I wouldn't call it a fancy restaurant exactly, but everything is top notch, at a reasonable price This is where I treated my new boss and a former colleague who gave me a great recommendation for the new job. It's the kind of restaurant that you can take clients, bosses, dates, etc., to because the atmosphere and food are such a good experience. The chef is also a high-rank black belt in Aikido, so don't think about doing a dine and dash!
(5)
James C.
I am ALWAYS on the hunt for the best sushi, wherever I go. It's a struggle at times to find just that in the Boston area. Then a friend of mine sent me to Toraya and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a very small, cozy sushi bar/restaurant and you can tell the sushi chef is a master at his trade, and proud of his work. Absolutely delicious and great cuts of fish. The one thing Boston lacks is sushi chefs who do their rice properly. Some people overly use rice vinegar, others don't even use it at all. I found Toraya's sushi rice done pretty well, it was subtle yet noticeable in taste and not over/under cooked. Sushi is 80% about well done sushi rice to me, and they did just that. I couldn't complain about how fresh the fish was either :) Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great sushi restaurant in the Boston area, and the 5 stars are earned based on this restaurant's quality compared to what's available in the Boston area.
Came here at an off hour on a Sunday. We were able to sit right away, which apparently is hard to do at any normal hour here. The place is small and the decor is nothing fancy but the service was fine and the food was great. Teriyaki Salmon - Served with rice. the salmon is perfectly marinated in teriyaki sauce. Agedashi Tofu - I only ordered this because of the high praise I saw on Yelp. It is definitely worth getting if you like mushrooms as all. Not that the tofu tastes like mushrooms, just the broth. The tofu has a really unique and rich flavor.
(4)
Steve Y.
This is definitely your hole in the wall joint and I mean that in the utmost respect. It's as authentic as you can get for quality sushi. The place is tiny and doesn't seat many people so be prepared to wait a while on a busy night. We had to sit at the bar which was fine. The table layout wasn't conducive in maximizing utilization as there were a few 4 seaters taken by two people but no biggie. We started off with the seaweed salad and squid tempura and it was delicious. Then we moved on to maki rolls which were flawless. The portions are small but that was perfect for us. For our first time here, we were very happy with the food and our waitress was quite attenitve.
(4)
Michael B.
I've been coming here since it opened. The owner / sushi chef hasn't aged a day, but his virtuosity has only improved. This man is a sushi genius. Their dinner is a great value for the quality, but the lunch value is beyond anything i know. If you love the freshest most carefully prepared raw fish, you will eat every last bit of the chirashi or sashimi. The Agedashi Tofu is the best tofu dish I've ever eaten. I can say the same about the tempura soft shell crab. I could not love this food any more than I do. EDIT: I've seen several reviews criticizing the service here. I don't understand this. In my experience, their service is always excellent.
(5)
Lisa W.
This place is terrible, please don't come here so I can get a seat!!!! Don't believe me? Sigh.. ok. This place is amazing. We stopped by on a Saturday at 11:40am (they open at 11:30), and all the tables were already filled! We luckily got seats at the sushi bar and got to see the master at work. The wait for food was a bit long, but there is only one sushi chef and he's making everyone's lunches! The chirashi.. wow.. it was amazing. The fish just melts in your mouth... I still dream about it. Anyway. Don't come here. All your sushi are belong to us!
(5)
erica l.
Amazing sushi! It's a little hole in the wall kind of place, but is phenomenal. The only problem I've ever had there is the long wait because it's so tiny, but popular.
(4)
Alex K.
Have their own version of sashimi and tempera, very subtle and delicious. The fat level of several type of sashimi are just sublime
(5)
Rainshadow L.
Well, I was really disappointed. 5-6 small tables? It's ok if the food is good. Poor service? It's ok if the food is good. Well, the food was not good. We were there twice, but will not any more. Agedashi tofu was soggy and salty, Chirashi has too little sashimi with too much rice, Sashimi deluxe tasted plain and Gyoza was too hard to chew. We ordered several rolls but don't remember what we ordered since all tasted plain...
(2)
Leslie S.
This is my favorite sushi place on the planet. They are not fancy just good fresh awesomeness. You do have to stand in line to get in for lunch on weekends. You can find my husband in line every Saturday morning fifteen minutes before they open!
(5)
Stephanie C.
Excellent food. Friendly service. Definitely the best sushi place in the whole MA! You can taste the freshness of all their food. Me and my boyfriend lives almost an hour away but it's worth the drive every single time!
(5)
Sharon Z.
The quality here is unbelievable. Thinly sliced to perfect portions, the fish's quality is really top-notch, the freshness comparable to some of the more famous places in Boston (like Oishii) but at an extremely inexpensive price. The simple dishes are the best - pure sushi or sashimi without the fancy makis. The freshness of the everything is evidence, even for the types of sashimi I don't usually get (i.e Tako, Uni), I ended up enjoying them very much. We pretty much sat at the bar and ordered all types of sashimi. The seared salmon is incredible, the regular salmon and hamachi are the melts in your mouth without effort. We went through 2 rounds of orders for sushi and sashimi because it was THAT good. The size of both appetizers and regular dishes are very generous. The chicken hearts yakitori were also very very good. Visit when they just open up for dinner and you won't have to wait!
(5)
Jamie M.
The best! The sushi is always fresh and the lunch specials can't be beat. It is always crowded - and takeout often takes an hour or more but so worth it.
(5)
Nicholas C.
Best Japanese restaurant in the area that I have been to (particularly for sushi). Has affordable (for sushi) and sufficiently filling $11-12 platters for lunch. Also has similar priced bento boxes. It's part of this little cluster of restaurants that also includes Blue Ribbon, and it's one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Linda K.
Simple, straightforward sushi served in a small storefront. Fresh and delicious.
(4)
Thomas L.
Toraya is an excellent sushi restaurant, in the traditional sense. Do not expect spicy sauces, crunchy maki and such. It is small, doesn't take reservations, very quiet and always a good destination. The fish is extremely fresh, cut in front of you by an old Japanese chef. I strongly recommend the sushi special as well as the flan dessert. Everything is simple, cheap yet surprisingly high quality. Simple things such as the miso soup or the green tea are excellent. Advantage: there's a parking lot in the back. Credit cards starting at $15
(4)
Elijah C.
Authentic, delicious, and fresh. Limited hours, but one of the best sushi places around. Can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)
Jeff D.
I have now reviewed a fairly large number of restaurants on Yelp and this place is the best, most authentic sushi joint in greater Boston. I love it and recommend it to everyone I can. no one has ever been disappointed.
(5)
Nicole L.
Best sushi I've had in the whole Boston area. Other stuff (noodles, appetizers, chicken katsu) is also fabulous. The place is tiny and there isn't much space inside to wait, so worth considering if you're trying to go on a Fri/Sat night, but well worth it.
(5)
Corona W.
Fresh sushi and friendly service.
(4)
Silvia V.
This place was highly recommended to my husband by someone. We had high expectations, kind of. Went there on a Tuesday night. There were 5 other people having dinner, three of which were this obnoxiously loud and annoying family. The restaurant is tiny, so unfortunately we couldn't not hear them. That's not the reason I am giving it only two stars. The seafood salad was not what we expected. It was served on a bed of lettuce = weird. The sashimi and sushi were too small. The fish was fresh, but... We ordered lots of food, but I was still hungry after we left. $80 for a dinner in Arlington on a Tuesday night is a bit much. Solid two stars.
(2)
Jamal G.
I came here for lunch and ordered the chirashi bowl because of the other reviews saying that this is the restaurant's specialty. It was great! It came with miso soup, which was very well prepared. I also ordered a spicy salmon hand roll, but it was just ok. The restaurant employees all speak Japanese (not Chinese like at those dime-a-dozen, inauthentic soso sushi places). I think only the waitress speaks English, and she was very efficient. I didn't find myself waiting for anything I needed even though the restaurant was nearly full at noon. I will be coming back again. This place is a bit out of my way, but it's worth it.
(5)
Andre K.
Best sushi in the Boston area! The Maki rolls are delicious. Great service, great sushi, in a very cozy setting. Oh and try the shrimp dumplings!
(5)
Scratchie S.
This place is amazing; one of the reasons my wife and I decided to move to Arlington. We were regulars there for 13 years (less often after we had kids, unfortunately) and never got a bad meal. Our go-to meal was a combination of Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail sashimi and it was always fresh and delicious. I've eaten a lot of sashimi at a lot of other American sushi restaurants and it is rarely as tender and delicious as it is here (what's up with the restaurants that give you a chunk of raw tuna bigger than your thumb??). Service can be a little slow but the atmosphere is always friendly, and they usually have some good jazz playing on the stereo.
(5)
Leila L.
We got sushi moriawase, sashimi combo, smoked chicken heart, and agedashi tofu. After seeing all the good reviews on yelp, I guess I kind of set the bar too high, especially when we drove 20 mins to get here and waited for another 20 mins for our seats for a Saturday lunch. The place is very small, but still since there was only one waitress there, she is in charge of everything, which makes eh situation kinda messed. The food is okay - seriously, average okay, not significantly better than any other sushi place I tried in boston area. My bf says the fish and wasabi is definitely better, but I don't feel it. Anyways, probably i ll not drive all te way to Arlington to come back for this place unless I have some business in this area.
(3)
Frank E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is simply great yet not too expensive. The chef is hard working and so is the waitress. The restaurant is very small though and is almost always packed. What else do you expect for such a great place?
(5)
Yow-Bang W.
This is a restaurant of real pros I would say. The tablewares are not really attractive, service and cleansiness are not impressive, and the portion of their foods are in general small. However, the food is really at a high level that I believe only the sharpest taster can realize that it's probably top of the top.
(4)
Ben C.
Overrated. I tried twice because of the good reviews. Kind of sad: Boston needs better sushi restaurants. BTW, I only rated for sushi; maybe others are good?
(2)
Mike Q.
Small place like 6 tables. I thought it was ok but my sushi loving friends loved it.
(4)
Gustavo D.
By far the BEST sushi restaurant that I've ever been in the United States. Authentic Japanese itamae making the sushi. Words cannot describe how good this sushi is, you have to go and try it by yourself. The place is tiny, it reminds me of the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi's restaurant in Tokyo. Expect long lines on weekends.
(5)
J K.
My favorite Sushi place! The Sashimi bento is my favorite, and the waitress that works there is beyond polite! I go here for celebratory meals, even birthdays :)
(5)
Shiori S.
Food was OK but not so good. Taste was like instant food. The meat in the yosenabe was very stick. The worst was the attitude of the shop staff. They were so rude. It was not like Japanese style. I was sooooo disappointed...
(1)
Bryce H.
Had a wrong review. This spot is one of my favorite. Sorry for the confusion fellas
(4)
Sam S.
The place is small but it is definitely worth it. The maki is fresh and you can watch it all get made before your eyes. An endless river of green tea and sake to boot! A true gem in the town of Arlington.
(5)
Sue H.
Toraya is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. By Boston standards, I would say it is as authentic as it gets. It is a hole in the wall and has limited offerings and seating, but there are great daily specials posted on a board by the entrance that I highly recommend trying. Some of my favorite dishes are the grilled chicken hearts, shrimp and vegetable tempura, aji fry, nabe, and sushi. They're all total comfort foods and seem to be made with lots of care. Also, I would recommend trying to go for lunch sometime because their lunch menu is amazing. I love their bento boxes and lunch sets! They're delicious and are a total bang for your buck. It's a humble restaurant with homey food. There's only one sushi chef and one waitress at all times! The only draw I can really find in Toraya is its size. It's teeny! Then again, I would say that's almost part of its charm. I can imagine that when it gets busy, it can take forever to get a table. Luckily for me, I've never really had a problem getting seated, so who am I to complain? While it is a little out of my way, I'd say it's totally worth the drive up to Arlington. Go try it and be amazed.
(4)
J C.
A gem you wouldn't expect to find in Arlington. Getting a seat at dinner is impossible, so go earlier. The fish is extremely fresh and everything is reasonably priced.
(4)
Ramon L.
A five star place for boston, and 2 3/4 stars in Japan, but cannot give 5 stars though. Boston has horrible sushi and this is the only place I will eat sushi in Boston. It is the only REAL Japanese sushi restaurant. Very small place, nice service. If you want real Japanese sushi, come here, if not go everywhere else. SOmetimes tuna needs to be more red, but cant complain for Boston
(4)
Jiyea C.
I guess the third time's the charm with Toraya, because that is how many tries it took for me to finally get my hands on the lunch here. The first time, I called 20 minutes after opening on a Saturday to put in an order for takeout, but was told that the restaurant was very busy and would not be taking any takeout orders for the entire day. The following Monday, I tried ordering again but realized that they were not open on Mondays. So, the next day, I decided to put an alarm on my phone at 11:29am (one minute before opening) so I could put in a takeout order as soon as Toraya opened for the day. What an ordeal to satisfy a sushi craving! After those two tries, I couldn't possibly settle for anything less than what people called the one of the best sushi joints in Boston! Anyway, I call at 11:30am and this time, I am able to put in an order!!!! And while some older reviews say that Toraya is not offering takeout for items on their sushi menu, this was not the case because I was able to order the lunch chirashi and the sushi moriawase. I asked the lady with the cute voice (with a slight Japanese accent--a good sign when the employees of a sushi restaurant sound Japanese in my book) when my order would be ready, and she said 30 minutes, which was perfect because it would take quite a while for me to get all the way past Arlington Center from Harvard Square on the 77 bus. Approximately 32 minute later, I had a brown paper bag filled with my sushi moriawase and my friend's chirashi + miso soup for each of us! W I N! Without further ado, the food! OhMyGosh it was D E L I C I O U S! Fish tasted fresh, buttery, almost sweet and the variety was great. My dish came with a tuna roll, which was also good in terms of fish quality but the wasabi wasn't quite distributed well. Two pieces a lot of wasabi (it was a little surprise in my mouth) but the remaining pieces did not taste like wasabi at all! Hmm. I found inconsistency with the rice as well. The rice that came with my hamachi nigiri tasted a little soggy, but the other pieces were fine, not only in terms of consistency but also taste. I prefer my sushi rice a little tangy, and the rice at Toraya was the perfect vinegar-y taste. Love it, and really wanted to comment on the rice because so much of the time, the rice is overlooked with sushi, when actually it's one of the most important/crucial foundations of a good piece of sushi. (I think I read somewhere that sushi chefs spend their first decade or so of training perfecting sushi rice. Sounds crazy, huh?) Maybe the sushi chef put in more effort for the rice for my friend's chirashi, because I took a few bites from my friend's lunch and every bite was perfect! She was satisfied with every single fish in her chirashi, and said that even the octopus, which she normally doesn't like, was good! I have the same issue with octopus too, because I've experienced rubbery-tasting octopus on chirashi before, but this one was not rubbery at all! (She gave me a piece, hehe. I think she was feeling more generous about sharing because it was I who went alllll~ the way to Toraya by myself to pick up our order--she was in class.) I'm perfectly aware that I'm being extra picky about the food at Toraya because it was so hyped on Yelp, and because I had to put in a little more effort than usual in order to try it. This doesn't mean that I didn't LOVE the food though! Despite the minor hiccups that I mentioned above, Toraya is a very solid choice for sushi and I can understand why people consider this place one of the best in Boston. I don't think i've tried enough sushi here to say that this is the very best, but I will say that it's the most authentic sushi I have tried here and that the quality of fish x price point is EXCELLENT. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations and sometimes refuses takeout orders but it's worth a visit if you have a craving for delicious raw fish. I don't believe this is a place you would go for specialty rolls, but the fish stands out on its own so why would you want to douse it with extra ingredients and sauces anyway?
(4)
Steve M.
I want to thank all of the Yelp reviewers who come to Mr. Toraya's restaurant with (silly) expectations and leave poor reviews on this site. Because of you, my family and I know that we will be able to be seated on a weeknight at our favorite sushi venue if we arrive by 7 p.m. (unfortunately you now need to arrive a little earlier than that on the weekends). Most every criticism of Toraya that I have read is very true - the space is cramped and simple, the pace is slow, the waits can be long, they only have green tea, the (one) waiter can be overworked and brusque, and the Maki selection is limited, blah, blah, blah. Please let these criticisms color your judgement when you consider Toraya! A few helpful tips: 1. Keep your eyes peeled for the little specials marker-board near the entry. If Mr. Toraya is serving Toro sushi (which is not often), please leave it for me! 2. Usually the Uni (see urchin gonads) sushi is extremely fresh when available - please leave that for me as well. 3. The tempura at Toraya is extremely light and flaky, my son loves it. Have as much as you like!
(5)
vincent j.
Japanese restaurant owns by Japanese. Great egg and tuna sushi.
(5)
Xun L.
Very authentic Japanese sushi restaurant.Their atmosphere and food are amazing!
(5)
Helen V.
Please don't come here.... Number 1: This makes the wait even longer, for locals like me who need their chirashi lunch fix--the 20 person seating is also another reason. Number 2: Since everyone is packing into the restaurant, I can't even place a takeout order over the phone to avoid the packed restaurant. :( Number 3: There is only one sushi chef and he's pretty skillful with the sushi knife. He takes a lot of care with his ingredients. When it's as busy as it has been, I can't even say hi/bye to him; he'll never know about his most loyal customer. So shhhh...I want this to be my little secret, hole in the wall, authentic Japanese eatery. (It's less than a mile away with modest prices, great food and a diligent sushi chef.)
(4)
Emily S.
Meh. Am I missing something???? This is suppose to be THE place for sushi in the area but after having their maki for a second time recently I'm still not that impressed. I'll try them again but thus far I don't see what all the 5 stars are about.
(3)
Denise B.
Sushi is very good and consistent. Love the chirashi! We usually go during lunch to avoid the crowds. Great food and value for the lunch menu is excellent. Get here early or expect to wait, especially at dinnertime. As the other reviews mentioned, there are only six tables and the sushi bar. The sushi chef takes pride and care in his work though. Never disappointed. Allow ample time if phoning in a take out order during dinner.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Maria V.
I am totally not reviewing this place. As far as y'all are concerned, I didn't go and I didn't have a fabulous extremely filling and wonderfully high-quality chirashi sushi plate. From what I've heard (not that I've been there) Toraya is not only Japanese-run, the sushi and cooked foods are as authentic in the Boston area as you could possibly find. It's my guess that as the food is so delicious, it's not exactly the cheapest place, but I'd bet it's pretty worth it. People do call it a hole in the wall, so apparently the masses have yet to discover this treasure. After all, if lots of people started flocking here to taste the absolutely delectable Japanese fare (or so I've heard), it'd be pretty hard to find a table... So shhh. You didn't hear about it from me.
(5)S B.
I was pretty let down by this place. I only got it once, so should probably try it again. The sushi was good, not incredible. They give you significantly less ginger than Mr. Sushi does, and the quality of their maki rolls does not make up for it. It's small and gets crowded easily, although everyone who worked there was very nice. I'd go to Mr. Sushi to get your fix.
(2)Licong L.
I came here with a friend for the chirashi. Yes the wait was a bit long (can't really blame anyone though, it isn't a huge place), but the food was really excellent. I usually judge the quality of a sushi restaurant not only by the quality of the fish, but also the quality of the rice. And boy, the rice here is really really good. So good that I was grabbing for every last grain in the chirashi that I ordered. Somewhat pricy, yes, but not ridiculous like some of the Boston places, and certainly worth the splurge once in a while.
(5)Ilya Jacob R.
Walking into this place, I felt like it was going to be a unique experience. I was partly right. Most sushi places give you a menu and a long half sheet to choose your sushi. Nope. You tell the waitress what you want - not a bad thing in itself, but we order less than we usually do because I couldn't go nuts and just mark off a bunch stuff. Otherwise, we ordered our usual appetizer: edamame. It took a while for it to come. Why? Because they serve it cold. This is the first time I've had it cold, so I guess it takes longer because they cook it then cool it. It would've been helpful if I had known more about this in advance...The sushi was decent, nothing to write on Yelp about...oh wait...nevermind...but it was good enough for a small little place. Some of the sushi rolls were smaller than what I usually get. Unique indeed...maybe unusual would be more appropriate...
(3)Lynette M.
This is one of two Japanese owned restaurants Ive found in the city. It's bare bones but it's good
(4)Tai Z.
Really delicious food, amusingly spartan decor, Japanese staff. There is only one waitress, so sometimes she is harried even though it is a tiny restaurant, but she is quite capable and friendly. Today I had the tempura bento box and a side order of salmon maki. Everything was quite oishii and fairly priced for lunch. The box came with lots of fun Japanese accoutrements, including sprinkles on the rice and pickled vegetables, gyoza, etc. I was surprised that they don't sell gift certificates; I thought they were pretty much a can't-lose situation for the seller. (Perhaps the waitress is so harried already she couldn't deal with one more task!) I would give it 5 stars if they improved the decor. Itadakimasu!
(4)Claire W.
Well I am still on the look for a replacement for New Ginza's Teriyaki lunch special (which replaced my previous haunt Toyko CIty in Allston) I have been to Toraya once only and for lunch so here is what I thought: This place is seriously tiny! Intimate though and the toilet is more than ample for a wheelchair, once you get past the tables to it. I ordered a Bento box chicken teriyaki. lovely sides, complex and exciting. Tea was served without request and for free. It was more than I wanted to pay, but let's be honest, I am cheap. The next week I tried the less expensive Mr. Sushi three blocks away and the food was not nearly as complex. One thing really stuck in my mind. There were two burly biker guys sitting at the minature sushi bar having the time of their lives and having what appeared to be a very happy conversation with the sushi chef. I kept thinking one of them would fall off the little stools but they never did. It made the experience so warm and inviting just a few tables enjoying the food with no pretense. I guess we must have come early as the place began to rapidly fill even at lunch time and we hurried ourselves up to make room. The very nice waitress did not hurry us, we just felt a tad guilty. Parking was easy but I don't think I'd try to fight the crowds at dinner. Give this place a try!
(4)Zachary A.
Favorite place in Boston for Sushi. Like everyone else mentioned it's the only place I'll go. However...be prepared for a wait as the place is tiny (but well worth it)
(5)Monica T.
This is the only place in the Boston area that I go to everytime I visit. It's soooo great. The sushi is fresh and the service is wonderful. The big reason I go to Toraya is not for the Sushi though, it's for the Wafu steak. Sooo Yummy! I have tried recreating it here in Cali, with little success.
(5)R I.
This place serves the best and authentic Sushi in Boston. I highly recommend their "Chirashi". Unlike other places, Toraya's Chirashi has probably 20 different kinds of fish on the rice. It's always so fresh and yummy. :)
(5)S. A.
I loved this place, it's small, so big groups probably aren't a good idea. It looks like a mom n pop place. Very welcoming and really really fresh fish. The prices are reasonable, not cheaper than usual but not pricey either. The miso isn't salty but just right. The service was great, even though it was very busy. There's parking in the back in a lot. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)marlene a.
WOW! FRESH like I never knew possible. I expected my food to swim off the plate. At first I thought I was not going to like this place, but WOW was I wrong! It is tiny, and there WILL be a wait...but then you will have your own little piece of seafood heaven & KNOW it was all worth it. I was a little PO'ed that my dinner companion & I had to share a menu (they did not have enough to accommodate everyone in the place). I felt like the A/C should have been cranking...it was a little warm. No open tables, so we sat at the bar (no biggie because I think that is the best seat in the house). I was pretty sure I was in for a less then wonderful experience... was I so wrong! A waitress FINALLY (and yes there was only 1 waitress) came over . We started with Kaiso salad. It was pretty much the same as you get anywhere, but the Tako (octopus & veggies in vinegar) blew me away! Perfectly done (not too chewy), thinly sliced with MOST delish vinegar sauce w/ yummy thin sliced pickle's...Nomm nomm nommm Gyoza, done right; fried to perfection. So far so good. Now to the main course: I hated that they did not have my favorite, "fatty tuna" on the menu. They did say that they run it as special. California Maki (boring I know) but in all fairness the avocado prefect ripeness not to mushy, rice was prefectly seasoned. Maguro, Anago, Sake Maki...did I say WOW! fresh fresh fresh! I thought it would swim off the plate. Sushi rice was great...not to sweet or vinegary. I washed all down with a light Kirin...HEAVEN! I was going to Porter exchange for an occasional fix, and had lost hope of ever finding a true sushi chef & REAL Japanese place. Could have been 5 stars, if they carried fatty tuna, waitress was more attentive, A/C was put to better use, food came out in a more timely manor.
(4)Jen N.
I would generally consider myself a sushi newbie. Until recently, I stuck with the philly rolls and tempura rolls and that was about it. But after a heavenly sushi experience in St. Louis of all places, I decided to get with the program and test out the sashimi / nigiri waters. Here's the thing: I am terrified of bad textures and that "not so fresh feeling" smell that you so often encounter at subpar sushi establishments. I just can't bear the thought of shoving a giant hunk of tuna into my mouth that feels like an eraser and tastes like the bottom of an aquarium, and then I'm left there for 45 seconds of awful chewing and trying not to puke. Enter Toraya, a tiny hole in the wall that's rumored to be the best sushi in Boston. This is one of the only sushi places in Boston where I will expand my repertoire and order scary things like octopus or those creepy little fish egg things. Everything is so fresh and tasty that it's hard to go anywhere else. I tried the surf clam nigiri, which was actually really chewy because that's just how it is, and it didn't freak me out at all. The fatty tuna is just phenomenal. Nothing tasted like an aquarium and I didn't almost puke even once. Next time I'm going to try something extra scary and I bet it'll be yummy too. Maybe that one with the raw quail egg on top.
(5)Kristin C.
yum! really great sushi, very reasonably priced. only drawback is that it's tiny...just be prepared to wait.
(4)Sara C.
I went here once and had the sashimi platter, and I was not impressed. The fish quality was hit-or-miss, and the platter itself seemed to be composed of a lot of less expensive filler. Not bad, but not a place I'd go again.
(2)Chris T.
I've been getting into Sushi a lot within the past year, and I can say that i''ve been to many places that offer many kinds of Sushi. I eat sushi about 2 times a week, so I know quality products. This restaurant serves nothing but the freshest products that I have ever had. It was hands down the best sushi experience that I've had. The salmon nigiri melted in my mouth. The Crunchy roll, shimp tempura, and softshell crab rolls were in great portions and offered nothing but pure flavor. The nabeyaki udon was crazy good. All for an amazingly affordable price. I didn't pay more than $9 for a roll, and that is really good considering how pricey some restaurants charge for their lesser quality fish. Though it is small, that will do very little to prevent me from coming back to this place. This is my new go to place for sushi. I will most likely be there at least once this week. Highly recommended.
(5)Glen D.
I hesitate to review this place, because it's already been getting more and more popular as the word spreads... but if you're looking for fantastic sushi, you can't do much better in the Boston area than Toraya. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable in this small traditional place, nothing fancy. But the food! Shinji-san holds court behind the sushi bar and dishes up some of the freshest and best-put-together fish I've had in town. The man makes the best hand rolls ever (if they have toro, which they seem to more often than many other places, the negi-toro hand rolls are outrageous), and they often have interesting specials like scallop, sweet shrimp, and monkfish pate. The rest of their menu shows the same care and attention to detail as the sushi - the miso is perfect, their hot dishes are just the right balance of flavorful and subtle, and even their edamame (served cold) is way better than most. They have a small but well-chosen sake list (I like the Hachitsuru). The only thing missing is dessert, which they don't serve. For authentic and delicious Japanese food, Toraya is a fantastic choice. Just don't tell too many people!
(5)Joji S.
This is the ONLY Japanese restaurant in Boston that I have found (I've been living here since 1990) that is actually an authentic Japanese restaurant. Nothing fancy, just plain Japanese food that hits the spot for a native Japanese like no other place. After discovering this place last year, I have had no desire to go to any other Japanese restaurant in Boston. Also, this is the only place in Boston where everytime I go, the majority of the patrons are Japanese.
(5)Mihir P.
This is a hole in the wall to be proud of! But beware that this place is tiny, so if it's crowded most likely you will be waiting outside until your table is ready. I had the Red Miso Soup which was excellent. Much more flavorful than the traditional and it had these micro mushrooms in it that snapped when I bit into them. Then I had the standard steamed shumai which was very good. Then I had the spicy tuna rolls w/ tempura flakes which was also very good but I've had better (spicier and crunchier). I would definitely go back especially since it is not far from me and the prices are reasonable.
(4)sang l.
Toraya serves probably the best sushi in town but deserves only two stars because of the waitress who is obnoxiously unkind and clueless about service.
(2)Jeffrey T.
Sushi was good. The scallops I had tasted fresh, as did the rest of my sushi. The prices were about average, and the portions were reasonable but not huge. Still I think it was a good deal. The place is very small, but it was crowded when I went in at 5:30 (usually a good sign). All being said, I will probably go back.
(4)Patrick P.
We tried Toraya on a Thursday night. It was obviously the waitress's first night, but surprisingly that turned out all right. We ordered Sapporo's and got the coldest beer I've had in a while. We ordered shrimp tempura and Deep Fried Oysters for appetizers and both were good. Maki rolls were good, but the sushi, especially sea and fresh water eel, had no flavor and gave the impression that it was not fresh. Not a good first impression and won't be going back.
(1)Kim D.
This place was ridiculous. The sushi brought a tear to my eye. Literally. Everything was so fresh and just melt-in-your-mouth. My hubby and I went and split three rolls (yellowtail, eel and spicy tuna) and two types of nigiri (salmon and fluke). It was just incredible. And the Kirin's that washed it all down? Perfection. I want to go back...now. Oh and it was only $43 with a 20% tip...nice!!!!
(5)Anonymous P.
Toraya is good, but I don't think it's *that* good. In my estimation it's better than average sushi at an appropriate price. The fish is tasty to be sure, but it didn't wow me like the fish I've had at Oishii. The sushi menu is limited; they didn't even have toro on the menu or available as a special. I recommend Toraya if you're in the area, but Oishii comparisons seem inapposite.
(4)Tom E.
At some point in the past in both space and time, probably somewhere in California in the last century, lies the primordial pre-cursor to all these sushi restaurants that populate affluent areas in the Western world. No doubt run by Japanese immigrants and most likely a very close approximation to a neighborhood sushi place in Tokyo. Primordial western sushi hit the big time with the California Roll - invented in LA in the 1970s. You can laugh all you like at the non-authenticity of this roll, but there's no doubt that avocado goes well with raw fish and rice and this roll is just as popular in Japan as it is here. So far everything is still lovely, right? The best of the local fresh fish, some imports from the East, Japanese staff and solid traditional recipes done to perfection. But then everything went a bit crazy... Toraya is the perfect place to go enjoy what happened before the madness. Japanese Sushi | | First Sushi in America | | California roll | | (- - - - - - - - - - - - TORAYA | --------------------------(madness)---------------Â----------------- | | | | | | | | | | HUGE | Fish-free Korean Inside-out SUSHI | Sushi sushi sushi | CREATIVE | | | | MAKI | | | Fugayku | Brown rice I Tom gets | O Ya ??? Thai Sushi rice in his problems for | | soy sauce tiny mouths $$$$ Italian sushi?? :(
(4)Sox G.
I found this restaurant on Yelp and wanted to try it out. I'm glad I did-this place has GREAT sushi. It's pretty tiny and the tables are really close, but other than that, it was a great experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I saw some bugs on the table and the windowsill. ick! I would go back though. No silly little bugs would keep me away from this place!
(4)Hilary C.
Love this place! While it doesn't have the and theatrical dishware of more well-known places, the quality of the food and its preparation is top shelf. They never try to drown it in sauces or decorations resembling tropical birds. You get beautiful, fresh, expertly prepared dishes that speak for themselves. Maki are made with a well balanced portion of rice and are firmly rolled, as they should be. Nigiri may have a wasabi booby trap for those of you sensitive to that. Generous portions of fish all around. I even ordered omakase once and got a fantastic mackerel and shiso combination. My personal measure of general fish quality at any sushi place is the mackerel; strongly flavored, but not too oily, dry, firm texture and a clean ocean smell. Toraya never fails to satisfy. Seats 16 or so, with another 6 maybe at the bar.
(4)Ger T.
A real, live, sushi place in the middle of Arlington!? Whoa, I was impressed. The waitstaff and chef were from Japan. The menu was in Japanese. The fish, wow, I haven't tasted anything so fresh since Japan, and this was definitely on the higher end of the freshness scale. You'd never guess from its location that this was such an amazing spot for authentic sushi; it's sandwiched in a strip-mall type building about a block from Arlington High School. Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside. Go in!!
(5)Michelle L.
This place is simply great. It is a small place with very simple deco. Low-key, warm, friendly, and relaxing. Very simple food but every little thing is divine and delicious. There is always a line during dinner time, even heavy snow days this restaurant won't be empty.
(5)Rich C.
An underrated gem (though apparently not on Yelp :). The sushi and the hot food are delicious (try the nabeyaki udon) and I've never been disappointed by the fish quality. The only downside is that once it gets busy you can easily wait 30+ minutes for your sushi order. I've been going to Toraya since it opened and I have never seen anyone other than (I believe) the owner, an older Japanese gentleman, making the sushi -- filling the sushi orders truly is a one-man operation.
(5)Esther K.
Simple, fresh, authentic, and delicious. This is not your average sushi joint. Came here for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. Our first impression: the place is small. The storefront is nondescript and easy to overlook. The interior is equally humble with very minimalistic decor. As we approached, a woman waiting outside told us that it can be a 20-25 minute wait but she added, "it's worth it, especially if it's your first time." So, we waited for a table and sure enough the line grew longer behind us. There's no room to wait inside and no hostess stand; there's no room for one. All told there are only 5.5 tables, and a few seats at the sushi bar, which is where we sat. The place was full of Asians, which I always take as a good sign (Asians know good food). I immediately noticed that the staff including the sushi chef are all Japanese. The sushi chef looks like an honorable man; a legit, old-school sushi chef who's been serving sushi longer than you've been alive. The staff are all attentive, prompt, and polite. The sushi was very good. We ordered the sushi and sashimi combo and the crunchy tuna maki. All of the fish was fresh and delicious. The prices are very reasonable, especially as far as sushi restaurants go. Eat here. Like the woman said, "it's worth it."
(4)Svetlana S.
This review is just for cooked food at this place. Honestly, I expected much better. The food is decent, tastes good but I have definitely tried better. What disappointed me the most is a ratio between their price range and food portion size. Portions were extremely tiny. Other than that, it is ok. I might come back here to actually try the sushi, but I will think twice before doing so.
(3)Ali D.
Let me start by saying that I actually grew up in a seafood restaurant on Cape Cod. So lets just say I know fresh fish! Also, I love sushi. I've eaten at quite a few sushi places in and around boston over the years. Some great, a lot not so good. I have never been disappointed by Toraya. The fish is always so fresh it's almost sweet. It's small and simple, like a great meal. Ps to others who say it expensive, do you know how much sushi grade fish costs? Also, do you really want to eat cheap raw fish?
(5)Lee C.
