The food is pretty decent, and is reasonably priced, especially if you order the lunch set. I'd have appreciated more fish or vegetarian options on the menu, however. I had a salmon and vegetable rice bowl which was alright- the food was pretty good, just not particularly great or special or anything. I ate here at around 2 on a Saturday. The restaurant was empty and service was prompt.
(4)
Ken S.
Great tastes! The veggie don is so-so, tofu was bland and sauce did not help too much. The chicken cutlet set tastes delicious though, especially with the spicy mayos. Only four stars because the baked potato was rotting :\
(4)
Jay S.
Cafe Mami used to be one of my favorite places to eat in Boston until the new management took over. Ever since the takeover by the non-Japanese (I'm not Japanese btw) owners the food has never been the same; they lost the subtle Japanese style of flavors that had made their food so great. The salad became too salty and oily, the miso soup too salty, the tomato sauce for the Tokyo hamburg too sweet, and the list goes on. I've been disappointed with every single visit to Cafe Mami recently and sometimes I even felt sick afterwards. And that is why I won't go there anymore nor recommend this restaurant to anyone I know.
(1)
Michele J.
The food is good if you're into this specific type of curry dish but I pretty much come here for the green tea milkshakes. 3-4 stars for the food, 10 stars for the decadent, matcha green tea deliciousness!
(4)
Jennifer L.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time, and to keep it short, it was great. The waitress was really nice, food was DELICIOUS and definitely worth the price. I would try to come back more, definitely worth the troop.
(5)
Eunice E.
Hearty Japanese meal -- sounds oxymoronic, but it's true. I've had the classic, Teriyaki, and Hot Chili hamburg sets (not all at once!!!) and they've all been fantastic. I like to add some of that spicy red powder in my miso soup to get my taste buds a-kickin' before my main meal. And then, and THEN... the hamburg. YummMmmmmMMmmm. I had the hot chili hamburg set last time, and I think I've found my staple go-to. It's got a little bit of spice and a whole lotta flavor. I liked taking bites of the hamburger with the veggies and a tiny bit of rice, making for a perfect mouthful of texture and tastes. What else can I say besides I left stuffed, happy, and still with lots of cash in my wallet? (This is cash only, btw, so come prepared!) I guess nothing except... I'll be back!
(4)
Heidi L.
Cafe Mami always hits the spot, especially on a cold day. Def my favorite place in Porter Exchange - I get there right at opening, am always surprised to see a line, and even more surprised that that line is at Sapporo (shh!). Service is friendly, and sometimes you have to share a table with random people so I apologize to them in advance for our totes interesting conversations (just kidding). Love the pickles. Love the subtle spiciness. And love fried chicken (I always get the tatsuta). Definitely deserves the Yelp love!
(4)
Sarah R.
I am a katsu curry fiend - I would honestly eat it every day. It's so comforting and delicious - even bad curry makes me happy. Good curry, therefore, makes me VERY happy, and I don't think it gets much better than Cafe Mami. The sauce is so rich and delicious, and the chicken is really nicely cooked. (i've only had chicken so far, not pork). The portions are huge, and it's just all yum yum yum. I've now had take-out and eat in and loved both. It'sm amrv tiny place so like every where in The Shops you should expect a wait if you're sitting in. However, they do a good job of managing the line and the wait is not usually too long. Service is pretty good.
(5)
Lisa W.
I always wanted to come eat here when I'm in the building, but this place is always so full! We finally got a table during off-peak hours. This is a solid place to grab some yummy, cheap food quickly. The husband had the sizzling udon (I love sizzling anything!! I think the black plate automatically make things taste better), and I had the yaki don. Both were yummy and cheap (less than $10 ea), and the waitress was very attentive.
(4)
Linda L.
Split an Oyakodon and Yakidon. Both were really good. The Oyakodon (essentially chicken and egg), was really flavorful. The chicken was really moist and the egg had a really nice texture and flavor to it. The beef in the Yakidon was nice and thin sliced, but not dry. The rice in both bowls were really sweet and cooked just right: not too sticky, not too raw. They also give you a miso soup at the beginning of the meal, which is nice because while Cafe Mami is a "fast food" place, you still need to wait for the chef to cook the food. Just be aware that there are tons of students there around lunch time so you might not get a seat and you may not want to bring all your buddies at the same time. Overall, it's a good place to get good food for a good price. Try out their lunch specials!
This is my go-to spot for japanese food. I always get their yaki-don, gyu-don, or oyako-don. I always order in advance and they come out with food within 15 minutes everytime. Great food with a great price.
(5)
Wonyoung J.
Delicious food, good service, basically everything it needs. But what keeps it from being a flawless five? It's very small. Like, tiny. Soooo tiny, that you usually have to sit at the same table as others. Other people you don't know. I don't know about you guys, but I think it's kinda awkward. Kinda detracts from the overall experience. Food itself is fantastic. I recommend the hamburger steak set.
(4)
Diane H.
The first time I came here, I was actually eating next door, but while waiting for seats, I decided to grab a green tea milk shake from here because of all the great reviews, and my friend got one---and it was DELICOUS!!! So I hopped over, and there were two guys behind the register, the one that is the main cashier was too busy on his phone, blocking the other guy who was telling him to take my order---no respond *stares into phone* REALLY?!!?! so he took my drink order instead. When i came around for dinner on Friday, the line was real quick, it was about 730. Our server was very attentive, really nice guy. I got the chicken katsu curry thing everyone was raving about and added a sunny side up egg...MMMM can i say that BEST DAMN CURRY THERE IS?!!?! I think it might just be the top curry place for me!! $10 for a plate, whatever it's pure deliciousness! Sometimes the chicken can be a little over cooked though. My friends yaki udon (not sure what it was) but it was delicious as well... they sure do know how to make food here! Even though none of them were japanese. Just hope you guys are comfortable being seated right next to someone you don't know... ** the teriyaki hamburg ~$8.99 it's like angus beef quality so it was delicious!!! The sauce was sweet but very good. ***they are open on tuesdays now! ignore those reviews from 07-08 :)
(5)
Khoa N.
2 tables and 3 bar seats. That's all the seating available at this little store. But once you get to sit, you'll focus not on the close proximity of strangers who can easily join in with your conversations, but instead to the dishes in front of you. Really, I rarely notice the ppl at the same table and hear what they're talking about when I'm there. Even when we're bumping elbows. (Don't take my word for it though, I have a reputation of having bad listening skills.) Cafe Mami was where I fell in love with Japanese curry. And I started making them myself once every [other] week for a period of time when mommy wasn't there to cook for me. The yaki don is another delicious choice you can make, or the soba. The green tea milkshake is a new addition and I gladly welcome it. Tastes like ice cream! Quite a hike for me, but I manage to make it here once in a while.
(4)
David K.
Best Japanese comfort food in the area!
(5)
Sung K.
Used to eat lunch here everyday while working in Boston close to 10 yrs ago and the food is still so tasty. Hamburg steak and Tatsuta chicken is my favorite!
(5)
Cecilia W.
So good! Saba miso set and oyako don is my favorite but they have lunch specials for 5 dollars EVERYDAY!!:) u might have to wait during diner time though !
(5)
Kamille W.
When my homegirl told me she wanted to come eat piping hot donburi when it was 96 degrees outside, I thought she was experiencing heatstroke-induced confusion. I humored her because (1) I love her and (2) I am a fatty at heart that will eat basically anything, anytime. It was awesome. We started off by splitting a refreshing green tea milkshake. It was perfect: thick and creamy, with plenty of sweet matcha goodness. I was sort of bummed to have to split it, honestly. It was for the best though -- I had to leave room for my tatsuta set. Boneless fried chicken (all dark meat, I think) served with mayo and chili sauce, and some crisp lettuce on the side. Alllll the noms. It was a little too heavy for me to finish in one sitting on that balmy afternoon, but I can see that super-flavorful, slightly greasy chicken being perfect when the weather is cooler. I felt so spoiled when I had the leftover chicken on my lunch salad the next day. Delicioso. I had a couple of bites of her yaki don (spicy beef and rice), and immediately coveted it. Again, a little too heavy for that particular summer afternoon, but would be magnificent on a fall or winter day. Cheap, fast, and so so good. I'm all about it.
(4)
Jolene S.
Great value even if you go off the $5 lunch specials. I know that's a counterintuitive thing to do when you're there in time for a huge $5 meal. But I really like the $10 yaki udon here. It comes with miso soup on the side and it's packed with chicken and vegetables. If you're a girl who doesn't eat a lot, you'll get two meals out of the yaki udon. That's what I recommend at Cafe Mami, but I know a lot of people are not going to take my advice on this one. You can get a comparable value with the cha han (~$10) and a more posh/spacious atmosphere at wagamama in Harv Sq. If you have a choice of location (and/or want to pay by credit card) go to wagamama. But if you're going to be in Porter and have cash, Cafe Mami is a one of the better options.
(4)
Ana B.
Absolutely love this place! Very small, informal, and food is simple but always good- home-food feeling. Service is very nice and attentive. Food takes a while but comes very hot, made on the spot. Comforting food, warm place.
(4)
Christine J.
gone down hill since the japanese owner left and sold it to non-japanese owners. just not the same. servers are non japanese also. no longer authentic! stopped going.
(3)
Jeremy W.
Place is surprisingly good! I had a salmon and rice dish that was good, but I think they are more known for their curry dishes which I will have to try next time I come. My friend loved their green tea milkshake as well. It's a small area, so a group of 6+ people might be hard to fit together.
(4)
SJ I.
Last time I was eating here there was a cocroach on my table. The food was ok, but I'm not coming back to this place.
(2)
Kari C.
I hardly give out 5 stars but this one was worth it! It is a very small place located inside of a Lesley University labeled building. I think it is also called the Porter Exchange. It is the entrance next to Bourbon Cafe and it is in a relatively smaller corner/hall full of other small (mostly Japanese) restaurants. Now when we say small, we mean that the kitchen is not even the size of the ones inside mall food courts and that their seating area contains max 12-15 seats. But don't underestimate it! The food is cheap and delicious here and the service (usually only one waiter) is great. They do the best they can with the huge flocks of people that come around 7PM. While we waited in line, we were given menus to order beforehand. My boyfriend ordered a curry plate while I ordered the yaki beef with tofu and they were both exceptional. Best curry he has ever had. And we both had the option of unlimited rice which really came in handy after about the third refill. We both really like a lot of rice with each bite of curry or beef and it worked out well. They really know what some customers are looking for. The beef was well marinated and although I couldn't taste too much of the spicyness on the tofu, it was still very good. The small baked potato that came with it was also very nice. The portion of my dish was really big for someone like me with a small appetite so definitely worth the money as I brought it home for lunch the next day. I will definitely come back here in the future and make sure to try the green tea smoothie.