Authentic Japanese food this way! Soooooo Fresh, I give 5 stars without any hesitation just because of that one reason! And it's opened by Japanese, the place is tiny, but you know it focuses on QUALITY of the food not QUANTITY. Service was great too by the way, waitress kept refilling the tea, and asking about the food, very caring. Sashimi tastes very fresh, sweet, looking transparent!! There were a few dishes definitely worth mentioning: - Sashimi entree (there are at least 8 types of sashimi, salmon was so fresh the fat just melt-in-your mouth instantly) - Daily special - Bonito sashimi + Whelk sashimi (Whelk - soooo crunchy and sweet, which I haven't been able to find on the east coast, it's white in color) - Daily special again - Boiled squid with some sort of sesame sauce, it was cooked just right so that the little whole squids were not too chewy, oh so delicious! What a gem in Arlington, I will be BACK!
(5)Daniel E.
Good sushi, but poor service and very small portions. The restaurant is also very small and you can hear your neighbors entire conversation.
(3)Scarlet A.
Terrible food, terrible service, awful decor.... Oh, just kidding. I'm really hoping you don't crowd up my favorite sushi resturaunt in the Boston area though. If you're looking for the freshest - (and yes, I mean, of all sushi in Boston, this place wins for freshness) - and most authentic, deliciously prepared nigiri and sushi, you need to make a trip out to Toraya. The tiny resturaunt fills up quickly - get here early! Take a seat at the sushi counter and watch the chef hand-prepare your meal. I recommend getting a tamago (egg), saba (mackerel), and hamachi (yellowtail). Stick with nigiri and sushi - don't go for the fancy stuff here. You shouldn't be covering up the delicious, expertly prepared fish with anything extra.
(5)Kristin M.
Tried Toraya for the first time today. I called in a pick up order for the sashimi lunch with a spicy tuna hand roll and an order of ikura. The person who answered the phone had a difficult time understanding what ikura was. After she figured it out, I was told that it would be a 30 minute wait; which I could understand if they were in the middle of a lunch rush, but it was 11:30, just after they opened. Upon opening up the lunch bag, there was no spicy tuna hand roll, but maki instead; not what I ordered. The pieces of sashimi were PATHETICALLY SMALL, as in the size of a nickle, some of them and the yellow tail smelled fishy. They can't get your order right, they can't provide pick up orders in a timely fashion, the quality of the fish is questionable and the portions are sad. AVOID.
(1)Danny F.
Yay for a true Japanese restaurant! And by that I mean one that is owned and run by Japanese. No odd appearances of bulgogi or yaki udon or crazy special rolls. Just excellent sushi/sashimi and comfort food from the kitchen. I LOVE the nabes. Mmmmm. There's nothing better for a cold New England winter night. Best of all, prices are totally reasonable. You don't leave feeling the least bit cheated. There is a downside, and that is the number of seats available. The restaurant is positively tiny. Oh, but it's so cute too, so no points lost there.
(5)Mitch Q.
One of the best sushi bars near Boston. Place is small. Only 5-6 tables. So pack a lot of patience. The food is really worth it.
(5)Carbon T.
I come here on average once a week for lunch. Sometimes I wait in line to eat lunch here. It's a small restaurant with maybe 20 seats in total, staffed by 1 sushi chef, 1 server, and maybe another 1-2 people in the back kitchen. I think everyone who works here is actually Japanese (I am generally wary of chinese/korean run sushi places). The place is not fancy, and the cuts of sashimi are admittedly on the smaller side, but it is always fresh and delicious (anyone else scared of places that charge $1 for sashimi? Where do they get their fish from??). My favorites are the Chirashi and the Sashimi Bento Box. You can tell by the way the miso soup separates after it sits for a couple minutes that it's not some powdered mix they pour into hot water and bring out to you. The green tea is constantly being refilled. I've eaten at many Japanese restaurants before and I think the prices here are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food they serve. The service can be hit or miss... I've seen different waitresses here; one is super nice (the one on the weekdays), but the weekend waitresses tend to be a bit rude at times.
(5)Grains P.
Hair in seaweed salad. UNACCEPTABLE. I used to rave about this restaurant, but I find it very hard to now after my last experience there. The food is still great, but I found a piece of hair mixed in with my seaweed salad. This is really unacceptable for a restaurant. Perhaps it was a fluke, but I can't help but wonder if I'll find more hair in my food next time I go...
(3)John B.
Small authentic Inexpensive Japanese cuisine! Chicken Hearts special was delicious and the Chirashi bowl was overflowing with fresh fishy bites!! Will be visiting again soon
(5)Tim S.
We had dinner their Friday night and it was incredible. Very authentic. I had the sushie deluxe plate with miso soup. It was some of the best miso I have ever had. It had a rich and complex flavoring with very fresh scallions. All the fish was very fresh and well prepared. It is small so be prepared to wait if there is a crowd but it is well worth it.
(5)Andrea B.
I love sushi, so I am really glad to have Toraya literally just down the street from where I live. But since the sushi they serve is really no-frills, plain and simple, I probably will find myself traveling elsewhere when I am in the mood for some really good maki. The place was packed when my friend and I arrived, and from what I hear, it is pretty much always that way. They don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Also, we found out that with the exception of weekend nights, there is only one person waiting on every table in the entire restaurant. Pretty impressive, if you ask me, especially considering the service was good and the one waitress didn't seem frazzled at all. My friend and I got seaweed salad and deep-fried oysters for appetizers. He got the miso soup as well, but I passed on that because I've tried it so many times that I just don't think I'll ever like it. The seaweed salad was good. I really enjoyed the deep-fried oysters, but that probably has more to do with the fact that I will eat deep-fried anything than with the oysters themselves. We ordered a few rolls that were good, especially considering I was really in a sushi mood, but nothing to write home about. So I know many Yelpers gave Toraya a five star rating, but for me, it's a solid three. But I'm sure I'll be back in a pinch when I'm craving a Philadelphia roll or something!
(3)Francis C.
The fish is fresh, the service is great, and the atmosphere is cozy and homely. There is plenty of available parking in the area and it's just far enough away from Cambridge/Somerville. I had the chirashi, which was fresh and had a wide variety of fish. The mackerel, scallops, and hamachi were all very good. Plus the whole thing was $19! When was the last time you had a chirashi bowl with scallops for that price in these parts? My only negative comment is that the cuts were quite small (like a piece of sashimi divided into threes) for the salmon and tuna. Also had the uni, which wasn't as fresh or sweet as I would have hoped at the price of $7 for two pieces. Still, I'm definitely heading back if in the search for sushi, this definitely beats the places I'm familiar with in Cambridge like the shops at Porter Exchange.
(4)TK W.
Legit real Japanese food! My fav is yellowtail collar. They don't have that all the time. You have to try out your luck or call and reserve it.
(5)Patricia S.
It smelled of stale oil and fish. The miso also smelled like fish. The rice in several pieces of the making was falling apart. The wine was fairly good, and the wait staff very nice. The Japanese children in the table next to us were the best part of the entire experience. Still, I can't recommend this place
(1)jon m.
Horrible sushi. Don't even think of coming here. Go to the Stop and Shop across the street for California rolls and La Choy soy sauce instead. (Of course I'm not serious, but this place is only ten minutes walking distance from me and I want to be sure I get a table ... )
(5)Good M.
So far, this is my favorite "hole in the wall" sushi joint. I've had better raw fish and seafood here than most, if not, all sushi places Boston. Here, you get minimal filler and rice and more fish, not the other way around! Sushi is prepared by an elderly and kind master who I believe is the owner. The bill gets pricy if you pig out like I did, but I wouldn't spend my cash like that anywhere else. Don't bother calling and asking stupid questions like "how long?" or putting and names down, this place is first come, first serve. Typical wait time is 40 minutes and do expect to wait outdoors. The largest table seats up to five. Again, this is a hole in the wall joint, something you might see Anthony Bourdain walk into. You will hear every table's conversations. Staff are very accommodating, but leave any snobby or "American standards" attitudes outside. I found parking right at the front door on the street. Beer and Sake are served. Don't expect anything else from this place but the best handmade sushi just outside of Boston!
(4)CJ B.
Awesome Sukiyaki!
(5)Erin C.
Eh...I wasn't wowed. I can see that everyone loves this place so I'm not sure what happened?! Our rolls were ok. Nothing spectacular. Most of them fell apart before we could even start eating them. The soy sauce was probably one of the saltiest things I have ever tasted in my life. After the first dip into the sauce I was almost ruined for the whole night. The price is decent, but not worth a second trip for us.
(2)Manfred S.
Fresh, really fresh. - I asked the boss what's really fresh and he seemed to give an honest recommendation. Today's fluke, tuna and salmon were excellent. One of us had a cooked salmon bento box - no idea why salmon should be cooked though - but she devoured everything with a smile. I hope that my judgement wasn't biased by the cold Kimoto sake flush. Perfect lunch buzz. But be prepared that you may have to wait. I was stunned that the little place was packed at 1 PM today.
(5)Lee N.
I have only been twice but compared to anyplace else within 100 miles this is the best. From reading reviews I think a lot depends on what you like. I have spent lots of time in japan and eaten at a lot of sushi restaurants there including breakfast at Tsukiji market. I tend to like the small "mom and pop" kinds of places with small seating area. You can get very good sushi for a reasonable price. If you like fusion go to Oh Ya and spend 3x. If you like good sushi and a nice small place go to Toraya.
(5)Joe S.
Went solo yesterday and at at the sushi bar, and had a great experience. Sashimi and rolls were excellent as was the nigiri special (a buttery white fish whose unique name escapes me right now). Prices were absolutely reasonable if not cheap for this area, and service was spot-on. Loved the sushi chef as well-was fast, and kept looking over to see if I wanted anything. When I asked for something, he just smiled and had it over to me in minutes. The location may be a bit tough for some to find (ok by me if that means less crowds :) ), but the place was steady last night- tables didn't stay empty for long if at all. Small and quaint inside, and one needs to be patient here with only one server (Definitely a place to enjoy and not rush). Planning a trip back already-a real gem in Arlington.
(5)Diana W.
The scollops was so amazing there! It tasted like seafood butter!! Now I can understand why so many people recommended this place and this dish! The space of the restaurant was very limit and always full of people. But the service did not make you feel not to be taken care of. The sushi chief was very serious all the time which looked like a cooking show! I am so lucky and happy that we are living right near this restaurant! I definitely will go back with my family.
(5)Humble T.
We live nearby and go to Toraya about once a month. The place is tiny but very homy, with nice and fresh sushi and sashimi. We are looking to begin exploring other Javanese dishes that we are not familiar with. The place is great, the waitress with a voice sounding like she is singing is always extra nice and quick. Prices are reasonable. The only downside is that the place is tiny, and there is is usually a line of people waiting. More often than not we stop by and leave because it may take at least 30 minutes to get seated if there are 3-4 people ahead of us, hence a four star rating.
(4)William S.
I get sushi cravings and had one last night. After searching around Yelp reviews and Yelp talk for a good place to go i saw that Toraya is high up on the list. We live right up the street so had to try it out. We started with tempura and potstickers. The tempura was great - just what you expect with a good sauce. The potstickers were good as well. I also had a miso soup which was delicious. Stef had a California roll and I had the sushi delux. I am allergic to shellfish and so they made me up one I can eat. It was really very good, fresh with a variety of sushi from eel, to salmon ... there was one fatty tuna, an nigri a maguro, mackrel ...a few with roe. A nice, tasty and generous portion. We had cold Saki and a beer. As all the posts say it is very small and the waitresses are very nice and attentive. If you are int he area stop in. Not sure it is worth a special trip if you do not live in the area. $58.00 for all the items I listed in the review (sushi deluxe was $20.50) I liken the place to Etsogo up in Lowell. Good but not going out of my way to go there.
(3)Sherrie G.
I can't believe I haven't had an opportunity to review this place yet. It's absolutely amazing, probably best sushi and Japanese food I've had in Boston. I'm sad that I had to move pretty far away from here. As much as I love my new neighborhood, there's nothing that even compares to this place. While I myself have not been to Japan, friends either from or that have visited think this place is the real deal. The staff is predominantly Japanese so I'm sure that helps. To be honest, I believe it's the only place I've been to that's manned by an actual Japanese sushi chef. Watching him at the bar is quite an experience. I would recommend any sashimi dishes since the quality of the fish is very stand-out. Their toro is out of this world. You may be disappointed if you're looking for funky designer rolls since this place is far more traditional. (but frankly, I can't see anyone having a problem with this place that enjoys REAL sushi) For hot dishes, the sukiyaki is very tasty and satisfying on a cold day. I also get the agadashi tofu almost anytime I come here. The pricing is completely reasonable as well, particularly the lunch menu. Be forewarned, this place is tiny so there's almost always a line or a wait. I'm pretty sure they do reservations though but I wouldn't bring more than four or five people here at a time unless you call ahead.
(5)Anna L.
My hubby and I got takeout from this place. Yes, there isn't any waiting room in the restaurant. However, I went there at around 9pm so most of the crowds are gone. I sat by the sushi bar awaiting my food. I got the Salmon sushi box, sashimi, and agedashi tofu. I got home and started unpacking... 2 miso soups, 1 thing of rice, my salmon sushi, agedashi tofu, and hubby's sashimi. The sashimi was small.. for 17.50, all the sashimi were in small slices, but not a lot. However, according to hubby, the sashimi is very fresh. My salmon sushi was amazing! There was a plum leaf wrapped into it, that made every bite very refreshing. The wasabi is definitely grinded from an actual root and not from powder or store bought. The miso soup is really quite decent and the agedashi tofu... well, it's agedashi tofu. We have definitely found our japanese restaurant! I can't wait to go back! Oh yea, the waitstaff is pretty nice. They gave me water while i waited.
(5)Julie B.
I had a very great experience and I want to preface the review with why I docked one star. This place is tiny (fine) but there is a a lack of appropriate waiting area. I don't mind waiting, but I felt bad and awkward standing over diners who were just about to leave. I don't want to rush anyone and I'm sure they don't want to be rushed. Therefore, I wish there was a defined separator between these two areas. Now the important part - the sushi! I love sashimi and it's good here. Not only is it fresh, but it comes is a bunch of bite size pieces, rather than giant slabs that I can never fit in my mouth. Definitely try the salmon and the yellowtail. So good! As far as the rolls, they're pretty basic but high quality. Can't really complain about that, can you? Overall, the prices here are reasonable and I found the staff to be quite nice. I'll definitely be back since its just right down the street.
(4)Travis M.
As someone who has lived in Japan for several years and sought out top-notch sushi in foodie cities around the world, I was really looking forward to trying Toraya. I'm a stickler for fresh fish and authenticity and this restaurant has been said to offer both. Unfortunately, I was not able to get as far as trying any of their food. The service was so shockingly poor and the staff - from the clueless waitress to the dour sushi chef - so unfriendly that I left without eating after waiting for almost half an hour without any acknowledgement. The only person at the restaurant (other than some friendly eaters) who could muster eye contact or a smile was the busboy. The rudeness was palpable. While good, even great food is the raison d'être for restaurants, if there is one thing that I learned during my time in Japan, it is the importance of service and respect for customers. The chef and waitress on duty tonight at Toraya quite obviously couldn't care less about either. If a humane and friendly culinary experience is important to you, do yourself a favor and avoid this place.
(1)George A.
Excellent. TRhe lunch Bento Box is graet and a bargain at ~$10,
(4)Sandy W.
Dinner started with a 5-star experience. Like everyone said, the sushi here is one of the best in town. The uni, ikura and hamachi were all super fresh. I think it's worthy of mention that the sushi chef creates a very elegant curvature in the nigiris and tucks the fish in ever so slightly. Very visually pleasing indeed. It was pleasant surprise to find that the tamago was authentic: smooth surface, velvety-soft texture and not too sweet. The rolls were delicious too and we tried many: crispy tuna, una-avo, shrimp tempura, futomaki and kanpyo. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have toro but no matter. The food was so good and so reasonably priced that we didn't even mind the brusque service by the lone waitress. In fact, we found her attitude rather charming (we caught her being sarcastic to a particularly fussy patron and thought that was funny). Then the experience turned a bit comical (3 stars) because we made the huge mistake of ordering take-out. We waited a FULL HOUR for our order. Half-way though the wait, the sushi chef and I locked eyes and we found out the reason for the delay--he tiled the rice cooker to show me that it was empty. How can a sushi restaurant run out of rice mid-way through service?! Since the way the chef did it was so cute, I decided to give Toraya back one star.
(4)Alison F.
Many, many sushi lovers -- serious sushi eaters -- have told me this is the best sushi in the Boston area. I am a middle-serious sushi eater, which means I eat sushi frequently and enthusiastically, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable. Even I can tell that the food here is phenomenal, and it's not more expensive than other restaurants. It is very small (5-6 tables?). One waitress. One sushi chef. Whoever talked about a busboy must have been somewhere else. We've had sushi (excellent) and also miso soup (excellent) and also shumai and teriyaki (excellent, excellent, excellent). This is our "special occasion" sushi restaurant, where Mr. Sushi is our quick-bite-after-soccer-practice sushi restaurant. Not because it's more expensive, but just because it's SO small and SO renowned that if you dn't go really, really early, you can't get a table.
(5)candice g.
had a delicious meal at Toraya on a Wednesday night with 6 other people. one of our friends was from japan so she did all of the ordering. I tried the beef tongue, asparagus salad, root tempura w shrimp (i think that's what it was), silken tofu in a sweet sauce + a huge plate of sushi & sashimi. yummy. the food was delicious and it did not break the bank. They have such a large menu and i also noticed there was a specials board at the entrance. The service was very attentive and friendly. i will definitely be back.
(4)Kate M.
Best. Sushi. Ever. Everything else is irrelevant if you love yellow tail that tastes like butter and melts in your mouth. But yes: space is small, decor is minimal. I would go early if you plan on trying to get a table on a weekend!
(5)Tommy N.
I had the chirashi which was pretty good: fresh fish, clams on the lemon was a nice touch, and the seared salmon sashimi was very nice. The chicken-asparagus appetizer was so-so, but this place still gets four stars on the quality of the fish and the all around good service. The pricing was pretty standard for sushi. There's parking around the area (or what appears to be parking in the back), which is a huge plus. The place was fairly busy so there might be a wait, but that's not necessarily a bad sign for a restaurant.
(4)Adam W.
Great little sushi joint! The portioning can be on the small side, but they more than make up for it on quality.
(5)Jennifer L.
Hidden Gem!!! Who knew there was such a phenomenal Japanese restaurant in Arlington! From the seaweed salad, to the saki to the melt in your mouth tuna; you can't ask for anything better. ;)
(5)Crista B.
Yum! A really small restaurant, but worth the wait or good timing. We sat at the counter and enjoyed watching our meals being made. Great waitstaff that provides excellent service even though they are running around keeping all of us happy.
(5)David P.
My wife and I went on a Friday night and waited about 45 minutes or so. Actually expected to wait longer, so we were happy to be seated when we did. She had the agedashi tofu and I had the white fish appetizer. The tofu was very good but the broth was a little salty. The white fish appetizer was very refreshing. I had the sashimi deluxe and she had the broiled hamachi (yellow tail). The sashimi was excellent. Great variety...mackeral, tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, yellow tail and others. (First time I had raw shrimp instead of the cooked shrimp you find at all other places. I was impressed.) The hamachi was good but a little salty. We also had some maki...bonzai (soft shell crab) and the eel, avocado one. Both were good. Overall, a very good experience. Like my hairstylist said, "go there for the sashimi/sushi."
(4)Sally L.
If you are looking for some REAL japanese food, here you go! It's as authentic/fresh as those restaurants I visited in Japan.
(5)Susan L.
Lovely little place for sushi, sashimi, tempura. Always seems busy, no matter which night of the week I've been there. Food is always fresh, service polite and friendly.
(4)M. Deloris D.
DEELICIOUS!!! Toraya is a winner for so many reasons. *it's near home *the folks who work at the Porter Exchange eat here *my Japanese friends say: "it's authentic!!" Toraya serves wine, sake and beer. The sushi was the freshest I've had in a while and the menu offered all the variety of Bluefin without the hipster hassle. Yes the space is smallish but this place is worth the wait and take out is available. When budget is not a bummer, Toraya all the way...otherwise, Kotobukiya, here I come.
(5)Lucy W.
It's all about the fish here...the other reviewers are right, in that this tiny Japanese joint is stripped down, no-frills sushi. I sat at the sushi bar and got the sashimi appetizer special- what a deal at $8.95, for a plate full of very fresh raw fish. Great place if you're just looking for the basics and nothing fancy.
(3)Jen L.
This is my neighborhood sushi place. I am very lucky to live here as I am only 1 mile away from this little gem. I eat here about 2x/week and would do so more often if I had limitless funds. The fish is fresh, expertly cut, and super tasty. Their hot dishes are really good as well.
(5)bean c.
We absolutely LOVE this place. In fact, I wouldn't otherwise write a review about this place just so that I wouldn't spoil such a well kept secret. But - I've moved out of Cambridge and don't need to worry about people crowding my favorite places. Warning. You have to have patience and be prepared to wait if you want to eat here. This place probably seats ~22 people if every table and sushi bar was fully and efficiently utilized. I always order the Chirashi (assorted chunks of sashimi fish) because Shinji gets the freshest stuff in town. Why mess around with anything else? For appetizers, I always get Agedashi tofu and spinach with sesame sauce. The Agedashi tofu comes piping hot and swimming in a sauce with shaved radish and mini mushrooms. Don't miss it.
(5)Nancy L.
I can't believe that I live so close to Toraya for over a year, only to discover it via the Yelp post of friends! Toraya is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant tucked in a non-descript front in Arlington Center. It's tiny less than 10 tables and is quite cozy . The waiter, chef, and diners were all Japanese when I was there for lunch. When the customers are all of the culture/ethnicity of the cuisine, you know that you are at an authentic restaurant. Green tea was served. The miso was a strong red miso soup. I had the chirashi sushi and my friend had the sashimi bentou. The fish was so fresh and delicious, unlike the frozen kind. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a sushi lover. There is also a selection of soba, udon, and donburi (things over rice such as eel). Since it is a small and popular restaurant, I suggest going at a less busy time so you can sit and truly enjoy thebeautiful seafood. When there is a constant stream of customers waiting less than 4 feet away from you, you just felt bad for sitting there too long. Accepts credit card, $15 minimum.
(5)Jonathan W.
Yes, I don't want anyone to know about this place....tiny, excellent, but I DO want them to stay in business. The owner is there all the time and the quality is fantastic. Not as inventive as some, but hands down excellent.
(5)Kim H.
LIke everyone else says, fantastic fresh sushi and the place we stop into when craving some. Star taken away for the size as there's often a wait or we have to squish at the end of the bar next to the hot tea dispenser, and then twist my shoulder away every time the waitress needs hot tea dispensed.
(4)Local E.
Agree with the consensus here: usually the sushi is quite good. The chef has great attention to detail, but the waits are usually LOOONG. They range from minimal (if you arrive prior to standard lunchtime) to about 60 minutes from sit-down to getting your food (at dinner). There is one sushi chef, and one or two wait staff who usually seem to be overwhelmed. E.g., you will need to ask repeatedly for water, otherwise you will be ignored. Generally the wait is worth it; I greatly prefer Toraya to "Mr Sushi" down the street, and slightly prefer it to Bluefin (in Porter Exchange). Recommend the sashimi bento at lunchtime. The non-sushi elements are tasty and creative. Consider taking the time to thank the chef - he puts his heart in it. But I'm serious about the waits. If the tables are full, you could wait 30 minutes to be seated, or more. And be sure to ask about delays if you phone-in your order, which can be hours, not minutes.
(4)Anna N.
Seriously, Yelp? 4.5 stars? When it comes to sushi, I don't care about ambiance or even service. As long as the fish is fresh, the ingredients complement each other and the rice is right, I am a happy customer. Unfortunately this outfit was a huge disappointment. I had a dinner with 2 other people and the three of us left the place wondering why on Earth this place is attracting customers. The only positive part of the meal was that the rolls were small. I didn't feel guilty having another meal after leaving Toraya, just to erase the aftertaste.
(1)Naoyuki T.
It's owned and operated by Japanese sushi chef who used to work at (good) Ginza. Lately main back kitchen cook left which made me worried about non sushi dishes but Salmon Okabe was just as good before. Sushi is better than most places (or say average in Japanese owned sushi shops - better than non Japanese sushi shops, except Oishii) though one occasion, I had bad tasting fish and other occasion sushi rice with very little flavoring. I think that the food is not consistent, but good most of the time. One of few places I can get real katsu-don - pork cutlet over rice in bowl. My Japanese coworker and I (Japanese) go there for lunch to get Japanese food fix rather regularly. I order Chirashi sushi as a yard stick of sushi restaurant, and it is worth its admission. Other than having bad days infrequently, dishes are above average and certainly better than Mr. Sushi just down the road for Japanese food. Just to be clear, if you go to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, any sushi shop is better than Toraya, and often cheaper. The fish quality in Boston cannot be as good, just because sheer volume of fish consumed in Tokyo.
(4)Joe C.
The only thing that should knock this down to a 4 star review is the atmosphere. This dive-y, nook of a restaurant leaves something to be desired. Personally, food is the most important factor to me (secondly service) so I will chose to find comfort in great food with a non-pretentious atmosphere. Being raised on a large amount of home-style japanese food, this place is a constant reminder of my childhood. I have tried many of the local "Japanese" restaurants and many are okay, some are good, but Toraya is excellent. (Sidenote - "Japanese" = non-Japanese owned). I recommend you try it but secretly wish you wouldn't so not to overcrowd one of my favorite spots.
(5)Lauren M.
This might be the best sushi in Boston. It is very comparable to Oishi in Chestnut Hill- no frills and super tiny, but amazing sushi. It's also pretty inexpensive- what a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)Catherine H.
After reading the reviews, I was expecting AMAZING sushi. We ordered 4 rolls, and they were just OK. I thought the rice was gummy. I wouldn't go back.
(3)Han K.
A hidden gem, often forgotten in the debate over who has the best sushi in Boston. Really tiny small intimate space that serves up some of the best sushi preiod. Authentic doesn't even begin to describe how good this place really is. For the price / quality ratio this place is very very difficult to beat. Why not the perfect 5? Because you can get better sushi, but it'll cost you a lot more than dining at Toraya.
(4)Sam D.
This is hands down my favorate Japanese restaurant. The food is delicious every time and the service is friendly and quick.
(5)Jamie L.
My husband and I recently ate at Toraya and we LOVE it! We'd been going to Blue Fin in Porter Sq for our sashimi fix, but now that we've discovered Toraya we will never eat at another Japanese restaurant again. We ordered a big plate of sashimi to share (tuna, salmon, yellowtail) and it tasted amazing. We loved that the fish was cut in thin, bite-sized pieces, not the oversized pieces that we see so often in other restaurants. We also shared a special of the day (clams) and washed it all down with two flasks of sake. This is a modest place, with attentive service and delicious food. We love you Toraya!
(5)Pete G.
I wouldn't say it's the very best sushi in the area, but it is close. Loved it. It's a fantastic little sushi place. Everything I've ever had from here was perfectly made. They do a great little pickled octopus salad, and I don't know how the guy does it but his toro sushi is the tastiest every time. The prices are fine. The only problem I can think of is that it's kind of small, and it's a little far out there. But if you're willing to truck way into Arlington for some good sushi, go here.
(4)John Paul N.
Located outside of Arlington Center, Toraya is a very, very small sushi restaurant that apparently caters to a huge Japanese clientele. Or so says all the reviews online I could find. My GPS unit took us through Arlington Central and there was no parking to be found. Thinking it'd be the same in front of Toraya, I took the first parking spot available .3 miles away. This was a mistake. Not only was there plenty of parking in front of Toraya, but apparently there's parking in the back too. This will be good to know for next time. Like I said earlier, Toraya is very small. 3 4-seaters and 3 2-seaters along with 6 or so seats at the sushi bar. We were next in line behind a family of 4 and we stood in the doorway and tried to stay out of the way. After a 20 or so minutes, we were seated slightly before the family because a 2-seater opened up. While we were waiting I noticed one of the specials was tempura soft shelled crab for only $8.50. That took care of my appetizer. I wasn't really feeling sushi that night, so I went with the Udon noodles, sans chicken because it is still lent. Abby went for the Maki deluxe special as well as some edamame and an extra order of Philly Maki. My tempura soft shelled crab came out with Abby's edamame and miso soup. The crab was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. The tempura batter was light (like all tempura batter) and covered the crab just enough to not over power the wonderful delicate meat. Abby devoured her edamame in no time but neither of us really touched the miso soup. (I'm not the biggest fan of miso in general, so it wasn't like the soup was nasty or anything like that.) My udon noodles were came out and had a very strong mushroom flavor. Inside the soup was a whole egg. I broke the yolk up and mixed it all around. The flavor the yolk gave to the soup was very nice. The noodles were typical udon noodles, thick and lacking of any real flavor other than the broth they laid in. The tempura shrimp were just like like my soft shell crab earlier, perfectly fried in just the right amount of batter. A very good noodle soup. Abby's sushi came out and they looked great. She thought they were fantastic and just the way she liked it. I tried one of each type and thought the sushi was good to better than good, but nothing ground breaking. My main problem was that the other ingredients took away from the fish. For example the avocado was such big pieces that all I couldn't get over the buttery creamy taste to get the flavor of the eel at all. This could just be me though, because Abby loved every single bite. Overall, Toraya is a very nice little sushi restaurant. You could do a lot worse. The chef/owner, Mr Toraya, was behind the sushi counter carefully taking his time to slice every piece of fish correctly. He seemed like the type of sushi chef that would gladly trade shots of sake with customers at the bar. Maybe next time we come we can sit and the bar and find out. The prices were pretty good too. However I ordered a coke and when I got a refill I had a feeling that it wasn't free. Sure enough I got charged $1.75 twice for both drinks. I just wish I could have gotten the coke in a larger glass the first time so I wouldn't have needed the refill, but now I know. Toraya gets a 3 and 1/2 out of 5, good and better than average but not exactly great.
(3)Mai O.
When I used to live in Arlington, it used to be my regular sushi place. Pros: Authentic Price/quality ratio is good Japanese-owned Cons: The wait staff there used to be better, the current woman is not very helpful nor is she friendly. The current woman is kind of rude. I asked her if we can pack the remainder of food to go, and she said "all of it?" No, just 1/3 of it... yes all of it, what do you think? People who used to work here switched to working at Bluefin in Porter Square. When it's crowded, it takes forever to get serviced and get food, because there is only one sushi chef. No AC Last visit there was not very pleasant, both me and my grandmother got stressed, ate half of what was on the plate and left.
(3)Mark O.
I can't add anything to the best reviews, we eat here about 4 times a month. Fresh, fresh, fresh, and you can taste it!
(5)Adrienne A.
We have been in a lot of sushi restaurants all over the world (though not Japan, sadly), and this is head and shoulders the best. Flavors are subtle but deep and nuanced, fish incredibly fresh - actually the best fish raw or cooked anywhere. Anything fried (tempura, tofu, fish, etc.) is crispy and tender. They are masters. We are here at least twice a month, and sometimes are embarrassed when we feel like going two days in a row. We feel like family - they know what beer we want, and that we want our edamame warm. It is small (so don't bring a baby stroller, and be prepared for lines if you go at peak times), but a warm cozy atmosphere. We are lucky to live only short distance away. (And, as a note - We've been here a lot, and never noticed that the temperature inside was a problem - except once when the AC was on the blink.)
(5)Beantown Newbie e.
I lived in Tokyo for over four years, and this restaurant has the most authentic Japanese food I've had in the U.S. And, it's in Arlington of all places! You'd expect this level of quality in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. A lot of the patrons at dinner are Japanese nationals, so that may something about its authenticity. The prices are very reasonable and, I would argue, cheap for the quality and freshness of the food. The restaurant itself is a bit small, and the ambiance is by no means swanky like you'd see in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. It's all about the food here. It's kind of off the beaten path, but it's so worth it to make the hike.
(5)Kerry D.
The atmosphere is small, crowded, and really pretty uncomfortable over all. But the sushi is fabulous, and the bento box lunches are the best deal around.
(4)Brittany H.
A great hidden gem tucked away just past Arlington Center. My favorite local sushi place. You can tell from the clientele, as others have mentioned, Toraya is very authentic. The service was great and I thought my sushi was very fresh. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)DB U.
Put simply: BEST sushi in the Boston area by far! The place is cozy and the ambient is great. The staff has been friendly and courteous from our very first visit and all visits since. For my husband and I, it is a small haven, providing us with a much needed break from our very busy lifestyles. Whenever we feel like having sushi or traditional Japanese food, we are at their door. When our parents (who have been to Japan multiple times) visited, we took them there too, and they really enjoyed it and liked it better than the you-know-that-restaurant-in-Porter-Sq we've been previously taking them to :) I really like the size of the place and how personal the attention is. They seem to care about details, the presentation of the food is a visual treat, just wonderful, making the already delicious foods into something even better! I really appreciate the latter because too many great restaurants have been spoiled by growing too quickly, losing the attention they once had to foods and customers and they become sloppy. Even on nights we know the restaurant will be busy, we don't hesitate about going. We know we'll have to wait because the space there is limited, but it's all worth it. Even on the busiest of nights, the longest we've ever waited for is about 15-20 minutes. Even on that occasion, people seemed to share our thoughts and they didn't seem to mind the wait, giddy in anticipation. However, one time we witnessed a really rude customer, who even insulted the sushi chef for not being friendly... I thought this was really unfair because the place was really packed, the staff were doing their best, there were 2-3 couples already waiting before this customer's arrival, and when the waitress cleaned up a couple of seats in front of the sushi counter, he bypassed the waiting people and sat himself there. He said something in Japanese to the chef (the customer was not Japanese) and the chef didn't really respond (specially because he had his hands full and perhaps he even witnessed what the rest of us did -- how this guy just cut in line!). After a minute, this customer totally flipped out and bad mouthed the place saying how he's been to Japan and people there were so nice and this place was nothing like Japan because the chef would not make conversation with him and entertain him. Well, boohoo from all of us who were waiting. You think you're going to get special treatment because you speak Japanese to the chef? Some people need to get off their high horses... I'm glad the chef ignored him... when the customer left, everyone was laughing at how ridiculous this guy was... but the chef was serious and I felt really bad for him... I mean, come on... the chef was so busy... I would have been offended had the chef stopped doing what he was doing and started chatting or entertaining this guy... because that would have meant a longer wait for food to be made/served and an even longer wait for us waiting for seats! Conclusion: if you are looking for a comfy place with delicious and amazing traditional Japanese food, this is the place 100% (and no, spicy California tornado rainbow whatever rolls do not count as traditional sushi... go to Porter or some other place if you want Japanese foods with "western" twists). Also, if you like just going to a place and being immediately seated, you may want to avoid popular times to eat out (for example, weekends) or just try your luck somewhere else with a bigger seating area because I really hope they keep it as small and cozy as it's been to this day. PS. We just tried their lunch menu (take-out) this past Saturday and it was as amazing. What a great deal the sashimi lunch box was for $11! It's great they have the lunch menus on Saturdays too! We called and they had it ready for pick-up in 30 minutes. The lunch box was reminiscent of the bento boxes you get on the Shinkansen... pretty looking and yummy :)
(5)Alison Y.
Being Japanese, I rate Toraya high on the list of "authentic" Japanese restaurants. I moved from Arlington last year and have not found a true Japanese restaurant in the city :-( Toraya's chef is from Japan unlike the "other" Japanese restaurants in the city and greater Boston and it shows in his sushi freshness and presentation as well as who he has cooking the traditional dishes. Tenzaru soba noodles with tempura is delicious as is the lunch Bento box special, which is a great deal at $11-12. Place is small and always packed, so be prepared to wait, but it's well worth it.
(5)Al K.
Fresh, delicious food, and great service.
(5)Mary R.
I had such high hopes, but was unfortunately a bit disappointed. Our appetizer, edamame took forever to arrive. It seems they cook it first, then cool it to serve it cold. I actually prefer warm edamame, so this process seemed just long to me. The pieces of sashimi and sushi we had were good overall. The fish tasted fresh, but the rolls were small and just not as amazing as other places we've been. I was hoping we'd found a new, great place, not real far from our home, but I don't think I'll become a regular customer.
(3)Fuyu A.
Just made the mistake of not eating at Toraya again (it was logictically impossible) - but that just increases my wife and my respect for Toraya - they have the best quality at not the highest prices and it's never a disappointment to eat here - ever.
(5)ftyuv e.
My girlfriend and I were there the same night as Travis M., but we had quite a different experience. There was a bit of a rush, and it did take a few minutes for the sole waitress to get a handle on the situation -- but it certainly wasn't terrible. I would describe the atmosphere as brisk, but not rude. And once she got the rush under control (shortly after Travis M stormed out), the service was quite good. This is a small restaurant, with the service one would expect from that -- if you want four-star service with fancy place settings, this place won't impress. As far as the food, we had gyoza, cold buckwheat with dipping sauce, and maki -- salmon and tuna. The gyoza weren't crisply enough fried for my liking, and it was the first time I had cold buckwheat -- so I can't judge how good it was in relative terms, though in absolute terms I liked it a lot. The sushi was amazing. Melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The waitress was nice enough to go table to table announcing last call, and my girlfriend and I couldn't resist another order or salmon maki. For $5 per a-la-carte order, I really can't imagine going anywhere else for a quick sushi craving.
(5)Karman L.
Hole in the wall in Arlington. Great sushi place in Arlington (same block as Blue Ribbon!) I did a grab and run ... ordered the sashimi lunch combo ... it was $12.95 or something ... and fish was very fresh ... Can't wait to go back to have a sit down meal there ...
(4)Dan B.
Great sushi. My wife is Japanese and attests to the authenticity. A little spendy but certainly worth a try.
(5)Lisa W.
This place is terrible, please don't come here so I can get a seat!!!! Don't believe me? Sigh.. ok. This place is amazing. We stopped by on a Saturday at 11:40am (they open at 11:30), and all the tables were already filled! We luckily got seats at the sushi bar and got to see the master at work. The wait for food was a bit long, but there is only one sushi chef and he's making everyone's lunches! The chirashi.. wow.. it was amazing. The fish just melts in your mouth... I still dream about it. Anyway. Don't come here. All your sushi are belong to us!
(5)erica l.
Amazing sushi! It's a little hole in the wall kind of place, but is phenomenal. The only problem I've ever had there is the long wait because it's so tiny, but popular.
(4)Silvia V.
This place was highly recommended to my husband by someone. We had high expectations, kind of. Went there on a Tuesday night. There were 5 other people having dinner, three of which were this obnoxiously loud and annoying family. The restaurant is tiny, so unfortunately we couldn't not hear them. That's not the reason I am giving it only two stars. The seafood salad was not what we expected. It was served on a bed of lettuce = weird. The sashimi and sushi were too small. The fish was fresh, but... We ordered lots of food, but I was still hungry after we left. $80 for a dinner in Arlington on a Tuesday night is a bit much. Solid two stars.
(2)Jamal G.
I came here for lunch and ordered the chirashi bowl because of the other reviews saying that this is the restaurant's specialty. It was great! It came with miso soup, which was very well prepared. I also ordered a spicy salmon hand roll, but it was just ok. The restaurant employees all speak Japanese (not Chinese like at those dime-a-dozen, inauthentic soso sushi places). I think only the waitress speaks English, and she was very efficient. I didn't find myself waiting for anything I needed even though the restaurant was nearly full at noon. I will be coming back again. This place is a bit out of my way, but it's worth it.
(5)Emerson O.
Very traditional and professional sushi restaurant. Sushi is probably the best in metro west Boston. I like to eat here by myself during lunch or on a date with my wife for dinner. Try the lunch box, it's heaven if you're into raw fish. Location is a little awkward (across from Stop & Shop) and decor is simple if not a bit drab. But if it was in Arlington center and decked out with a renovation, it wouldn't be as good for some reason. What you have here is an out of the way and low profile sushi restaurant, and these tend to be the best. That certainly applies here.
(5)R B.
Good, but so small that you feel rushed during peak hours. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but this would be my go-to place in the area. Nothing memorable enough to travel for, I guess.
(4)Sara S.
As one can tell by the clientele, this is undoutably very authentic. The majority of the people here were speaking Japenese to each other and the waitress, which to me, is a good sign. The only Japenese restaurant I've seen the same was at Oishii. As others said, the place is a hole-in-the wall and pretty divey. Don't come here if it's super hot or cold out, because the interior temperature is quite reflective of the exterior. Initially, I ordered a crunchy tuna roll (spicy tuna with tempura flakes, which is different than their "spicy tuna roll", which is also on the menu), unakyu roll (eel and cucumber). I was surprised that the eel-cucumber roll was the smaller type with the seaweed on the inside and minimal rice. The filling of eel-cucumber was also quite skimpy. Normally, eel rolls are heftier, with a large amount of eel and rice on the outside (I believe this is called an "inside out" roll). I was quite hungry, so I then ordered a negihama maki (yellowtail and scallions). The sushi itself was very, very good. The spicy tuna was perfect (tuna and spicy mayo mixed together rather than a large piece of tuna). I only wish the unakyu roll was the inside-out version because it was delicious and I wanted more! The freshness was obvious by the look and taste of the fish. I left feeling satiated but not stuffed. Other diners around me got the tempura, which looked out of this world!
(4)zilla b.
The food is amazing... some of the freshest sushi I've had in Boston, however like many other reviews said, their buiness sense leaves little to be desired. no reservations, strange seating arrangements, but for the quality of food and the great prices I'll take this any day!!!
(4)Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: Was virtually perfect. Had very fresh fish and had almost everything on my list with the exception of the ones in the Cons below. Cons: Missing wakame salad, pickled radish, amaebi, ikura/tobiko, seared white tuna. I did ask for no tako (octopus) and the waitress gave me attitude saying she thought i said tobiko. Luckily others at my table corroborated what i had originally requested and she reluctantly took my dish away, but instead of removing it and replacing it with something else, she just removed it. I'd dock this place half a star just for that, but i don't know how to do that, so i'll just be nice and round up to 4 stars. In general, other than the bad customer experience, I did like my food and will probably come back the next time I'm in town!
(4)Pamela R.
Cozy location. Sushi was good.. Nothing spectacular however. The appetizers were the best part try the Ohitashi especially if you feel weird about having a seaweed salad.. If you are a hardcore fish and chip fan try the aji-fry.. Their version of fried mackerel with soy barbecue sauce.. Really yummy!
(4)Nancy A.
Firstly, I've been to this place about 5 times now and have never had a bad experience. The first time was a few years ago, and I enjoyed it, but it was so far away from where I lived that I didn't really give it much thought as a viable "go-to" sushi joint. Fast forward to a few months ago. My boyfriend and I were discussing sushi, and where we should go for dinner. Lo and Behold! He knows the "awesome" place - a 5 minute walk from his house! So we trek down, and there it is. A tiny place, nestled between two nondescript store-fronts (I think one might even be empty now). Of the three times we've been, twice we sat at the bar and once we ordered take-out. The two times we stayed, we sat at the sushi bar. The sushi chef is an extremely quiet guy, but speaks volumes with the delicate sushi he artfully prepares. Being two relatively non-decisive people, we ask for a "chef's choice" every time, and we are never disappointed. The waitress will merely check with the chef to make sure he's amenable, then the only things she needs is a price range, the type (sushi/sashimi/etc), how many people it's for, and anything he should steer clear of (for me it's the sea urchin - I can't stand it). The dishes he creates are not only tasty, but beautiful - he'll make flowers out of thinly sliced fish! The last time we ordered was for take-out, and when I called the waitress was unsure if he would do a chef's special for a take-out, but they must not have been very busy because he was able to accommodate us. When I came to pick it, the waitress walked over with a GIANT circular tray. When I looked inside, it was simply gorgeous. There were at least 7 different kinds of fish, a few prepared more than one way. I can't vouch for anything besides the sushi plate and the pickle appetiser, but both of those are what keeps us coming back. The service is always as quick as can be (yes, if it's busy, it will take a little bit longer - your patience will be rewarded), the waitress is generally friendly even if she may be a bit brusk at times because she has a slew of other tables to take care of, the sake is tasty, and the atmosphere is perfect.
(5)A B.
Although this place is tiny and simple,don't be fooled. Toraya features a traditional sushi menu at lunch. It is nothing fancy or particularly creative, but it is the best, most consistent, and nicely presented sushi restaurant I know. The dinner menu is much larger, and also excellent. My only criticism is that they are not sized to handle the volume of business they attract. You have to wait a long time on weekends, so go on a weekday. You won't be sorry you made the trip. PS, chirashi is their signature dish at lunch: I can't say enough about it. If you prefer hot food, I recommend their nabeyaki udon.
(5)Ling H.
fresh fish, really good food. The place is really small. I went on Sunday night and it was packed. Service was a little slow to sit down but there was only one staff so understandable. The salmon portion is small but really good. I would def be back.
(5)Kate M.
Love Toraya! Sometimes they don't take pick up orders if it's too full in the restaurant, but I can understand this as they only have one guy making sushi. It doesn't matter though, anytime I've been there I've been impressed. The Crunchy Maki is my favorite. The fish is fresh, and of great quality.
(5)Boulder And Pebbles H.
Amazing local Japanese - limited but terrific menu. Highlights include agedashi tofu , asparagus salad , crunchy maki, and tomago nigiri (best I've had anywhere) - scallops from Japan are amazing as are sweet shrimp from Maine
(5)Julie B.
Best sushi we have ever had. Love the small restaurant ambiance, super friendly staff. We went back twice in one weekend because we were so happy with it. We found it reviewed on hiddenboston.com and everything they said was dead on. GREAT fish, different specials all the time, tons of parking, doesn't get any better than this. Sometimes there's a wait but its TOTALLY worth it.
(5)reese w.
Did I forget to review this? After a couple visits to Toraya, I am thoroughly pleased to report that this is my favourite sushi joint in Boston. Yes, better than Sakurabana (ooh hot spicy scallop roll, I do still love you). It's a small place, so if you come during the busy hours, you may have to wait a bit. The service is friendly and quick and the sushi chef is appropriately gruff and professional. Ok, so I only wrote this review so I could upload my food porn. Yeah.
(5)J. L.
Sushi is better on some days than others. When it's good, it's very good. When it's not good, it's average. Ultimately too inconsistent for sushi in my view. Cooked food is good.
(3)Jon P.
I'm always on the lookout for authentic, simple, Japanese-style sushi, and this is probably the only one I've found so far in the Boston area. I'm not into the Chinese or Korean-run sushi places where the rice is slightly mushy, or like Fugakyu where the fish slabs are barely thawed out from the freezer and cut in huge slabs. I like my sushi consistent and bite-sized--the rice needs to be al-dente such that the grains are singly articulate, and the fish should be fresh but not too fresh, and definitely not frozen. And some fish needs to be cold, some need to be less cold, like the escolar which should be slightly chillier served. On one hand Toraya doesn't have the variety of raw seafoods for me to be able to judge whether or not they would serve everything the way I prefer it, but what they do have, they've always done right. That comes to the only possible negative--if I'm in a decadent mood, I don't go to Toraya , as they don't have the widest selection of raw fish. They don't seem to always have raw shrimp or clams, and seem to only deal with the standard sushi fare. But for authentic Japanese style sushi that evokes a family-style ambience straight from Japan, Toraya is by far my favorite.
(5)Deb D.
Great little restaurant! I've never been disappointed in the quality of their food. Friendly and efficient waitstaff. Would not hesitate to recommend Toraya.
(4)Amy S.
Thank you yelpers for leading me to Toraya. I would never have found this hole in the wall without your guidance. Arlington? What's in Arlington? Why would you go there? Now I know. You go there for really fresh, really perfect sushi. The Toro that I sampled as both sushi and as maki was perfect... The agedashi tofu was hands down the best I've ever had. Yum yum. Thank you Toraya. Thank you search function. Thank you "best sushi in Boston" list makers.
(4)Tatsu I.
Feed Me Eat Me Sushi Me Tuesday Pachi-Pachi, very hard to type my reviews when you nibble on my lower lip. I know, but I miss the Hokki at Toraya! We go again tonight? Maybe we try his wife's entrees, they look really good too! But we just ate there yesterday! I don't care! I haven't even brushed my teeth I just want to have that taste in my mouth forever! God, his rice is so perfect, I don't even have "sushi rice plaque"! Well, his seasoning is perfect. You know he has a deft touch. Unusual, Senji's very light with the vinegar, even on his Tako-su. But ultimately it's very classical, very Japanese and you cannot argue with it. Like Murray Perahia's old piano playing style, detailed, faithful to the composer's notes, internalized, subdued. Nary a sushi chef in the U.S. like this... *Snap!* Whatevs, babe, take me there. Here's your keys. Wednesday Pumps, hard to breathe with your devilishly long tongue fondling my plica sublingualis. Plus you're stimulating my salivary glands so I'm drooling on us. Sorry babe, but your glands are so Salivdor Dali Clock soft like the Uni at Toraya! Your spittle reminds me of the soy strings coming off Senji's Natto. Open your mouth! Ok, ok. You know, Senji's standards are set very high. He buys fish everyday himself you know. And...*Click!* Save your breath, can we go back for Sashimi and Nigiri Omakase? I have to have it! Open your mouth! Rrrrwwwhhmmm, but we *cough* just ate there 2 nights in a row. Uh oh, do your feel that? What? Migrane, oh, definitely migranes, feel it in the air, don't you? Shall we turn in early? Sigh...you win, let's go. Of course I win, my little Yellowtail, but don't I make you happy? Please stop calling me Yellowtail. Thursday Puki, why are you holding my 270 millimeter Yanagiba sashimi blade and looking at me like that? Oh, I was just wondering how many years it takes to cut fish like Senji. Well, a really long time, he cuts better than any chef I've seen in the States for sure. He really is genius with a blade... Mmm hmm, shush babe, you really prattle on too much. Gee thanks. And you still have that squirrelly look in your eye, put the knife down. Oh, sorry, YT, just thinking if I sliced a piece of your forearm while you typed away there, would it be as red and shaped like Senji's Maguro? Or kind of pale like the Chutoro special last night? Or should I practice on your fingertips making little discs like the Ankimo special? And would your blood taste like momiji oroshi cuz you so spicy? Ok, I get the picture, put it away! I'll take you to Toraya. Man, 3 nights in a row, what the heck is going on! Friday Puca-Poo, it doesn't have to be 9 1/2 Weeks every night, can I take the blindfold off? I feel a bit emasculated. And that's really expensive Tuscan olive oil there, don't spill. Dame des yo! You are the rice and I make the fish, I'm on top! Hold out your hand and shut up! Now if I just dust the oil with the desiccated vinegar I made and a touch of J salt and the smallest cocaine line of confectioners sugar, the base of your thumb will be just like Toraya's Saba, so good! You're really crazy, ouch, oi, ok. Baby, what's wrong? Hey! Hey don't cry! I'm sorry! It's not you stupid! It's the taste, it doesn't have the creamy fatty texture of his Saba at all! *Huuuuuuuuuggghhhwwaaahh!* Baby, Baby-Boo, I'll take you for lunch when they open tomorrow, I swear, ok?, Calm down. Wanna try, you know, something else? Asshole! I will never ever do the Hirame trick again for you ever! I want his Saba so bad right now!!! *Huuuuuugggh!!! Wahh!!* *Sigh* Honeypot, I brought home Saba just in case. *Sniff* Youuu, you did? *Sniffle* Yes, for you. My Sushi-Wushi how I love you! Love you too HP. Where do you want it? Here?
(5)Julia Z.
A great and authentic sushi restaurant in the Arlington neighborhood, owned and ran by Japanese people. My all time favorites are their sakana tempura and spicy tuna maki with tempura flakes. Large selection of sushi and price is reasonable, great for frequent visits!
(4)Doug Y.
Best kept secret in Arlington! We ordered tuna sashimi and the chicken teriyaki bento box, as well as tuna and salmon sushi. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. We got there and found a table, it quickly filled up at lunch time. They only had one waitperson working while we were there, so it can get a little busy at times, but be patient, the food is worth it.
(5)Mini S.
Toraya reminds me of those little local restaurants in Japan. I like their food because it is not "American-Japanese" food. IT IS JAPANESE FOOD!! Sushi there was very good too. My husband got Vegetarian Sushi and he was very happy about his food. This is a hidden great Japanese restaurant!
(4)Lesley D.
This sushi was delicious. We got it to go and they were even considerate enough to stack the shaomai on cardboard separating it from the sushi so the sushi didn't get warm. (so many sushi places put everything together and then the sushi practically cooks. Ick!) It's such a tiny quaint little restaurant. I can see that it would be difficult to get a table. We didn't even go on what we thought would be a busy night or time and there was barely room to stand while we waited. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars for me personally was that the sushi was actually a bit too generous, if that's even possible haha. I know that probably sounds weird and you'd want it to be this way! But for me, the chunks of fish were almost a little too big, and the rolls themselves were a bit hard to get all in one bite. But this is just a matter of preference. All in all, the taste was great, the freshness was definitely clear, and I enjoyed it. Just a bit too much of a mouthful for both me and the hubby. We'll likely stick with Manna Sushi up the street because we love it there, but if people invited us to go out to Toraya, we'd certainly oblige!
(4)Matt W.
Sushi is decent. A real hole in the wall. Not the cleanest place. Not worth a return visit.
(3)Yuko I.
I am a Japanese so I know what I am eating. The food is amazingly decent considering it is a hall in the wall place, probably the best sushi in Boston. I also tried unagi, pretty good too. The wait for food can be long during lunch, seating quick in the evening. Parking is available at the back of the restaurant. I have been coming back several times and bringing friends - they are all happy with the food. They have impressive selection of takeout - I want to check this out on the next occasion.
(5)Jaime v.
It's authentic. In contrast to the stuff you would get at Porter Exchange, this is high quality and tasty. Filling up is going to be expensive and the menu isn't really built around this notion. I like the Agedashi Tofu as it brought back memories of my travels in Japan. The Sashimi is good though I recommend the adventurous explore the non Sushi menu items.
(5)H T.
Hey, Mr. To_ra_YA! How are YA_? Why are you so HAP_PY?! Rollin' Your SU_SHI? Full of smiles and NODS (^o^)! You've got some good ROLLS! BUT very tradition_AL! I like it.. I like it... And yay- there's sweet pota_TO! However, no OhTO_RO! For my aMI_GO!~ Old Japanese COUPle, drinking SA_KE! Lots of kiddies, eating tempura Ma_KI! Choose wines_beers_or TEA! Ho_HUM! The last one, so powder_Y! My biggest disappointment: they use matcha_TEA! Eek! NO! Sushi were good, but not the best. I'd say 3.75, but the sushi chef is so O_jolly_O! And I'm happy, so 4.O!
(4)thermopylae x.
impressed to see an actual sake/keg warmer when most of boston's japanese restaurants microwave 1 waitress handling 5 tables + the bar polite service sticky menus yummy
(4)Cecilia L.
This Arlington neighborhood favorite is in competition with Shiki for my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. Everything we had at a recent lunch was excellent. Miso soup was wonderfully flavorful - clearly based on homemade dashi. Uni and scallop nigiri were fresh, well cut and nestled on crackling, high-quality nori and well-seasoned rice. Chirashi nestled in a lacquered box was lovely and delightful. The meat in the pork katsu donburi achieved the rare balance between crisp and tender, accompanied with a bowl of delicious pickles. The setting is warm, modest and kid-friendly - nearly every table at Saturday lunch had a tot chowing out of a bento.
(5)Haviva P.
The food at Toraya is amazing. Really, this is not your average Japanese place. The menu is authentic, everything is fresh and if you want to venture off the typical spicy tuna roll ordering, this is your place. The agadashi tofu is to die for - perfectly fried in a broth that disappears too quickly forcing you to order a second. My husband had the salmon stuffed with tofu, wrapped in a banana leaf and it was also delish. Perfectly portioned and cooked,with a great sauce, I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. The tempura was beautifully fried, light and sweet. Really great meal food-wise. So why the missing star? The service. Oh. My. God. We ordered at 9 and were not out until 11:30. There were 6 of us, and 3 of us ordered sushi with a side as our main course. I ordered a crunchy tuna roll with a side of cold buckwheat noodles and dipping sauce, my brother a spicy salmon maki and a side of sushi rice, my nephew spicy salmon and the crunchy tuna. NOT complicated and all the dishes were essentially cold... . All the other plates came out first and there we sat, the 3 sushi eaters waiting. Even my cold noodles did not come out until 11! Half the table was done, plates cleared, before I got my one maki and cold noodles (both tasted great for the record, but at the pace I scarfed them down, I am not sure I am the best judge.) We asked what was taking so long and we were told there were several cooks in the kitchen but only one sushi chef. Sure, I get that, but the place is small and you have a sushi bar, at the very least pace yourselves better in the kitchen. I hate having a meal with family or friends and getting served at different times. If things are backed up, bring out some edamame on the house and tell me you are 'sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it.' The whole thing was silly and frustrating. Which is really too bad, because the food is completely top notch. For the record I will go back, but I will make sure that I have a snack ahead of time. :)
(4)Leslie S.
This is my favorite sushi place on the planet. They are not fancy just good fresh awesomeness. You do have to stand in line to get in for lunch on weekends. You can find my husband in line every Saturday morning fifteen minutes before they open!
(5)Stephanie C.
Excellent food. Friendly service. Definitely the best sushi place in the whole MA! You can taste the freshness of all their food. Me and my boyfriend lives almost an hour away but it's worth the drive every single time!
(5)Alex K.
Have their own version of sashimi and tempera, very subtle and delicious. The fat level of several type of sashimi are just sublime
(5)Rainshadow L.
Well, I was really disappointed. 5-6 small tables? It's ok if the food is good. Poor service? It's ok if the food is good. Well, the food was not good. We were there twice, but will not any more. Agedashi tofu was soggy and salty, Chirashi has too little sashimi with too much rice, Sashimi deluxe tasted plain and Gyoza was too hard to chew. We ordered several rolls but don't remember what we ordered since all tasted plain...
(2)Chloe S.
This place is amazing. There is only one sushi chef and he does ALL the sushi. All of it every day. He also personally hand selects the fish daily at the fish market. This is a man who is Passionate with a capital P about his craft. The fish is always fresh and flavorful and perfectly cut, the rice is always spot on, and this is a really, really nice attention to detail but the fish is always the right temperature. It's not too cold when he serves it, which is a mistake the vast majority of sushi places make. I always order the chef's choice combos because he knows what's best. I have brought several out of town guests here and they've all been blown away.
(5)Myra T.
This place may place Arlington Sushi on the map, great service is key, The food is fresh not frozen, quality, they take the time to be sure of what you want not just fast and funky.
(4)William L.
Hands down my favorite sushi place in the Boston area, and I've frequented it for the last 6 years. They do great traditional sushi, and the sushi chef here is from Japan and very skilled. The nigiri is well-made, the rice is packed just right and the fish is very fresh and cut extremely well. I typically get the sushi moriawase, which is a sushi sampler which has 8 pieces of nigiri and a maki roll (typically tuna or salmon), for a decent price (I think for lunch it's $13). The only hot foods I get here are agedashi tofu, fried baby octopus, and fried aji (Japanese horse mackerel), but I can vouch for those three. I probably wouldn't recommend this place if you're just going for hot food, as that's not what their specialty really is. For sushi, though, they are the best traditional sushi I've had in the US, and the best I've had outside Japan. However, if you're a fan of over-the-top rolls like you'd get at Super Fusion Cuisine, or you love rolls with mango and avocado and all sorts of fancy stuff, then this is not the place for that.
(5)David T.
Great traditional Japanese sushi in a no-frills setting. No over-the-top American rolls here. The quality of the food and the relatively low price for this quality is amazing. This is a very small restaurant. There are only 6 small tables and a very small counter. There is one Japanese sushi chef and one waitress. The waitress is very friendly, but can be stretched thin covering the tables and takeout. Their Chirashi is astoundingly good. You get a wide selection fo fish and plenty of it. They use real sushi rice, so its nice and starchy. The Uzaku (eel and cucumber with vinagar sauce) is delicious. The Kyuri-momi cucumber salad was also very good. The tori no aspari maki (green asparagus rolled in teriyaki chicken) was quite good and something I have not seen at many other restaurants. Asparagus wrapped with very thin beef pieces is more common. I still prefer this with beef as you can slice the beef thinner so the dish is more about the asparagus than the meat. But preferences aside this is a nice variation.
(4)kim s.
There are five tables and four counter seats so be prepared for a long wait to eat (I waited about 30 minutes). The sushi and sashimi is very good and all prepared from scratch. Pricing is reasonable and service is good as well. Next time I think I will call ahead and get take out.
(4)Peter S.
Really good sushi served in authentic setting. You know you are in the right place when the menu comes in English and Japanese. The chef seems like a very competent Japanese sushi chef too. The portions were very good for a sushi restaurant and the staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.
(5)Jimmy B.
Ah I was so hoping this place would be a 5, but am settling on a 4, which solely is based on their signature item - the one and only Chirashi bowl: Value-wise, 5 stars. $12 for a lunch bowl of tasty Chirashi? Good luck finding that anywhere else. This jumps to $18 for dinner though, so this place will remain a lunch-only establishment for me. Variety, fantastic! I've never seen so many different types of slices in a Chirashi bowl as this place. Ranges from your standard of salmon and tuna to unique toppings such as marinated sliced shiitake mushrooms, tender tamago, and tuna roll pieces. Great! However, because there were so many different types of toppings on here, the size was much smaller than I had imagined (the pictures make them look so much bigger). But, for $12, I guess that's what you can expect! Quality. Here's where I was a bit disappointed - and this may be partial to the fact I had take-out. Although the sushi was solid, it wasn't necessarily near the best in Boston. With the fact that there is limited seating and management will sometimes turn away take-out orders, I'm surprised it wasn't better. It just didn't have the wow factor that really fresh and expertly prepared sushi gives me - for a few dollars more, I'd go to Daikanyama in Lexington if my priority was quality.
(4)Karen N.
Well color us unimpressed. We came in with high hopes as it had four stars but we've definitely had better -- even in the Boston area. It wasn't bad sushi but there was nothing special about the food and given the small tables and slow/unfriendly service, we can only rate it two stars for "Meh - We've experienced better." My partner had the sushi deluxe which was good but not great. We've had better at fast-food type sushi places. I had the tonkatsu, which was good but even the tonkatsu at the food court in the Mitsuwa at Fort Lee, NJ was better. It's not terrible food but I think Arlington could do much better. Perhaps go there if you have a craving for Japanese food and don't want to take the T into the city, but it's not worth going out of your way for. (signed by two Japanese-Japanese women who went out of their way to go there).
(2)Amy D.
3.5 stars but rounding up. During my work trips to Waltham, MA, I usually make a point to check out new Japanese restaurants in the area. Toraya was next on my list, and I called in my order late on a Thursday night (around 8pm). They had it ready by the time I got there 20 minutes later, and I tried: -Chirashi (Assortment of Fresh Fish, Eggs, Vegetables Over Sushi Rice, $18.50, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): The assortment of different fish in their chirashi was nice, since you don't always get as many types of fish or a couple pieces of toro. However, the pieces were a little too small for my preference, and I would have preferred larger slices. The fish was fresh though, and I would consider ordering this again. -Uni/Sea Urchin Nigiri ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): Good, but I was super full from eating half the chirashi, and wish I could have requested they add uni to the chirashi for an added price (I tried asking over the phone and got rejected). Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Toraya, and will have to come back and order other items. The restaurant is small, so call ahead of time if you're planning on dining in. Parking here is horrible since they do not have a parking lot and there isn't much street parking available.
(4)Sylvia C.
Definitely can see why fellow Yelpers rave about this place. Though the place is small - it's worth the lil wait. They don't have a huge menu or a ton of maki rolls to choose but everything they serve was well executed...at least from what we'd ordered. - Fried baby octopus - crispy on the outside and tender inside - Beef tongue - tenderly prepared - Small sashimi plate - great assortment and knife skill set - Salmon with tofu wrapped in bamboo leaves - flavorful and nice contrast in texture - Salmon and tobiko sashimi - thin sweet slices and sweet lil bits of yumminess - Spicy salmon and yellowtail maki rolls All expectations met. =)
(4)Heather L.
Delicious. Fresh sushi. This is what the eating experience of sushi should be like. Yeah, there are those times when you just need to stuff your face with AYCE sushi while wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants, but if you're in the mood to savor, to enjoy melt in your mouth sashimi, then come here. I got the sashimi lunch special, which also came with a bowl of white rice and a bowl of miso soup. For $11.95, I would say that's a pretty great deal. To be fair, I am not a connoisseur of sushi, but I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others!
(5)Damien S.
Stop, collaborate and listen: the chirashi lunch bowl. Get here when Toraya opens. Do not bring a group; there are six tables. (As a matter of fact, going solo is best.) Order the chirashi bowl. For $12, you'll get PERFECT SASHIMI - the freshness, the cut, the variety, the balance of flavors - over a heap of slightly sweet sushi rice. And a durn fine cuppa miso. And tea. And a smile, because, hey, you're attractive. The surf clam, the mackerel, hell, even the tamago... I've not had higher quality sashimi in the greater Boston fast casual scene. Is it as good as others claim? It's better. Bold statement? I dare you to prove me wrong. This review will not be any longer because I'm afraid it wouldn't be able to fit in the restaurant's tiny, tiny space. It's wee.
(5)Christine J.
Horrible service. They let another girl take a whole table for 4 while none of their party arrived. While there were 2 parties standing waiting for a table. The worst Japanese place for service. Rude and inattentive. The best food and sushi chef but the worst waiters. I've endured their bad service for a long time now. This was the tipping point. Simply ridiculous.
(1)Deanna D.
I've been here for lunch at least once a month for the past 2 years, and love this place (obviously). The Chirashi, seaweed salad, and sashimi box are all perfection. They also have a nice small selection of sake, and the service is always efficient and friendly. The prices are very reasonable considering the variety, quality and quantity of sashimi. Get there before noon to avoid the wait. The ambiance is not particularly interesting, but I come here for the great sushi, not for the fancy ambiance.
(4)Kevin L.
This place never ceases to disappoint me! By now, I've had 10 + Toraya vists. Ordered the sushi moriawase and it was amazing. The freshness of the seafood says it all. The sushi chef never serves the same sushi or sashimi; he picks the freshest selection each day. This also pertains to the chirashi bowl as well.
(5)Joichi I.
As advertised, they do not take reservations so we arrived and had to wait. It was a bit strange that there was almost no acknowledgement that we were there and the service was dry and not very friendly. The sushi and the food was fairly good but the waitress we had didn't even know what "shishamo" was even though it was on the menu so we had to point at it. Considering the lack of reservations, the service, and the only incremental quality difference of the food - unlikely it will be a regular place for us to go.
(3)Michael B.
I've been coming here since it opened. The owner / sushi chef hasn't aged a day, but his virtuosity has only improved. This man is a sushi genius. Their dinner is a great value for the quality, but the lunch value is beyond anything i know. If you love the freshest most carefully prepared raw fish, you will eat every last bit of the chirashi or sashimi. The Agedashi Tofu is the best tofu dish I've ever eaten. I can say the same about the tempura soft shell crab. I could not love this food any more than I do. EDIT: I've seen several reviews criticizing the service here. I don't understand this. In my experience, their service is always excellent.
(5)Ziyan C.
This is my best friend's favorite sushi spot in Boston for its quality of fish, value, and vibe. I'm so glad she took me here the last time I was in town! Everything was well-made and had quality ingredients. Nothing super fancy, just your classic sushi. Toraya is a very tiny, unassuming spot. There's one old, very wise-looking sushi chef behind the counter, and one very friendly server running the whole restaurant. All your dishes come in differently designed plates/bowls that look different; I love that they all look different and are each beautiful! It has the small local business vibe. THE SERVICE: The one server is always scurrying around, she has so much to do, but it's easy to catch her eye to ask for something, and she will always help with whatever you ask for. She works quickly and the food is always timely. THE WAIT: There was no wait around noon on a Friday for 2 at the sushi bar. There was a small wait for a table, but that seemed to move pretty fast. THE COST: Not bad at all. We got a ton of stuff for and it came out to $46 total for two. TORAYA LUNCH: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Sashimi (assortment of sliced, fresh raw fish. $11.95) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A good mix of fish! Very fresh & tasty. It's a little odd that most things came in 3 pieces, some in 2. It made it a little hard to share between the two of us. * Side: Agedashi tofu (fried tofu, served in a special sauce w/ scallion & daikon radish. $6.75) - 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… The fried breading was softer than I've had at other Japanese restaurants so it didn't really add crunch; rather, it was like a mushy bundle of stuff that came off of the tofu excessively easily. When you take a bite, all of it tends to come off in one piece. However, the flavor of the sauce was excellent, the scallion crunchy and fresh, and I really liked the grated radish that added that extra bit of sharp flavor and texture. DONBURI & NOODLES: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Tempura Udon (noodle soup with shrimp tempura Japanese wheat noodles or Buckwheat noodles. $8.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A nice simple broth, very thick and soft udon, a soft fried tempura on the shrimp. Good! SUSHI A LA CARTE: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Banzai Maki (fried soft-shell crab w/ spicy mayo. $9.50) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… I love spider rolls generally and had to get this! I guess I see a pattern that Toraya's tempura tends to be on the soft side. That's not my personal preference, but maybe it is just their style. The crab in this roll, once again, had a softer tempura. Not enough crunch! Also, there wasn't much temperature contrast between the rice and the crab. Both were a little above room temperature; I like it rather when the crab is hot, like it was just fried, and the rice colder! I couldn't taste the spicy mayo either so the flavor was pretty bland. My friend noticed that their sushi rice doesn't have vinegar in it. This was still overall enjoyable.