(5)
Eunice K.
Came here for lunch with a friend after a former Bostonian's recommendation... tiny little place... but a popular joint with a constant line of people waiting. Both me and my friend were sold on the $5 lunch special! I ordered the Yaki Don and my friend ordered the Gyu Don. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Both the dishes came with Miso Soup and the various meats on top of the big bowl of rice. Unfortunately I was in the mood for something with a little more variety. And my Yaki Don was a little too sweet... had to eat all the white rice to get it down... Truthfully, I was a little disappointed, but with the constant line and the variety of other menu items, I probably need to come back to make a fair assessment! Tips: 1) Located in Porter Square 2) Limited seating - take it to go, or prepare to wait! (only 2 tables and 2 seats at the bar) 3) Cash only
(3)
Jenn T.
This is a tiny little restaurant in porter square....very tiny, like 2 tables and a counter for 2 people tiny. They have basic japanese food, like curry, donburis, and the basics. No sushi or anything fancy or any noodle dishes. I went for the pork katsu curry, which was decent and tasted pretty good as a japanese curry, however the curry wasn't spicy at all. They give pretty good sized portions, a whole katsu and curry and you can get free rice refills. I also got the green tea milk shake, which was delicious and seems to be the thing to get at this place. If you want to eat here, go early as the line forms fast and slow considering there are only 2 tables to sit down. Take out might be a good option as well! Service was decent, slow with water, but ok.
(3)
Ashley B.
Believe this hype! If you can snag a seat you're in for a treat
(5)
Michelle J.
I've always seen Cafe Mami but never tried them. Usually this place is just as full as the ramen shop adjacent to it. However, one day I wanted some ramen and just refuse to wait behind the dozen or so folks who were in front of me. Cafe Mami was full but there was still some counter space so I got seated fairly quickly. They have a lunch menu which I wanted to try out the Gyu Don for $5. Only later did I realize that the lunch menu wasn't valid for holidays. It was my mistake I didn't read the fine print. No worries though as my meal was still cheaper than the bowl of ramen I would have waited over an hour to eat. All dishes come with a bowl of miso soup. The soup was luke warm at best. Of course being fairly warm out I didn't mind. The beef and rice bowl was delicious, flavorful and filling. But it paled in comparison to the Yaki Beef Tofu the people next to me ordered. It came out sizzling on an iron pan. I had to ask them what it was and made a mental note to try it myself when next I'm in the area. Although small this place serves up some really nice Japanese food for cheap. The ingredients are fresh, the food is hot and I didn't have to wait an hour to eat.
(4)
Francisca W.
chanced to be here again on a weeknight around 8:45pm, still had to wait a bit for a table for 4, and we were told that we had to put in the order before 9 as they were closing. picked our food, sat down, and our food rolled in. among us we had the wafu chicken, curry chicken, curry porkchop, a don (chicken?), and a hamburg set to go. all the food (including the soup/salad and the takeout) were cooked right and flavorful. friend ordered a green tea milkshake (i had a sip), it was the real deal -- a bit sweet for me but got tons of green tea flavor. service...yeah we were missing utensils here and there that made us get up to get it on our own (the guy seems very busy), but the same young man who stood there for at least 3 minutes straight patiently explaining the differences between dishes for my friend made the later mishap negligible. food is cheap for about $10/dish, with that quantity and quality, it is totally worth coming back. now i understand the hype, but that line, oh that line, is still very discouraging at times. cash only. p.s. a sign indicates that they have incorporated Ittyo under their management.
(4)
Chong C.
Love this placeeeee!!! Great food. Everything worths trying. And you will be shocked with reasonable prices they have :):):) Be aware, it is small cozy restaurant so you may not be able to find a seat at lunch time or in the evening! Go there lil bit early so that you can enjoy the food without problem :)
(5)
Simon L.
I've only had the pork katsu don because it is so excellent. One of the bigger cutlets served in the food court. Onions are sweet. Pork is steaming hot. Rice is sticky and plentiful, egg coats the pork. Served with miso soup. You can not go wrong here.
(4)
Karina L.
A wonderful reminder how wonderful Japanese food is beyond ramen and sushi. Since they only seat around 10 people (a couple of small tables and some counter space), the line will get pretty long by 6pm. The line is usually shorter than it's neighbor Sapporo. It is also cash only, so make sure you pick up cash at the BofA ATM in the mall or outside of the mall. We got the pork cutlet curry, which was *enormous*. The pork is crisp on the outside and moist. And fresh! Since we got seated at the counter, we got to see everybody's order go from the stovetop/fryer straight to the plate. Make sure to add a fried egg to the top. This curry was born to be mixed with some runny yolk. We also got the Tatsuta Don, which is a bowl full of boneless fried chicken cutlet, their special "mami" sauce, and egg. I'm a sucker for complete meals that come in one bowl. The egg is opened up into the bowl, mixed with the sauce, and steamed in with the rice. Overall, a wonderful homey meal for two for under $25 after tip. A ton of people got the green tea milkshake, which I'll be sure to get next time. The only thing to be worried about is the wait, so come early!
(4)
Will S.
Rocking chicken is a must try. Sweet, salty, spicy, and tender. Reminds me of the Korean chickens. Better yet comes with free refill of white rice. Makes me wanna go back for more the next day. Another must try is the green tea shake. More like slush, perfect for a hot summer day. Good quality ingredients, and you can actually taste the matcha. As for environment, it has a small area for sitting. It's a lucky day if you don't have to wait to be seated. It's almost always the case when you have to sit with strangers
(4)
Parissa S.
This Japanese place is tucked in a Lesley University building in Porter Square. I ordered the yaki don, the spicy sliced beef rice bowl, which was filling and tasty. All their dishes also come with Miso Soup, which was excellent. I'm curious about how their other dishes taste and will definitely be back there. FYI, this place is cash only and has limited seating. I went for lunch with one person on a Thursday and didn't have to wait for a spot but it quickly filled up. Despite this, the service was quick.
(4)
Wonho H.
Been coming here for over 10 years. Their food is great and cheap. There's very little room to sit....a party of 6 max, and for that you'll have to wait a long time most days. For a while I used to get Yako Don and liked that, until some friends said "what is wrong with you? Get the Tokyo Hamburg Set." I've never gone back. Tokyo Hamburg Set EVERY TIME with sunny side up egg. Unlimited refills of rice. The Green Tea milkshake is also tasty as well. The lunch specials are great too. Overall, you can't go wrong. I've gone many many times, and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Ara M.
I just had a late lunch here with a friend. I often come here for good and cheap food. As always, I got the veggie don. The oyako don and veggie don are delicious. Its so consistant every time. The price is surprisingly reasonable for the amount and quality of food. Its not fancy, and yet its perfect as it is. For the veggie and oyako don, I give this place five stars.
(5)
Henry Z.
Great for a quick and causal lunch or dinner. Food is excellent as well.
(5)
Han F.
Everything I've ever gotten here is freaking fantastic. This place is always busy, but people are aware and polite and tend to eat and go. Even as busy as they are, staff will never make you feel rushed and will replenish your free rice as much as you want. My favorite dishes: Tokyo Hamburg Set Ninniku Chicken Set - I almost ALWAYS get this. I ask them for EXTRA sauce, and with the free extra rice you get, I'm in ninniku heaven. It's a simple garlic soy chicken, and it's so freaking good. Comes with a boiled potato and carrots. I like to break the carrots and potatos up and let it soak in the sauce on hot, sizzling plate that the dish comes on. It's clear this is my favorite. ;p Dishes I've Tried, Good---but I always end up ordering my above favorites: Oyako Don Fried Spicy Chicken Rice set (forget name) Spicy beef & tofu dish (forget name)
(5)
Katie C.
What makes Mami magical: 1. Yaki Don lunch special. When I worked in the area, my coworkers and I would order this almost every week. It's a generous amount of food and flavor for only $5.25, and it even comes with miso soup. If you want to avoid the long lines, pick-up orders are ready within 10 minutes. 2. Curry! After a year of ordering the lunch specials, I finally decided to try the curry for dinner. Why did I wait so long?! The Katsu Curry brought me right back to Japan. If you prefer your chicken/pork to stay crispy, ask for it on the side. And what's even better? Free refills of rice mean leftovers / lunch the next day! Two meals for the (low) price of one.
(5)
S T.
Decent little place - not good for large parties The curry by far is probably the best deal but all of their selections are good. I had the yaki don which was delicious! Their dishes all come with miso soup, so pretty good deal! I would pass on the green tea smoothie/milkshake. More like an icee than a smoothie/milkshake. It wasn't creamy at all.
(4)
Nicholas S.
The fried chicken dishes are fantastic; they're so good that it's hard to pick a favorite. But there's virtually no seating, and the sides they serve leave much to be desired. First, the seating. They have two tables and three seats at the bar. The bar should actually seat only two people, so if every stool is taken, it's very tight. They seat anyone at the tables, so you might be bumping elbows with a stranger. The entrees are served with a sad iceberg salad, a plate of white race, and half of a baked potato. Also, most of the chicken dishes come with a big spoonful of mayonnaise on the side. In short, a decent place for a quick lunch, but I'd go to ChoCho's (ten feet down) instead.
(3)
Nancy H.
I finally visited Cafe Mami after eating at all the places in the Lesley university building. My b and I went got there around 8 after going to Cupcake Camp Boston and the wait was still 15-20 minutes. Then again it seated 14 people max. We had to share a table with two other guys. Anyways, the waitress was very nice she took our order 10 minutes into the wait and so by the time we sat down, 5 minutes later the food came to our table piping hot! I had the Salmon & veggie yaki don and my b had the yaki don. The salmon yaki don was drenched in their spicy sauce, which wasn't too spicy but I enjoyed it very much with the rice. The salmon was pretty good but I was more into the veggies and rice. xD Haha. That's what happens when you eat wayy too many sweets beforehand. Anyways, the yaki don was pretty good, lots of shredded beef and bean sprouts, a tad sweet, so it goes well when mixed in the rice. The bill came out to be about 17-18 bucks including tip and tax. Oh, and both our dishes came with a miso soup. Not bad, nothing special, but perhaps if I'm ever in the area again I'll try the other entrees other reviewers have said to be "oh so good".