(4)Qianwen W.
My favorite Japanese restaurant! I have been there for two years and never got anything not good! The house sake is a must try, with the sashimi!
(5)Nate Y.
I'm just going to repeat what others have said; It's a small place, so better to come early, and not have a big group. The Chirashi bowl is a deal with a large variety of chef's choice bite-size sashimi over sushi rice. Comes with a bowl of miso soup. Doesn't get much better.
(4)Sarah A.
I'm... very confused. What had been suggested as some of the "best sushi" near Boston ended up being a very disappointing experience. I hesitated to write this review because I have been on a long journey to find amazing sushi in Boston. Run by a Japanese sushi chef, I had high hopes that this would be "the one". Upon entering the establishment, I surveyed the quaint restaurant and noticed, as other reviewers had, that there was only one sushi chef and one waitress who seemed extremely busy. We arrived exactly at 11:30am and unfortunately had just missed the first seating so had to wait at the entrance of the tiny shop for over an hour for a seat for 2 adults and a baby. I used this hour to observe the sushi chef. From what I observed, I had high hopes that this would prove to be the most authentic sushi experience that I would experience in Massachusetts. After waiting an hour, my expectations were at an all time high. We ordered the iidako karaage (deep fried baby octopus) to start and I ordered the chirashi and ikura nigiri. The food took about 30 minutes and when it arrived, I was so excited to dig in. The iidako karaage came out and I wasn't impressed with how greasy it was. The octopus also didn't taste fresh. The next item I had was the ikura. ...................... oh no. It tasted like the ikura had gone bad. It had this putrid spoiled taste to it that signified that it had probably been defrosted and left out at room temperature for too long. Really quite gross. I then dug into my chirashi. The fish was good, but the rice was horrible. Like, really really inedibly bad. It had little to no flavor and was incredibly mushy (it was obviously made with way too much water). Some sushi chefs claim that the rice in sushi is more important than the fish, as the sushi chef has complete control over the rice vs. the fish which can vary from day-to-day depending on their source. I left all of my rice, it was that bad. I couldn't believe it! After all the hype and positive reviews... Another thing to note was the service. I understand that the waitress is extremely busy but that doesn't excuse her from being rude. There were two instances where she was very condescending to my friend and I, and we were both very put-off by her attitude. Overall a 1 star experience but it's obvious to any customer how hard both the sushi chef and waitress work so I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
(2)Marlana Y.
Chirashi lunch special is amazing and you can tell that each fish and the way it's set was thoughtfully prepared. The space is a bit small so I would suggest going late lunch or early dinner or get take out. I was so full after this meal that I could barely finish it! But I will because it's so delicious!!!! Free green tea! I never understood why people made such a big deal over miso soup but their miso soup was fantastic! Love the saltiness of it!
(5)Hana K.
日本人ã®æ–¹ã€æ˜¯éžã‚ªã‚¹ã‚¹ãƒ¡ã§ã™ï¼ã”ã¡ãã†ã•ã¾ã§ã—ãŸã€‚Growing up in Japan, I struggle to find authentic sushi in Boston. Anywhere that serves spicy mayo or crunchy tuna (as delicious as it is) is not REAL Japanese sushi. Toraya, on the other hand, run by a Japanese family with the husband slicing each sashimi behind the counter and wife courteously serving every customer, is so authentic it would bring nostalgia to any Japanese or those who have visited Japan. I highly recommend the SUSHI DELUXE (though on the pricey side at $20.50), the quality and variety you get is unbeatable. Try to guess their sushi names by looking at the fun poster on the wall. NOTE: They do not take reservations so do not come here with a big group and try to come well ahead of time!
(5)Yasmin C.
Hmmm, pretty good but nothing to write home about. All of the great reviews and the fact that the place was packed got my expectations up a bit, but I wasn't super impressed. My brother and I waited about 15 minutes around Saturday lunch, and were then seated at the bar. Service was a tad slow, though not surprising since there was only one server in the place. My maki and nigiri combo was very reasonably priced and fresh, but really nothing super special. Nice variety, good fish, and that's it. Shamefully, I peg every sushi place against my favorite delicious spot in San Diego, where the fish literally melts in your mouth. Honestly, nowhere ever really matches up so trying new sushi places is always tough for me. I would definitely come back but not expecting to be wowed!
(3)Chris O.
I hate to review this place because I don't want it to blow up. I think it's too late though. This is the best sushi in Boston.
(5)Phil C.
Yes, there are some of the big boys, in terms of sushi, in the vicinity of Toraya, but for my money, I think I'd rather come here. Toraya is simple elegance, personified. The last time I visited was for lunch before a meeting. I went for the sashimi lunch set. The miso soup was good, and definitely a nice starter. However, the sashimi was fantastic. The colorful assortment of sliced fish was beautifully, yet simply arranged to make the plate attractive. The tuna was excellent, along with the salmon, octopus, and clam. All of it tasted fresh and went well with the wasabi and soy sauce. There were less common pieces like spanish mackerel. I know rice is something that doesn't get reviewed often, but it's important in something like this: it was above-average. Service was terrific as the server was extremely prompt and polite. I was a little fortunate to find a spot to sit just as I entered. I don't expect to be so fortunate the next time around.
(5)Joanna C.
The lunch chirashi was really good - honestly, not the best I've had (I've had chirashi where they season the rice with cut up vegetables and pickles and other insane goodness - which after reading about how good this Chirashi was I was kind of expecting, which was just my overblown expectations)! I started with their pork goyza which was pretty good. It's a tiny place so the tables fill up fast! The server here was SO sweet! She didn't let my tea cup go lower than half a cup, and she handled all of the tables so well! Amazing service!
(4)Steve Y.
This is definitely your hole in the wall joint and I mean that in the utmost respect. It's as authentic as you can get for quality sushi. The place is tiny and doesn't seat many people so be prepared to wait a while on a busy night. We had to sit at the bar which was fine. The table layout wasn't conducive in maximizing utilization as there were a few 4 seaters taken by two people but no biggie. We started off with the seaweed salad and squid tempura and it was delicious. Then we moved on to maki rolls which were flawless. The portions are small but that was perfect for us. For our first time here, we were very happy with the food and our waitress was quite attenitve.
(4)Brian F.
I've been to Japan several times, and Toraya is in the same league as the best I've had there. It's small, a few tables and the bar. The chef is from Japan and skillfully prepares your meal to his high standards. The fish is fresh and delicious. My test of sushi is the mackerel. Here it was delightful and mild,. The rice is prepared properly, not plain rice, but with a nice bit of rice vinegar. I'm not a sake connoisseur, but one time we had it, it pleased everyone. Service has been one waitress for the room, but efficient. It's totally in line with what a social, multi-course dinner should be. I wouldn't call it a fancy restaurant exactly, but everything is top notch, at a reasonable price This is where I treated my new boss and a former colleague who gave me a great recommendation for the new job. It's the kind of restaurant that you can take clients, bosses, dates, etc., to because the atmosphere and food are such a good experience. The chef is also a high-rank black belt in Aikido, so don't think about doing a dine and dash!
(5)James C.
I am ALWAYS on the hunt for the best sushi, wherever I go. It's a struggle at times to find just that in the Boston area. Then a friend of mine sent me to Toraya and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a very small, cozy sushi bar/restaurant and you can tell the sushi chef is a master at his trade, and proud of his work. Absolutely delicious and great cuts of fish. The one thing Boston lacks is sushi chefs who do their rice properly. Some people overly use rice vinegar, others don't even use it at all. I found Toraya's sushi rice done pretty well, it was subtle yet noticeable in taste and not over/under cooked. Sushi is 80% about well done sushi rice to me, and they did just that. I couldn't complain about how fresh the fish was either :) Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great sushi restaurant in the Boston area, and the 5 stars are earned based on this restaurant's quality compared to what's available in the Boston area.
(5)Aaron K.
This is the best sushi I've had anywhere. This is simple fresh fish, generous portions, reasonable prices. If you are looking for creative rolls go somewhere else. If you are a sashimi lover, come here. I highly recommend an order of their Chirashi entrée. This is a huge bowl of fresh fish (at least 8 different kinds) with marinated eggs and mushrooms (those are delicious too), all served over rice. At lunch this is only $11.50! I think this is the best lunch deal ever. The lunch portion is more than enough to fill me up. Have not had the dinner portion for 18.50 but for dinner the same meal would still be a good deal compared to other sushi places. You should focus on the sushi but everything else we have had is good as well. The agedashi tofu and seaweed salad are the best we've had anywhere. This is a must try if you are in the area! This is one place I will travel from the burbs for. Tips : $15 Credit Card Minimum. They are closed Mondays and don't do lunch on Sundays.
(5)Michael C.
Came here at an off hour on a Sunday. We were able to sit right away, which apparently is hard to do at any normal hour here. The place is small and the decor is nothing fancy but the service was fine and the food was great. Teriyaki Salmon - Served with rice. the salmon is perfectly marinated in teriyaki sauce. Agedashi Tofu - I only ordered this because of the high praise I saw on Yelp. It is definitely worth getting if you like mushrooms as all. Not that the tofu tastes like mushrooms, just the broth. The tofu has a really unique and rich flavor.
(4)Sharon Z.
The quality here is unbelievable. Thinly sliced to perfect portions, the fish's quality is really top-notch, the freshness comparable to some of the more famous places in Boston (like Oishii) but at an extremely inexpensive price. The simple dishes are the best - pure sushi or sashimi without the fancy makis. The freshness of the everything is evidence, even for the types of sashimi I don't usually get (i.e Tako, Uni), I ended up enjoying them very much. We pretty much sat at the bar and ordered all types of sashimi. The seared salmon is incredible, the regular salmon and hamachi are the melts in your mouth without effort. We went through 2 rounds of orders for sushi and sashimi because it was THAT good. The size of both appetizers and regular dishes are very generous. The chicken hearts yakitori were also very very good. Visit when they just open up for dinner and you won't have to wait!
(5)Jamie M.
The best! The sushi is always fresh and the lunch specials can't be beat. It is always crowded - and takeout often takes an hour or more but so worth it.
(5)Nicholas C.
Best Japanese restaurant in the area that I have been to (particularly for sushi). Has affordable (for sushi) and sufficiently filling $11-12 platters for lunch. Also has similar priced bento boxes. It's part of this little cluster of restaurants that also includes Blue Ribbon, and it's one of my favorite spots.
(5)Linda K.
Simple, straightforward sushi served in a small storefront. Fresh and delicious.
(4)Thomas L.
Toraya is an excellent sushi restaurant, in the traditional sense. Do not expect spicy sauces, crunchy maki and such. It is small, doesn't take reservations, very quiet and always a good destination. The fish is extremely fresh, cut in front of you by an old Japanese chef. I strongly recommend the sushi special as well as the flan dessert. Everything is simple, cheap yet surprisingly high quality. Simple things such as the miso soup or the green tea are excellent. Advantage: there's a parking lot in the back. Credit cards starting at $15
(4)Elijah C.
Authentic, delicious, and fresh. Limited hours, but one of the best sushi places around. Can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)Jeff D.
I have now reviewed a fairly large number of restaurants on Yelp and this place is the best, most authentic sushi joint in greater Boston. I love it and recommend it to everyone I can. no one has ever been disappointed.
(5)Nicole L.
Best sushi I've had in the whole Boston area. Other stuff (noodles, appetizers, chicken katsu) is also fabulous. The place is tiny and there isn't much space inside to wait, so worth considering if you're trying to go on a Fri/Sat night, but well worth it.
(5)Andre K.
Best sushi in the Boston area! The Maki rolls are delicious. Great service, great sushi, in a very cozy setting. Oh and try the shrimp dumplings!
(5)Scratchie S.
This place is amazing; one of the reasons my wife and I decided to move to Arlington. We were regulars there for 13 years (less often after we had kids, unfortunately) and never got a bad meal. Our go-to meal was a combination of Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail sashimi and it was always fresh and delicious. I've eaten a lot of sashimi at a lot of other American sushi restaurants and it is rarely as tender and delicious as it is here (what's up with the restaurants that give you a chunk of raw tuna bigger than your thumb??). Service can be a little slow but the atmosphere is always friendly, and they usually have some good jazz playing on the stereo.
(5)Leila L.
We got sushi moriawase, sashimi combo, smoked chicken heart, and agedashi tofu. After seeing all the good reviews on yelp, I guess I kind of set the bar too high, especially when we drove 20 mins to get here and waited for another 20 mins for our seats for a Saturday lunch. The place is very small, but still since there was only one waitress there, she is in charge of everything, which makes eh situation kinda messed. The food is okay - seriously, average okay, not significantly better than any other sushi place I tried in boston area. My bf says the fish and wasabi is definitely better, but I don't feel it. Anyways, probably i ll not drive all te way to Arlington to come back for this place unless I have some business in this area.
(3)Frank E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is simply great yet not too expensive. The chef is hard working and so is the waitress. The restaurant is very small though and is almost always packed. What else do you expect for such a great place?
(5)Yow-Bang W.
This is a restaurant of real pros I would say. The tablewares are not really attractive, service and cleansiness are not impressive, and the portion of their foods are in general small. However, the food is really at a high level that I believe only the sharpest taster can realize that it's probably top of the top.
(4)Ben C.
Overrated. I tried twice because of the good reviews. Kind of sad: Boston needs better sushi restaurants. BTW, I only rated for sushi; maybe others are good?
(2)Mike Q.
Small place like 6 tables. I thought it was ok but my sushi loving friends loved it.
(4)Gustavo D.
By far the BEST sushi restaurant that I've ever been in the United States. Authentic Japanese itamae making the sushi. Words cannot describe how good this sushi is, you have to go and try it by yourself. The place is tiny, it reminds me of the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi's restaurant in Tokyo. Expect long lines on weekends.
(5)J K.
My favorite Sushi place! The Sashimi bento is my favorite, and the waitress that works there is beyond polite! I go here for celebratory meals, even birthdays :)
(5)Shiori S.
Food was OK but not so good. Taste was like instant food. The meat in the yosenabe was very stick. The worst was the attitude of the shop staff. They were so rude. It was not like Japanese style. I was sooooo disappointed...
(1)Bryce H.
Had a wrong review. This spot is one of my favorite. Sorry for the confusion fellas
(4)Sam S.
The place is small but it is definitely worth it. The maki is fresh and you can watch it all get made before your eyes. An endless river of green tea and sake to boot! A true gem in the town of Arlington.
(5)Sue H.
Toraya is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. By Boston standards, I would say it is as authentic as it gets. It is a hole in the wall and has limited offerings and seating, but there are great daily specials posted on a board by the entrance that I highly recommend trying. Some of my favorite dishes are the grilled chicken hearts, shrimp and vegetable tempura, aji fry, nabe, and sushi. They're all total comfort foods and seem to be made with lots of care. Also, I would recommend trying to go for lunch sometime because their lunch menu is amazing. I love their bento boxes and lunch sets! They're delicious and are a total bang for your buck. It's a humble restaurant with homey food. There's only one sushi chef and one waitress at all times! The only draw I can really find in Toraya is its size. It's teeny! Then again, I would say that's almost part of its charm. I can imagine that when it gets busy, it can take forever to get a table. Luckily for me, I've never really had a problem getting seated, so who am I to complain? While it is a little out of my way, I'd say it's totally worth the drive up to Arlington. Go try it and be amazed.
(4)J C.
A gem you wouldn't expect to find in Arlington. Getting a seat at dinner is impossible, so go earlier. The fish is extremely fresh and everything is reasonably priced.
(4)Ramon L.
A five star place for boston, and 2 3/4 stars in Japan, but cannot give 5 stars though. Boston has horrible sushi and this is the only place I will eat sushi in Boston. It is the only REAL Japanese sushi restaurant. Very small place, nice service. If you want real Japanese sushi, come here, if not go everywhere else. SOmetimes tuna needs to be more red, but cant complain for Boston
(4)Jiyea C.
I guess the third time's the charm with Toraya, because that is how many tries it took for me to finally get my hands on the lunch here. The first time, I called 20 minutes after opening on a Saturday to put in an order for takeout, but was told that the restaurant was very busy and would not be taking any takeout orders for the entire day. The following Monday, I tried ordering again but realized that they were not open on Mondays. So, the next day, I decided to put an alarm on my phone at 11:29am (one minute before opening) so I could put in a takeout order as soon as Toraya opened for the day. What an ordeal to satisfy a sushi craving! After those two tries, I couldn't possibly settle for anything less than what people called the one of the best sushi joints in Boston! Anyway, I call at 11:30am and this time, I am able to put in an order!!!! And while some older reviews say that Toraya is not offering takeout for items on their sushi menu, this was not the case because I was able to order the lunch chirashi and the sushi moriawase. I asked the lady with the cute voice (with a slight Japanese accent--a good sign when the employees of a sushi restaurant sound Japanese in my book) when my order would be ready, and she said 30 minutes, which was perfect because it would take quite a while for me to get all the way past Arlington Center from Harvard Square on the 77 bus. Approximately 32 minute later, I had a brown paper bag filled with my sushi moriawase and my friend's chirashi + miso soup for each of us! W I N! Without further ado, the food! OhMyGosh it was D E L I C I O U S! Fish tasted fresh, buttery, almost sweet and the variety was great. My dish came with a tuna roll, which was also good in terms of fish quality but the wasabi wasn't quite distributed well. Two pieces a lot of wasabi (it was a little surprise in my mouth) but the remaining pieces did not taste like wasabi at all! Hmm. I found inconsistency with the rice as well. The rice that came with my hamachi nigiri tasted a little soggy, but the other pieces were fine, not only in terms of consistency but also taste. I prefer my sushi rice a little tangy, and the rice at Toraya was the perfect vinegar-y taste. Love it, and really wanted to comment on the rice because so much of the time, the rice is overlooked with sushi, when actually it's one of the most important/crucial foundations of a good piece of sushi. (I think I read somewhere that sushi chefs spend their first decade or so of training perfecting sushi rice. Sounds crazy, huh?) Maybe the sushi chef put in more effort for the rice for my friend's chirashi, because I took a few bites from my friend's lunch and every bite was perfect! She was satisfied with every single fish in her chirashi, and said that even the octopus, which she normally doesn't like, was good! I have the same issue with octopus too, because I've experienced rubbery-tasting octopus on chirashi before, but this one was not rubbery at all! (She gave me a piece, hehe. I think she was feeling more generous about sharing because it was I who went alllll~ the way to Toraya by myself to pick up our order--she was in class.) I'm perfectly aware that I'm being extra picky about the food at Toraya because it was so hyped on Yelp, and because I had to put in a little more effort than usual in order to try it. This doesn't mean that I didn't LOVE the food though! Despite the minor hiccups that I mentioned above, Toraya is a very solid choice for sushi and I can understand why people consider this place one of the best in Boston. I don't think i've tried enough sushi here to say that this is the very best, but I will say that it's the most authentic sushi I have tried here and that the quality of fish x price point is EXCELLENT. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations and sometimes refuses takeout orders but it's worth a visit if you have a craving for delicious raw fish. I don't believe this is a place you would go for specialty rolls, but the fish stands out on its own so why would you want to douse it with extra ingredients and sauces anyway?
(4)Espresso T.
Excellent sushi! And, the prices are amazingly affordable! I loved my sushi moriawase lunch set there. The fish was very fresh and it was a lot of pieces for the price they charged. The extra order of scallop sushi I got was also among the freshest I have had in the U.S. The one minor issue is their sushi rice. The rice didn't quite hold together as well as I would normally expect, but it was still of decent consistency and tasted fine. Can't wait to go back to have more sushi and try their other dishes!
(5)Steve M.
I want to thank all of the Yelp reviewers who come to Mr. Toraya's restaurant with (silly) expectations and leave poor reviews on this site. Because of you, my family and I know that we will be able to be seated on a weeknight at our favorite sushi venue if we arrive by 7 p.m. (unfortunately you now need to arrive a little earlier than that on the weekends). Most every criticism of Toraya that I have read is very true - the space is cramped and simple, the pace is slow, the waits can be long, they only have green tea, the (one) waiter can be overworked and brusque, and the Maki selection is limited, blah, blah, blah. Please let these criticisms color your judgement when you consider Toraya! A few helpful tips: 1. Keep your eyes peeled for the little specials marker-board near the entry. If Mr. Toraya is serving Toro sushi (which is not often), please leave it for me! 2. Usually the Uni (see urchin gonads) sushi is extremely fresh when available - please leave that for me as well. 3. The tempura at Toraya is extremely light and flaky, my son loves it. Have as much as you like!
(5)vincent j.
Japanese restaurant owns by Japanese. Great egg and tuna sushi.
(5)Xun L.
Very authentic Japanese sushi restaurant.Their atmosphere and food are amazing!
(5)Helen V.
Please don't come here.... Number 1: This makes the wait even longer, for locals like me who need their chirashi lunch fix--the 20 person seating is also another reason. Number 2: Since everyone is packing into the restaurant, I can't even place a takeout order over the phone to avoid the packed restaurant. :( Number 3: There is only one sushi chef and he's pretty skillful with the sushi knife. He takes a lot of care with his ingredients. When it's as busy as it has been, I can't even say hi/bye to him; he'll never know about his most loyal customer. So shhhh...I want this to be my little secret, hole in the wall, authentic Japanese eatery. (It's less than a mile away with modest prices, great food and a diligent sushi chef.)
(4)Emily S.
Meh. Am I missing something???? This is suppose to be THE place for sushi in the area but after having their maki for a second time recently I'm still not that impressed. I'll try them again but thus far I don't see what all the 5 stars are about.
(3)Denise B.
Sushi is very good and consistent. Love the chirashi! We usually go during lunch to avoid the crowds. Great food and value for the lunch menu is excellent. Get here early or expect to wait, especially at dinnertime. As the other reviews mentioned, there are only six tables and the sushi bar. The sushi chef takes pride and care in his work though. Never disappointed. Allow ample time if phoning in a take out order during dinner.
(5)Ariel F.
Toraya is the best sushi I've ever had, and I eat a lot of it. I was thrilled to find this gem just down the road in Arlington. The fish is incredibly fresh and each dish is prepared meticulously by a chef who takes a lot of pride in his work. I recommend getting the sushi / sashimi combo so you get the best of the day's catch. I often have no idea what I'm eating but every bite is delicious. Things to know: 1) You will wait for a table. This is a tiny venue, but be patient. It's worth it. 2) You will wait for your food. If you are someone who cares about speedy service, go elsewhere. Each dish is lovingly prepared by hand so sit back and savor it. 3) You will have a memorable meal. I've been to this place at least half a dozen times and haven't once been disappointed.
(5)R H.
I am reluctant to write a positive review because Toraya is a small place, does not take reservations and there is usually a wait of 10-30 minutes, so the last thing I want is to make the wait longer by encouraging others to come. That said, Toraya deserves a great review. My husband and I love this place and have been eating here on average 3-4 times per month for the 8 years we've lived in Arlington. Toraya has excellent sushi and other Japanese basics. Agedashi tofu and tamago are the best I've had anywhere, Oishi included. All the fish is fresh, precisely cut (not too huge which is a pet peeve of mine) and prepared. They know what they are doing. I think where people feel disappointed is when they expect a fine dining experience and/or a huge menu. This is not it. It's small, clean and efficient. It's a place to get great basic Japanese food with none of the bells and whistles so popular at other Japanese restaurants. But in its simplicity it surpasses most of the sushi in fancier restaurants (i.e., Fugaku) in Boston. As for the service, it's not overly in-your-face but friendly, which is how I like it.
(5)Dan W.
This place is truly as good as it gets for sushi in North Boston. The food is top notch and pleasantly fresh. Take note however that there is usually a wait during peak hours so I recommend getting creative with your schedule and dropping by midweek or for an earlier dinner. There are not many tables here and the pace is slow, so be patient and you will be rewarded.
(5)C C.
Love this place. Toraya is not fancy, but when it comes to quality, freshness, and taste, it's hard to beat. Some personal favorites of mine are the salmon and hamachi sashimi, the crunchy roll (which is like a spicy tuna roll, but with tempura flakes inside to add yummy texture), and the beef sukiyaki.
(5)Crystal J.
Food is really good, I can tell they use very high quality material. It's just you are very likely to wait for a while because it is a popular restaurant and there aren't lots of tables and only one waitress.
(5)Corona W.
Fresh sushi and friendly service.
(4)Jet F.
A real authentic Japanese experience The service can be quite slow since the place is usually full during lunch hours. However, the food is delicious and well-prepared. Not to mention the the price point is good for the quality
(5)Christine V.
An Honest Review: Authenticity. Quality. Niche. These are the three words I would use to describe Toraya. The restaurant is a very well designed hole in the wall type place. The lighting, trim and decor transform you to a Japanese sushi restaurant. A small bar wraps around the sushi chef's station and a few tables are nestled around the remaining space. There is a small waiting area where we ourselves waited and couldn't help but feel like were intruding on someone's already started dinner party. Once we finally were able to sit down, the single wait staff was very busy helping all the patrons, that we had to wait longer to get drinks ordered. Translation, don't come if you're starving. Unfortunately they have a limited tea menu. Translation, do you like green tea? Ordering was pretty simple, the menu had a very nice selection, lots of authentic Japanese dishes and a nice sushi offering. But waiting for our food (I mentioned don't come if you're starving) seemed to take far too long. When our food did arrive, the deluxe sashimi plate was an impressive variety of fish, but very small bites of each. The quality seemed very good, but I could see others complaining about the amount of food offered. The staff seem to work hard, and I really liked the look and feel. But I didn't leave impressed, and I wouldn't go back again.
(3)Keiko Z.
This is as close to Japan as you can get without hopping on the new non-stop Boston to Tokyo flights at Logan.
(5)n i.
Great little place. It would be silly to compare with places in NYC or west coast, but as far as Sushi is concerned, this is probably as good as it gets in this area.
(4)Scott W.
When I lived in Arlington about 3 minutes away (walking) from Toraya I would go to this place maybe 2-3 times a month. It's a tiny restaurant but it's the best sushi place I've ever been to. Because of its size, it's best for single parties, couples, and groups 4 and under but I have seen them accommodate slightly bigger parties before. The sushi here has never let me down and everything is very authentic. I haven't really tried the non-sushi items besides the appetizers but there really isn't a need to. I've always been in love with how big their menu is and how many choices you have for maki and nigiri a la carte. The staff is a constant. Mr. Toraya (or I think that's his name) is always there and seems to have a nice back story according to other reviews. The waitress is very nice and polite which is always a plus in my book. Since I've been there last they may have gotten an extra hand to work the dining room but I've only ever dealt with the main waitress. The prices are excellent. Nothing is over-priced. Be sure to get there early because the tables fill fast on most nights I've been there. Even take out will be a wait given the small staff and how everything is made to order by the talented Mr. Toraya. Despite this I wouldn't have them change a thing as expansion would only decrease quality.
(5)Sharon D.
A hidden gem in Arlington! We have been coming here for years and were never disappointed! It is uber intimate, I think my kitchen is bigger than their dining room, but don't let that scare you away! There is convenient parking and they also do take out! You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. The wait is worth it!
(4)Le N.
I live so far from here, yet I've frequented this restaurant so many times. Hands down best japanese food I've ever had. Must have: chirashi bowl - the rice and mushroom alone are addicting; the fresh fish is just an added plus! =) Recommendation: go for lunch (if you can) versus dinner since the portions are the same with lunch being cheaper. Although, prices were decent either way, with lunch specials being a complete steal! Tip: If you want to be able to taste the heavenly food Toraya has to offer, come early! Come before the restaurant opens! There's ALWAYS a line and once you taste their food, you'll know why!
(5)Eric M.
Toraya is absolutely a hidden gem on Mass Ave in Arlington. This is hands down the best sushi restaurant we have been to in this price range. The restaurant is extremely small, perhaps 16-20 seats total, so if you plan to dine-in, be prepared to wait. Another option is to do takeout, but as with dining in, be prepared to wait an hour for the food to be ready. Despite the long waits, the food is absolutely worth it and the price is excellent for the quality.
(5)Albert L.
I have been coming to Toraya once every month or two for at least 7 years. I'm willing to put up with: - utter lack of ambiance - not able to make reservations - 30-60 minute wait to get a table on Friday or Saturday - fairly cramped seating - desserts do not measure up to the rest of their food and would give Toraya 6 stars if I could. Toraya consistently serves up excellent Japanese-style sushi and Japanese food. The only sushi I've had that is regularly better than Toraya I've had in Japan. The fish at Toraya is always fresh. Salmon, yellowtail, mackerel, tuna - everything is consistently very good. If you like Uni, I think Toraya's is consistently better than just about every place in greater Boston. It has been very good at worst and spectacular at best. I really love the fact that when you order something once at Toraya, and then decide to have it again the next month, or even a couple years later, it tastes the same. The consistency of execution of Toraya never ceases to amaze me. Here are some of my favorite dishes: - Clam miso. This is one of the most flavorful soups I have ever had. - Agadashi tofu. Toraya does it better than anyone else - Oshinko. The portions are pretty small, but this is an absolutely delightful and motley crew of pickled vegetables - Spider roll. Simple goodness - Tempura (shrimp or vegetable). Incredibly light like tempura should be. I avoid tempura at most restaurants basically because Toraya spoils me. - Seaweed salad. Toraya has hit upon the right combination of spices and seaweeds. Subtly better in a way I can't describe in words. I have only recently been to Toraya for lunch. All the superlatives hold, except there doesn't seem to be much of a line or a crowd. As other reviewers have mentioned, the value for the money is superb. My family of four orders with abandon and the bill rarely tops $120 including tip, and occasionally is as low as $100 with tip. (we typically don't order alcohol, though) If you haven't been, go. Toraya is a special find and at this point, I have resigned myself to the fact I will have to wait in order to eat what I know will be a meal that will not disappoint.
(5)Eric L.
Try unaju
(5)Hasan K.
We have been coming to this place regularly for over five years and have never been disappointed except when we could not get a table. A small informal restaurant that serves VERY good food including excellent sushi. Watching the chef is fun. The service is attentive and cheerful. Well priced and worth frequenting.
(5)Stephanie G.
I generally actively avoid eating sushi, so I will openly admit that I got dragged to this place. Once there I had some skepticism. Eel? Why can't we all just get avocado? But I was convinced, and I tried something new, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of sushi at Toraya. It addressed several fears: 1) The sushi was not too salty 2) The fish on the sushi was good, not fishy 3) There was enough sushi to satisfy my appetite - THIS IS NO EASY FEAT. Next time I will go happily. There's was no wait at all (we went early on a weeknight) and the service was very good. I was surprised only by the number of small children eating sushi with more poise than me...
(4)Wen Y.
Best handmade sushi I've ever had, bar none! Love everything about Toraya, interior designs, food, and services. The only thing has to keep on mind is that seats are really limited, and no reservations are acceptable. If you decide to have dinner at Toraya, a good timing will help (e.g. right before it opens).
(5)Raymond L.
This is probably the best sushi restaurant I ever had in the Boston area, and probably the best in a 60 mile radius around it. The restaurant is opened up by traditional Japanese people. We got a few orders of salmon, hamachi (yellowtail) and tuna nigiri and it was very fresh. I highly recommend those 3 nigiri if you like raw sushi. Another one I like (my friends didn't like it as much) was the plum beefsteak leaf sushi. I would definitely come here again in the future! and again...and again...
(5)AJ M.
Toraya is a little gem. You know you are at an authentic Japanese restaurant when many of the customers are Japanese themselves. The food here is always delicious and fresh.The restaurant itself is tiny and we have gone more than once and been turned away because it was so full. I don't recommend going during the usual peak hours, but we've always lucked out arriving early for dinner or at lunch during the week. The sushi chef could also be a Zen master, for all I know: he prepares the food unperturbed by anything going on around him and that he does beautifully. Service is usually good and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Anthony C.
Sushi is extremely fresh. Probably because the restaurant is so small they are able to control their supply with great margins. If you like sashimi this is a good place to go to. Their udon is pretty good as well. Other than Super Fusion I wouldn't go anywhere else but here.
(5)David X.
File this under yet another example of yelp mass psychosis. I can only assume that the rave reviews were written by people who live in arlington who need to convince themselves that their choice to live there was a good decision. In other words, people who write rave reviews about all their local establishments to convince themselves there's no reason to travel outside their immediate geographic area. The sashimi portions are TINY. The quality is average. We tried a bunch of things across the menu. Other items like various maki were certainly adequate and of expected quality. All in all, this is a mediocre local joint at best. It should be a crime to mention this place and oishii or oya in the same sentence. I guess I am gullible because those comparisons are what made me want to try it. These so-called sushi experts writing these rave reviews have clearly never had great sushi. That's the only polite thing I can say. Sushi lovers, be warned. PS to tiny g, Emily S is absolutely right. You are wrong. 'nuff said.
(2)Lala I.
simple delicious fresh sushi.
(5)Layla L.
Seriously, what is up with people hating on this place? Everything was SO GOOD but your eel was bland, so you gave it 1 star? 2 stars because you didn't get as much ginger on the side as you did at Mr Sushi? Who the fuck are these eel and ginger fanatics? Why do they even go out to eat? Just sit at home and huff ginger all night instead, you fucking psychos. Also, nothing more ironic than a white person telling a (native) Japanese person that their establishment isn't Japanese enough. All that said... I like their food. I like the waitress. I like the sushi chef. I have never encountered anything but friendliness and courtesy here. I like Toraya and you should go there... that is, unless you're THAT GUY....
(5)David C.
3.5 Stars I would definitely recommend Toraya for someone living in Arlington, but I don't know if it's worth the trek from Brookline for me, especially when there are so many other great sushi options right in my neighborhood (Fugakyu, Genki Ya, Gari, and Super Fusion all spring immediately to mind). The locals clearly love it, however, as it's packed to the brim even on a weeknight. My friend and I went on a Thursday around 8, and found ourselves waiting almost 20 minutes for a table. There was one waitress servicing the whole restaurant (not to mention running the take-out business), and she did an admirable job. There was only one sushi chef working as well, so my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to get some kitchen appetizers before our sushi. The miso soup was good--not watered down at all--as was the seaweed salad, but the special deep-fried oysters were kind of lame. Now on to the sushi. Toraya serves up the classics (don't come here expecting super complex maki with ingredients more befitting a pizza than a roll), and they hit the spot, but nothing will blow you away flavor-wise. What will blow you away is the price of their toro. I've dined at a million sushi joints, and from what I can tell, $6.50 for two pieces of nigiri and $8.50 for three pieces of sashimi is a steal. They also have a delicious negitoro roll for $6.50. It certainly isn't the best fatty tuna you'll ever have, but at that price, you won't be complaining.
(3)Alan S.