(3)
Karen W.
Such a small place, but such yummy food! It's a great place for a small amount of people. Since Cafe Mami is small, my friends and I planned to come here 15 minutes early before it opens, so we wouldn't have to wait in line for a long time. Although it opened 10 minutes later than expected, the service was pretty good. The orders came relatively fast and the dishes were amazing! The curry sauce wasn't too spicy or salty-it was just right and just what we expected. I would definitely recommend Cafe Mami to college students around Cambridge (especially Lesley University since it's right there). Delicious, filling Japanese food as well as a very affordable price.
(4)
Heather K.
When I first moved to Boston, I was so excited to find out about this place! I've been to Japan twice and I always loved getting curry from this little stand in Chiba. Cafe Mami's pork cutlet curry tastes just like the stuff I got in Japan! I am also a huge fan of their salad dressing and miso soup that comes along with your order. Also, if you like green tea icecream, you should try a green tea milkshake here. They are delicious!
(5)
Michelle R.
Cheap (less than $10) and huge portions! All the curries are amazing -- thick and flavorful with plenty of juicy meat. I personally like the chicken tatsuta curry. Entrees come with soup/salad. Beware as the place is tiny and there might be long lines on weekends/evenings. You'll also probably end up in a food coma upon finishing your meal...
Cash only but worth it! Went here for lunch with 2 co-workers. Seating can be tight as it's a popular place so be prepared for a wait and to sit closely with strangers. I had the cheese beef tofu (that's what its called..really) lunch special and shared the shrimp shumai. Both were served really hot so watch out for that. The meal was just under $9 and came with a miso soup so it was a great deal and everything was delicious. I regret not getting the green tea milkshake but I was so full-next time for sure.
(4)
Kristen S.
Cafe Mami has one of the best curries that I have ever tasted. I'm a huge fan of Japanese curry and this was just an amazing place to eat at! I was on route to another restaurant and just could not resist going in here as well. I had the Tatsuta curry, which is boneless deep-fried chicken curry, which tasted like kaarage. Amazing - the chicken wasn't overly greasy and was lightly fried and perfectly tender. The curry sauce was super delicious and the rice was perfectly fluffy. The best part - rice refills are unlimited!!! This was perfect because I was only able to eat about half of the dish so right before I packed it up to go, I asked for a refill of rice and it was like I had a second meal for free! If I lived in the area, there would be no question that I would be here all the time. Until my next research trip, I'll be dreaming about the curry here.
(5)
starrynight c.
Still solid food from back when I used to come during college more than 5 years ago. The owners changed during that time, but the recipes seemed to have been passed along pretty well. The boneless fried chicken curry is still delicious. The sizzling plate with the lemon garlic chicken wasn't quite as good as it used to be, but still yummy. The salad's dressing was a bit different, too. But, not bad. I get nostalgic for it, and plus, it's solid curry. I say this with conviction now having had curry in Tokyo and on the west coast!
(4)
Tsungming H.
Recently they increase the price for everything on their menu. A little disappointed. The food is great but i won't be visiting as frequently due to the price raise.
Got one of the rice dish things with teriyaki sweet something or other? It wasn't very memorable... But the green tea milkshake was yummy!
(4)
Henry C.
The Chicken curry was absolutely delicious. Did I mention that I love Japanese curry? I tried several bites of what my friends had ordered, and they were well executed as well. It is a very small place, seating for no more than 2-3 small parties. But the waitress is unbelievably efficient and still maintains a pleasant demeanor while taking care of the entire floor and balancing out seating arrangements with getting your food out on time. If I was in the area, I would definitely come back and try a few other things. The green tea milkshake looked interesting, but decided it wasn't worth trying at the time.
(5)
Hilario C.
Let me just start off by saying I love Cafe Mami. Its so good, in fact, that I often joke with my friends that their food must have crack. Its a tiny little place (be prepared to wait if its anywhere near rush hour), but so worth it. I used to live close by and went once a week. Then I moved away (all the way to Davis) and I was sad. But I still go at least once every couple months. My usual order? Miso soup, shumai appetizer, and the wonderfully amazing tatsuta set (chicken). If you are extra hungry, get a green tea milkshake too. Yum.
(5)
Nelson L.
Whenever I am in Cambridge, I make sure to visit this place. I highly recommend the Yaki Don or the Tokyo Hamburg set, paired with a green tea milkshake (the first i've tasted, and its great). When I went, they were actually about to close, but the waitress kindly allowed me to eat there, and was extremely hospitable the whole time. The service was great, and the food was arguably even better!
(5)
Sandy M.
I used to love this place- been going there for 10 years or so. It's always busy, inexpensive, friendly. But in the last year or so, the quality has gone down. We usually get one of the yaki-don bowls: chicken or salmon or veggies over rice. but the chicken is smaller less appealing bits than it used to be, the salmon is smaller and fattier, even the veggies seem skimpy. I know they've taken over another stall in this marketplace, and might have changed ownership? Not sure what's up, but they are cutting corners and it just isn't worth raving about anymore. so sad....
(3)
Theresa S.
Oh man, Japanese curry. This was my first requested meal when I arrived to visit a friend in Cambridge. Pork cutlet curry, mm mm mm. Huge portion, great price and good service. Also, the matcha smoothie is a good balance to the curry. Heat up the leftovers with a fried egg and you're set.
(5)
Nina B.
AWESOME food. I really think it is worth the wait. Cheap, flavorful and just perfect for a comfort-food style meal.
The best Japanese I have ever had. Small seating area and smaller bar. If you can find a seat, no matter what you order you will enjoy it.
(5)
Candice B.
The Chicken Katsu Curry with egg over rice is my FAVORITE thing from Cafe Mami. Japanese curry is my favorite type of curry. Indian curry (Vindaloo!) is my second favorite, and my least favorite is Thai curry. I just love the creamy, sweet flavor that covers the panko crusted chicken katsu and white rice. I'm drooling just thinking about this! As many have said before, the down side to Cafe Mami is the lack of seating. There are 4 spots on the counter, maybe 4 tables that can fit about 8-12 people at a time. This is pretty much a "chew-and-screw" type "fast" food, not a place to have dinner if you are trying to catch up with a friend.
(5)
Myha N.
I absolutely love this place. I should probably try more items on the menu but when I show up, I always crave the one dish.. chicken tatsuda set. Their hamburg is a must try too. They only have seats for about 15 people so expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Usually it is one waitress and they're always fast. If the wait is long, they'll ask you to order while in line so you don't have to wait too long when you sit down. I love that!
(5)
Ellie W.
Pour some green tea shakes on me, oooooooh in the name of love. Soundtrack of my food life. Cafe Mami is one of the few restaurants I dream about. No, scratch that. Fantasize about. Cafe Mami is the Megan Fox/Robert Pattinson of my food world. The yaki don and hamburg sets are filling and perfectly drenched in all the right sauces. Fantastic food, yes, but my real love--no, soul mate--would be their GREEN TEA SHAKES. Oh my, if only I could swim in an ocean of green tea shakes, my life would be ever so complete. Don't judge. A girl can dream.
(5)
tegen d.
Very nice. Affordable and tasty food. Quick and friendly service.
(4)
Jeff M.
Best spot in the Lesley basement/mall. Best pork cutlet by far.
(5)
Michael W.
+Amazing food, especially enjoy the curry and egg dishes +Cheap Prices, usually around $10 - $15 for two -Very limited seating but it isn't usually so busy that I can't get a seat. I would definitely recommend trying this Japanese place. It's located with
(5)
Wendy L.
Best japanese curry joint in Boston/Cambridge area. They only have a few tables here so I would avoid peak hours because there will be a wait. You can always choose to get take out too. The service is good and efficient even though there are only 3-4 people working. My favorite is the Hamburg Curry Set - it is kind of like a grilled hamburger patty. I think it goes perfectly well with sweet and a little spicy curry over it. My friends always get fried breaded chicken cutlet with curry so I'm sure thats good too. If you like green tea, make sure you try their Green Tea Milkshake! It's a little overpriced ($3.50) for what they give you but it's delicious. The only thing I will say is that their miso soup and salad is nothing special but it comes with the meal anyway. I think that Japanese curry is the least exotic choice if it is your first time having curry dishes. Thai and Indian have way more spices and complex flavors. Give Cafe Mami a shot and you won't regret it. It's under $10 too!
(5)
Guillermo M.
The Yaki Don was amazing!! Excellent flavor and loved the combination of the finely chopped beef with the rice, the sauce and the vegetables. You get a miso as an appetizer. We also got the seaweed salad that was really good too. The green tea milkshake was a great complement to the meal. The price/value of this place is as good as it gets.
(4)
Raymond P.
Really good food.. I like the spicy beef bowl, the fried chicken garlic and hamburg steak is also one of the best...
(5)
LC P.
I used to live in Boston for school and have since moved back to southern California, but I still cannot find a suitable substitute for their hamburg. The patty is juicy and sauces are great. We usually get the Wafu hamburg. I love the salad dressing they use too. And don't forget the green tea shake! I'm not sure if they changed their ingredients recently, but I feel like it's not as good as it used to be around 2006-2008. But it still beats out anything I can find in southern California. So we always make time to eat here every time we're back visiting in Boston. The only setback is the limited seating. There are only 2 tables that seat a total of 8-10 people, plus 2-3 counter seats. And if you're a party of 2, expect to share the table with another party of 2-3. You might have to wait a little if you're there during peak lunch times, but people tend to eat pretty quickly so the wait is not unbearable.
(5)
Leila L.
My all-time favourite Japanese eatery in Boston. Love anything with curry there, especially Tatsuta (fried chicken) curry. Their curry is so thick and flavourful - though a bit too salty - and the tatsuta is so well marinated and juicy - absolutely worth every calorie! In pretty much the same vein, Rock n Chicken is also my go-to item - love its spicy-sweet flavour. All the hamburg sets are awesome. My personal recommendation would be Wafu (Japanese-style) Hamburg. It's soft and juicy, but not too greasy at all.
(5)
Sarah A.