I walked around all day with a smile on my face. That's because I found Toraya. As a Japanese American living in Boston, it is so hard to find great sushi places and a restaurant where I can find Japanese comfort foods like my mom used to make. Found it! Went there around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. There were probably 5 people in front of us and we waited for like 20 minutes. The place is small. There are 5 or so tables with maybe 6 bar seats. Pretty easy to get filled up. I know some people mentioned about the service being slow. I thought it was fine. There's really only one person working the entire room. I got the chirashi, which was a huge bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi, egg, and pickled mushrooms. It was $12. That is best deal in the city. I can't wait to come back and try other things!
(5)Aboud Y.
Despite the sterile ambiance (too cramped) and lackluster service, Toraya delivers an authentic and delicious helping of Japanese cuisine. The food I sampled was outstanding. Clear soup (served with both a clam in its shell and a lemon wedge in the broth) was delicious, as were the soft-shell crab tempura and grilled chicken hearts. The sushi was also stellar...with sea bass, yellowtail, and salmon nigiri all top notch and the Crunchy Roll also delivered the goods. Its too bad service was so off. Had to ask for water three times, and there was absolutely no progression to the food (it all pretty much came out at once). I would expect at least the soup to come out first . Nevertheless, dinner (including a large bottle of Sake) came to less than $60 which is a great value. Toraya has got to be in my top five list of sushi spots in the Boston area. I highly recommend it.
(4)Adriana D.
When my husband and I came here, we were lucky we just got in before the rush, because boy did it fill up fast! I can't stand waiting for a table at a restaurant, but having had a beautiful dinner here, I can say that a meal of this caliber is worth waiting for. The fish is incredibly fresh and delicately prepared, somehow being authentic and judiciously creative at the same time (not overblown or tacky, just to mask something that's... well... heh heh, fishy). As for the place itself, it's small and fairly spare, foregoing any elaborate decorations, but who cares? At least it allows you to focus on the thing that matters -- the delicious morsels on your plate. If you have any foodie friends, they'll be impressed with this find. The space is not something you'll stumble on unless you're looking for it, and it's in an unassuming part of the street, but that all works somehow -- like you're a sushi insider with the line on a secret place with the best nigiri. But with over a hundred reviews and more mounting, the secret is leaking out. So go soon, if you can -- preferably during an off-peak hour.
(5)John W.
Another one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The place is small, comparable to Oiishi in Chestnut Hill, and they don't take reservations. But the fish is fresh! That's all that matters. Great nigiri and sashimi choices. They serve whelk sashimi, which other places don't have. I also love their octopus tempura, yes not sushi, but and excellent dish! So good!
(4)T V.
This is a Chinese run sushi place which is not a bad thing. I've had very good sushi at other Chinese owned sushi places. 1) There were no asians eating in the restaurant which is already ominous to me. i decided to give it a try anyway. it could be just an off day. 2) I had the "Deluxe" sushi entree which consisted of 2 salmon nigiri, 2 yellow tail nigiri, maguro nigiri and some other white fish nigiri. Then a cut roll of maguro with sesame oil and sesame seeds. The fish on the nigiri looked very suspicious. The salmon looked so artificial in color. When I tasted it, I couldn't taste salmon but tasted as if the fish has been washed several times. There was no "fish oil" as salmon is usually kinda fatty. The same went for the other nigiri. 3) The cut roll was over loaded with sesame oil that I couldn't taste the fish. 4) Miso soup was overly salty. Over all...not a very good dinner...but at least I didn't get a stomachache.
(2)Martha S.
If it weren't for the risk of mercury poisoning, I would eat sushi every day--As it stands, I probably eat sushi more than I should, and frequently, more than once a week. Sure, I like Americanized rolls as much as the next sushi goer, but I LOVE nigri and sashimi! Lucky for me, Toraya serves up some EXCELLENT sushi! The fish here is very fresh, and one chef prepares it. It takes quite a long time for your order to come out, let alone get a table if the place is busy. But when you get it, you can taste the love put into the preparation! You can almost feel the warmth of the chefs hands in the shape of the rice, and the coolness of the knife blade used to cut the pieces of fish! Mmmm..yum. The waitstaff is somewhat curt, but if I were as busy as the tend to be, I would be curt too. I give this place 5 stars, but there are some crucial facts which tempt me to give it four stars. (1) it is incredibly difficult to get a table during peak dining hours! When the weather is cold, there is no where for people waiting for a table to wait, so the door is constantly opening and closing, making it uncomfortable to dine without a coat on! (2) Sometimes they are too busy to accept take-out orders, (3) if you don't have a car, it is difficult to get here.
(5)Alex C.
Not sure how this place has over 170 reviews and 4 plus stars. What am I missing? It is more like 2.5 stars. Tried the sushi and maki deluxe combination dinner plate, spicy salmon handroll, miso soup and agedashi tofu. While the miso was pleasant and the agedashi tofu flavorful, the sushi and maki were huge disappointments. So, that's a problem in my book for a Japanese restaurant. Neither the cut nor freshness of the fish was anything more than average as were the prices. While the ratio of fish to rice was appropriate, the pieces of fish were relatively small, but not thin like supermarket sushi. The restaurant bills itself as preparing "home style" Japanese food and the presentation comfortably matches that description, but "home style" should not mean just okay tasting raw fish preparations. Given the many Yelp rave reviews here, I was expecting a hidden gem of sorts. Not so.
(3)Christian M.
Average. Cons: Very small place. Not too many choices. Long waiting time. Pros: Fresh food.
(3)Hannah M.
Whoa! I can't believe I didn't write a review of Toraya before now! One of the best sushi restaurants I've been to! Toraya is a tiny little (6ish tables, small sushi bar) blink and you'll miss it place, but so worth the find. The waitress has been there as long as I've been going and she's quick, quiet, and oh-so polite with her "excuse me" every time she sets your food down, fills your water, or walks past your table. The sushi is top-notch! Always fresh, always good. My only issue is the lack of innovation. Sure, they've got all the staples, but rarely do they shake it up with something fusion-y or unique. It's OK though - we'll still frequent Toraya, no worries! The gyoza is outstanding - light, crispy, and not greasy at all and the vinegar-y dipping sauce is amazing! Mr likes the shumai, I'm eh about them. They are really fishy (shocking, I know, for shrimp dumplings). The oitashi is delish - perfectly seasoned and always fresh and the seaweed salad is one of the best I've had. We almost always order some appetizer combo and then crispy roll (spicy, crispy, tuna, yum!) and una-avo (eel and avocado). I guess we fall short of shaking it up too :-) We always leave full, happy, and awaiting our next trip.
(4)Anne W.
A small mom and pop shop that seats about 20 people. If you are looking for traditional Japanese.. this is probably a great place to go. I am Asian so I can see what crowd this caters to. They don't have fancy rolls.. no mayo.. just fish and rice. One sushi chef.. one waitress.. and one person in the kitchen. I like this sometime.. but I can't really say that I think the fish is the freshest in the world... there are places that are comparable in Boston. I know for a fact that the slices are not that large. I agree with other reviews.. not that much to rave about. The waitress is what brings this place down. She's rude.. and not attentive. Tons of parking. The prices are not that high... but sometimes they do not turn on the a/c in there and it's mighty hot in the summer.
(3)Vina A.
Agadashi tofu was fantastic. My chirashi was good with a nice selection but was too warm by the end of the meal. Also the salmon had a bit of a questionable taste. Appreciated the scallops and the massaged octopus! Well priced, quick service. Go early.
(3)Gina T.
This was our regular spot. Tonight after a long hiatus for which we forgot the reason, we decided we needed a fix. Their fish is always super fresh and everything is well prepared... however, by the time we got our table I remembered why I stopped coming here: 1) they only have about 20 seats including the sushi bar, so getting a table is often difficult. 2) they do a terrible job of utilizing their seating. It is not unheard of for them to give a 4-top to a single person, EVEN on a weekend night. 3) they don't appreciate their regulars, regardless of how nice, respectful, or good-tipping you are. We (3 of us) were behind two people waiting for a table. After waiting over a 1/2 hour, a two top and a four top opened up. The people in front of us asked if they could have the 4 top and the hostess/waitress gave it to them! So now there is a table for two empty and two seats at their table empty and we had to wait another 10 minutes before we got a table and another ten before we got drinks. To top it all off, Mr. and Mrs. Rude ordered about $20 of food and no drinks, and our order came to over $100... Simply doesn't make sense!!! We will not be going back...
(2)Jessie E.
My FAVORITE Japanese restaurant This is simple classic food, no fancy rolls or spicy mayo-ness There is always the same sushi chef, sometimes they are a bit slow but the quality of the fish more makes up for it. I have worked in sushi restaurants and I am VERY picky about the freshness of the fish I eat and nothing beats Toraya. The Agedashi tofu is delicious, light broth, tasty mushrooms I would order any of the sushi, sashimi, chirashi. The bento boxes at lunch are an outstanding deal. Whatever I order always resembles a glittering jewel box filled with an assortment of sparkling fresh items. I spend a good amount of time admiring the beauty of my dish prior to eating it. Lame, I know.
(5)Ryan S.
Great sushi, everything was fresh and quick service!
(4)Ilya Jacob R.
Walking into this place, I felt like it was going to be a unique experience. I was partly right. Most sushi places give you a menu and a long half sheet to choose your sushi. Nope. You tell the waitress what you want - not a bad thing in itself, but we order less than we usually do because I couldn't go nuts and just mark off a bunch stuff. Otherwise, we ordered our usual appetizer: edamame. It took a while for it to come. Why? Because they serve it cold. This is the first time I've had it cold, so I guess it takes longer because they cook it then cool it. It would've been helpful if I had known more about this in advance...The sushi was decent, nothing to write on Yelp about...oh wait...nevermind...but it was good enough for a small little place. Some of the sushi rolls were smaller than what I usually get. Unique indeed...maybe unusual would be more appropriate...
(3)Lynette M.
This is one of two Japanese owned restaurants Ive found in the city. It's bare bones but it's good
(4)Tai Z.
Really delicious food, amusingly spartan decor, Japanese staff. There is only one waitress, so sometimes she is harried even though it is a tiny restaurant, but she is quite capable and friendly. Today I had the tempura bento box and a side order of salmon maki. Everything was quite oishii and fairly priced for lunch. The box came with lots of fun Japanese accoutrements, including sprinkles on the rice and pickled vegetables, gyoza, etc. I was surprised that they don't sell gift certificates; I thought they were pretty much a can't-lose situation for the seller. (Perhaps the waitress is so harried already she couldn't deal with one more task!) I would give it 5 stars if they improved the decor. Itadakimasu!
(4)Claire W.
Well I am still on the look for a replacement for New Ginza's Teriyaki lunch special (which replaced my previous haunt Toyko CIty in Allston) I have been to Toraya once only and for lunch so here is what I thought: This place is seriously tiny! Intimate though and the toilet is more than ample for a wheelchair, once you get past the tables to it. I ordered a Bento box chicken teriyaki. lovely sides, complex and exciting. Tea was served without request and for free. It was more than I wanted to pay, but let's be honest, I am cheap. The next week I tried the less expensive Mr. Sushi three blocks away and the food was not nearly as complex. One thing really stuck in my mind. There were two burly biker guys sitting at the minature sushi bar having the time of their lives and having what appeared to be a very happy conversation with the sushi chef. I kept thinking one of them would fall off the little stools but they never did. It made the experience so warm and inviting just a few tables enjoying the food with no pretense. I guess we must have come early as the place began to rapidly fill even at lunch time and we hurried ourselves up to make room. The very nice waitress did not hurry us, we just felt a tad guilty. Parking was easy but I don't think I'd try to fight the crowds at dinner. Give this place a try!
(4)Zachary A.
Favorite place in Boston for Sushi. Like everyone else mentioned it's the only place I'll go. However...be prepared for a wait as the place is tiny (but well worth it)
(5)Monica T.
This is the only place in the Boston area that I go to everytime I visit. It's soooo great. The sushi is fresh and the service is wonderful. The big reason I go to Toraya is not for the Sushi though, it's for the Wafu steak. Sooo Yummy! I have tried recreating it here in Cali, with little success.
(5)R I.
This place serves the best and authentic Sushi in Boston. I highly recommend their "Chirashi". Unlike other places, Toraya's Chirashi has probably 20 different kinds of fish on the rice. It's always so fresh and yummy. :)
(5)S. A.
I loved this place, it's small, so big groups probably aren't a good idea. It looks like a mom n pop place. Very welcoming and really really fresh fish. The prices are reasonable, not cheaper than usual but not pricey either. The miso isn't salty but just right. The service was great, even though it was very busy. There's parking in the back in a lot. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)marlene a.
WOW! FRESH like I never knew possible. I expected my food to swim off the plate. At first I thought I was not going to like this place, but WOW was I wrong! It is tiny, and there WILL be a wait...but then you will have your own little piece of seafood heaven & KNOW it was all worth it. I was a little PO'ed that my dinner companion & I had to share a menu (they did not have enough to accommodate everyone in the place). I felt like the A/C should have been cranking...it was a little warm. No open tables, so we sat at the bar (no biggie because I think that is the best seat in the house). I was pretty sure I was in for a less then wonderful experience... was I so wrong! A waitress FINALLY (and yes there was only 1 waitress) came over . We started with Kaiso salad. It was pretty much the same as you get anywhere, but the Tako (octopus & veggies in vinegar) blew me away! Perfectly done (not too chewy), thinly sliced with MOST delish vinegar sauce w/ yummy thin sliced pickle's...Nomm nomm nommm Gyoza, done right; fried to perfection. So far so good. Now to the main course: I hated that they did not have my favorite, "fatty tuna" on the menu. They did say that they run it as special. California Maki (boring I know) but in all fairness the avocado prefect ripeness not to mushy, rice was prefectly seasoned. Maguro, Anago, Sake Maki...did I say WOW! fresh fresh fresh! I thought it would swim off the plate. Sushi rice was great...not to sweet or vinegary. I washed all down with a light Kirin...HEAVEN! I was going to Porter exchange for an occasional fix, and had lost hope of ever finding a true sushi chef & REAL Japanese place. Could have been 5 stars, if they carried fatty tuna, waitress was more attentive, A/C was put to better use, food came out in a more timely manor.
(4)jon m.
Horrible sushi. Don't even think of coming here. Go to the Stop and Shop across the street for California rolls and La Choy soy sauce instead. (Of course I'm not serious, but this place is only ten minutes walking distance from me and I want to be sure I get a table ... )
(5)Jen N.
I would generally consider myself a sushi newbie. Until recently, I stuck with the philly rolls and tempura rolls and that was about it. But after a heavenly sushi experience in St. Louis of all places, I decided to get with the program and test out the sashimi / nigiri waters. Here's the thing: I am terrified of bad textures and that "not so fresh feeling" smell that you so often encounter at subpar sushi establishments. I just can't bear the thought of shoving a giant hunk of tuna into my mouth that feels like an eraser and tastes like the bottom of an aquarium, and then I'm left there for 45 seconds of awful chewing and trying not to puke. Enter Toraya, a tiny hole in the wall that's rumored to be the best sushi in Boston. This is one of the only sushi places in Boston where I will expand my repertoire and order scary things like octopus or those creepy little fish egg things. Everything is so fresh and tasty that it's hard to go anywhere else. I tried the surf clam nigiri, which was actually really chewy because that's just how it is, and it didn't freak me out at all. The fatty tuna is just phenomenal. Nothing tasted like an aquarium and I didn't almost puke even once. Next time I'm going to try something extra scary and I bet it'll be yummy too. Maybe that one with the raw quail egg on top.
(5)Kristin C.
yum! really great sushi, very reasonably priced. only drawback is that it's tiny...just be prepared to wait.
(4)Sara C.
I went here once and had the sashimi platter, and I was not impressed. The fish quality was hit-or-miss, and the platter itself seemed to be composed of a lot of less expensive filler. Not bad, but not a place I'd go again.
(2)Anonymous P.
Toraya is good, but I don't think it's *that* good. In my estimation it's better than average sushi at an appropriate price. The fish is tasty to be sure, but it didn't wow me like the fish I've had at Oishii. The sushi menu is limited; they didn't even have toro on the menu or available as a special. I recommend Toraya if you're in the area, but Oishii comparisons seem inapposite.
(4)Chris T.
I've been getting into Sushi a lot within the past year, and I can say that i''ve been to many places that offer many kinds of Sushi. I eat sushi about 2 times a week, so I know quality products. This restaurant serves nothing but the freshest products that I have ever had. It was hands down the best sushi experience that I've had. The salmon nigiri melted in my mouth. The Crunchy roll, shimp tempura, and softshell crab rolls were in great portions and offered nothing but pure flavor. The nabeyaki udon was crazy good. All for an amazingly affordable price. I didn't pay more than $9 for a roll, and that is really good considering how pricey some restaurants charge for their lesser quality fish. Though it is small, that will do very little to prevent me from coming back to this place. This is my new go to place for sushi. I will most likely be there at least once this week. Highly recommended.
(5)Glen D.
I hesitate to review this place, because it's already been getting more and more popular as the word spreads... but if you're looking for fantastic sushi, you can't do much better in the Boston area than Toraya. The atmosphere is simple and comfortable in this small traditional place, nothing fancy. But the food! Shinji-san holds court behind the sushi bar and dishes up some of the freshest and best-put-together fish I've had in town. The man makes the best hand rolls ever (if they have toro, which they seem to more often than many other places, the negi-toro hand rolls are outrageous), and they often have interesting specials like scallop, sweet shrimp, and monkfish pate. The rest of their menu shows the same care and attention to detail as the sushi - the miso is perfect, their hot dishes are just the right balance of flavorful and subtle, and even their edamame (served cold) is way better than most. They have a small but well-chosen sake list (I like the Hachitsuru). The only thing missing is dessert, which they don't serve. For authentic and delicious Japanese food, Toraya is a fantastic choice. Just don't tell too many people!
(5)Mitch Q.
One of the best sushi bars near Boston. Place is small. Only 5-6 tables. So pack a lot of patience. The food is really worth it.
(5)Carbon T.
I come here on average once a week for lunch. Sometimes I wait in line to eat lunch here. It's a small restaurant with maybe 20 seats in total, staffed by 1 sushi chef, 1 server, and maybe another 1-2 people in the back kitchen. I think everyone who works here is actually Japanese (I am generally wary of chinese/korean run sushi places). The place is not fancy, and the cuts of sashimi are admittedly on the smaller side, but it is always fresh and delicious (anyone else scared of places that charge $1 for sashimi? Where do they get their fish from??). My favorites are the Chirashi and the Sashimi Bento Box. You can tell by the way the miso soup separates after it sits for a couple minutes that it's not some powdered mix they pour into hot water and bring out to you. The green tea is constantly being refilled. I've eaten at many Japanese restaurants before and I think the prices here are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food they serve. The service can be hit or miss... I've seen different waitresses here; one is super nice (the one on the weekdays), but the weekend waitresses tend to be a bit rude at times.
(5)Grains P.
Hair in seaweed salad. UNACCEPTABLE. I used to rave about this restaurant, but I find it very hard to now after my last experience there. The food is still great, but I found a piece of hair mixed in with my seaweed salad. This is really unacceptable for a restaurant. Perhaps it was a fluke, but I can't help but wonder if I'll find more hair in my food next time I go...
(3)John B.
Small authentic Inexpensive Japanese cuisine! Chicken Hearts special was delicious and the Chirashi bowl was overflowing with fresh fishy bites!! Will be visiting again soon
(5)Tim S.
We had dinner their Friday night and it was incredible. Very authentic. I had the sushie deluxe plate with miso soup. It was some of the best miso I have ever had. It had a rich and complex flavoring with very fresh scallions. All the fish was very fresh and well prepared. It is small so be prepared to wait if there is a crowd but it is well worth it.
(5)Andrea B.
I love sushi, so I am really glad to have Toraya literally just down the street from where I live. But since the sushi they serve is really no-frills, plain and simple, I probably will find myself traveling elsewhere when I am in the mood for some really good maki. The place was packed when my friend and I arrived, and from what I hear, it is pretty much always that way. They don't take reservations and the restaurant is tiny, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Also, we found out that with the exception of weekend nights, there is only one person waiting on every table in the entire restaurant. Pretty impressive, if you ask me, especially considering the service was good and the one waitress didn't seem frazzled at all. My friend and I got seaweed salad and deep-fried oysters for appetizers. He got the miso soup as well, but I passed on that because I've tried it so many times that I just don't think I'll ever like it. The seaweed salad was good. I really enjoyed the deep-fried oysters, but that probably has more to do with the fact that I will eat deep-fried anything than with the oysters themselves. We ordered a few rolls that were good, especially considering I was really in a sushi mood, but nothing to write home about. So I know many Yelpers gave Toraya a five star rating, but for me, it's a solid three. But I'm sure I'll be back in a pinch when I'm craving a Philadelphia roll or something!
(3)Francis C.
The fish is fresh, the service is great, and the atmosphere is cozy and homely. There is plenty of available parking in the area and it's just far enough away from Cambridge/Somerville. I had the chirashi, which was fresh and had a wide variety of fish. The mackerel, scallops, and hamachi were all very good. Plus the whole thing was $19! When was the last time you had a chirashi bowl with scallops for that price in these parts? My only negative comment is that the cuts were quite small (like a piece of sashimi divided into threes) for the salmon and tuna. Also had the uni, which wasn't as fresh or sweet as I would have hoped at the price of $7 for two pieces. Still, I'm definitely heading back if in the search for sushi, this definitely beats the places I'm familiar with in Cambridge like the shops at Porter Exchange.
(4)TK W.
Legit real Japanese food! My fav is yellowtail collar. They don't have that all the time. You have to try out your luck or call and reserve it.
(5)Patricia S.
It smelled of stale oil and fish. The miso also smelled like fish. The rice in several pieces of the making was falling apart. The wine was fairly good, and the wait staff very nice. The Japanese children in the table next to us were the best part of the entire experience. Still, I can't recommend this place
(1)Diana W.
The scollops was so amazing there! It tasted like seafood butter!! Now I can understand why so many people recommended this place and this dish! The space of the restaurant was very limit and always full of people. But the service did not make you feel not to be taken care of. The sushi chief was very serious all the time which looked like a cooking show! I am so lucky and happy that we are living right near this restaurant! I definitely will go back with my family.
(5)Good M.
So far, this is my favorite "hole in the wall" sushi joint. I've had better raw fish and seafood here than most, if not, all sushi places Boston. Here, you get minimal filler and rice and more fish, not the other way around! Sushi is prepared by an elderly and kind master who I believe is the owner. The bill gets pricy if you pig out like I did, but I wouldn't spend my cash like that anywhere else. Don't bother calling and asking stupid questions like "how long?" or putting and names down, this place is first come, first serve. Typical wait time is 40 minutes and do expect to wait outdoors. The largest table seats up to five. Again, this is a hole in the wall joint, something you might see Anthony Bourdain walk into. You will hear every table's conversations. Staff are very accommodating, but leave any snobby or "American standards" attitudes outside. I found parking right at the front door on the street. Beer and Sake are served. Don't expect anything else from this place but the best handmade sushi just outside of Boston!
(4)CJ B.
Awesome Sukiyaki!
(5)Erin C.
Eh...I wasn't wowed. I can see that everyone loves this place so I'm not sure what happened?! Our rolls were ok. Nothing spectacular. Most of them fell apart before we could even start eating them. The soy sauce was probably one of the saltiest things I have ever tasted in my life. After the first dip into the sauce I was almost ruined for the whole night. The price is decent, but not worth a second trip for us.
(2)Manfred S.
Fresh, really fresh. - I asked the boss what's really fresh and he seemed to give an honest recommendation. Today's fluke, tuna and salmon were excellent. One of us had a cooked salmon bento box - no idea why salmon should be cooked though - but she devoured everything with a smile. I hope that my judgement wasn't biased by the cold Kimoto sake flush. Perfect lunch buzz. But be prepared that you may have to wait. I was stunned that the little place was packed at 1 PM today.
(5)Lee N.
I have only been twice but compared to anyplace else within 100 miles this is the best. From reading reviews I think a lot depends on what you like. I have spent lots of time in japan and eaten at a lot of sushi restaurants there including breakfast at Tsukiji market. I tend to like the small "mom and pop" kinds of places with small seating area. You can get very good sushi for a reasonable price. If you like fusion go to Oh Ya and spend 3x. If you like good sushi and a nice small place go to Toraya.
(5)Joe S.
Went solo yesterday and at at the sushi bar, and had a great experience. Sashimi and rolls were excellent as was the nigiri special (a buttery white fish whose unique name escapes me right now). Prices were absolutely reasonable if not cheap for this area, and service was spot-on. Loved the sushi chef as well-was fast, and kept looking over to see if I wanted anything. When I asked for something, he just smiled and had it over to me in minutes. The location may be a bit tough for some to find (ok by me if that means less crowds :) ), but the place was steady last night- tables didn't stay empty for long if at all. Small and quaint inside, and one needs to be patient here with only one server (Definitely a place to enjoy and not rush). Planning a trip back already-a real gem in Arlington.
(5)Humble T.
We live nearby and go to Toraya about once a month. The place is tiny but very homy, with nice and fresh sushi and sashimi. We are looking to begin exploring other Javanese dishes that we are not familiar with. The place is great, the waitress with a voice sounding like she is singing is always extra nice and quick. Prices are reasonable. The only downside is that the place is tiny, and there is is usually a line of people waiting. More often than not we stop by and leave because it may take at least 30 minutes to get seated if there are 3-4 people ahead of us, hence a four star rating.
(4)William S.
I get sushi cravings and had one last night. After searching around Yelp reviews and Yelp talk for a good place to go i saw that Toraya is high up on the list. We live right up the street so had to try it out. We started with tempura and potstickers. The tempura was great - just what you expect with a good sauce. The potstickers were good as well. I also had a miso soup which was delicious. Stef had a California roll and I had the sushi delux. I am allergic to shellfish and so they made me up one I can eat. It was really very good, fresh with a variety of sushi from eel, to salmon ... there was one fatty tuna, an nigri a maguro, mackrel ...a few with roe. A nice, tasty and generous portion. We had cold Saki and a beer. As all the posts say it is very small and the waitresses are very nice and attentive. If you are int he area stop in. Not sure it is worth a special trip if you do not live in the area. $58.00 for all the items I listed in the review (sushi deluxe was $20.50) I liken the place to Etsogo up in Lowell. Good but not going out of my way to go there.
(3)Sherrie G.
I can't believe I haven't had an opportunity to review this place yet. It's absolutely amazing, probably best sushi and Japanese food I've had in Boston. I'm sad that I had to move pretty far away from here. As much as I love my new neighborhood, there's nothing that even compares to this place. While I myself have not been to Japan, friends either from or that have visited think this place is the real deal. The staff is predominantly Japanese so I'm sure that helps. To be honest, I believe it's the only place I've been to that's manned by an actual Japanese sushi chef. Watching him at the bar is quite an experience. I would recommend any sashimi dishes since the quality of the fish is very stand-out. Their toro is out of this world. You may be disappointed if you're looking for funky designer rolls since this place is far more traditional. (but frankly, I can't see anyone having a problem with this place that enjoys REAL sushi) For hot dishes, the sukiyaki is very tasty and satisfying on a cold day. I also get the agadashi tofu almost anytime I come here. The pricing is completely reasonable as well, particularly the lunch menu. Be forewarned, this place is tiny so there's almost always a line or a wait. I'm pretty sure they do reservations though but I wouldn't bring more than four or five people here at a time unless you call ahead.
(5)Anna L.
My hubby and I got takeout from this place. Yes, there isn't any waiting room in the restaurant. However, I went there at around 9pm so most of the crowds are gone. I sat by the sushi bar awaiting my food. I got the Salmon sushi box, sashimi, and agedashi tofu. I got home and started unpacking... 2 miso soups, 1 thing of rice, my salmon sushi, agedashi tofu, and hubby's sashimi. The sashimi was small.. for 17.50, all the sashimi were in small slices, but not a lot. However, according to hubby, the sashimi is very fresh. My salmon sushi was amazing! There was a plum leaf wrapped into it, that made every bite very refreshing. The wasabi is definitely grinded from an actual root and not from powder or store bought. The miso soup is really quite decent and the agedashi tofu... well, it's agedashi tofu. We have definitely found our japanese restaurant! I can't wait to go back! Oh yea, the waitstaff is pretty nice. They gave me water while i waited.
(5)Julie B.
I had a very great experience and I want to preface the review with why I docked one star. This place is tiny (fine) but there is a a lack of appropriate waiting area. I don't mind waiting, but I felt bad and awkward standing over diners who were just about to leave. I don't want to rush anyone and I'm sure they don't want to be rushed. Therefore, I wish there was a defined separator between these two areas. Now the important part - the sushi! I love sashimi and it's good here. Not only is it fresh, but it comes is a bunch of bite size pieces, rather than giant slabs that I can never fit in my mouth. Definitely try the salmon and the yellowtail. So good! As far as the rolls, they're pretty basic but high quality. Can't really complain about that, can you? Overall, the prices here are reasonable and I found the staff to be quite nice. I'll definitely be back since its just right down the street.
(4)Travis M.
As someone who has lived in Japan for several years and sought out top-notch sushi in foodie cities around the world, I was really looking forward to trying Toraya. I'm a stickler for fresh fish and authenticity and this restaurant has been said to offer both. Unfortunately, I was not able to get as far as trying any of their food. The service was so shockingly poor and the staff - from the clueless waitress to the dour sushi chef - so unfriendly that I left without eating after waiting for almost half an hour without any acknowledgement. The only person at the restaurant (other than some friendly eaters) who could muster eye contact or a smile was the busboy. The rudeness was palpable. While good, even great food is the raison d'être for restaurants, if there is one thing that I learned during my time in Japan, it is the importance of service and respect for customers. The chef and waitress on duty tonight at Toraya quite obviously couldn't care less about either. If a humane and friendly culinary experience is important to you, do yourself a favor and avoid this place.
(1)Sandy W.
Dinner started with a 5-star experience. Like everyone said, the sushi here is one of the best in town. The uni, ikura and hamachi were all super fresh. I think it's worthy of mention that the sushi chef creates a very elegant curvature in the nigiris and tucks the fish in ever so slightly. Very visually pleasing indeed. It was pleasant surprise to find that the tamago was authentic: smooth surface, velvety-soft texture and not too sweet. The rolls were delicious too and we tried many: crispy tuna, una-avo, shrimp tempura, futomaki and kanpyo. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have toro but no matter. The food was so good and so reasonably priced that we didn't even mind the brusque service by the lone waitress. In fact, we found her attitude rather charming (we caught her being sarcastic to a particularly fussy patron and thought that was funny). Then the experience turned a bit comical (3 stars) because we made the huge mistake of ordering take-out. We waited a FULL HOUR for our order. Half-way though the wait, the sushi chef and I locked eyes and we found out the reason for the delay--he tiled the rice cooker to show me that it was empty. How can a sushi restaurant run out of rice mid-way through service?! Since the way the chef did it was so cute, I decided to give Toraya back one star.
(4)Alison F.
Many, many sushi lovers -- serious sushi eaters -- have told me this is the best sushi in the Boston area. I am a middle-serious sushi eater, which means I eat sushi frequently and enthusiastically, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable. Even I can tell that the food here is phenomenal, and it's not more expensive than other restaurants. It is very small (5-6 tables?). One waitress. One sushi chef. Whoever talked about a busboy must have been somewhere else. We've had sushi (excellent) and also miso soup (excellent) and also shumai and teriyaki (excellent, excellent, excellent). This is our "special occasion" sushi restaurant, where Mr. Sushi is our quick-bite-after-soccer-practice sushi restaurant. Not because it's more expensive, but just because it's SO small and SO renowned that if you dn't go really, really early, you can't get a table.
(5)candice g.
had a delicious meal at Toraya on a Wednesday night with 6 other people. one of our friends was from japan so she did all of the ordering. I tried the beef tongue, asparagus salad, root tempura w shrimp (i think that's what it was), silken tofu in a sweet sauce + a huge plate of sushi & sashimi. yummy. the food was delicious and it did not break the bank. They have such a large menu and i also noticed there was a specials board at the entrance. The service was very attentive and friendly. i will definitely be back.
(4)Kate M.
Best. Sushi. Ever. Everything else is irrelevant if you love yellow tail that tastes like butter and melts in your mouth. But yes: space is small, decor is minimal. I would go early if you plan on trying to get a table on a weekend!
(5)Tommy N.
I had the chirashi which was pretty good: fresh fish, clams on the lemon was a nice touch, and the seared salmon sashimi was very nice. The chicken-asparagus appetizer was so-so, but this place still gets four stars on the quality of the fish and the all around good service. The pricing was pretty standard for sushi. There's parking around the area (or what appears to be parking in the back), which is a huge plus. The place was fairly busy so there might be a wait, but that's not necessarily a bad sign for a restaurant.
(4)Adam W.
Great little sushi joint! The portioning can be on the small side, but they more than make up for it on quality.
(5)Jennifer L.
Hidden Gem!!! Who knew there was such a phenomenal Japanese restaurant in Arlington! From the seaweed salad, to the saki to the melt in your mouth tuna; you can't ask for anything better. ;)
(5)Crista B.
Yum! A really small restaurant, but worth the wait or good timing. We sat at the counter and enjoyed watching our meals being made. Great waitstaff that provides excellent service even though they are running around keeping all of us happy.
(5)David P.
My wife and I went on a Friday night and waited about 45 minutes or so. Actually expected to wait longer, so we were happy to be seated when we did. She had the agedashi tofu and I had the white fish appetizer. The tofu was very good but the broth was a little salty. The white fish appetizer was very refreshing. I had the sashimi deluxe and she had the broiled hamachi (yellow tail). The sashimi was excellent. Great variety...mackeral, tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, yellow tail and others. (First time I had raw shrimp instead of the cooked shrimp you find at all other places. I was impressed.) The hamachi was good but a little salty. We also had some maki...bonzai (soft shell crab) and the eel, avocado one. Both were good. Overall, a very good experience. Like my hairstylist said, "go there for the sashimi/sushi."
(4)Sally L.
If you are looking for some REAL japanese food, here you go! It's as authentic/fresh as those restaurants I visited in Japan.
(5)Susan L.
Lovely little place for sushi, sashimi, tempura. Always seems busy, no matter which night of the week I've been there. Food is always fresh, service polite and friendly.
(4)Emerson O.
Very traditional and professional sushi restaurant. Sushi is probably the best in metro west Boston. I like to eat here by myself during lunch or on a date with my wife for dinner. Try the lunch box, it's heaven if you're into raw fish. Location is a little awkward (across from Stop & Shop) and decor is simple if not a bit drab. But if it was in Arlington center and decked out with a renovation, it wouldn't be as good for some reason. What you have here is an out of the way and low profile sushi restaurant, and these tend to be the best. That certainly applies here.
(5)R B.
Good, but so small that you feel rushed during peak hours. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but this would be my go-to place in the area. Nothing memorable enough to travel for, I guess.
(4)Sara S.
As one can tell by the clientele, this is undoutably very authentic. The majority of the people here were speaking Japenese to each other and the waitress, which to me, is a good sign. The only Japenese restaurant I've seen the same was at Oishii. As others said, the place is a hole-in-the wall and pretty divey. Don't come here if it's super hot or cold out, because the interior temperature is quite reflective of the exterior. Initially, I ordered a crunchy tuna roll (spicy tuna with tempura flakes, which is different than their "spicy tuna roll", which is also on the menu), unakyu roll (eel and cucumber). I was surprised that the eel-cucumber roll was the smaller type with the seaweed on the inside and minimal rice. The filling of eel-cucumber was also quite skimpy. Normally, eel rolls are heftier, with a large amount of eel and rice on the outside (I believe this is called an "inside out" roll). I was quite hungry, so I then ordered a negihama maki (yellowtail and scallions). The sushi itself was very, very good. The spicy tuna was perfect (tuna and spicy mayo mixed together rather than a large piece of tuna). I only wish the unakyu roll was the inside-out version because it was delicious and I wanted more! The freshness was obvious by the look and taste of the fish. I left feeling satiated but not stuffed. Other diners around me got the tempura, which looked out of this world!
(4)zilla b.
The food is amazing... some of the freshest sushi I've had in Boston, however like many other reviews said, their buiness sense leaves little to be desired. no reservations, strange seating arrangements, but for the quality of food and the great prices I'll take this any day!!!
(4)Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: Was virtually perfect. Had very fresh fish and had almost everything on my list with the exception of the ones in the Cons below. Cons: Missing wakame salad, pickled radish, amaebi, ikura/tobiko, seared white tuna. I did ask for no tako (octopus) and the waitress gave me attitude saying she thought i said tobiko. Luckily others at my table corroborated what i had originally requested and she reluctantly took my dish away, but instead of removing it and replacing it with something else, she just removed it. I'd dock this place half a star just for that, but i don't know how to do that, so i'll just be nice and round up to 4 stars. In general, other than the bad customer experience, I did like my food and will probably come back the next time I'm in town!
(4)Pamela R.
Cozy location. Sushi was good.. Nothing spectacular however. The appetizers were the best part try the Ohitashi especially if you feel weird about having a seaweed salad.. If you are a hardcore fish and chip fan try the aji-fry.. Their version of fried mackerel with soy barbecue sauce.. Really yummy!
(4)Nancy A.
Firstly, I've been to this place about 5 times now and have never had a bad experience. The first time was a few years ago, and I enjoyed it, but it was so far away from where I lived that I didn't really give it much thought as a viable "go-to" sushi joint. Fast forward to a few months ago. My boyfriend and I were discussing sushi, and where we should go for dinner. Lo and Behold! He knows the "awesome" place - a 5 minute walk from his house! So we trek down, and there it is. A tiny place, nestled between two nondescript store-fronts (I think one might even be empty now). Of the three times we've been, twice we sat at the bar and once we ordered take-out. The two times we stayed, we sat at the sushi bar. The sushi chef is an extremely quiet guy, but speaks volumes with the delicate sushi he artfully prepares. Being two relatively non-decisive people, we ask for a "chef's choice" every time, and we are never disappointed. The waitress will merely check with the chef to make sure he's amenable, then the only things she needs is a price range, the type (sushi/sashimi/etc), how many people it's for, and anything he should steer clear of (for me it's the sea urchin - I can't stand it). The dishes he creates are not only tasty, but beautiful - he'll make flowers out of thinly sliced fish! The last time we ordered was for take-out, and when I called the waitress was unsure if he would do a chef's special for a take-out, but they must not have been very busy because he was able to accommodate us. When I came to pick it, the waitress walked over with a GIANT circular tray. When I looked inside, it was simply gorgeous. There were at least 7 different kinds of fish, a few prepared more than one way. I can't vouch for anything besides the sushi plate and the pickle appetiser, but both of those are what keeps us coming back. The service is always as quick as can be (yes, if it's busy, it will take a little bit longer - your patience will be rewarded), the waitress is generally friendly even if she may be a bit brusk at times because she has a slew of other tables to take care of, the sake is tasty, and the atmosphere is perfect.
(5)A B.
Although this place is tiny and simple,don't be fooled. Toraya features a traditional sushi menu at lunch. It is nothing fancy or particularly creative, but it is the best, most consistent, and nicely presented sushi restaurant I know. The dinner menu is much larger, and also excellent. My only criticism is that they are not sized to handle the volume of business they attract. You have to wait a long time on weekends, so go on a weekday. You won't be sorry you made the trip. PS, chirashi is their signature dish at lunch: I can't say enough about it. If you prefer hot food, I recommend their nabeyaki udon.
(5)Ling H.
fresh fish, really good food. The place is really small. I went on Sunday night and it was packed. Service was a little slow to sit down but there was only one staff so understandable. The salmon portion is small but really good. I would def be back.
(5)Kate M.
Love Toraya! Sometimes they don't take pick up orders if it's too full in the restaurant, but I can understand this as they only have one guy making sushi. It doesn't matter though, anytime I've been there I've been impressed. The Crunchy Maki is my favorite. The fish is fresh, and of great quality.
(5)Boulder And Pebbles H.
Amazing local Japanese - limited but terrific menu. Highlights include agedashi tofu , asparagus salad , crunchy maki, and tomago nigiri (best I've had anywhere) - scallops from Japan are amazing as are sweet shrimp from Maine
(5)Julie B.
Best sushi we have ever had. Love the small restaurant ambiance, super friendly staff. We went back twice in one weekend because we were so happy with it. We found it reviewed on hiddenboston.com and everything they said was dead on. GREAT fish, different specials all the time, tons of parking, doesn't get any better than this. Sometimes there's a wait but its TOTALLY worth it.
(5)reese w.
Did I forget to review this? After a couple visits to Toraya, I am thoroughly pleased to report that this is my favourite sushi joint in Boston. Yes, better than Sakurabana (ooh hot spicy scallop roll, I do still love you). It's a small place, so if you come during the busy hours, you may have to wait a bit. The service is friendly and quick and the sushi chef is appropriately gruff and professional. Ok, so I only wrote this review so I could upload my food porn. Yeah.
(5)J. L.
Sushi is better on some days than others. When it's good, it's very good. When it's not good, it's average. Ultimately too inconsistent for sushi in my view. Cooked food is good.
(3)Jon P.
I'm always on the lookout for authentic, simple, Japanese-style sushi, and this is probably the only one I've found so far in the Boston area. I'm not into the Chinese or Korean-run sushi places where the rice is slightly mushy, or like Fugakyu where the fish slabs are barely thawed out from the freezer and cut in huge slabs. I like my sushi consistent and bite-sized--the rice needs to be al-dente such that the grains are singly articulate, and the fish should be fresh but not too fresh, and definitely not frozen. And some fish needs to be cold, some need to be less cold, like the escolar which should be slightly chillier served. On one hand Toraya doesn't have the variety of raw seafoods for me to be able to judge whether or not they would serve everything the way I prefer it, but what they do have, they've always done right. That comes to the only possible negative--if I'm in a decadent mood, I don't go to Toraya , as they don't have the widest selection of raw fish. They don't seem to always have raw shrimp or clams, and seem to only deal with the standard sushi fare. But for authentic Japanese style sushi that evokes a family-style ambience straight from Japan, Toraya is by far my favorite.
(5)Deb D.
Great little restaurant! I've never been disappointed in the quality of their food. Friendly and efficient waitstaff. Would not hesitate to recommend Toraya.
(4)Amy S.
Thank you yelpers for leading me to Toraya. I would never have found this hole in the wall without your guidance. Arlington? What's in Arlington? Why would you go there? Now I know. You go there for really fresh, really perfect sushi. The Toro that I sampled as both sushi and as maki was perfect... The agedashi tofu was hands down the best I've ever had. Yum yum. Thank you Toraya. Thank you search function. Thank you "best sushi in Boston" list makers.
(4)Ariel F.
Toraya is the best sushi I've ever had, and I eat a lot of it. I was thrilled to find this gem just down the road in Arlington. The fish is incredibly fresh and each dish is prepared meticulously by a chef who takes a lot of pride in his work. I recommend getting the sushi / sashimi combo so you get the best of the day's catch. I often have no idea what I'm eating but every bite is delicious. Things to know: 1) You will wait for a table. This is a tiny venue, but be patient. It's worth it. 2) You will wait for your food. If you are someone who cares about speedy service, go elsewhere. Each dish is lovingly prepared by hand so sit back and savor it. 3) You will have a memorable meal. I've been to this place at least half a dozen times and haven't once been disappointed.
(5)R H.
I am reluctant to write a positive review because Toraya is a small place, does not take reservations and there is usually a wait of 10-30 minutes, so the last thing I want is to make the wait longer by encouraging others to come. That said, Toraya deserves a great review. My husband and I love this place and have been eating here on average 3-4 times per month for the 8 years we've lived in Arlington. Toraya has excellent sushi and other Japanese basics. Agedashi tofu and tamago are the best I've had anywhere, Oishi included. All the fish is fresh, precisely cut (not too huge which is a pet peeve of mine) and prepared. They know what they are doing. I think where people feel disappointed is when they expect a fine dining experience and/or a huge menu. This is not it. It's small, clean and efficient. It's a place to get great basic Japanese food with none of the bells and whistles so popular at other Japanese restaurants. But in its simplicity it surpasses most of the sushi in fancier restaurants (i.e., Fugaku) in Boston. As for the service, it's not overly in-your-face but friendly, which is how I like it.
(5)Dan W.
This place is truly as good as it gets for sushi in North Boston. The food is top notch and pleasantly fresh. Take note however that there is usually a wait during peak hours so I recommend getting creative with your schedule and dropping by midweek or for an earlier dinner. There are not many tables here and the pace is slow, so be patient and you will be rewarded.
(5)C C.
Love this place. Toraya is not fancy, but when it comes to quality, freshness, and taste, it's hard to beat. Some personal favorites of mine are the salmon and hamachi sashimi, the crunchy roll (which is like a spicy tuna roll, but with tempura flakes inside to add yummy texture), and the beef sukiyaki.
(5)Crystal J.
Food is really good, I can tell they use very high quality material. It's just you are very likely to wait for a while because it is a popular restaurant and there aren't lots of tables and only one waitress.
(5)Jet F.
A real authentic Japanese experience The service can be quite slow since the place is usually full during lunch hours. However, the food is delicious and well-prepared. Not to mention the the price point is good for the quality
(5)Espresso T.
Excellent sushi! And, the prices are amazingly affordable! I loved my sushi moriawase lunch set there. The fish was very fresh and it was a lot of pieces for the price they charged. The extra order of scallop sushi I got was also among the freshest I have had in the U.S. The one minor issue is their sushi rice. The rice didn't quite hold together as well as I would normally expect, but it was still of decent consistency and tasted fine. Can't wait to go back to have more sushi and try their other dishes!
(5)Christine V.
An Honest Review: Authenticity. Quality. Niche. These are the three words I would use to describe Toraya. The restaurant is a very well designed hole in the wall type place. The lighting, trim and decor transform you to a Japanese sushi restaurant. A small bar wraps around the sushi chef's station and a few tables are nestled around the remaining space. There is a small waiting area where we ourselves waited and couldn't help but feel like were intruding on someone's already started dinner party. Once we finally were able to sit down, the single wait staff was very busy helping all the patrons, that we had to wait longer to get drinks ordered. Translation, don't come if you're starving. Unfortunately they have a limited tea menu. Translation, do you like green tea? Ordering was pretty simple, the menu had a very nice selection, lots of authentic Japanese dishes and a nice sushi offering. But waiting for our food (I mentioned don't come if you're starving) seemed to take far too long. When our food did arrive, the deluxe sashimi plate was an impressive variety of fish, but very small bites of each. The quality seemed very good, but I could see others complaining about the amount of food offered. The staff seem to work hard, and I really liked the look and feel. But I didn't leave impressed, and I wouldn't go back again.
(3)Keiko Z.
This is as close to Japan as you can get without hopping on the new non-stop Boston to Tokyo flights at Logan.
(5)n i.
Great little place. It would be silly to compare with places in NYC or west coast, but as far as Sushi is concerned, this is probably as good as it gets in this area.
(4)Raymond L.
This is probably the best sushi restaurant I ever had in the Boston area, and probably the best in a 60 mile radius around it. The restaurant is opened up by traditional Japanese people. We got a few orders of salmon, hamachi (yellowtail) and tuna nigiri and it was very fresh. I highly recommend those 3 nigiri if you like raw sushi. Another one I like (my friends didn't like it as much) was the plum beefsteak leaf sushi. I would definitely come here again in the future! and again...and again...
(5)Scott W.
When I lived in Arlington about 3 minutes away (walking) from Toraya I would go to this place maybe 2-3 times a month. It's a tiny restaurant but it's the best sushi place I've ever been to. Because of its size, it's best for single parties, couples, and groups 4 and under but I have seen them accommodate slightly bigger parties before. The sushi here has never let me down and everything is very authentic. I haven't really tried the non-sushi items besides the appetizers but there really isn't a need to. I've always been in love with how big their menu is and how many choices you have for maki and nigiri a la carte. The staff is a constant. Mr. Toraya (or I think that's his name) is always there and seems to have a nice back story according to other reviews. The waitress is very nice and polite which is always a plus in my book. Since I've been there last they may have gotten an extra hand to work the dining room but I've only ever dealt with the main waitress. The prices are excellent. Nothing is over-priced. Be sure to get there early because the tables fill fast on most nights I've been there. Even take out will be a wait given the small staff and how everything is made to order by the talented Mr. Toraya. Despite this I wouldn't have them change a thing as expansion would only decrease quality.
(5)Sharon D.
A hidden gem in Arlington! We have been coming here for years and were never disappointed! It is uber intimate, I think my kitchen is bigger than their dining room, but don't let that scare you away! There is convenient parking and they also do take out! You can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. The wait is worth it!
(4)Le N.
I live so far from here, yet I've frequented this restaurant so many times. Hands down best japanese food I've ever had. Must have: chirashi bowl - the rice and mushroom alone are addicting; the fresh fish is just an added plus! =) Recommendation: go for lunch (if you can) versus dinner since the portions are the same with lunch being cheaper. Although, prices were decent either way, with lunch specials being a complete steal! Tip: If you want to be able to taste the heavenly food Toraya has to offer, come early! Come before the restaurant opens! There's ALWAYS a line and once you taste their food, you'll know why!
(5)Eric M.
Toraya is absolutely a hidden gem on Mass Ave in Arlington. This is hands down the best sushi restaurant we have been to in this price range. The restaurant is extremely small, perhaps 16-20 seats total, so if you plan to dine-in, be prepared to wait. Another option is to do takeout, but as with dining in, be prepared to wait an hour for the food to be ready. Despite the long waits, the food is absolutely worth it and the price is excellent for the quality.
(5)Wen Y.
Best handmade sushi I've ever had, bar none! Love everything about Toraya, interior designs, food, and services. The only thing has to keep on mind is that seats are really limited, and no reservations are acceptable. If you decide to have dinner at Toraya, a good timing will help (e.g. right before it opens).
(5)Albert L.
I have been coming to Toraya once every month or two for at least 7 years. I'm willing to put up with: - utter lack of ambiance - not able to make reservations - 30-60 minute wait to get a table on Friday or Saturday - fairly cramped seating - desserts do not measure up to the rest of their food and would give Toraya 6 stars if I could. Toraya consistently serves up excellent Japanese-style sushi and Japanese food. The only sushi I've had that is regularly better than Toraya I've had in Japan. The fish at Toraya is always fresh. Salmon, yellowtail, mackerel, tuna - everything is consistently very good. If you like Uni, I think Toraya's is consistently better than just about every place in greater Boston. It has been very good at worst and spectacular at best. I really love the fact that when you order something once at Toraya, and then decide to have it again the next month, or even a couple years later, it tastes the same. The consistency of execution of Toraya never ceases to amaze me. Here are some of my favorite dishes: - Clam miso. This is one of the most flavorful soups I have ever had. - Agadashi tofu. Toraya does it better than anyone else - Oshinko. The portions are pretty small, but this is an absolutely delightful and motley crew of pickled vegetables - Spider roll. Simple goodness - Tempura (shrimp or vegetable). Incredibly light like tempura should be. I avoid tempura at most restaurants basically because Toraya spoils me. - Seaweed salad. Toraya has hit upon the right combination of spices and seaweeds. Subtly better in a way I can't describe in words. I have only recently been to Toraya for lunch. All the superlatives hold, except there doesn't seem to be much of a line or a crowd. As other reviewers have mentioned, the value for the money is superb. My family of four orders with abandon and the bill rarely tops $120 including tip, and occasionally is as low as $100 with tip. (we typically don't order alcohol, though) If you haven't been, go. Toraya is a special find and at this point, I have resigned myself to the fact I will have to wait in order to eat what I know will be a meal that will not disappoint.
(5)Eric L.
Try unaju
(5)Hasan K.
We have been coming to this place regularly for over five years and have never been disappointed except when we could not get a table. A small informal restaurant that serves VERY good food including excellent sushi. Watching the chef is fun. The service is attentive and cheerful. Well priced and worth frequenting.
(5)Stephanie G.
I generally actively avoid eating sushi, so I will openly admit that I got dragged to this place. Once there I had some skepticism. Eel? Why can't we all just get avocado? But I was convinced, and I tried something new, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of sushi at Toraya. It addressed several fears: 1) The sushi was not too salty 2) The fish on the sushi was good, not fishy 3) There was enough sushi to satisfy my appetite - THIS IS NO EASY FEAT. Next time I will go happily. There's was no wait at all (we went early on a weeknight) and the service was very good. I was surprised only by the number of small children eating sushi with more poise than me...
(4)AJ M.
Toraya is a little gem. You know you are at an authentic Japanese restaurant when many of the customers are Japanese themselves. The food here is always delicious and fresh.The restaurant itself is tiny and we have gone more than once and been turned away because it was so full. I don't recommend going during the usual peak hours, but we've always lucked out arriving early for dinner or at lunch during the week. The sushi chef could also be a Zen master, for all I know: he prepares the food unperturbed by anything going on around him and that he does beautifully. Service is usually good and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Anthony C.
Sushi is extremely fresh. Probably because the restaurant is so small they are able to control their supply with great margins. If you like sashimi this is a good place to go to. Their udon is pretty good as well. Other than Super Fusion I wouldn't go anywhere else but here.
(5)David X.
File this under yet another example of yelp mass psychosis. I can only assume that the rave reviews were written by people who live in arlington who need to convince themselves that their choice to live there was a good decision. In other words, people who write rave reviews about all their local establishments to convince themselves there's no reason to travel outside their immediate geographic area. The sashimi portions are TINY. The quality is average. We tried a bunch of things across the menu. Other items like various maki were certainly adequate and of expected quality. All in all, this is a mediocre local joint at best. It should be a crime to mention this place and oishii or oya in the same sentence. I guess I am gullible because those comparisons are what made me want to try it. These so-called sushi experts writing these rave reviews have clearly never had great sushi. That's the only polite thing I can say. Sushi lovers, be warned. PS to tiny g, Emily S is absolutely right. You are wrong. 'nuff said.
(2)Lala I.
simple delicious fresh sushi.
(5)Layla L.
Seriously, what is up with people hating on this place? Everything was SO GOOD but your eel was bland, so you gave it 1 star? 2 stars because you didn't get as much ginger on the side as you did at Mr Sushi? Who the fuck are these eel and ginger fanatics? Why do they even go out to eat? Just sit at home and huff ginger all night instead, you fucking psychos. Also, nothing more ironic than a white person telling a (native) Japanese person that their establishment isn't Japanese enough. All that said... I like their food. I like the waitress. I like the sushi chef. I have never encountered anything but friendliness and courtesy here. I like Toraya and you should go there... that is, unless you're THAT GUY....
(5)David C.
3.5 Stars I would definitely recommend Toraya for someone living in Arlington, but I don't know if it's worth the trek from Brookline for me, especially when there are so many other great sushi options right in my neighborhood (Fugakyu, Genki Ya, Gari, and Super Fusion all spring immediately to mind). The locals clearly love it, however, as it's packed to the brim even on a weeknight. My friend and I went on a Thursday around 8, and found ourselves waiting almost 20 minutes for a table. There was one waitress servicing the whole restaurant (not to mention running the take-out business), and she did an admirable job. There was only one sushi chef working as well, so my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to get some kitchen appetizers before our sushi. The miso soup was good--not watered down at all--as was the seaweed salad, but the special deep-fried oysters were kind of lame. Now on to the sushi. Toraya serves up the classics (don't come here expecting super complex maki with ingredients more befitting a pizza than a roll), and they hit the spot, but nothing will blow you away flavor-wise. What will blow you away is the price of their toro. I've dined at a million sushi joints, and from what I can tell, $6.50 for two pieces of nigiri and $8.50 for three pieces of sashimi is a steal. They also have a delicious negitoro roll for $6.50. It certainly isn't the best fatty tuna you'll ever have, but at that price, you won't be complaining.
(3)Alan S.
I walked around all day with a smile on my face. That's because I found Toraya. As a Japanese American living in Boston, it is so hard to find great sushi places and a restaurant where I can find Japanese comfort foods like my mom used to make. Found it! Went there around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. There were probably 5 people in front of us and we waited for like 20 minutes. The place is small. There are 5 or so tables with maybe 6 bar seats. Pretty easy to get filled up. I know some people mentioned about the service being slow. I thought it was fine. There's really only one person working the entire room. I got the chirashi, which was a huge bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi, egg, and pickled mushrooms. It was $12. That is best deal in the city. I can't wait to come back and try other things!
(5)Aboud Y.
Despite the sterile ambiance (too cramped) and lackluster service, Toraya delivers an authentic and delicious helping of Japanese cuisine. The food I sampled was outstanding. Clear soup (served with both a clam in its shell and a lemon wedge in the broth) was delicious, as were the soft-shell crab tempura and grilled chicken hearts. The sushi was also stellar...with sea bass, yellowtail, and salmon nigiri all top notch and the Crunchy Roll also delivered the goods. Its too bad service was so off. Had to ask for water three times, and there was absolutely no progression to the food (it all pretty much came out at once). I would expect at least the soup to come out first . Nevertheless, dinner (including a large bottle of Sake) came to less than $60 which is a great value. Toraya has got to be in my top five list of sushi spots in the Boston area. I highly recommend it.
(4)Adriana D.
When my husband and I came here, we were lucky we just got in before the rush, because boy did it fill up fast! I can't stand waiting for a table at a restaurant, but having had a beautiful dinner here, I can say that a meal of this caliber is worth waiting for. The fish is incredibly fresh and delicately prepared, somehow being authentic and judiciously creative at the same time (not overblown or tacky, just to mask something that's... well... heh heh, fishy). As for the place itself, it's small and fairly spare, foregoing any elaborate decorations, but who cares? At least it allows you to focus on the thing that matters -- the delicious morsels on your plate. If you have any foodie friends, they'll be impressed with this find. The space is not something you'll stumble on unless you're looking for it, and it's in an unassuming part of the street, but that all works somehow -- like you're a sushi insider with the line on a secret place with the best nigiri. But with over a hundred reviews and more mounting, the secret is leaking out. So go soon, if you can -- preferably during an off-peak hour.
(5)T V.
This is a Chinese run sushi place which is not a bad thing. I've had very good sushi at other Chinese owned sushi places. 1) There were no asians eating in the restaurant which is already ominous to me. i decided to give it a try anyway. it could be just an off day. 2) I had the "Deluxe" sushi entree which consisted of 2 salmon nigiri, 2 yellow tail nigiri, maguro nigiri and some other white fish nigiri. Then a cut roll of maguro with sesame oil and sesame seeds. The fish on the nigiri looked very suspicious. The salmon looked so artificial in color. When I tasted it, I couldn't taste salmon but tasted as if the fish has been washed several times. There was no "fish oil" as salmon is usually kinda fatty. The same went for the other nigiri. 3) The cut roll was over loaded with sesame oil that I couldn't taste the fish. 4) Miso soup was overly salty. Over all...not a very good dinner...but at least I didn't get a stomachache.
(2)Martha S.
If it weren't for the risk of mercury poisoning, I would eat sushi every day--As it stands, I probably eat sushi more than I should, and frequently, more than once a week. Sure, I like Americanized rolls as much as the next sushi goer, but I LOVE nigri and sashimi! Lucky for me, Toraya serves up some EXCELLENT sushi! The fish here is very fresh, and one chef prepares it. It takes quite a long time for your order to come out, let alone get a table if the place is busy. But when you get it, you can taste the love put into the preparation! You can almost feel the warmth of the chefs hands in the shape of the rice, and the coolness of the knife blade used to cut the pieces of fish! Mmmm..yum. The waitstaff is somewhat curt, but if I were as busy as the tend to be, I would be curt too. I give this place 5 stars, but there are some crucial facts which tempt me to give it four stars. (1) it is incredibly difficult to get a table during peak dining hours! When the weather is cold, there is no where for people waiting for a table to wait, so the door is constantly opening and closing, making it uncomfortable to dine without a coat on! (2) Sometimes they are too busy to accept take-out orders, (3) if you don't have a car, it is difficult to get here.
(5)Alex C.
Not sure how this place has over 170 reviews and 4 plus stars. What am I missing? It is more like 2.5 stars. Tried the sushi and maki deluxe combination dinner plate, spicy salmon handroll, miso soup and agedashi tofu. While the miso was pleasant and the agedashi tofu flavorful, the sushi and maki were huge disappointments. So, that's a problem in my book for a Japanese restaurant. Neither the cut nor freshness of the fish was anything more than average as were the prices. While the ratio of fish to rice was appropriate, the pieces of fish were relatively small, but not thin like supermarket sushi. The restaurant bills itself as preparing "home style" Japanese food and the presentation comfortably matches that description, but "home style" should not mean just okay tasting raw fish preparations. Given the many Yelp rave reviews here, I was expecting a hidden gem of sorts. Not so.
(3)Christian M.
Average. Cons: Very small place. Not too many choices. Long waiting time. Pros: Fresh food.
(3)Hannah M.
Whoa! I can't believe I didn't write a review of Toraya before now! One of the best sushi restaurants I've been to! Toraya is a tiny little (6ish tables, small sushi bar) blink and you'll miss it place, but so worth the find. The waitress has been there as long as I've been going and she's quick, quiet, and oh-so polite with her "excuse me" every time she sets your food down, fills your water, or walks past your table. The sushi is top-notch! Always fresh, always good. My only issue is the lack of innovation. Sure, they've got all the staples, but rarely do they shake it up with something fusion-y or unique. It's OK though - we'll still frequent Toraya, no worries! The gyoza is outstanding - light, crispy, and not greasy at all and the vinegar-y dipping sauce is amazing! Mr likes the shumai, I'm eh about them. They are really fishy (shocking, I know, for shrimp dumplings). The oitashi is delish - perfectly seasoned and always fresh and the seaweed salad is one of the best I've had. We almost always order some appetizer combo and then crispy roll (spicy, crispy, tuna, yum!) and una-avo (eel and avocado). I guess we fall short of shaking it up too :-) We always leave full, happy, and awaiting our next trip.
(4)Anne W.
A small mom and pop shop that seats about 20 people. If you are looking for traditional Japanese.. this is probably a great place to go. I am Asian so I can see what crowd this caters to. They don't have fancy rolls.. no mayo.. just fish and rice. One sushi chef.. one waitress.. and one person in the kitchen. I like this sometime.. but I can't really say that I think the fish is the freshest in the world... there are places that are comparable in Boston. I know for a fact that the slices are not that large. I agree with other reviews.. not that much to rave about. The waitress is what brings this place down. She's rude.. and not attentive. Tons of parking. The prices are not that high... but sometimes they do not turn on the a/c in there and it's mighty hot in the summer.
(3)Vina A.
Agadashi tofu was fantastic. My chirashi was good with a nice selection but was too warm by the end of the meal. Also the salmon had a bit of a questionable taste. Appreciated the scallops and the massaged octopus! Well priced, quick service. Go early.
(3)Gina T.
This was our regular spot. Tonight after a long hiatus for which we forgot the reason, we decided we needed a fix. Their fish is always super fresh and everything is well prepared... however, by the time we got our table I remembered why I stopped coming here: 1) they only have about 20 seats including the sushi bar, so getting a table is often difficult. 2) they do a terrible job of utilizing their seating. It is not unheard of for them to give a 4-top to a single person, EVEN on a weekend night. 3) they don't appreciate their regulars, regardless of how nice, respectful, or good-tipping you are. We (3 of us) were behind two people waiting for a table. After waiting over a 1/2 hour, a two top and a four top opened up. The people in front of us asked if they could have the 4 top and the hostess/waitress gave it to them! So now there is a table for two empty and two seats at their table empty and we had to wait another 10 minutes before we got a table and another ten before we got drinks. To top it all off, Mr. and Mrs. Rude ordered about $20 of food and no drinks, and our order came to over $100... Simply doesn't make sense!!! We will not be going back...
(2)John W.
Another one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The place is small, comparable to Oiishi in Chestnut Hill, and they don't take reservations. But the fish is fresh! That's all that matters. Great nigiri and sashimi choices. They serve whelk sashimi, which other places don't have. I also love their octopus tempura, yes not sushi, but and excellent dish! So good!
(4)Jessie E.
My FAVORITE Japanese restaurant This is simple classic food, no fancy rolls or spicy mayo-ness There is always the same sushi chef, sometimes they are a bit slow but the quality of the fish more makes up for it. I have worked in sushi restaurants and I am VERY picky about the freshness of the fish I eat and nothing beats Toraya. The Agedashi tofu is delicious, light broth, tasty mushrooms I would order any of the sushi, sashimi, chirashi. The bento boxes at lunch are an outstanding deal. Whatever I order always resembles a glittering jewel box filled with an assortment of sparkling fresh items. I spend a good amount of time admiring the beauty of my dish prior to eating it. Lame, I know.
(5)Ryan S.
Great sushi, everything was fresh and quick service!
(4)Rich C.
An underrated gem (though apparently not on Yelp :). The sushi and the hot food are delicious (try the nabeyaki udon) and I've never been disappointed by the fish quality. The only downside is that once it gets busy you can easily wait 30+ minutes for your sushi order. I've been going to Toraya since it opened and I have never seen anyone other than (I believe) the owner, an older Japanese gentleman, making the sushi -- filling the sushi orders truly is a one-man operation.
(5)Esther K.
Simple, fresh, authentic, and delicious. This is not your average sushi joint. Came here for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. Our first impression: the place is small. The storefront is nondescript and easy to overlook. The interior is equally humble with very minimalistic decor. As we approached, a woman waiting outside told us that it can be a 20-25 minute wait but she added, "it's worth it, especially if it's your first time." So, we waited for a table and sure enough the line grew longer behind us. There's no room to wait inside and no hostess stand; there's no room for one. All told there are only 5.5 tables, and a few seats at the sushi bar, which is where we sat. The place was full of Asians, which I always take as a good sign (Asians know good food). I immediately noticed that the staff including the sushi chef are all Japanese. The sushi chef looks like an honorable man; a legit, old-school sushi chef who's been serving sushi longer than you've been alive. The staff are all attentive, prompt, and polite. The sushi was very good. We ordered the sushi and sashimi combo and the crunchy tuna maki. All of the fish was fresh and delicious. The prices are very reasonable, especially as far as sushi restaurants go. Eat here. Like the woman said, "it's worth it."
(4)Svetlana S.
This review is just for cooked food at this place. Honestly, I expected much better. The food is decent, tastes good but I have definitely tried better. What disappointed me the most is a ratio between their price range and food portion size. Portions were extremely tiny. Other than that, it is ok. I might come back here to actually try the sushi, but I will think twice before doing so.
(3)Ali D.
Let me start by saying that I actually grew up in a seafood restaurant on Cape Cod. So lets just say I know fresh fish! Also, I love sushi. I've eaten at quite a few sushi places in and around boston over the years. Some great, a lot not so good. I have never been disappointed by Toraya. The fish is always so fresh it's almost sweet. It's small and simple, like a great meal. Ps to others who say it expensive, do you know how much sushi grade fish costs? Also, do you really want to eat cheap raw fish?
(5)Lee C.
Authentic Japanese food this way! Soooooo Fresh, I give 5 stars without any hesitation just because of that one reason! And it's opened by Japanese, the place is tiny, but you know it focuses on QUALITY of the food not QUANTITY. Service was great too by the way, waitress kept refilling the tea, and asking about the food, very caring. Sashimi tastes very fresh, sweet, looking transparent!! There were a few dishes definitely worth mentioning: - Sashimi entree (there are at least 8 types of sashimi, salmon was so fresh the fat just melt-in-your mouth instantly) - Daily special - Bonito sashimi + Whelk sashimi (Whelk - soooo crunchy and sweet, which I haven't been able to find on the east coast, it's white in color) - Daily special again - Boiled squid with some sort of sesame sauce, it was cooked just right so that the little whole squids were not too chewy, oh so delicious! What a gem in Arlington, I will be BACK!
(5)Daniel E.
Good sushi, but poor service and very small portions. The restaurant is also very small and you can hear your neighbors entire conversation.
(3)Scarlet A.
Terrible food, terrible service, awful decor.... Oh, just kidding. I'm really hoping you don't crowd up my favorite sushi resturaunt in the Boston area though. If you're looking for the freshest - (and yes, I mean, of all sushi in Boston, this place wins for freshness) - and most authentic, deliciously prepared nigiri and sushi, you need to make a trip out to Toraya. The tiny resturaunt fills up quickly - get here early! Take a seat at the sushi counter and watch the chef hand-prepare your meal. I recommend getting a tamago (egg), saba (mackerel), and hamachi (yellowtail). Stick with nigiri and sushi - don't go for the fancy stuff here. You shouldn't be covering up the delicious, expertly prepared fish with anything extra.
(5)Kristin M.
Tried Toraya for the first time today. I called in a pick up order for the sashimi lunch with a spicy tuna hand roll and an order of ikura. The person who answered the phone had a difficult time understanding what ikura was. After she figured it out, I was told that it would be a 30 minute wait; which I could understand if they were in the middle of a lunch rush, but it was 11:30, just after they opened. Upon opening up the lunch bag, there was no spicy tuna hand roll, but maki instead; not what I ordered. The pieces of sashimi were PATHETICALLY SMALL, as in the size of a nickle, some of them and the yellow tail smelled fishy. They can't get your order right, they can't provide pick up orders in a timely fashion, the quality of the fish is questionable and the portions are sad. AVOID.
(1)Danny F.
Yay for a true Japanese restaurant! And by that I mean one that is owned and run by Japanese. No odd appearances of bulgogi or yaki udon or crazy special rolls. Just excellent sushi/sashimi and comfort food from the kitchen. I LOVE the nabes. Mmmmm. There's nothing better for a cold New England winter night. Best of all, prices are totally reasonable. You don't leave feeling the least bit cheated. There is a downside, and that is the number of seats available. The restaurant is positively tiny. Oh, but it's so cute too, so no points lost there.
(5)George A.