Omg! This place is on par with what used to be my favorite Hamburg steak place in Torrance. We got takeout and I had the wafu hamburg which was a very dense hamburger patty topped with this luscious soy glaze, daikon oroshi and some extra ponzu sauce. Wow. Reminded me of the hambagu bentos from Japan! The hamburg was super flavorful and the meat seemed like it was of higher quality. So freaking delicious! My SO had tatsuta age set which is boneless Japanese fried chicken. Also freaking good. Soooooo yummy and I really liked the texture of the rice. The miso soup was also delicious. For that set, it cost us about $9.50 each, such a steal! And more than enough food. I can't believe this was my first time having Cafe Mami!! I must come back :)
(5)
Jeffrey N.
The portion is pretty good for the price and the curry is quite rich. The setting is very cozy so its only good to go there with one other friend.
(4)
Harvard P.
Cafe Mami is one of those destination restaurants that will make me drag my lazy butt over to Porter Square. While the location is quite small and has very limited seating, everything about the restaurant is worth the trip. What they serve is not what you normally expect from a Japanese restaurant. You won't find sushi or ramen here (for that, you can go next door). Instead, you'll find deliciously cooked rice, curry, fried chicken, and appetizers. It feels more like eating a home-cooked meal than going out. What do I get when I'm here? It's a no brainer. Cafe Mami has hands down the best fried chicken (Tatsuta) curry rice plate! Their Ninniku chicken is also pretty good, and the fried egg with their curried burger sets look absolutely delectable. Once you order a meal, you also get free refills on rice. With all that yummy curry, you may just want to take some extra rice home with you! While the Green Tea Milk Shake is a bit on the pricey side, I very much enjoyed it. Like others have said, it's more of a freeze than a milk shake. oh, one last thing. It's Cash Only!
(5)
Hursuong V.
The place to fulfill Japanese food cravings! This restaurant may be hard to find as it is tucked away in the relatively non-busy Porter Square Mall that has a very big Lesley University sign on it - that could be confusing for those trying to find it. There are a couple other Japanese restaurants around it, such as for ramen, but I chose this place for the more diverse menu offerings. The food is tasty and portions are large and filling - my sister and I actually shared a chicken cutlet curry and kaisou salad and each got a green tea milkshake. I enjoyed the salad, as the lettuce was still crisp and I liked the seaweed too. The rice was a little dry/hard. The green tea milkshake is a classic there - it's like drinking green tea ice cream blended with ice! Each entree also comes with a bowl of miso soup, which tasted just right. The downsides are that it's cash only and the place has little seating (10-15 seats). I've been here multiple times and at times, I have had to wait for a seat but other times, it's empty and I get seated quickly. Service is pretty fast.
(4)
Veronica C.
Hidden gem! My favorite place to get Japanese comfort food in Cambridge. I used to come here almost every other weekend when I was still living in Boston :) Pros: * Curry rice are all excellent. I usually get their chicken katsu. * Japanese hamburg set is another bomb dish. Loved the tender beef served with rice and baked potato on the side. Additional cost for a fried egg. * Best green tea smoothie ever. A little pricey at $3.95 for a small cup, but thick, creamy and oh-so-sweet. * Free rice refill! * Special lunch deals on Tuesday for $5. Cons: * Teeny tiny space (only enough to sit 10 people at a time, max). Usually you will have to share tables with others. * Service can be slow (with only 1 waitress and 2 cooks) but very friendly waitress. * Take out orders can take 20 minutes to prepare...best to phone ahead. A wonderful spot!!
(5)
Yuka Y.
While Cafe Mami's closing time was purportedly 9pm, staff were still accepting take out orders by late customers. Those who were still eating were not pressured out. Last order calls, however, were made at 9 and those wanted to dine in were politely shunned out understandably past closing. Original plans was to dine at Sapporo, but with the line present at 8:30, we were ambivalent we could get seated by 9. Cafe Mami next door it is. FREE refills of rice! Not that it was ever necessary with the good proportions they gave out but there's always the option. Beautiful picture menus and a large variety of dishes. Their Tokyo Hamburg set is great- salad with light vinergrette dressing, an aluminum wrapped steamed potato, miso soup, and most importantly the hamburg. Hamburg is NOT your typical, American hamburger slab of meat. Hamburg is the Japanese version of Salisbury steak where the steak is not really a steak but a mix of minced beef, onions, etc. Doused with the hamburg is Cafe Mami's homemade tomato sauce which was delightfully excellent- tasted like a mix of tonkatsu sauce and ketchup. It's not a common dish to be found in Boston's Japanese restaurants so I highly recommend it. The boyfriend's Tatsuta curry was also great- curry was runny and not too thick, the fried chicken didn't feel like it was fried but the meat itself was moist and juicy. The salad that came for both was not fresh, but acceptable. He felt the dressing was too oily and after combining our salads into 1 convenient bowl, the bottom half of the salad greens were swimming in a soup of dressing. Dressing overkill. Seating can be slightly annoying when big parties appear. We were asked to migrate from table seats to the counter because a larger party showed up, but the waitress was appreciative and polite about it.
(4)
Vicky W.
One of my all-time favorite places to eat in the cambridge/porter area. All their curries taste great, portions are huge, and free refills of rice (only if you plan to eat the rice while there), the cutlet is awesome (breaded fried chicken patty). The tasuda, though, is my favorite since it's real cuts of chicken that's fried. I would also recommend the veggie curry which comes with your choice of chicken, pork, or beef for a more balanced meal. Also you have to try the green tea shake, it is to die for though. The perfect combo of creamy and icy, with a strong flavor of matcha. Seating is very limited, and doesn't normally have crazy long lines like Sapporo. Also don't forget to bring cash since it is cash only.
(5)
Jae J.
Oh, Cafe Mami, I wish I could give you a higher review after giving you so many chances, but you've disappointed me each time. The yaki beef tofu set was only just okay, nothing to scream about. I've had the pork cutlet curry rice set, which was dry and flavorless. The chicken cutlet curry rice set was definitely better...until I reached the raw parts of the cutlet, which were all the pieces minus one or two at the edges. Imagine my elation of biting into the chicken cutlet, thrilled at its moistness and juicy-ness, exceeding all of my expectations of the place..and then discovering pink, raw chicken meat in my next bite. Very sad day, indeed. The green tea shake was...meh. It's got too much ice and leaves a strong after-taste/coating of matcha powder on your tongue. For its small size and sub-par taste, you'd be wiser to spend your money on other things. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar the last time we went, so we got to watch the food being prepared. Everything was done by gloveless hands, which is fine if the cooks bothered to wash their hands between handling raw meats and then throwing together salads. This, coupled with the raw chicken I've experienced, makes me wary to return for another try.
(2)
Hsin-yi L.
Large portion. Very tasty and authentic. As the first meal when we arrived at Boston, it is warm and welcome, as long as you don't mind to share a table with other customers. Btw, the green tea milk shake is must-have.
(5)
Sonya M.
Review is solely on their green tea shake drink as I have not had food there yet. Their green tea shake is soooo good! A strong matcha taste that is just right and the balance between the shake content was great not too creamy and not too icy. If you are a fan of green tea drinks you gotta try their green tea shake! -1 star due to the volume. for $3.75/cup the size is fairly small, i hope they will increase the size or decrease the price in the future.
(4)
Sophie P.
I have tried yaki-don and gyu-don. Both are very delicious. The hamburger set here is a okie for me. Green tea milk shake tastes great.
(4)
Sally K.
Really really good food. I had the pork yaki don that was perfectly cooked, really tastey, and my partner got sizzling beef plate also fantastic. All in all we, ended up paying 21 dollars - how can you beat that price. Thumbs up!
(4)
Josephine L.
There always appears to be a huge crowd waiting outside Cafe Mami, which is due to their having very little seating, but is still an ingeniously simple way to make them look like the hottest, most desirable restaurant in Porter Sq's little J-town. I finally convinced the boyfriend to forgo the ramen next door and try a new place for lunch, so we snagged seats at Cafe Mami before the nightclub line (as I call it) appeared. I got the Udon and the boyfriend got the Chicken with Garlic, Ginger and Lemons. The udon was delicious--all thick and chewy and tasty in its sizzling platter, surrounded by sliced cabbage and chicken groupies in a savory soy-based sauce. The boyfriend's chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful. Service was slow as heck and we were literally seated next to another couple in what could have been a fun double date sitch if it weren't for the fact that they were total strangers. But Cafe Mami provides a pretty raw, authentic Japanese food experience. No upscale sushi, no pricey kaiseki, no show-offy teppanyaki. Japanese cuisine has so many different styles. With Cafe Mami, you're getting the quick, almost fast food-like, street food-ish, college student on a budget, East meets West in a spectacular way-style of dining.
(4)
Deanna W.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago. So good! I missed lunch by an hour (ends at 3pm, I think...), so I got the Yaki beef tofu for about ten bucks. $5 lunch is a pretty good deal though. Okay, so now to be picky. The miso soup was pretty watered down, the beef was poorly shredded and not the greatest and my dining experience overall wasn't the best due to an annoying neighbor and an uninterested waiter.... BUT I'd totally eat here again. I'd do take-out and make sure to make it for lunch.
(4)
Nanci C.
This place got the best lemon grilled chicken. My favorite! Free refills on white rice. The place is just too small. Too little seats and tables. Makes it really awkward to eat with strangers.
(4)
Nancy Z.
Curry that is... Japanese? Japanese curry is different than other curries. Thai curries are rich and creamy from coconut milk, while Indian curries are created through a delicious blend of diverse spices. Japanese curry, on the other hand, is mild, thick, creamy and has a subtle hint of sweetness that comes from apples. One restaurant that makes extremely luscious and delectable Japanese curry is Cafe Mami. Accompanied with chewy sushi-style rice and pickled ginger, it is a hearty dish for lunch or dinner. You can also add thinly sliced pieces of crispy chicken or a tender hamburger patty as well. If you want to add even more, an egg over easy on top will make it perfect. The restaurant itself is very small. It has only a handful of tables so patrons usually experience a wait. Remember, it's cash only and prices are very fair where you can leave satisfied for $10.
(5)
Jennifer L.
The green tea tasted really good but a little overpriced.
(4)
Michael B.
Price is great for the amount of food you get. Usually, i get the $5 lunch special with is either Oyaku Don or the curry rice plate. The amount of food you get is great and very filling. If i dont get those, i usually get the rice plate or the fried chicken curry plate. They give a lot of curry sauce when i order from them and they give unlimited refills on rice which is a great plus!! The curry is so flavorful that you jsut need a little bit with your rice so you can order more rice and get your fill :]
(5)
Maggie N.
Came for lunch with a friend on a Saturday. I had the chili tomato hamburg set, and my friend had some curry dish (I think). Location-wise: the place is pretty small, only 5-6 tables or so, so during peak hours expect a wait. We were lucky and only had to wait about 5 mins. Super casual - kind of like a food court in a mall. Food: The portion was very good I must say. I was completely full and my friend couldn't even finish her dish. The flavoring is okay, not a super wow factor, but was beyond acceptable. The meat was tender, the sauce was good. I liked. I heard raves about the green tea shake, but since I'm not into thick creamy drinks, I was afraid it would be too much for me to handle. Price: Very reasonable, I think it came out to less than $20 for both of us, pre-tip.
(4)
Andrew C.
Pretty good place to get Japanese style curry, cutlets, comfort food. Limited amount of seating but they'll do their best to accommodate. Green tea milk shake was good, but it's more of a icee more than a "milk shake". The 3.50 price tag was a little more than what I would want to pay for though. I'd get it again if it were 2.50ish.
(3)
Jeannie D.
We started coming to this gem in Porter Square during our high school years. I am really a fan of small shops like this and asian night markets. Please be aware that the seating is very limited at this place (like 4 tables and the bar). The food is delicious and not too expensive!
(5)
Chris H.
Liked the yaki udon and miso soup a lot but thought the donburi was just OK. Not a lot of choices for vegetarians.
(3)
R S.
Superb authenitc Japanese food. Great deals at lunch. Always fresh and fast with little or no wait. a Cambridge gem!
(5)
Semyon D.
Came here for a quick weekday lunch. The place is really tiny, and for some inexplicable reason the main entrance was blocked so everyone coming in had to squeeze right past my chair. The food itself was quite good, no complaints there. What was not good however is having to wait 25 minutes for my lunch - there were not so many customers to justify this and the waiter could not even remember if he brought me miso soup already. The five strangers with whom I had to sit at the same table were waiting a long time for food, too, so when my lunch finally arrived, some of them decided that my eating said lunch is free entertainment - a truly unique experience.
(3)
Huong N.
I had the green tea shake and salmon & veg donburi. Was pleasantly delighted; the price was decent for the location and service it offered. The place is small, but thankfully I came in on a rainy day so there wasn't a line like some reviews mentioned. I got a little confused when trying to find the place (it was located inside Wellesley U building). But all in all I'd return for more in the future!
(4)
R C.
This place is so fantastic - 5 stars all the way. And to make it better - they've extended their hours! How awesome. The Place In the porter exchange mall food court - about 12 seats total. The Food Everything is good - but I'm not a huge japanese curry fan so I usually go with one of the following Yaki Don - salty, oniony, beefy deliciousness Yaki Udon - As above but with Udon instead of rice (you can do chicken or beef) Rockin Chicken - Fried chicken covered in spicy sauce with rice Garlic Chicken - Garlic'y goodness (also with rice) Most meals come with a miso soup side. How perfect. Service Quick and friendly
(5)
Madeleine Q.
Our favorite quick, cheap-rat Japanese eatery in Cambridge/Boston! Unlimited rice if you dine on the premise and service is always efficient and excellent! Their rice bowls ate great but what they do best are variations of Japanese curry. Their house curry is far superior to that of Go Go Curry at H-Mart (Japan-based chain restaurant). Try their iced green tea drink too--very creamy, semisweet and flavorful. The lines get long on weeknight and weekends so be prepared for a half hour wait on average!
(5)
Jane Z.
The yaki-don is quite gooooood! I've been going here for a long time and I'm always impressed and happy with my choices. You can't go wrong with anything that you try here!
(4)
martin m.
Prefer the sushi next door.
(3)
Lisa I.
Yum yum yum! A friend of mine found this place through yelp so we decided to check it out. It is unusual to find delicious Japanese food in a mall, but this place is seriously legit. We all had miso soup to start and ordered several dishes to share including seaweed salad, a tofu dish with ginger sauce(melts in your mouth!), Yaki Beef and Yakiniku Salad. Everything was GREAT and we only payed $12 each. I would absolutely go back.
(4)
Ann S.
MMH-MMMHH! My friend took me here one day for a lunch date and I fell in love with their curry and rice. It was SOOO good! I ordered the hamburger curry with rice but I really didn't like the hamburger. I thought it tasted weird so I mainly focused on the curry, and my god, it was so good. Definitely a little hidden gem! I wasn't really used to sitting in the same table as strangers, but when this place gets busy, be prepared! But just for the curry, I definitely wouldn't mind.
I've never been to Cafe Mami without having to wait for a seat. But of course, that's expected at most of the restaurants at the Porter Exchange. I'm a big fan of their Tokyo hamburg sets and wafu hamburg sets; love the homemade sauces and choice of egg and cheese on top of the hamburg with hand-tossed salad. The portions are perfect and their green tea milkshakes are delectable. Perfect lunch place for the weekends (and weekdays, if you're in the area - they're not open Tuesdays, though). Always affordable and delicious.
(5)
Bailey M.
I came here for a quick lunch (unfortunately I came after 2pm so the official lunch hour was over) and ordered the tatsuta don bowl. It came with fried chicken, rice, eggs, and green onions. The portion could have easily fed two people, and I felt bad that I didn't eat even half the $7 bowl. The waitress kindly brought me a to-go box. When I gracefully managed to use my chopsticks to flip the to-go box onto myself and leave rice all over me, the waitress helpfully brought me paper towels and helped spot the rice bits stuck in my hair. haha. This place NOT good for groups. Super tiny.
(3)
Idy T.
This is located at Porter Square inside a mall with many other Japanese restaurants. This is like little tokyo of Boston. It is literally really little. There are several restaurants but I chose to dine here because this was one of the busiest restaurants. I thought if everyone likes it, then I should be safe with my choice! The restaurant is really small with limited seating and I came with a party of 8 or 9 people so everyone was cramped and had to squeeze in to fit at the table. I tried the Rock n' Chicken, the Yaki Beef with Tofu and the Oyako Don. These dishes were pretty good. The portion size is really huge for a reasonable price. For the Rock n' Chicken and the Yaki Beef with Tofu, they give you a big plate of rice with your meal and it is unlimited refill. But I couldn't even finish what I had. The meal also comes with miso soup. The Rock n' Chicken was really soft and marinated well. This is definitely one of those dishes that goes well with a bowl of rice. It was supposed to be spicy but I did not find it spicy at all. The Yaki Beef with Tofu was also delicious. The tofu was soft and the beef was also seasoned well. The Oyako Don is also really good. It is a mixture of eggs, chicken, and this sweet and savory soy sauce. The egg was super fluffy and mixed with the rice and the chicken turned into this amazing bowl! Make sure you stop by the ATM before dining here because it is cash only! Each dish ranges from $7-$11 depending on what you order.
(4)
C W.
Value for money is very good! Is it the best sushi I've ever eaten, no, but it's consistently fresh and high quality with good service, nice ambience and is across the street from my house so I can't complain. This is my wife and my go to for neighborhood sushi.
(4)
Matthew B.
Yes yes yes. Listen to no one less than 5 stars. Food is inexpensive, includes a miso soup at a communal table with who the hell knows who else. Within 2-10 minutes, you get a mouthwatering bowl or flavorful, wonderful and perfectly cooked don. All for $7 on a weekday lunchtime. I hadn't heard of Japanese soul food before Mami, but I now know it's on my short list for last meals.
(5)
tammy l.
Track here from Yelp. It was a nice little place in the University center building. Really not much space (three tables at most), but the food is decent for the price. I feel very warm & comfi after lunch there. There were also other Japanese food stores and a Japanese shop across the corner. Got a pair of crane origami earing, so lovely!
(5)
Henry L.
Super cheap! Super good! Super authentic! Cafe Mami is one of the few Japanese restaurants to serve Japanese food made by real Japanese recipes and chefs. Lunch and Dinner usually requires about a 15 minute wait, and the seating arrangements may be a bit cramped at times, but it is well worth it. You can get away with spending about $8 on a meal pre-tip, and depending on the dish, you can get unlimited rice refills (usually one refill is enough). Cafe Mami makes the best Chicken Katsu dish in all of Boston. This is a great measure to see how the quality of a dish stacks up. Try to order Chicken Katsu at other restaurants. It is a simple dish, but many restaurants get it wrong. The green tea smoothie is delicious, but it can get a bit heavy if you are not used to it, since it is so filling. Instead, order it to go after your meal as a dessert!
(5)
Vivian L.
nothing except love the food there. I have been there many times. Almost every dish is good, cheap and fast. Watch out long line during weekend dinner time.
(5)
Yuki S.
Cheap and good! They have curry, hamburg, Oyako-don...Just like a school cafeteria in Japan! Many of my Japanese friends are also big fan of them! I often go there to have quick lunch or dinner under $10! My favorite is Yakidon (stir fried beef over rice). It is really good! For dessert, you should try Green Tea Milkshake! This place is really small, they have only 2 or 3 tables and few seats at counter. You could wait in short line at dinner time.
(5)
David C.
What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Cafe Mami serves up some of the best, most affordable Japanese food around, and it does so in the smallest restaurant space possible. I wish Cafe Mami could swap spaces with one of the larger shops in University Hall that does about half its business. It would probably benefit everyone involved.
(4)
Ava R.
Tiny, tiny, teensy place with hardly any seaitng space but the Tatsuta and the curry are off the hook. Order take out and love your life.
(4)
A C.
Everything here is awesome! I haven't had anything I don't like. I'm less fan of the curry, but that's not to say they made it bad at all, it's very yummy. My husband LOVES their burger, those are some really nice yummy juicy tender burgers. I love their chicken, if you like dark meat, they know how to make it like the first class. Everything is tasty, fresh, made to order. It's one of our stables. Japanese for less than $10 at this quality? it's a no-brainer, did I mention their $5 lunch special? this place should not be missed out if you are in the area!
(5)
Jonny I.