Excellent. TRhe lunch Bento Box is graet and a bargain at ~$10,
(4)Julia Z.
A great and authentic sushi restaurant in the Arlington neighborhood, owned and ran by Japanese people. My all time favorites are their sakana tempura and spicy tuna maki with tempura flakes. Large selection of sushi and price is reasonable, great for frequent visits!
(4)Doug Y.
Best kept secret in Arlington! We ordered tuna sashimi and the chicken teriyaki bento box, as well as tuna and salmon sushi. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. We got there and found a table, it quickly filled up at lunch time. They only had one waitperson working while we were there, so it can get a little busy at times, but be patient, the food is worth it.
(5)Mini S.
Toraya reminds me of those little local restaurants in Japan. I like their food because it is not "American-Japanese" food. IT IS JAPANESE FOOD!! Sushi there was very good too. My husband got Vegetarian Sushi and he was very happy about his food. This is a hidden great Japanese restaurant!
(4)Tatsu I.
Feed Me Eat Me Sushi Me Tuesday Pachi-Pachi, very hard to type my reviews when you nibble on my lower lip. I know, but I miss the Hokki at Toraya! We go again tonight? Maybe we try his wife's entrees, they look really good too! But we just ate there yesterday! I don't care! I haven't even brushed my teeth I just want to have that taste in my mouth forever! God, his rice is so perfect, I don't even have "sushi rice plaque"! Well, his seasoning is perfect. You know he has a deft touch. Unusual, Senji's very light with the vinegar, even on his Tako-su. But ultimately it's very classical, very Japanese and you cannot argue with it. Like Murray Perahia's old piano playing style, detailed, faithful to the composer's notes, internalized, subdued. Nary a sushi chef in the U.S. like this... *Snap!* Whatevs, babe, take me there. Here's your keys. Wednesday Pumps, hard to breathe with your devilishly long tongue fondling my plica sublingualis. Plus you're stimulating my salivary glands so I'm drooling on us. Sorry babe, but your glands are so Salivdor Dali Clock soft like the Uni at Toraya! Your spittle reminds me of the soy strings coming off Senji's Natto. Open your mouth! Ok, ok. You know, Senji's standards are set very high. He buys fish everyday himself you know. And...*Click!* Save your breath, can we go back for Sashimi and Nigiri Omakase? I have to have it! Open your mouth! Rrrrwwwhhmmm, but we *cough* just ate there 2 nights in a row. Uh oh, do your feel that? What? Migrane, oh, definitely migranes, feel it in the air, don't you? Shall we turn in early? Sigh...you win, let's go. Of course I win, my little Yellowtail, but don't I make you happy? Please stop calling me Yellowtail. Thursday Puki, why are you holding my 270 millimeter Yanagiba sashimi blade and looking at me like that? Oh, I was just wondering how many years it takes to cut fish like Senji. Well, a really long time, he cuts better than any chef I've seen in the States for sure. He really is genius with a blade... Mmm hmm, shush babe, you really prattle on too much. Gee thanks. And you still have that squirrelly look in your eye, put the knife down. Oh, sorry, YT, just thinking if I sliced a piece of your forearm while you typed away there, would it be as red and shaped like Senji's Maguro? Or kind of pale like the Chutoro special last night? Or should I practice on your fingertips making little discs like the Ankimo special? And would your blood taste like momiji oroshi cuz you so spicy? Ok, I get the picture, put it away! I'll take you to Toraya. Man, 3 nights in a row, what the heck is going on! Friday Puca-Poo, it doesn't have to be 9 1/2 Weeks every night, can I take the blindfold off? I feel a bit emasculated. And that's really expensive Tuscan olive oil there, don't spill. Dame des yo! You are the rice and I make the fish, I'm on top! Hold out your hand and shut up! Now if I just dust the oil with the desiccated vinegar I made and a touch of J salt and the smallest cocaine line of confectioners sugar, the base of your thumb will be just like Toraya's Saba, so good! You're really crazy, ouch, oi, ok. Baby, what's wrong? Hey! Hey don't cry! I'm sorry! It's not you stupid! It's the taste, it doesn't have the creamy fatty texture of his Saba at all! *Huuuuuuuuuggghhhwwaaahh!* Baby, Baby-Boo, I'll take you for lunch when they open tomorrow, I swear, ok?, Calm down. Wanna try, you know, something else? Asshole! I will never ever do the Hirame trick again for you ever! I want his Saba so bad right now!!! *Huuuuuugggh!!! Wahh!!* *Sigh* Honeypot, I brought home Saba just in case. *Sniff* Youuu, you did? *Sniffle* Yes, for you. My Sushi-Wushi how I love you! Love you too HP. Where do you want it? Here?
(5)Lesley D.
This sushi was delicious. We got it to go and they were even considerate enough to stack the shaomai on cardboard separating it from the sushi so the sushi didn't get warm. (so many sushi places put everything together and then the sushi practically cooks. Ick!) It's such a tiny quaint little restaurant. I can see that it would be difficult to get a table. We didn't even go on what we thought would be a busy night or time and there was barely room to stand while we waited. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars for me personally was that the sushi was actually a bit too generous, if that's even possible haha. I know that probably sounds weird and you'd want it to be this way! But for me, the chunks of fish were almost a little too big, and the rolls themselves were a bit hard to get all in one bite. But this is just a matter of preference. All in all, the taste was great, the freshness was definitely clear, and I enjoyed it. Just a bit too much of a mouthful for both me and the hubby. We'll likely stick with Manna Sushi up the street because we love it there, but if people invited us to go out to Toraya, we'd certainly oblige!
(4)Matt W.
Sushi is decent. A real hole in the wall. Not the cleanest place. Not worth a return visit.
(3)Yuko I.
I am a Japanese so I know what I am eating. The food is amazingly decent considering it is a hall in the wall place, probably the best sushi in Boston. I also tried unagi, pretty good too. The wait for food can be long during lunch, seating quick in the evening. Parking is available at the back of the restaurant. I have been coming back several times and bringing friends - they are all happy with the food. They have impressive selection of takeout - I want to check this out on the next occasion.
(5)Jaime v.
It's authentic. In contrast to the stuff you would get at Porter Exchange, this is high quality and tasty. Filling up is going to be expensive and the menu isn't really built around this notion. I like the Agedashi Tofu as it brought back memories of my travels in Japan. The Sashimi is good though I recommend the adventurous explore the non Sushi menu items.
(5)H T.
Hey, Mr. To_ra_YA! How are YA_? Why are you so HAP_PY?! Rollin' Your SU_SHI? Full of smiles and NODS (^o^)! You've got some good ROLLS! BUT very tradition_AL! I like it.. I like it... And yay- there's sweet pota_TO! However, no OhTO_RO! For my aMI_GO!~ Old Japanese COUPle, drinking SA_KE! Lots of kiddies, eating tempura Ma_KI! Choose wines_beers_or TEA! Ho_HUM! The last one, so powder_Y! My biggest disappointment: they use matcha_TEA! Eek! NO! Sushi were good, but not the best. I'd say 3.75, but the sushi chef is so O_jolly_O! And I'm happy, so 4.O!
(4)thermopylae x.
impressed to see an actual sake/keg warmer when most of boston's japanese restaurants microwave 1 waitress handling 5 tables + the bar polite service sticky menus yummy
(4)Cecilia L.
This Arlington neighborhood favorite is in competition with Shiki for my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. Everything we had at a recent lunch was excellent. Miso soup was wonderfully flavorful - clearly based on homemade dashi. Uni and scallop nigiri were fresh, well cut and nestled on crackling, high-quality nori and well-seasoned rice. Chirashi nestled in a lacquered box was lovely and delightful. The meat in the pork katsu donburi achieved the rare balance between crisp and tender, accompanied with a bowl of delicious pickles. The setting is warm, modest and kid-friendly - nearly every table at Saturday lunch had a tot chowing out of a bento.
(5)Haviva P.
The food at Toraya is amazing. Really, this is not your average Japanese place. The menu is authentic, everything is fresh and if you want to venture off the typical spicy tuna roll ordering, this is your place. The agadashi tofu is to die for - perfectly fried in a broth that disappears too quickly forcing you to order a second. My husband had the salmon stuffed with tofu, wrapped in a banana leaf and it was also delish. Perfectly portioned and cooked,with a great sauce, I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. The tempura was beautifully fried, light and sweet. Really great meal food-wise. So why the missing star? The service. Oh. My. God. We ordered at 9 and were not out until 11:30. There were 6 of us, and 3 of us ordered sushi with a side as our main course. I ordered a crunchy tuna roll with a side of cold buckwheat noodles and dipping sauce, my brother a spicy salmon maki and a side of sushi rice, my nephew spicy salmon and the crunchy tuna. NOT complicated and all the dishes were essentially cold... . All the other plates came out first and there we sat, the 3 sushi eaters waiting. Even my cold noodles did not come out until 11! Half the table was done, plates cleared, before I got my one maki and cold noodles (both tasted great for the record, but at the pace I scarfed them down, I am not sure I am the best judge.) We asked what was taking so long and we were told there were several cooks in the kitchen but only one sushi chef. Sure, I get that, but the place is small and you have a sushi bar, at the very least pace yourselves better in the kitchen. I hate having a meal with family or friends and getting served at different times. If things are backed up, bring out some edamame on the house and tell me you are 'sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it.' The whole thing was silly and frustrating. Which is really too bad, because the food is completely top notch. For the record I will go back, but I will make sure that I have a snack ahead of time. :)
(4)M. Deloris D.
DEELICIOUS!!! Toraya is a winner for so many reasons. *it's near home *the folks who work at the Porter Exchange eat here *my Japanese friends say: "it's authentic!!" Toraya serves wine, sake and beer. The sushi was the freshest I've had in a while and the menu offered all the variety of Bluefin without the hipster hassle. Yes the space is smallish but this place is worth the wait and take out is available. When budget is not a bummer, Toraya all the way...otherwise, Kotobukiya, here I come.
(5)Lucy W.
It's all about the fish here...the other reviewers are right, in that this tiny Japanese joint is stripped down, no-frills sushi. I sat at the sushi bar and got the sashimi appetizer special- what a deal at $8.95, for a plate full of very fresh raw fish. Great place if you're just looking for the basics and nothing fancy.
(3)Jen L.
This is my neighborhood sushi place. I am very lucky to live here as I am only 1 mile away from this little gem. I eat here about 2x/week and would do so more often if I had limitless funds. The fish is fresh, expertly cut, and super tasty. Their hot dishes are really good as well.
(5)bean c.
We absolutely LOVE this place. In fact, I wouldn't otherwise write a review about this place just so that I wouldn't spoil such a well kept secret. But - I've moved out of Cambridge and don't need to worry about people crowding my favorite places. Warning. You have to have patience and be prepared to wait if you want to eat here. This place probably seats ~22 people if every table and sushi bar was fully and efficiently utilized. I always order the Chirashi (assorted chunks of sashimi fish) because Shinji gets the freshest stuff in town. Why mess around with anything else? For appetizers, I always get Agedashi tofu and spinach with sesame sauce. The Agedashi tofu comes piping hot and swimming in a sauce with shaved radish and mini mushrooms. Don't miss it.
(5)Nancy L.
I can't believe that I live so close to Toraya for over a year, only to discover it via the Yelp post of friends! Toraya is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant tucked in a non-descript front in Arlington Center. It's tiny less than 10 tables and is quite cozy . The waiter, chef, and diners were all Japanese when I was there for lunch. When the customers are all of the culture/ethnicity of the cuisine, you know that you are at an authentic restaurant. Green tea was served. The miso was a strong red miso soup. I had the chirashi sushi and my friend had the sashimi bentou. The fish was so fresh and delicious, unlike the frozen kind. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a sushi lover. There is also a selection of soba, udon, and donburi (things over rice such as eel). Since it is a small and popular restaurant, I suggest going at a less busy time so you can sit and truly enjoy thebeautiful seafood. When there is a constant stream of customers waiting less than 4 feet away from you, you just felt bad for sitting there too long. Accepts credit card, $15 minimum.
(5)Jonathan W.
Yes, I don't want anyone to know about this place....tiny, excellent, but I DO want them to stay in business. The owner is there all the time and the quality is fantastic. Not as inventive as some, but hands down excellent.
(5)Kim H.
LIke everyone else says, fantastic fresh sushi and the place we stop into when craving some. Star taken away for the size as there's often a wait or we have to squish at the end of the bar next to the hot tea dispenser, and then twist my shoulder away every time the waitress needs hot tea dispensed.
(4)Local E.
Agree with the consensus here: usually the sushi is quite good. The chef has great attention to detail, but the waits are usually LOOONG. They range from minimal (if you arrive prior to standard lunchtime) to about 60 minutes from sit-down to getting your food (at dinner). There is one sushi chef, and one or two wait staff who usually seem to be overwhelmed. E.g., you will need to ask repeatedly for water, otherwise you will be ignored. Generally the wait is worth it; I greatly prefer Toraya to "Mr Sushi" down the street, and slightly prefer it to Bluefin (in Porter Exchange). Recommend the sashimi bento at lunchtime. The non-sushi elements are tasty and creative. Consider taking the time to thank the chef - he puts his heart in it. But I'm serious about the waits. If the tables are full, you could wait 30 minutes to be seated, or more. And be sure to ask about delays if you phone-in your order, which can be hours, not minutes.
(4)Anna N.
Seriously, Yelp? 4.5 stars? When it comes to sushi, I don't care about ambiance or even service. As long as the fish is fresh, the ingredients complement each other and the rice is right, I am a happy customer. Unfortunately this outfit was a huge disappointment. I had a dinner with 2 other people and the three of us left the place wondering why on Earth this place is attracting customers. The only positive part of the meal was that the rolls were small. I didn't feel guilty having another meal after leaving Toraya, just to erase the aftertaste.
(1)Naoyuki T.
It's owned and operated by Japanese sushi chef who used to work at (good) Ginza. Lately main back kitchen cook left which made me worried about non sushi dishes but Salmon Okabe was just as good before. Sushi is better than most places (or say average in Japanese owned sushi shops - better than non Japanese sushi shops, except Oishii) though one occasion, I had bad tasting fish and other occasion sushi rice with very little flavoring. I think that the food is not consistent, but good most of the time. One of few places I can get real katsu-don - pork cutlet over rice in bowl. My Japanese coworker and I (Japanese) go there for lunch to get Japanese food fix rather regularly. I order Chirashi sushi as a yard stick of sushi restaurant, and it is worth its admission. Other than having bad days infrequently, dishes are above average and certainly better than Mr. Sushi just down the road for Japanese food. Just to be clear, if you go to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, any sushi shop is better than Toraya, and often cheaper. The fish quality in Boston cannot be as good, just because sheer volume of fish consumed in Tokyo.
(4)Joe C.
The only thing that should knock this down to a 4 star review is the atmosphere. This dive-y, nook of a restaurant leaves something to be desired. Personally, food is the most important factor to me (secondly service) so I will chose to find comfort in great food with a non-pretentious atmosphere. Being raised on a large amount of home-style japanese food, this place is a constant reminder of my childhood. I have tried many of the local "Japanese" restaurants and many are okay, some are good, but Toraya is excellent. (Sidenote - "Japanese" = non-Japanese owned). I recommend you try it but secretly wish you wouldn't so not to overcrowd one of my favorite spots.
(5)Lauren M.
This might be the best sushi in Boston. It is very comparable to Oishi in Chestnut Hill- no frills and super tiny, but amazing sushi. It's also pretty inexpensive- what a hidden gem, I love this place!
(5)Catherine H.
After reading the reviews, I was expecting AMAZING sushi. We ordered 4 rolls, and they were just OK. I thought the rice was gummy. I wouldn't go back.
(3)Han K.
A hidden gem, often forgotten in the debate over who has the best sushi in Boston. Really tiny small intimate space that serves up some of the best sushi preiod. Authentic doesn't even begin to describe how good this place really is. For the price / quality ratio this place is very very difficult to beat. Why not the perfect 5? Because you can get better sushi, but it'll cost you a lot more than dining at Toraya.
(4)Sam D.
This is hands down my favorate Japanese restaurant. The food is delicious every time and the service is friendly and quick.
(5)Jamie L.
My husband and I recently ate at Toraya and we LOVE it! We'd been going to Blue Fin in Porter Sq for our sashimi fix, but now that we've discovered Toraya we will never eat at another Japanese restaurant again. We ordered a big plate of sashimi to share (tuna, salmon, yellowtail) and it tasted amazing. We loved that the fish was cut in thin, bite-sized pieces, not the oversized pieces that we see so often in other restaurants. We also shared a special of the day (clams) and washed it all down with two flasks of sake. This is a modest place, with attentive service and delicious food. We love you Toraya!
(5)Pete G.
I wouldn't say it's the very best sushi in the area, but it is close. Loved it. It's a fantastic little sushi place. Everything I've ever had from here was perfectly made. They do a great little pickled octopus salad, and I don't know how the guy does it but his toro sushi is the tastiest every time. The prices are fine. The only problem I can think of is that it's kind of small, and it's a little far out there. But if you're willing to truck way into Arlington for some good sushi, go here.
(4)Brittany H.
A great hidden gem tucked away just past Arlington Center. My favorite local sushi place. You can tell from the clientele, as others have mentioned, Toraya is very authentic. The service was great and I thought my sushi was very fresh. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)Alison Y.
Being Japanese, I rate Toraya high on the list of "authentic" Japanese restaurants. I moved from Arlington last year and have not found a true Japanese restaurant in the city :-( Toraya's chef is from Japan unlike the "other" Japanese restaurants in the city and greater Boston and it shows in his sushi freshness and presentation as well as who he has cooking the traditional dishes. Tenzaru soba noodles with tempura is delicious as is the lunch Bento box special, which is a great deal at $11-12. Place is small and always packed, so be prepared to wait, but it's well worth it.
(5)Al K.
Fresh, delicious food, and great service.
(5)John Paul N.
Located outside of Arlington Center, Toraya is a very, very small sushi restaurant that apparently caters to a huge Japanese clientele. Or so says all the reviews online I could find. My GPS unit took us through Arlington Central and there was no parking to be found. Thinking it'd be the same in front of Toraya, I took the first parking spot available .3 miles away. This was a mistake. Not only was there plenty of parking in front of Toraya, but apparently there's parking in the back too. This will be good to know for next time. Like I said earlier, Toraya is very small. 3 4-seaters and 3 2-seaters along with 6 or so seats at the sushi bar. We were next in line behind a family of 4 and we stood in the doorway and tried to stay out of the way. After a 20 or so minutes, we were seated slightly before the family because a 2-seater opened up. While we were waiting I noticed one of the specials was tempura soft shelled crab for only $8.50. That took care of my appetizer. I wasn't really feeling sushi that night, so I went with the Udon noodles, sans chicken because it is still lent. Abby went for the Maki deluxe special as well as some edamame and an extra order of Philly Maki. My tempura soft shelled crab came out with Abby's edamame and miso soup. The crab was one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. The tempura batter was light (like all tempura batter) and covered the crab just enough to not over power the wonderful delicate meat. Abby devoured her edamame in no time but neither of us really touched the miso soup. (I'm not the biggest fan of miso in general, so it wasn't like the soup was nasty or anything like that.) My udon noodles were came out and had a very strong mushroom flavor. Inside the soup was a whole egg. I broke the yolk up and mixed it all around. The flavor the yolk gave to the soup was very nice. The noodles were typical udon noodles, thick and lacking of any real flavor other than the broth they laid in. The tempura shrimp were just like like my soft shell crab earlier, perfectly fried in just the right amount of batter. A very good noodle soup. Abby's sushi came out and they looked great. She thought they were fantastic and just the way she liked it. I tried one of each type and thought the sushi was good to better than good, but nothing ground breaking. My main problem was that the other ingredients took away from the fish. For example the avocado was such big pieces that all I couldn't get over the buttery creamy taste to get the flavor of the eel at all. This could just be me though, because Abby loved every single bite. Overall, Toraya is a very nice little sushi restaurant. You could do a lot worse. The chef/owner, Mr Toraya, was behind the sushi counter carefully taking his time to slice every piece of fish correctly. He seemed like the type of sushi chef that would gladly trade shots of sake with customers at the bar. Maybe next time we come we can sit and the bar and find out. The prices were pretty good too. However I ordered a coke and when I got a refill I had a feeling that it wasn't free. Sure enough I got charged $1.75 twice for both drinks. I just wish I could have gotten the coke in a larger glass the first time so I wouldn't have needed the refill, but now I know. Toraya gets a 3 and 1/2 out of 5, good and better than average but not exactly great.
(3)Mai O.
When I used to live in Arlington, it used to be my regular sushi place. Pros: Authentic Price/quality ratio is good Japanese-owned Cons: The wait staff there used to be better, the current woman is not very helpful nor is she friendly. The current woman is kind of rude. I asked her if we can pack the remainder of food to go, and she said "all of it?" No, just 1/3 of it... yes all of it, what do you think? People who used to work here switched to working at Bluefin in Porter Square. When it's crowded, it takes forever to get serviced and get food, because there is only one sushi chef. No AC Last visit there was not very pleasant, both me and my grandmother got stressed, ate half of what was on the plate and left.
(3)Mark O.
I can't add anything to the best reviews, we eat here about 4 times a month. Fresh, fresh, fresh, and you can taste it!
(5)Adrienne A.
We have been in a lot of sushi restaurants all over the world (though not Japan, sadly), and this is head and shoulders the best. Flavors are subtle but deep and nuanced, fish incredibly fresh - actually the best fish raw or cooked anywhere. Anything fried (tempura, tofu, fish, etc.) is crispy and tender. They are masters. We are here at least twice a month, and sometimes are embarrassed when we feel like going two days in a row. We feel like family - they know what beer we want, and that we want our edamame warm. It is small (so don't bring a baby stroller, and be prepared for lines if you go at peak times), but a warm cozy atmosphere. We are lucky to live only short distance away. (And, as a note - We've been here a lot, and never noticed that the temperature inside was a problem - except once when the AC was on the blink.)
(5)Beantown Newbie e.
I lived in Tokyo for over four years, and this restaurant has the most authentic Japanese food I've had in the U.S. And, it's in Arlington of all places! You'd expect this level of quality in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. A lot of the patrons at dinner are Japanese nationals, so that may something about its authenticity. The prices are very reasonable and, I would argue, cheap for the quality and freshness of the food. The restaurant itself is a bit small, and the ambiance is by no means swanky like you'd see in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. It's all about the food here. It's kind of off the beaten path, but it's so worth it to make the hike.
(5)Kerry D.
The atmosphere is small, crowded, and really pretty uncomfortable over all. But the sushi is fabulous, and the bento box lunches are the best deal around.
(4)Mary R.
I had such high hopes, but was unfortunately a bit disappointed. Our appetizer, edamame took forever to arrive. It seems they cook it first, then cool it to serve it cold. I actually prefer warm edamame, so this process seemed just long to me. The pieces of sashimi and sushi we had were good overall. The fish tasted fresh, but the rolls were small and just not as amazing as other places we've been. I was hoping we'd found a new, great place, not real far from our home, but I don't think I'll become a regular customer.
(3)DB U.
Put simply: BEST sushi in the Boston area by far! The place is cozy and the ambient is great. The staff has been friendly and courteous from our very first visit and all visits since. For my husband and I, it is a small haven, providing us with a much needed break from our very busy lifestyles. Whenever we feel like having sushi or traditional Japanese food, we are at their door. When our parents (who have been to Japan multiple times) visited, we took them there too, and they really enjoyed it and liked it better than the you-know-that-restaurant-in-Porter-Sq we've been previously taking them to :) I really like the size of the place and how personal the attention is. They seem to care about details, the presentation of the food is a visual treat, just wonderful, making the already delicious foods into something even better! I really appreciate the latter because too many great restaurants have been spoiled by growing too quickly, losing the attention they once had to foods and customers and they become sloppy. Even on nights we know the restaurant will be busy, we don't hesitate about going. We know we'll have to wait because the space there is limited, but it's all worth it. Even on the busiest of nights, the longest we've ever waited for is about 15-20 minutes. Even on that occasion, people seemed to share our thoughts and they didn't seem to mind the wait, giddy in anticipation. However, one time we witnessed a really rude customer, who even insulted the sushi chef for not being friendly... I thought this was really unfair because the place was really packed, the staff were doing their best, there were 2-3 couples already waiting before this customer's arrival, and when the waitress cleaned up a couple of seats in front of the sushi counter, he bypassed the waiting people and sat himself there. He said something in Japanese to the chef (the customer was not Japanese) and the chef didn't really respond (specially because he had his hands full and perhaps he even witnessed what the rest of us did -- how this guy just cut in line!). After a minute, this customer totally flipped out and bad mouthed the place saying how he's been to Japan and people there were so nice and this place was nothing like Japan because the chef would not make conversation with him and entertain him. Well, boohoo from all of us who were waiting. You think you're going to get special treatment because you speak Japanese to the chef? Some people need to get off their high horses... I'm glad the chef ignored him... when the customer left, everyone was laughing at how ridiculous this guy was... but the chef was serious and I felt really bad for him... I mean, come on... the chef was so busy... I would have been offended had the chef stopped doing what he was doing and started chatting or entertaining this guy... because that would have meant a longer wait for food to be made/served and an even longer wait for us waiting for seats! Conclusion: if you are looking for a comfy place with delicious and amazing traditional Japanese food, this is the place 100% (and no, spicy California tornado rainbow whatever rolls do not count as traditional sushi... go to Porter or some other place if you want Japanese foods with "western" twists). Also, if you like just going to a place and being immediately seated, you may want to avoid popular times to eat out (for example, weekends) or just try your luck somewhere else with a bigger seating area because I really hope they keep it as small and cozy as it's been to this day. PS. We just tried their lunch menu (take-out) this past Saturday and it was as amazing. What a great deal the sashimi lunch box was for $11! It's great they have the lunch menus on Saturdays too! We called and they had it ready for pick-up in 30 minutes. The lunch box was reminiscent of the bento boxes you get on the Shinkansen... pretty looking and yummy :)
(5)Fuyu A.
Just made the mistake of not eating at Toraya again (it was logictically impossible) - but that just increases my wife and my respect for Toraya - they have the best quality at not the highest prices and it's never a disappointment to eat here - ever.
(5)ftyuv e.
My girlfriend and I were there the same night as Travis M., but we had quite a different experience. There was a bit of a rush, and it did take a few minutes for the sole waitress to get a handle on the situation -- but it certainly wasn't terrible. I would describe the atmosphere as brisk, but not rude. And once she got the rush under control (shortly after Travis M stormed out), the service was quite good. This is a small restaurant, with the service one would expect from that -- if you want four-star service with fancy place settings, this place won't impress. As far as the food, we had gyoza, cold buckwheat with dipping sauce, and maki -- salmon and tuna. The gyoza weren't crisply enough fried for my liking, and it was the first time I had cold buckwheat -- so I can't judge how good it was in relative terms, though in absolute terms I liked it a lot. The sushi was amazing. Melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The waitress was nice enough to go table to table announcing last call, and my girlfriend and I couldn't resist another order or salmon maki. For $5 per a-la-carte order, I really can't imagine going anywhere else for a quick sushi craving.
(5)Karman L.
Hole in the wall in Arlington. Great sushi place in Arlington (same block as Blue Ribbon!) I did a grab and run ... ordered the sashimi lunch combo ... it was $12.95 or something ... and fish was very fresh ... Can't wait to go back to have a sit down meal there ...
(4)Dan B.
Great sushi. My wife is Japanese and attests to the authenticity. A little spendy but certainly worth a try.
(5)Joji S.
This is the ONLY Japanese restaurant in Boston that I have found (I've been living here since 1990) that is actually an authentic Japanese restaurant. Nothing fancy, just plain Japanese food that hits the spot for a native Japanese like no other place. After discovering this place last year, I have had no desire to go to any other Japanese restaurant in Boston. Also, this is the only place in Boston where everytime I go, the majority of the patrons are Japanese.
(5)Mihir P.
This is a hole in the wall to be proud of! But beware that this place is tiny, so if it's crowded most likely you will be waiting outside until your table is ready. I had the Red Miso Soup which was excellent. Much more flavorful than the traditional and it had these micro mushrooms in it that snapped when I bit into them. Then I had the standard steamed shumai which was very good. Then I had the spicy tuna rolls w/ tempura flakes which was also very good but I've had better (spicier and crunchier). I would definitely go back especially since it is not far from me and the prices are reasonable.
(4)sang l.
Toraya serves probably the best sushi in town but deserves only two stars because of the waitress who is obnoxiously unkind and clueless about service.
(2)Jeffrey T.
Sushi was good. The scallops I had tasted fresh, as did the rest of my sushi. The prices were about average, and the portions were reasonable but not huge. Still I think it was a good deal. The place is very small, but it was crowded when I went in at 5:30 (usually a good sign). All being said, I will probably go back.
(4)Patrick P.
We tried Toraya on a Thursday night. It was obviously the waitress's first night, but surprisingly that turned out all right. We ordered Sapporo's and got the coldest beer I've had in a while. We ordered shrimp tempura and Deep Fried Oysters for appetizers and both were good. Maki rolls were good, but the sushi, especially sea and fresh water eel, had no flavor and gave the impression that it was not fresh. Not a good first impression and won't be going back.
(1)Kim D.
This place was ridiculous. The sushi brought a tear to my eye. Literally. Everything was so fresh and just melt-in-your-mouth. My hubby and I went and split three rolls (yellowtail, eel and spicy tuna) and two types of nigiri (salmon and fluke). It was just incredible. And the Kirin's that washed it all down? Perfection. I want to go back...now. Oh and it was only $43 with a 20% tip...nice!!!!
(5)Tom E.
At some point in the past in both space and time, probably somewhere in California in the last century, lies the primordial pre-cursor to all these sushi restaurants that populate affluent areas in the Western world. No doubt run by Japanese immigrants and most likely a very close approximation to a neighborhood sushi place in Tokyo. Primordial western sushi hit the big time with the California Roll - invented in LA in the 1970s. You can laugh all you like at the non-authenticity of this roll, but there's no doubt that avocado goes well with raw fish and rice and this roll is just as popular in Japan as it is here. So far everything is still lovely, right? The best of the local fresh fish, some imports from the East, Japanese staff and solid traditional recipes done to perfection. But then everything went a bit crazy... Toraya is the perfect place to go enjoy what happened before the madness. Japanese Sushi | | First Sushi in America | | California roll | | (- - - - - - - - - - - - TORAYA | --------------------------(madness)---------------Â----------------- | | | | | | | | | | HUGE | Fish-free Korean Inside-out SUSHI | Sushi sushi sushi | CREATIVE | | | | MAKI | | | Fugayku | Brown rice I Tom gets | O Ya ??? Thai Sushi rice in his problems for | | soy sauce tiny mouths $$$$ Italian sushi?? :(
(4)Sox G.
I found this restaurant on Yelp and wanted to try it out. I'm glad I did-this place has GREAT sushi. It's pretty tiny and the tables are really close, but other than that, it was a great experience. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I saw some bugs on the table and the windowsill. ick! I would go back though. No silly little bugs would keep me away from this place!
(4)Hilary C.
Love this place! While it doesn't have the and theatrical dishware of more well-known places, the quality of the food and its preparation is top shelf. They never try to drown it in sauces or decorations resembling tropical birds. You get beautiful, fresh, expertly prepared dishes that speak for themselves. Maki are made with a well balanced portion of rice and are firmly rolled, as they should be. Nigiri may have a wasabi booby trap for those of you sensitive to that. Generous portions of fish all around. I even ordered omakase once and got a fantastic mackerel and shiso combination. My personal measure of general fish quality at any sushi place is the mackerel; strongly flavored, but not too oily, dry, firm texture and a clean ocean smell. Toraya never fails to satisfy. Seats 16 or so, with another 6 maybe at the bar.
(4)Ger T.
A real, live, sushi place in the middle of Arlington!? Whoa, I was impressed. The waitstaff and chef were from Japan. The menu was in Japanese. The fish, wow, I haven't tasted anything so fresh since Japan, and this was definitely on the higher end of the freshness scale. You'd never guess from its location that this was such an amazing spot for authentic sushi; it's sandwiched in a strip-mall type building about a block from Arlington High School. Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside. Go in!!
(5)Michelle L.
This place is simply great. It is a small place with very simple deco. Low-key, warm, friendly, and relaxing. Very simple food but every little thing is divine and delicious. There is always a line during dinner time, even heavy snow days this restaurant won't be empty.
(5)Maria V.
I am totally not reviewing this place. As far as y'all are concerned, I didn't go and I didn't have a fabulous extremely filling and wonderfully high-quality chirashi sushi plate. From what I've heard (not that I've been there) Toraya is not only Japanese-run, the sushi and cooked foods are as authentic in the Boston area as you could possibly find. It's my guess that as the food is so delicious, it's not exactly the cheapest place, but I'd bet it's pretty worth it. People do call it a hole in the wall, so apparently the masses have yet to discover this treasure. After all, if lots of people started flocking here to taste the absolutely delectable Japanese fare (or so I've heard), it'd be pretty hard to find a table... So shhh. You didn't hear about it from me.
(5)S B.
I was pretty let down by this place. I only got it once, so should probably try it again. The sushi was good, not incredible. They give you significantly less ginger than Mr. Sushi does, and the quality of their maki rolls does not make up for it. It's small and gets crowded easily, although everyone who worked there was very nice. I'd go to Mr. Sushi to get your fix.
(2)Licong L.
I came here with a friend for the chirashi. Yes the wait was a bit long (can't really blame anyone though, it isn't a huge place), but the food was really excellent. I usually judge the quality of a sushi restaurant not only by the quality of the fish, but also the quality of the rice. And boy, the rice here is really really good. So good that I was grabbing for every last grain in the chirashi that I ordered. Somewhat pricy, yes, but not ridiculous like some of the Boston places, and certainly worth the splurge once in a while.
(5)William L.
Hands down my favorite sushi place in the Boston area, and I've frequented it for the last 6 years. They do great traditional sushi, and the sushi chef here is from Japan and very skilled. The nigiri is well-made, the rice is packed just right and the fish is very fresh and cut extremely well. I typically get the sushi moriawase, which is a sushi sampler which has 8 pieces of nigiri and a maki roll (typically tuna or salmon), for a decent price (I think for lunch it's $13). The only hot foods I get here are agedashi tofu, fried baby octopus, and fried aji (Japanese horse mackerel), but I can vouch for those three. I probably wouldn't recommend this place if you're just going for hot food, as that's not what their specialty really is. For sushi, though, they are the best traditional sushi I've had in the US, and the best I've had outside Japan. However, if you're a fan of over-the-top rolls like you'd get at Super Fusion Cuisine, or you love rolls with mango and avocado and all sorts of fancy stuff, then this is not the place for that.
(5)Chloe S.
This place is amazing. There is only one sushi chef and he does ALL the sushi. All of it every day. He also personally hand selects the fish daily at the fish market. This is a man who is Passionate with a capital P about his craft. The fish is always fresh and flavorful and perfectly cut, the rice is always spot on, and this is a really, really nice attention to detail but the fish is always the right temperature. It's not too cold when he serves it, which is a mistake the vast majority of sushi places make. I always order the chef's choice combos because he knows what's best. I have brought several out of town guests here and they've all been blown away.
(5)David T.
Great traditional Japanese sushi in a no-frills setting. No over-the-top American rolls here. The quality of the food and the relatively low price for this quality is amazing. This is a very small restaurant. There are only 6 small tables and a very small counter. There is one Japanese sushi chef and one waitress. The waitress is very friendly, but can be stretched thin covering the tables and takeout. Their Chirashi is astoundingly good. You get a wide selection fo fish and plenty of it. They use real sushi rice, so its nice and starchy. The Uzaku (eel and cucumber with vinagar sauce) is delicious. The Kyuri-momi cucumber salad was also very good. The tori no aspari maki (green asparagus rolled in teriyaki chicken) was quite good and something I have not seen at many other restaurants. Asparagus wrapped with very thin beef pieces is more common. I still prefer this with beef as you can slice the beef thinner so the dish is more about the asparagus than the meat. But preferences aside this is a nice variation.
(4)kim s.
There are five tables and four counter seats so be prepared for a long wait to eat (I waited about 30 minutes). The sushi and sashimi is very good and all prepared from scratch. Pricing is reasonable and service is good as well. Next time I think I will call ahead and get take out.
(4)Peter S.
Really good sushi served in authentic setting. You know you are in the right place when the menu comes in English and Japanese. The chef seems like a very competent Japanese sushi chef too. The portions were very good for a sushi restaurant and the staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.
(5)Sylvia C.
Definitely can see why fellow Yelpers rave about this place. Though the place is small - it's worth the lil wait. They don't have a huge menu or a ton of maki rolls to choose but everything they serve was well executed...at least from what we'd ordered. - Fried baby octopus - crispy on the outside and tender inside - Beef tongue - tenderly prepared - Small sashimi plate - great assortment and knife skill set - Salmon with tofu wrapped in bamboo leaves - flavorful and nice contrast in texture - Salmon and tobiko sashimi - thin sweet slices and sweet lil bits of yumminess - Spicy salmon and yellowtail maki rolls All expectations met. =)
(4)Jimmy B.
Ah I was so hoping this place would be a 5, but am settling on a 4, which solely is based on their signature item - the one and only Chirashi bowl: Value-wise, 5 stars. $12 for a lunch bowl of tasty Chirashi? Good luck finding that anywhere else. This jumps to $18 for dinner though, so this place will remain a lunch-only establishment for me. Variety, fantastic! I've never seen so many different types of slices in a Chirashi bowl as this place. Ranges from your standard of salmon and tuna to unique toppings such as marinated sliced shiitake mushrooms, tender tamago, and tuna roll pieces. Great! However, because there were so many different types of toppings on here, the size was much smaller than I had imagined (the pictures make them look so much bigger). But, for $12, I guess that's what you can expect! Quality. Here's where I was a bit disappointed - and this may be partial to the fact I had take-out. Although the sushi was solid, it wasn't necessarily near the best in Boston. With the fact that there is limited seating and management will sometimes turn away take-out orders, I'm surprised it wasn't better. It just didn't have the wow factor that really fresh and expertly prepared sushi gives me - for a few dollars more, I'd go to Daikanyama in Lexington if my priority was quality.
(4)Karen N.
Well color us unimpressed. We came in with high hopes as it had four stars but we've definitely had better -- even in the Boston area. It wasn't bad sushi but there was nothing special about the food and given the small tables and slow/unfriendly service, we can only rate it two stars for "Meh - We've experienced better." My partner had the sushi deluxe which was good but not great. We've had better at fast-food type sushi places. I had the tonkatsu, which was good but even the tonkatsu at the food court in the Mitsuwa at Fort Lee, NJ was better. It's not terrible food but I think Arlington could do much better. Perhaps go there if you have a craving for Japanese food and don't want to take the T into the city, but it's not worth going out of your way for. (signed by two Japanese-Japanese women who went out of their way to go there).
(2)Amy D.
3.5 stars but rounding up. During my work trips to Waltham, MA, I usually make a point to check out new Japanese restaurants in the area. Toraya was next on my list, and I called in my order late on a Thursday night (around 8pm). They had it ready by the time I got there 20 minutes later, and I tried: -Chirashi (Assortment of Fresh Fish, Eggs, Vegetables Over Sushi Rice, $18.50, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): The assortment of different fish in their chirashi was nice, since you don't always get as many types of fish or a couple pieces of toro. However, the pieces were a little too small for my preference, and I would have preferred larger slices. The fish was fresh though, and I would consider ordering this again. -Uni/Sea Urchin Nigiri ($7, yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… ): Good, but I was super full from eating half the chirashi, and wish I could have requested they add uni to the chirashi for an added price (I tried asking over the phone and got rejected). Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Toraya, and will have to come back and order other items. The restaurant is small, so call ahead of time if you're planning on dining in. Parking here is horrible since they do not have a parking lot and there isn't much street parking available.
(4)Heather L.
Delicious. Fresh sushi. This is what the eating experience of sushi should be like. Yeah, there are those times when you just need to stuff your face with AYCE sushi while wearing your favorite pair of sweatpants, but if you're in the mood to savor, to enjoy melt in your mouth sashimi, then come here. I got the sashimi lunch special, which also came with a bowl of white rice and a bowl of miso soup. For $11.95, I would say that's a pretty great deal. To be fair, I am not a connoisseur of sushi, but I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others!
(5)Myra T.
This place may place Arlington Sushi on the map, great service is key, The food is fresh not frozen, quality, they take the time to be sure of what you want not just fast and funky.
(4)Damien S.
Stop, collaborate and listen: the chirashi lunch bowl. Get here when Toraya opens. Do not bring a group; there are six tables. (As a matter of fact, going solo is best.) Order the chirashi bowl. For $12, you'll get PERFECT SASHIMI - the freshness, the cut, the variety, the balance of flavors - over a heap of slightly sweet sushi rice. And a durn fine cuppa miso. And tea. And a smile, because, hey, you're attractive. The surf clam, the mackerel, hell, even the tamago... I've not had higher quality sashimi in the greater Boston fast casual scene. Is it as good as others claim? It's better. Bold statement? I dare you to prove me wrong. This review will not be any longer because I'm afraid it wouldn't be able to fit in the restaurant's tiny, tiny space. It's wee.
(5)Christine J.
Horrible service. They let another girl take a whole table for 4 while none of their party arrived. While there were 2 parties standing waiting for a table. The worst Japanese place for service. Rude and inattentive. The best food and sushi chef but the worst waiters. I've endured their bad service for a long time now. This was the tipping point. Simply ridiculous.
(1)Deanna D.
I've been here for lunch at least once a month for the past 2 years, and love this place (obviously). The Chirashi, seaweed salad, and sashimi box are all perfection. They also have a nice small selection of sake, and the service is always efficient and friendly. The prices are very reasonable considering the variety, quality and quantity of sashimi. Get there before noon to avoid the wait. The ambiance is not particularly interesting, but I come here for the great sushi, not for the fancy ambiance.
(4)Kevin L.
This place never ceases to disappoint me! By now, I've had 10 + Toraya vists. Ordered the sushi moriawase and it was amazing. The freshness of the seafood says it all. The sushi chef never serves the same sushi or sashimi; he picks the freshest selection each day. This also pertains to the chirashi bowl as well.
(5)Ziyan C.
This is my best friend's favorite sushi spot in Boston for its quality of fish, value, and vibe. I'm so glad she took me here the last time I was in town! Everything was well-made and had quality ingredients. Nothing super fancy, just your classic sushi. Toraya is a very tiny, unassuming spot. There's one old, very wise-looking sushi chef behind the counter, and one very friendly server running the whole restaurant. All your dishes come in differently designed plates/bowls that look different; I love that they all look different and are each beautiful! It has the small local business vibe. THE SERVICE: The one server is always scurrying around, she has so much to do, but it's easy to catch her eye to ask for something, and she will always help with whatever you ask for. She works quickly and the food is always timely. THE WAIT: There was no wait around noon on a Friday for 2 at the sushi bar. There was a small wait for a table, but that seemed to move pretty fast. THE COST: Not bad at all. We got a ton of stuff for and it came out to $46 total for two. TORAYA LUNCH: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Sashimi (assortment of sliced, fresh raw fish. $11.95) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A good mix of fish! Very fresh & tasty. It's a little odd that most things came in 3 pieces, some in 2. It made it a little hard to share between the two of us. * Side: Agedashi tofu (fried tofu, served in a special sauce w/ scallion & daikon radish. $6.75) - 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… The fried breading was softer than I've had at other Japanese restaurants so it didn't really add crunch; rather, it was like a mushy bundle of stuff that came off of the tofu excessively easily. When you take a bite, all of it tends to come off in one piece. However, the flavor of the sauce was excellent, the scallion crunchy and fresh, and I really liked the grated radish that added that extra bit of sharp flavor and texture. DONBURI & NOODLES: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Tempura Udon (noodle soup with shrimp tempura Japanese wheat noodles or Buckwheat noodles. $8.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… A nice simple broth, very thick and soft udon, a soft fried tempura on the shrimp. Good! SUSHI A LA CARTE: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… * Banzai Maki (fried soft-shell crab w/ spicy mayo. $9.50) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/tora… I love spider rolls generally and had to get this! I guess I see a pattern that Toraya's tempura tends to be on the soft side. That's not my personal preference, but maybe it is just their style. The crab in this roll, once again, had a softer tempura. Not enough crunch! Also, there wasn't much temperature contrast between the rice and the crab. Both were a little above room temperature; I like it rather when the crab is hot, like it was just fried, and the rice colder! I couldn't taste the spicy mayo either so the flavor was pretty bland. My friend noticed that their sushi rice doesn't have vinegar in it. This was still overall enjoyable.
(4)Qianwen W.
My favorite Japanese restaurant! I have been there for two years and never got anything not good! The house sake is a must try, with the sashimi!
(5)Nate Y.
I'm just going to repeat what others have said; It's a small place, so better to come early, and not have a big group. The Chirashi bowl is a deal with a large variety of chef's choice bite-size sashimi over sushi rice. Comes with a bowl of miso soup. Doesn't get much better.
(4)Joichi I.
As advertised, they do not take reservations so we arrived and had to wait. It was a bit strange that there was almost no acknowledgement that we were there and the service was dry and not very friendly. The sushi and the food was fairly good but the waitress we had didn't even know what "shishamo" was even though it was on the menu so we had to point at it. Considering the lack of reservations, the service, and the only incremental quality difference of the food - unlikely it will be a regular place for us to go.
(3)Sarah A.
I'm... very confused. What had been suggested as some of the "best sushi" near Boston ended up being a very disappointing experience. I hesitated to write this review because I have been on a long journey to find amazing sushi in Boston. Run by a Japanese sushi chef, I had high hopes that this would be "the one". Upon entering the establishment, I surveyed the quaint restaurant and noticed, as other reviewers had, that there was only one sushi chef and one waitress who seemed extremely busy. We arrived exactly at 11:30am and unfortunately had just missed the first seating so had to wait at the entrance of the tiny shop for over an hour for a seat for 2 adults and a baby. I used this hour to observe the sushi chef. From what I observed, I had high hopes that this would prove to be the most authentic sushi experience that I would experience in Massachusetts. After waiting an hour, my expectations were at an all time high. We ordered the iidako karaage (deep fried baby octopus) to start and I ordered the chirashi and ikura nigiri. The food took about 30 minutes and when it arrived, I was so excited to dig in. The iidako karaage came out and I wasn't impressed with how greasy it was. The octopus also didn't taste fresh. The next item I had was the ikura. ...................... oh no. It tasted like the ikura had gone bad. It had this putrid spoiled taste to it that signified that it had probably been defrosted and left out at room temperature for too long. Really quite gross. I then dug into my chirashi. The fish was good, but the rice was horrible. Like, really really inedibly bad. It had little to no flavor and was incredibly mushy (it was obviously made with way too much water). Some sushi chefs claim that the rice in sushi is more important than the fish, as the sushi chef has complete control over the rice vs. the fish which can vary from day-to-day depending on their source. I left all of my rice, it was that bad. I couldn't believe it! After all the hype and positive reviews... Another thing to note was the service. I understand that the waitress is extremely busy but that doesn't excuse her from being rude. There were two instances where she was very condescending to my friend and I, and we were both very put-off by her attitude. Overall a 1 star experience but it's obvious to any customer how hard both the sushi chef and waitress work so I had to bump it up to 2 stars.
(2)Marlana Y.
Chirashi lunch special is amazing and you can tell that each fish and the way it's set was thoughtfully prepared. The space is a bit small so I would suggest going late lunch or early dinner or get take out. I was so full after this meal that I could barely finish it! But I will because it's so delicious!!!! Free green tea! I never understood why people made such a big deal over miso soup but their miso soup was fantastic! Love the saltiness of it!
(5)Hana K.
日本人ã®æ–¹ã€æ˜¯éžã‚ªã‚¹ã‚¹ãƒ¡ã§ã™ï¼ã”ã¡ãã†ã•ã¾ã§ã—ãŸã€‚Growing up in Japan, I struggle to find authentic sushi in Boston. Anywhere that serves spicy mayo or crunchy tuna (as delicious as it is) is not REAL Japanese sushi. Toraya, on the other hand, run by a Japanese family with the husband slicing each sashimi behind the counter and wife courteously serving every customer, is so authentic it would bring nostalgia to any Japanese or those who have visited Japan. I highly recommend the SUSHI DELUXE (though on the pricey side at $20.50), the quality and variety you get is unbeatable. Try to guess their sushi names by looking at the fun poster on the wall. NOTE: They do not take reservations so do not come here with a big group and try to come well ahead of time!
(5)Yasmin C.
Hmmm, pretty good but nothing to write home about. All of the great reviews and the fact that the place was packed got my expectations up a bit, but I wasn't super impressed. My brother and I waited about 15 minutes around Saturday lunch, and were then seated at the bar. Service was a tad slow, though not surprising since there was only one server in the place. My maki and nigiri combo was very reasonably priced and fresh, but really nothing super special. Nice variety, good fish, and that's it. Shamefully, I peg every sushi place against my favorite delicious spot in San Diego, where the fish literally melts in your mouth. Honestly, nowhere ever really matches up so trying new sushi places is always tough for me. I would definitely come back but not expecting to be wowed!
(3)Chris O.
I hate to review this place because I don't want it to blow up. I think it's too late though. This is the best sushi in Boston.
(5)Phil C.
Yes, there are some of the big boys, in terms of sushi, in the vicinity of Toraya, but for my money, I think I'd rather come here. Toraya is simple elegance, personified. The last time I visited was for lunch before a meeting. I went for the sashimi lunch set. The miso soup was good, and definitely a nice starter. However, the sashimi was fantastic. The colorful assortment of sliced fish was beautifully, yet simply arranged to make the plate attractive. The tuna was excellent, along with the salmon, octopus, and clam. All of it tasted fresh and went well with the wasabi and soy sauce. There were less common pieces like spanish mackerel. I know rice is something that doesn't get reviewed often, but it's important in something like this: it was above-average. Service was terrific as the server was extremely prompt and polite. I was a little fortunate to find a spot to sit just as I entered. I don't expect to be so fortunate the next time around.
(5)Joanna C.
The lunch chirashi was really good - honestly, not the best I've had (I've had chirashi where they season the rice with cut up vegetables and pickles and other insane goodness - which after reading about how good this Chirashi was I was kind of expecting, which was just my overblown expectations)! I started with their pork goyza which was pretty good. It's a tiny place so the tables fill up fast! The server here was SO sweet! She didn't let my tea cup go lower than half a cup, and she handled all of the tables so well! Amazing service!
(4)Brian F.
I've been to Japan several times, and Toraya is in the same league as the best I've had there. It's small, a few tables and the bar. The chef is from Japan and skillfully prepares your meal to his high standards. The fish is fresh and delicious. My test of sushi is the mackerel. Here it was delightful and mild,. The rice is prepared properly, not plain rice, but with a nice bit of rice vinegar. I'm not a sake connoisseur, but one time we had it, it pleased everyone. Service has been one waitress for the room, but efficient. It's totally in line with what a social, multi-course dinner should be. I wouldn't call it a fancy restaurant exactly, but everything is top notch, at a reasonable price This is where I treated my new boss and a former colleague who gave me a great recommendation for the new job. It's the kind of restaurant that you can take clients, bosses, dates, etc., to because the atmosphere and food are such a good experience. The chef is also a high-rank black belt in Aikido, so don't think about doing a dine and dash!
(5)James C.
I am ALWAYS on the hunt for the best sushi, wherever I go. It's a struggle at times to find just that in the Boston area. Then a friend of mine sent me to Toraya and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a very small, cozy sushi bar/restaurant and you can tell the sushi chef is a master at his trade, and proud of his work. Absolutely delicious and great cuts of fish. The one thing Boston lacks is sushi chefs who do their rice properly. Some people overly use rice vinegar, others don't even use it at all. I found Toraya's sushi rice done pretty well, it was subtle yet noticeable in taste and not over/under cooked. Sushi is 80% about well done sushi rice to me, and they did just that. I couldn't complain about how fresh the fish was either :) Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great sushi restaurant in the Boston area, and the 5 stars are earned based on this restaurant's quality compared to what's available in the Boston area.
(5)Aaron K.
This is the best sushi I've had anywhere. This is simple fresh fish, generous portions, reasonable prices. If you are looking for creative rolls go somewhere else. If you are a sashimi lover, come here. I highly recommend an order of their Chirashi entrée. This is a huge bowl of fresh fish (at least 8 different kinds) with marinated eggs and mushrooms (those are delicious too), all served over rice. At lunch this is only $11.50! I think this is the best lunch deal ever. The lunch portion is more than enough to fill me up. Have not had the dinner portion for 18.50 but for dinner the same meal would still be a good deal compared to other sushi places. You should focus on the sushi but everything else we have had is good as well. The agedashi tofu and seaweed salad are the best we've had anywhere. This is a must try if you are in the area! This is one place I will travel from the burbs for. Tips : $15 Credit Card Minimum. They are closed Mondays and don't do lunch on Sundays.
(5)Michael C.
Came here at an off hour on a Sunday. We were able to sit right away, which apparently is hard to do at any normal hour here. The place is small and the decor is nothing fancy but the service was fine and the food was great. Teriyaki Salmon - Served with rice. the salmon is perfectly marinated in teriyaki sauce. Agedashi Tofu - I only ordered this because of the high praise I saw on Yelp. It is definitely worth getting if you like mushrooms as all. Not that the tofu tastes like mushrooms, just the broth. The tofu has a really unique and rich flavor.
(4)Steve Y.
This is definitely your hole in the wall joint and I mean that in the utmost respect. It's as authentic as you can get for quality sushi. The place is tiny and doesn't seat many people so be prepared to wait a while on a busy night. We had to sit at the bar which was fine. The table layout wasn't conducive in maximizing utilization as there were a few 4 seaters taken by two people but no biggie. We started off with the seaweed salad and squid tempura and it was delicious. Then we moved on to maki rolls which were flawless. The portions are small but that was perfect for us. For our first time here, we were very happy with the food and our waitress was quite attenitve.
(4)Michael B.
I've been coming here since it opened. The owner / sushi chef hasn't aged a day, but his virtuosity has only improved. This man is a sushi genius. Their dinner is a great value for the quality, but the lunch value is beyond anything i know. If you love the freshest most carefully prepared raw fish, you will eat every last bit of the chirashi or sashimi. The Agedashi Tofu is the best tofu dish I've ever eaten. I can say the same about the tempura soft shell crab. I could not love this food any more than I do. EDIT: I've seen several reviews criticizing the service here. I don't understand this. In my experience, their service is always excellent.
(5)Lisa W.
This place is terrible, please don't come here so I can get a seat!!!! Don't believe me? Sigh.. ok. This place is amazing. We stopped by on a Saturday at 11:40am (they open at 11:30), and all the tables were already filled! We luckily got seats at the sushi bar and got to see the master at work. The wait for food was a bit long, but there is only one sushi chef and he's making everyone's lunches! The chirashi.. wow.. it was amazing. The fish just melts in your mouth... I still dream about it. Anyway. Don't come here. All your sushi are belong to us!
(5)erica l.
Amazing sushi! It's a little hole in the wall kind of place, but is phenomenal. The only problem I've ever had there is the long wait because it's so tiny, but popular.
(4)Alex K.
Have their own version of sashimi and tempera, very subtle and delicious. The fat level of several type of sashimi are just sublime
(5)Rainshadow L.
Well, I was really disappointed. 5-6 small tables? It's ok if the food is good. Poor service? It's ok if the food is good. Well, the food was not good. We were there twice, but will not any more. Agedashi tofu was soggy and salty, Chirashi has too little sashimi with too much rice, Sashimi deluxe tasted plain and Gyoza was too hard to chew. We ordered several rolls but don't remember what we ordered since all tasted plain...
(2)Leslie S.
This is my favorite sushi place on the planet. They are not fancy just good fresh awesomeness. You do have to stand in line to get in for lunch on weekends. You can find my husband in line every Saturday morning fifteen minutes before they open!
(5)Stephanie C.
Excellent food. Friendly service. Definitely the best sushi place in the whole MA! You can taste the freshness of all their food. Me and my boyfriend lives almost an hour away but it's worth the drive every single time!
(5)Sharon Z.
The quality here is unbelievable. Thinly sliced to perfect portions, the fish's quality is really top-notch, the freshness comparable to some of the more famous places in Boston (like Oishii) but at an extremely inexpensive price. The simple dishes are the best - pure sushi or sashimi without the fancy makis. The freshness of the everything is evidence, even for the types of sashimi I don't usually get (i.e Tako, Uni), I ended up enjoying them very much. We pretty much sat at the bar and ordered all types of sashimi. The seared salmon is incredible, the regular salmon and hamachi are the melts in your mouth without effort. We went through 2 rounds of orders for sushi and sashimi because it was THAT good. The size of both appetizers and regular dishes are very generous. The chicken hearts yakitori were also very very good. Visit when they just open up for dinner and you won't have to wait!
(5)Jamie M.
The best! The sushi is always fresh and the lunch specials can't be beat. It is always crowded - and takeout often takes an hour or more but so worth it.
(5)Nicholas C.
Best Japanese restaurant in the area that I have been to (particularly for sushi). Has affordable (for sushi) and sufficiently filling $11-12 platters for lunch. Also has similar priced bento boxes. It's part of this little cluster of restaurants that also includes Blue Ribbon, and it's one of my favorite spots.
(5)Linda K.
Simple, straightforward sushi served in a small storefront. Fresh and delicious.
(4)Thomas L.
Toraya is an excellent sushi restaurant, in the traditional sense. Do not expect spicy sauces, crunchy maki and such. It is small, doesn't take reservations, very quiet and always a good destination. The fish is extremely fresh, cut in front of you by an old Japanese chef. I strongly recommend the sushi special as well as the flan dessert. Everything is simple, cheap yet surprisingly high quality. Simple things such as the miso soup or the green tea are excellent. Advantage: there's a parking lot in the back. Credit cards starting at $15
(4)Elijah C.
Authentic, delicious, and fresh. Limited hours, but one of the best sushi places around. Can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)Jeff D.
I have now reviewed a fairly large number of restaurants on Yelp and this place is the best, most authentic sushi joint in greater Boston. I love it and recommend it to everyone I can. no one has ever been disappointed.
(5)Nicole L.
Best sushi I've had in the whole Boston area. Other stuff (noodles, appetizers, chicken katsu) is also fabulous. The place is tiny and there isn't much space inside to wait, so worth considering if you're trying to go on a Fri/Sat night, but well worth it.
(5)Corona W.
Fresh sushi and friendly service.
(4)Silvia V.
This place was highly recommended to my husband by someone. We had high expectations, kind of. Went there on a Tuesday night. There were 5 other people having dinner, three of which were this obnoxiously loud and annoying family. The restaurant is tiny, so unfortunately we couldn't not hear them. That's not the reason I am giving it only two stars. The seafood salad was not what we expected. It was served on a bed of lettuce = weird. The sashimi and sushi were too small. The fish was fresh, but... We ordered lots of food, but I was still hungry after we left. $80 for a dinner in Arlington on a Tuesday night is a bit much. Solid two stars.
(2)Jamal G.
I came here for lunch and ordered the chirashi bowl because of the other reviews saying that this is the restaurant's specialty. It was great! It came with miso soup, which was very well prepared. I also ordered a spicy salmon hand roll, but it was just ok. The restaurant employees all speak Japanese (not Chinese like at those dime-a-dozen, inauthentic soso sushi places). I think only the waitress speaks English, and she was very efficient. I didn't find myself waiting for anything I needed even though the restaurant was nearly full at noon. I will be coming back again. This place is a bit out of my way, but it's worth it.
(5)Andre K.
Best sushi in the Boston area! The Maki rolls are delicious. Great service, great sushi, in a very cozy setting. Oh and try the shrimp dumplings!
(5)Scratchie S.
This place is amazing; one of the reasons my wife and I decided to move to Arlington. We were regulars there for 13 years (less often after we had kids, unfortunately) and never got a bad meal. Our go-to meal was a combination of Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail sashimi and it was always fresh and delicious. I've eaten a lot of sashimi at a lot of other American sushi restaurants and it is rarely as tender and delicious as it is here (what's up with the restaurants that give you a chunk of raw tuna bigger than your thumb??). Service can be a little slow but the atmosphere is always friendly, and they usually have some good jazz playing on the stereo.
(5)Leila L.
We got sushi moriawase, sashimi combo, smoked chicken heart, and agedashi tofu. After seeing all the good reviews on yelp, I guess I kind of set the bar too high, especially when we drove 20 mins to get here and waited for another 20 mins for our seats for a Saturday lunch. The place is very small, but still since there was only one waitress there, she is in charge of everything, which makes eh situation kinda messed. The food is okay - seriously, average okay, not significantly better than any other sushi place I tried in boston area. My bf says the fish and wasabi is definitely better, but I don't feel it. Anyways, probably i ll not drive all te way to Arlington to come back for this place unless I have some business in this area.
(3)Frank E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is simply great yet not too expensive. The chef is hard working and so is the waitress. The restaurant is very small though and is almost always packed. What else do you expect for such a great place?
(5)Yow-Bang W.
This is a restaurant of real pros I would say. The tablewares are not really attractive, service and cleansiness are not impressive, and the portion of their foods are in general small. However, the food is really at a high level that I believe only the sharpest taster can realize that it's probably top of the top.
(4)Ben C.
Overrated. I tried twice because of the good reviews. Kind of sad: Boston needs better sushi restaurants. BTW, I only rated for sushi; maybe others are good?
(2)Mike Q.
Small place like 6 tables. I thought it was ok but my sushi loving friends loved it.
(4)Gustavo D.
By far the BEST sushi restaurant that I've ever been in the United States. Authentic Japanese itamae making the sushi. Words cannot describe how good this sushi is, you have to go and try it by yourself. The place is tiny, it reminds me of the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi's restaurant in Tokyo. Expect long lines on weekends.
(5)J K.
My favorite Sushi place! The Sashimi bento is my favorite, and the waitress that works there is beyond polite! I go here for celebratory meals, even birthdays :)
(5)Shiori S.
Food was OK but not so good. Taste was like instant food. The meat in the yosenabe was very stick. The worst was the attitude of the shop staff. They were so rude. It was not like Japanese style. I was sooooo disappointed...
(1)Bryce H.
Had a wrong review. This spot is one of my favorite. Sorry for the confusion fellas
(4)Sam S.
The place is small but it is definitely worth it. The maki is fresh and you can watch it all get made before your eyes. An endless river of green tea and sake to boot! A true gem in the town of Arlington.
(5)Sue H.
Toraya is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the area. By Boston standards, I would say it is as authentic as it gets. It is a hole in the wall and has limited offerings and seating, but there are great daily specials posted on a board by the entrance that I highly recommend trying. Some of my favorite dishes are the grilled chicken hearts, shrimp and vegetable tempura, aji fry, nabe, and sushi. They're all total comfort foods and seem to be made with lots of care. Also, I would recommend trying to go for lunch sometime because their lunch menu is amazing. I love their bento boxes and lunch sets! They're delicious and are a total bang for your buck. It's a humble restaurant with homey food. There's only one sushi chef and one waitress at all times! The only draw I can really find in Toraya is its size. It's teeny! Then again, I would say that's almost part of its charm. I can imagine that when it gets busy, it can take forever to get a table. Luckily for me, I've never really had a problem getting seated, so who am I to complain? While it is a little out of my way, I'd say it's totally worth the drive up to Arlington. Go try it and be amazed.
(4)J C.
A gem you wouldn't expect to find in Arlington. Getting a seat at dinner is impossible, so go earlier. The fish is extremely fresh and everything is reasonably priced.
(4)Ramon L.
A five star place for boston, and 2 3/4 stars in Japan, but cannot give 5 stars though. Boston has horrible sushi and this is the only place I will eat sushi in Boston. It is the only REAL Japanese sushi restaurant. Very small place, nice service. If you want real Japanese sushi, come here, if not go everywhere else. SOmetimes tuna needs to be more red, but cant complain for Boston
(4)Jiyea C.
I guess the third time's the charm with Toraya, because that is how many tries it took for me to finally get my hands on the lunch here. The first time, I called 20 minutes after opening on a Saturday to put in an order for takeout, but was told that the restaurant was very busy and would not be taking any takeout orders for the entire day. The following Monday, I tried ordering again but realized that they were not open on Mondays. So, the next day, I decided to put an alarm on my phone at 11:29am (one minute before opening) so I could put in a takeout order as soon as Toraya opened for the day. What an ordeal to satisfy a sushi craving! After those two tries, I couldn't possibly settle for anything less than what people called the one of the best sushi joints in Boston! Anyway, I call at 11:30am and this time, I am able to put in an order!!!! And while some older reviews say that Toraya is not offering takeout for items on their sushi menu, this was not the case because I was able to order the lunch chirashi and the sushi moriawase. I asked the lady with the cute voice (with a slight Japanese accent--a good sign when the employees of a sushi restaurant sound Japanese in my book) when my order would be ready, and she said 30 minutes, which was perfect because it would take quite a while for me to get all the way past Arlington Center from Harvard Square on the 77 bus. Approximately 32 minute later, I had a brown paper bag filled with my sushi moriawase and my friend's chirashi + miso soup for each of us! W I N! Without further ado, the food! OhMyGosh it was D E L I C I O U S! Fish tasted fresh, buttery, almost sweet and the variety was great. My dish came with a tuna roll, which was also good in terms of fish quality but the wasabi wasn't quite distributed well. Two pieces a lot of wasabi (it was a little surprise in my mouth) but the remaining pieces did not taste like wasabi at all! Hmm. I found inconsistency with the rice as well. The rice that came with my hamachi nigiri tasted a little soggy, but the other pieces were fine, not only in terms of consistency but also taste. I prefer my sushi rice a little tangy, and the rice at Toraya was the perfect vinegar-y taste. Love it, and really wanted to comment on the rice because so much of the time, the rice is overlooked with sushi, when actually it's one of the most important/crucial foundations of a good piece of sushi. (I think I read somewhere that sushi chefs spend their first decade or so of training perfecting sushi rice. Sounds crazy, huh?) Maybe the sushi chef put in more effort for the rice for my friend's chirashi, because I took a few bites from my friend's lunch and every bite was perfect! She was satisfied with every single fish in her chirashi, and said that even the octopus, which she normally doesn't like, was good! I have the same issue with octopus too, because I've experienced rubbery-tasting octopus on chirashi before, but this one was not rubbery at all! (She gave me a piece, hehe. I think she was feeling more generous about sharing because it was I who went alllll~ the way to Toraya by myself to pick up our order--she was in class.) I'm perfectly aware that I'm being extra picky about the food at Toraya because it was so hyped on Yelp, and because I had to put in a little more effort than usual in order to try it. This doesn't mean that I didn't LOVE the food though! Despite the minor hiccups that I mentioned above, Toraya is a very solid choice for sushi and I can understand why people consider this place one of the best in Boston. I don't think i've tried enough sushi here to say that this is the very best, but I will say that it's the most authentic sushi I have tried here and that the quality of fish x price point is EXCELLENT. It's a tiny restaurant that doesn't take reservations and sometimes refuses takeout orders but it's worth a visit if you have a craving for delicious raw fish. I don't believe this is a place you would go for specialty rolls, but the fish stands out on its own so why would you want to douse it with extra ingredients and sauces anyway?
(4)Steve M.
I want to thank all of the Yelp reviewers who come to Mr. Toraya's restaurant with (silly) expectations and leave poor reviews on this site. Because of you, my family and I know that we will be able to be seated on a weeknight at our favorite sushi venue if we arrive by 7 p.m. (unfortunately you now need to arrive a little earlier than that on the weekends). Most every criticism of Toraya that I have read is very true - the space is cramped and simple, the pace is slow, the waits can be long, they only have green tea, the (one) waiter can be overworked and brusque, and the Maki selection is limited, blah, blah, blah. Please let these criticisms color your judgement when you consider Toraya! A few helpful tips: 1. Keep your eyes peeled for the little specials marker-board near the entry. If Mr. Toraya is serving Toro sushi (which is not often), please leave it for me! 2. Usually the Uni (see urchin gonads) sushi is extremely fresh when available - please leave that for me as well. 3. The tempura at Toraya is extremely light and flaky, my son loves it. Have as much as you like!
(5)vincent j.
Japanese restaurant owns by Japanese. Great egg and tuna sushi.
(5)Xun L.
Very authentic Japanese sushi restaurant.Their atmosphere and food are amazing!
(5)Helen V.
Please don't come here.... Number 1: This makes the wait even longer, for locals like me who need their chirashi lunch fix--the 20 person seating is also another reason. Number 2: Since everyone is packing into the restaurant, I can't even place a takeout order over the phone to avoid the packed restaurant. :( Number 3: There is only one sushi chef and he's pretty skillful with the sushi knife. He takes a lot of care with his ingredients. When it's as busy as it has been, I can't even say hi/bye to him; he'll never know about his most loyal customer. So shhhh...I want this to be my little secret, hole in the wall, authentic Japanese eatery. (It's less than a mile away with modest prices, great food and a diligent sushi chef.)
(4)Emily S.
Meh. Am I missing something???? This is suppose to be THE place for sushi in the area but after having their maki for a second time recently I'm still not that impressed. I'll try them again but thus far I don't see what all the 5 stars are about.
(3)Denise B.
Sushi is very good and consistent. Love the chirashi! We usually go during lunch to avoid the crowds. Great food and value for the lunch menu is excellent. Get here early or expect to wait, especially at dinnertime. As the other reviews mentioned, there are only six tables and the sushi bar. The sushi chef takes pride and care in his work though. Never disappointed. Allow ample time if phoning in a take out order during dinner.
(5)