You won't find the store front from the street, its located inside a mall area/City Sports where Lesley University is located. But once inside, there is this small hallway that has around 3 other Japanese restaurants selling sushi, ramen, donburi bowls and mochi ice cream. I had high hopes of this place after reading all the yelp reviews, then those hopes sort of dipped once I saw how dingy the place was, then it rose again once I got my food. Don't take the same emotional roller coaster I took. Just stay high on this place! The Yaki Don was awesome. Beef over rice never tasted so good. I liked putting the orange house sauce over the meat and rice to give it some added flavor. Oh, and DO NOT FORGET to order the green tea milk shake. I could have sworn it was so rich that there was ice cream added to it, but the waitress said that there wasn't. If not, then they must have used a lot of crack to thicken it because it was the best green tea milkshake I had ever tried! There is only one waitress/hostess and she does her best to take orders and names of the people in line. She also has to bring the food out, but there are only about 4 tables. We waited about 10 minutes on a Friday at 8pm. Entree was about $8 and don't forget that its cash only. Overall a great place in general to fulfill a Japanese food craving because of all the choices in such a small area.
(4)
S T.
I enjoy coming to this place when it isn't full. The wait is long if you decide to eat at Cafe Mami during peak hours. But the food is delicious. I always order the curry rice, sukiyaki, and the hot plates are the BEST. The only thing I miss are about Cafe Mami was the previous way they always play Japanese music/top charts. Nowadays...its meh..the atmosphere is not how it was back then. Doesn't feel like the true Japanese dive-y place it once was. But the food is still great! Prices went up a bit.
(4)
Sora C.
It does taste good...so what else can I ask for? I've been a regular customers at Mami since three years ago. I usually get a curry katsu and tokyo hamburger set and a cup of green tea slush! It is not super authentic Japanese cuisine perhaps good is good. The reason I left four instead of five stars is it would be much better if they can make a FRESH green tea slush instead using a pre-mixed slush for all day long..
(4)
Derrick C.
How does Cafe Mami's yaki don taste 9000x better than my yaki don? It's such a seemingly simple dish but I was in awe w/ every bite. I'd eat here every day if I could.
(5)
Matt Q.
Cafe Mami is one of those places that you can count on. Despite a poor day at work, a long grueling work out, or indecisive friends when trying to meet up for dinner, this simple Japanese restaurant turns that frown upside down. My go to dishes are usually the Chicken Tatsuta Set or the Pork Cutlet Curry. The Tatsuta Set is fried chicken pieces with a spicy mayo sauce on the side. The Cutlet Curry dish is a breaded and fried piece of chicken smothered in yummy curry sauce. Other things that have not disappointed have been the Teriyaki Hamburger set, which is exactly as it describes...odd but tasty; and the Cutlet Donburi, which is a fried pieces of meat mixed with egg on top of rice. Take note that the place is really small, with about three tables and a few stools, so there is often a line. If you're in a rush or very hungry, just order ahead and take out. They only take cash as well.
(5)
Shuang C.
Curry is really good, favorite being tatsuda curry. Oyokodon is decent for $7. Hamburger sets I don't really care for. The teriyaki chicken came on a sizzling plate but was only meh. The Miso soup they have is good, so is their salad. Sometimes there's a cute waitress wearing timberlands. She makes my day :D
(4)
Eugenia L.
This is where I go to satisfy my Japanese curry and hamburger cravings. There's very limited seating so be ready to get cozy with other diners. Service is no nonsense since it's always busy but never rude. FYI the hamburger is more of a meatloaf than an actual burger. Don't worry though, it's not the sad ketchup laden kind doled out at school cafeterias. The curries are all satisfying and comes with unlimited rice if you want to be a super glutton! Also a fan of the green tea smoothie. Be prepared for a strong dose of matcha flavor as it's not diluted with sugar or cream. It's great to take on the go as an after meal dessert.
(4)
V N.
Cafe Mami makes me cry for mommy (in a good way) If I was on death row, their yaki-don would be my last meal. I'm waiting for the day that they expand to a bigger location which is inevitable. Currently, they can only seat a handful at a time which will fill up immediately during lunchtime, but takeout is always available. Hidden gem
(5)
Irene C.
Most people may think of Japanese food as sushi or ramen, but instead of heading to Blue Fin or Sapporo in the same plaza as Cafe Mami, do your tastebuds and wallet a favor and check out these Japanese comfort food stand. FOOD - Tatsuta Don ($7), a rice bowl topped with fried chicken cutlet, egg, onions, and the most delicious sauce, the - Yaki Beef Tofu ($9), sizzling plate of juicy sliced beef, onions, tofu, and unlimited rice - Hambug Curry ($9), no description is given on the menu, which is just as well because this super filling meal consists of hamburger patty, rice, and Japanese curry. Japanese curry is a little milder than Indian or Thai curry, and I find that I prefer it. Order if you're super hungry! DECOR The location is literally in the food court, and there are only 3 tables. Not a lot of fanciness in this restaurant as the staff are more concerned with feeding people quickly. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, maybe even literally bumping elbows or sharing a table. If you're looking for a relaxed, low-key dinner to savor some good food and the company of a close friend, check out Cafe Mami sometime. Very solid restaurant, and the S
(4)
Mitch Q.
I love their hamburg. Yaki dons are also my favorites. Meal would not be complete with their green milkshake either :)
(5)
Matthew Y.
The chicken tatsuta offers a fillingly large portion, but the deconstructed nature of it all was just weird. The chicken was flavorful but the potato on the side, the white rice, and the raw vegetables just didn't really jive with the chicken. The green tea milk shake -- over-priced. But flavorful. I would probably pay $0.50 extra and just get a green tea frap, which is 3x better-tasting.
(3)
Basil S.
Good food, great prices. - cash only - no brown rice
(4)
May N.
Cafe mami maybe a small place, but the food is mouth watering. You will crave for it during mid-night and will regret not finishing up your meal. The waitress is super nice. The price is very cheap, you won't regret going
(5)
Corona W.
I am obsessed with this place!!! Their curry is silky and sooo delicious. Forcing yourself to stop halfway through is a necessity or you will eat the entire plate and be unable to get up from your seat. However, strict vegetarians beware. I believe the curry is made out of chicken/beef broth and, even though I always order the curry with just tofu, I always find bits and pieces of chicken or beef....Nevertheless, super delicious and affordable. :D
(4)
Adeline X.
My favorite place in Cambridge/Boston for Japanese curry. Very flavorful and portions are large. I find the prices very reasonable too. Seating is limited during peak hours though. Also, the green tea shake is also pretty good if you are a matcha fan.
(5)
Christina K.
We came to Porter Exchange one night and we walked around trying to figure out which restaurant to go to. We'd already gone to Bluefin and I wasn't too impressed so I pressed us to go somewhere else. Figured Cafe Mami might be good because of all the yelp reviews. My friend had the chicken katsu don and I had the vegetarian don. Both were ooookaaay. The katsu don was tasty, but something about it wasn't exactly right. Not enough sugar? Not enough soy? I'm not quite sure. The vegetarian one was a lil lacking, but probably because it's vegetarian. Plus for giving miso soup, as much rice as you want (though I felt we had enough), and for excellent service. The place is small and we shared our table with other folks which is fine. :)
(3)
Stephanie S.
The curry there is delicious!! I always get their veggie curry with chicken!! Worth of trying!
(4)
Nhi H.
5 star for Cafe Mami's curry and Don bowls. Nom noms. 3 star for their Hamburg set. I usually have the chicken curry at Cafe Mami, but today I felt adventurous. After reading through many Yelp reviews, I decided to try the Tokyo Hamburg set with egg and cheese. Might as well go all out right? But it was totally not worth it. The Hamburg tastes like a glorified meatloaf. The cheese makes the hamburger even harder to swallow. The egg was the saving grace of the meal. Also the sauce was not "special" in any way. It's just a tomato-based sauce. Go to Shaws and get a microwaveable meatloaf instead of paying $12 for this.
(4)
Anna Q.
I absolutely love this place! The only thing is that it is small and you may have to share a table with someone else. However, the food though is amazing! If you love curry like I do this is definitely a place you should try! They even give you free refills on rice.
(5)
Dave M.
the place is one of those small corner shops amongst all the japanese restaurants there. it's CASH ONLY like many of the places there so make sure you have cash (there's a BoA atm inside the building). i sat down with my wife while we were waiting for another couple to join us. he quickly asked me to stand up b/c some other customer might come. i said uhh, ok. i understand space is limited there but that's didn't make me too happy. so i stood up and sat down when everyone arrived. i ordered the Tokyo Hamburg Set ($8.99) plus an egg (extra $1). it was pretty good. it comes with a small steamed potato, iceberg lettuce salad, and rice. it was pretty good but a little greasier than i'm used to. i much prefer the Yaki Beef Tofu ($8.99) which was a little cleaner and also good. we also got the Teriyaki Hamburg Steak ($8.99). the plates came with a miso soup. the guy serving us was decent but he was more busy pacing than serving us but the overall experience gives this place 4 stars. i would recommend this place.
(4)
Monika-Bianca T.
The embodiment of bang for your buck. Food: 5/5 - We started off the meal with deep fried shu mai (shrimp dumplings) and they were delicious. Not too oily, not too salty like the frozen stuff, and came fresh from fryer. For the mains, I had the tetsuna set (marinated deep fried chicken). And holy cow, imagine 4 huge slices of boneless chicken pieces with a crisp outside and a superbly juicy inside that will last you throughout the meal. Served with a side of baked potato, mayo, hot sauce, and salad dressed with some kind of sesame dressing. All was amazing and I truly can't believe the portion size and better yet how amazingly good it was... :) My boyfriend had the Tokyo Hamburg, I only had a taste but their hamburg had a soft pleasing texture and went well with their homemade sauce :) My boyfriend and i shared the matcha milkshake which was much stronger than I expected. It's more slushy than milky? But nonetheless a good finish to a well made meal! Cost: 5/5 - ~$6 for 6 pcs for deep fried shu mai, $10 for a hefty serving of main course and then $3.50 for the matcha milkshake as our dessert, I really can't complain. I haven't been this satisfied in ages not only for the food but for the cost. It almost feels criminal to eat so much great tasting food at such a low cost.... Service: 4/5 - ok, we came around 7:30pm and got seated close to 8pm. Jeez, with that food at that price I'm surprised we didn't wait longer, but its worth the wait. There was only one waitress too who stood as front of house, did the serving, and the cleaning as well. It makes me feel tired watching her do all that work but she was attentive and efficient. Btw for people who never have cash, take some out before getting here... it's cash only. Ambience: 3/5 - so this is a terribly small place. Seats around 12ppl since they crammed us onto every space of their 4 small tables in their incredibly small space. So you'll find pairs sitting on a corner while another pair sits on the another corner. You will be seated, but don't expect any kind private dining. May ward off some, but you get over it when you see your gigantic plate come to the table and then take a bite out of it :) lastly this isn't a restaurant, it's located in the shops of porter square so again, small space! Even with the cons, value for my money outshines it all so I can't give anything lower than a perfect rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who doesnt mind the wait and the cafeteria like ambience :P
(5)
Monica H.
This place is a truly hidden gem in every sense of the word. The food is SO tasty and the price is unbeatable. We ordered the seafood udon and yaki don. I mostly had the udon but also tried the yaki don. The two dishes perfectly complemented each other--the udon was simple while the yaki don was more flavorful. I also got the green tea milkshake which was AMAZING. It had just the right amount of green tea flavors for the milkshake. I would gladly order that over a frappuccino or bubble tea any day! One downside is when I say hidden, I really mean hidden. We had actually made a half-hearted attempt to find this restaurant once before, but couldn't find it as it is located in an unmarked building (it's the same one that has Bally Fitness, FYI). Another thing is that Cafe Mami is essentially located in a food court, so there are only two clusters of tables. We were lucky to be the first customers there, but as we were finishing the meal the waitress sat another couple next to us. Thankfully my boyfriend talked them up and got more recommendations of other restaurants in Boston so it wasn't awkward at all. Despite the fact that Cafe Mami is located in a student center, I still felt like I was being fed in the home of a Japanese family. Will definitely come again!
(5)
Ice T.
My friend introduce me to Cafe Mami because she loved it after she had the Yaki Udon. So my friend's and I decided to give it a try. When we arrived we got seated in less than 5 minutes which I am surprise because my friend said she had waited at least 10 mins before she got seated last time. The restaurant is very space limited. It has about three- four tables and about 2-3 side high bar chairs where you can face the cooks while you are eating. I had about 7 people with me so the waitress were very nice and asked a couple that were sitting at one of the larger tables to move to a smaller table so we can sit at the larger table. They were very nice about it. I notice many people join tables and sit each other. I personally wouldn't be comfortable sitting with people whom I do not know. I ordered the Ninniku Chicken Set and a green tea smoothie. I thought my dish was very delicious along with the green tea smoothie that everyone raves about. My friends ordered the the Chicken Cutlet and a few other sets that I do not remember. However, they said their dish were also very delicious. Overall, Cafe Mami is a very cute place to sit down where people could chat with their friends. I also saw many other restaurants in the plaza, which I will definitely try next time. But Cafe Mami is definitely a must try restaurant because I absolutely recommend trying the green tea smoothie. The smoothie has a strong authentic green tea flavor. A side from all the food, remember to bring cash with you, if you have an account with Bank Of America there's an ATM in the plaza near the Lesley University Police Office. And lastly, when you finish with your meal remember to ask the waitress to validate your parking ticket so you do not have to pay full price. Definitely recommend Cafe Mami and I will most likely come back for a second try. =)
(4)
J. Lynn T.
I've been here too many times to list what I've eaten, basically anything on the menu is great, the curry and hamburgs are especially delicious! Prices are more than affordable, but make sure you have cash. Great for a quick bite, but don't be too alarmed if you have to share your table, because this place is small. Good and cheap food, what's there more to ask for?
(4)
Rob W.
Tucked into a tiny shopping area and school, surrounded by other Asian restaurants is Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami is perfect for a good quick cheap meal. I absolutely love the Yaki Don and Pork Cutlet Don. The bowls are delicious and cheap at ~$8 and they come with endless white rice (as if you'd ever need that much). During lunch, bowls are only $5 and come with miso soup, which is an absolute steal. Just a few quick notes, they have a giant parking lot in the back that when validated is only $1 for a couple hours or so. If you're not fond on driving in Cambridge, it's literally a minute walk from the Porter Red Line stop. Seating is a bit scarce here, there's all of 10 seats at two tables and maybe 3 or 4 bar type seats. You're gonna have to get used to sitting next to strangers eating here, but you're usually in and out pretty quick so it's not that big a deal. And finally, Cafe Mami is cash only, but there is a Bank of America ATM and a citibank in the complex.
(4)
Stephanie Y.
Great Japanese comfort food ... we ordered from here for girls' movie and mani night. We order 6, YES 6, onakyu don (chicken WITH EGG over white rice). However, she misheard me and we got this beef dish with scallions over rice. Even though we were a little disappointed about the wrong order, it tasted amazing!!! Add a little siracha sauce and it's the perfect comfort food. We were all so satisfied afterwards.
(4)
John X.
This place is great, you would never know it's there unless you've heard about the Japanese food court at Porter Square. It's only big enough for a few people, and the kitchen barely allows room for more than one person, but the decorations are tasteful and well-done. I got the lunch special curry, and it was decent. I've never been that big a fan of Japanese curry (I prefer Indian and Thai curry) but theirs was good. Flavorful and hot, and after adding some spice, was a decent meal. Best part was the lunch price was cheap for the amount of food i got, so definitely no complaint there. They had some other interesting entrees that I'll be sure to try next time.
(4)
Gregory A.
One of my all-time favorites! When I was in school in Boston, I would constantly find excuses to come here. The food is super cheap, and extremely delicious, and you won't find anything more authentically Japanese in town. The lunch specials are beyond awesome. My personal favorite is the Yaki Don. It is Yakiniku (grilled meat, in this case beef) over a bowl of rice. It is a little sweet and a tiny bit spicy with some onions sauteed and a lot of yummy. Also, a sufficiently filling portion, especially for around $5. Other lunch specials include similar donburi (rice-bowls) with chicken, or beef with a different sauce, or another fave of mine, curry. It's just Japanese curry sauce and rice, and if sauce and rice sounds weird to you, you're missing out. If you're not into the lunch specials, or if you stop by for dinner, there's more faves to choose from. Everyone else has mentioned the hamburg set, so I won't elaborate, but they're all delicious; I like the chili tomato. Also, their tatsuta age (basically battered fried chicken) is amazing and cooked just right. You really can't go wrong no matter what you choose. And to top it all off, almost every dish that comes with rice, comes with rice UNLIMITED. To me, this is heaven. Also, a few last notes: - the people that work there are always awesome. They are friendly and attentive. -if you come in the evening and there is a wait, don't worry, it's never very long, and even if it is, it's totally worth it. However, a lot of the other restaurants in the strip are also delicious. -bring cash. If you live in the Boston area, I'm sure you're used to the occasional cash-only joint. This is one of them, but you don't need that much (read: cheap food!). Also there's a Bank of America ATM in the building. -if you're driving, the parking lot in the back of the building is $1 for one hour.
(5)
Carol W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the Porter Exchange. When I come here with my husband, he gets either the chicken or pork cutlet curry and I get the Tokyo hamburg set with the fried egg on top. We end up sharing with each other, and it's quite an amazing meal. You get a salad and miso soup with the meals, and the price is as good as it gets! We've also gotten the fried shumai and agedashi tofu before. If you like green tea, I highly recommend trying the green tea milkshake. It's very filling though, so you might want to save your stomach for the entree and get the shake as a dessert or to go.
(5)
Jade N.
I mentioned in my review for Paris Creperie that that is one of the two places I have to visit every time I see my a parents in Brookline (I live in NY now). Cafe Mami is the other half of my must-visit list. This is Japanese home-cooking perfection. I've had Japanese food all over NY and never have I found a place like this. I'm the type that tries a new entre each time until I settle on my favorite and that is what I order every time afterward. Teriyaki hambagu here I come! I've tried making it myself and I can never get it right. The chicken they have that you dip in kewpie mayo is also great but I've achieved a fairly competent imitation at home. Curry, pork cutlet, or sizzling steak platter... it's all a party for these tastebuds! There's always a line for Cafe Mami and you're almost guaranteed to have to cozy up to some strangers at your table. Don't let this deter you though~ once you're going primal on the food you won't notice anything around you. Don't forget to leave without a green tea shake. Perfect treat to top off your meal!
(5)
Flora R.
For some reason I've visited just about every other restaurant in Porter Exchange until now. What a mistake to have been missing out on Cafe Mami all this time! Just by walking by, you know the seating area is packed - so it's a smart idea to come on off hours, order takeout, or know you'll be waiting a bit to sit down. Their prices are super affordable, the portions are good, and the curry is delicious. They have udon and curry and some other combos that you can try which all look and smell super yum. I will be back for more curry in the future. Definitely.
(4)
Stephen H.
Ive always wanted to try here because its the most crowded of all the porter exchange resturants, and seems to attatract a large asian clientele which bodes well for its reputation. Got the salmon yaki don for dinner, came with miso soup. Portion size definitely was more intended for a young asian girl, not a 6'+ man coming after 5 mile run, but for the price it was more than fair. Salmon was very very good. Tasted real fresh, perfectly cooked, and I'm a man who eats a lot of seafood. sauce/seasoning was good, I added a little hot sauce for some extra kick. veggies tasted fresh and the rice was good as well. Miso Soup was tasty, great place for quick cheap eats.
(4)
Piti I.
Still the same. I came here a lot from 1995-2006 when I lived in Boston. Everytime I'm back in town I go and it's still awesome. My only problem is deciding which of my favorites to get. Tokyo style hamburger, chicken curry, spicy beef bowl? All are great.
(5)
Ye P.
One of my all time favorite! Great curry & home made tomato sauce. Very juicy and tender Tatsuta.
(5)
Albert L.
I'll be honest: I haven't been here in years. After living in Cambridge for 5 years, I moved in 2007. Now, I live in California, allegedly home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in America. Yet with every bite of mediocre Japanese curry I've had here, my mind -- and my heart -- returns to Cafe Mami time and again. I don't know if much has changed since I left. Judging by the pictures, no, but maybe there's since been a new menu or owner, in which case it'd be nice for you if there were an "Un-useful" button you could click. What I remember best though were the buttery-smooth and generous curries, the option to top a rice plate with a fried egg (do NOT take this for granted, since the only way to get a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled one here in Norcal is to put a gun to someone's calorie-counting head), and the green tea shakes. Conveniently, I've forgotten about how long the wait was and how uneven the service could be. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose. Personally, I'm a katsu curry fan, and Cafe Mami never once let me down. I had the hamburg dishes a few times which were great in their own right; just not my taste. And make sure you arrive early! Not just to avoid a wait, but also to avoid having the curry run out on you. It happened more than a couple times when my friends and I tried to sneak in a late dinner (after 7:30 pm). 5 stars always! You guys out there in Boston are lucky.
Very good food! Really really good. And prices are SO CHEAP, this place is amazing. Unfortunately, there's only two tables. You can sit at the counter too, though. But my friends and I had to wait around 30 minutes to get a table (although that might be because the people who were eating who a group of girls who didn't seem to notice the line of people waiting for food). I had the yakidon which was very delicious and filling. Next time I go there I'm definitely trying the tonkatsu. The only other negative thing besides the small sitting space is that the waiter speaks minimal English. Not really a problem though.
(4)
Huong P.
Hey there Cafe Mami, This is the first time I came by Porter Square and you had no long line. I had always wanted to try you out but you were too busy with everyone else to try to get to know me. It's okay, I get it. At least you made it up this time by not cramping me up but instead giving me good physical space to breath. Moreover, your friend was really nice. I like how she was patient with us while we were deciding from your delectable list of food items though I must say, there is not too much variety. I gave your special yakidon on a sizzling plate a try ($8.99) while my friend tried your curry with katsu and egg ($9.99). I was not expecting the big servings you had for the price we were paying. I could barely eat half before being stuffed, yet kept on eating to get my money's worth. I must say that the food was all tasty, but I take off a star from you because you were a little greasy. When I have Japanese food, I expect to eat foods that taste and feel light. Your katsudon was a bit dense, your yakidon soaked in too much flavor to eat by itself. Yeah, I had to eat white rice with your yakidon--starch on starch, yum. Nevertheless, that is some good food that definitely hits the spot and even more. Thank you server, you were awesome and gracious with us.
(4)
Sunny C.
Been going here since college days. Two faves: chicken cutlet curry, spicy beef bowl. Unbelievably good!!! Living in NYC now, cafe mami still beats all the japanese curry houses here. hands down. yum yum yum!
(5)
Tammy L.
Always packed, but that's how you know they're good. I love their Teriyaki Hamburg Set. I'm craving for it right now. Their homeade tomato sauce is wonderful and the rice is soft. Yay for free rice refills! I also love their Chicken Teriyaki Set and their green tea milkshake. Sometimes I wish they would just move to somewhere bigger...
(5)
Lai X.
Most important thing about a eating out? Food. Second most important thing about eating out? Fits in my budget. Yakidon - Rice bowl with fried beef and onions. $5 on the lunch menu. Do it. Curry - I've gotten the fried chicken and the fried pork, both delicious, ate until I was uncomfortably full. Seriously. Free rice refills will be the death of me. Teriyaki Hamburg set - Soft beef patty, delicious sauce, also comes with free rice refills. One thing you might not know about me as a reviewer is that I only give 5 stars to places that are so good I come back more than once. Service was always friendly and efficient. One time I caught the waitress playing with a customer's baby. Waitresses that are baby-approved and mother-approved? Gold star. Only con about this place is it has very limited seating. You're going to have to be okay to be seated at the same small table as strangers, if need be. Coming from past experiences of cramped buses and subways during peak hours, I don't have a problem with this. Plus I'm kind of too into the food and the person I'm there with to really care anyway.
(5)
Keiko K.
I love Cafe Mami! There is no Japanese food like this anywhere else in Boston. I almost always get the chicken tatsuta set. So delicious! The servings are huge and there's free refills on rice. I've never needed it but it's nice to know. :) If I'm really hungry I can eat my whole meal but I often take leftovers home. I've gotten the tatsuta set for take out a few times to eat at the airport while I wait for my flight. I just skip the miso soup, although they will give it to you if you want it. One of my friends always gets chicken katsu curry and loves it. The green tea milk shake is yummy. Food is served very quickly. Seating is their biggest problem (I think their maximum capacity is 12 - 2 tables and 2 bar seats), so I try to go when the line isn't too long. You have to share your table if your party is smaller than 4, so it's not a good place for intimate conversation. If there are lots of people waiting, I feel pressure to eat quickly and leave, not because the staff are rushing me, just because I feel guilty looking at all those hungry people. :) Their hours are a little odd - they're only open for lunch and dinner and closed for a few hours in between. They're also closed on Tuesdays.
(5)
Bryce K.
Have you ever had traditional Japanese hamburg? No? Well have I got the place for YOU sir(or miss). Cafe Mami is a TINY but DELIGHTFUL spot where you can indulge yourself in a savory and scumptious meal that will make your cheeks sore(from all the smiling you'll be doing). It's simple food executed well. I went with my girlfriend and we had the Tokyo Hamburg and the Tonkatsu Curry. The curry was a pretty standard fare but it was struck a great balance in the sauce that was both sweet & salty and all delicious. The Hamburg was smothered in a pork based ragu which was exquisite and topped with an (optional) fried egg. This is my virgin experience with hamburg and I had always wondered what could possibly make a regular old hamburger patty gourmet. My curiosity has been quenched. Speaking of quenching, they have a green tea milkshake which is also quite good(but not great). Get it if you love green tea, otherwise, it's merely average.
(5)
Tan E.
I guess you can say that the 'HAMBURGER" is back; the Cafe Mami way. The tokyo hamburg entree is by far the best "hamburger" I tasted or had. Its the new of eating a hamburger without the hamburger. The chili tomato hamburg is by far my favorite hamburg set. Its sweetness and sourness of the tomato paste, hint of spice sends unimagable thoughts to my mouth. The beef patty itself is moist and soft in each bite & the sunnyside egg with cheese just tops it off, making it a complete meal. But believe me, its the sauce that makes keeps my mojo running back for more. Can't get enough of the sauce! If your not daring to try the any of the hamburg sets, you can also get the cheese and curry chicken/pork w/ rice which also one of my favorites. Even though its small and the wait is usual long on the weekend for dinner, the wait is worth it! It just goes to show how popular the hamburg really is and that everyone is willing to wait it.
(5)
Lauren L.
Cafe Mami serves the best 'homestyle' Japanese comfort food I've found in Boston so far. Their curries (with and without chicken/pork cutlets) are perfect, not too starchy, not too thin/gooey or too sweet. Their rice bowls (yakidon, pork cutlet with egg, chicken with egg) are all very good and really remind me of small restaurants back in Asia. My favorite however, is the Tokyo Hamburg Set with the house sauce. The hamburger patty is so tender, so flavorful, and the sauce is just the cherry on top. I've tried to recreate the sauce at home, but to no avail. Downsides, the place is TINY, seating maybe no more than 15 people and they take no reservations so be prepared to wait if you come at peak hours. This is not the place to go with a group of more than 4 as it'll take you forever to get seated, and if you're less than 4 then more often than not you'll be seated at the same table as other parties. They are cash only (last time I checked) so bring cash. Other than that, the prices are cheap around $10 normally per entree, and $5 for lunch. The food comes out pretty quick, and for the curry, hotplate, and hamburg dishes, rice is unlimited. Mami is definitely worth a try if you're in the area (and even if you're not).
(5)
Hannah K.
Cafe mami is my jam! Get the tatsuta set!
(5)
Richard J.
+ 1 star for unlimited rice! + 2 stars for curry sauce! + 2 stars for perfect boneless fried chicken (tatsuta) and hamburg! -1 star for tiny, cramped place..wish they were a bigger place! final: 4 stars
(4)
Kate C.
The food here EASILY beats out the food from Boston's Chinatown and Allston-Brighton areas. The curry here is light and sweet -- with a slightly more distinct taste of ginger. It's a great alternative for those who find Indian curry too overpowering/nauseating. Overall, the food just felt much cleaner than Chinatown's and although the food from Allston/Brighton is not necessarily bad, I have not found anything that is remotely similar to Cafe Mami's. Although many have mentioned that there is limited seating here, I did not find that to be a drawback when I came here with a group of 10 famished college students on a Sunday afternoon. The staff here was really accommodating and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated (although we could have just timed our visit perfectly). For affordable, tasty, and generous servings of food, I would not hesitate to come back -- even if the wait were up to an hour.
(5)
Jim L.
I wrote a poem about how much I love Cafe Mami: Mami, Oh Mami What else can I say? Maybe the fact the you are really the size of a cafe So what? you lack in size? you definetly don't lack taste Mami oh Mami, come back in my life without haste. Really though, don't hesitate! go there now. Turn off the computer, get ready to receive the best meal of your life. The Hamburger Set with egg is a new realm of food eating.
(5)
Doris W.
The place to go for Tokyo Hamburg! I've been going here for years and it's the only thing I order (I've gotten the spicy version twice, topped with an egg every now and then, topped with cheese once.). It's a flavorful beef patty topped with tomato sauce and served with rice, a baked red potato, and salad. I tried a different dish once - tofu, cheese, beef - which was bland. The curries are good as well as the fried chicken. I recently discovered their spicy tofu salad which was delicious. It's actually quite mild and I have a low tolerance to spicy food so take my word for it. Some possible cons about Cafe Mami: 1. Cash-only 2. First come first serve seating 3. 8:45pm closing time 4. Their long winter vacation and their one day a week closing which can be random 5. No liquor license 6. When they run out of curry (this happened last night, friends were bummed) The only problems I have are the closing time and seating. It's definitely not ideal for large groups as there are only 2 tables that seat 6 comfortably and 3 by the bar. The stall at the end of the hallway, I forgot the name, serves hamburg as well but was served in a bento box. It was good, but definitely not the same as Cafe Mami's. Their prices have gone up $1 or $2 since then but it's still inexpensive. There are ATMs in the building so you're set if you don't have cash on you.
(5)
Be B.
What happened to the foods? What happened to these Chinese songs???? Why did I had to be treated like a idiot when I am just a customer?? Cafe Mami used to be a really full of taste Japanese restaurant. It was one of my best favorite. The beef sirloin sizzling dish was a god's gift. Not sure since when, their foods got changed, there was no more lines waiting for table. The worst part is, they hired this black eye glasses Chinese waitress with a really bad temper who plays Chinese song at work (Why isn't it Japanese song?). I don't think it's an idea for me to go back there ever again unless I don't have to see that waitress again. I do miss the vegetable curry there, because their curry is much more rich, spicy and delicious than Ittyo.
(2)
Princess M.
This is an institution among students in Boston....well at least among my circle of friends. I think I ate here almost once every week over my four years in Boston. Somehow I can't get sick of their food. My favorites are the boneless fried chicken, fried chicken curry, miso-marinated mackerel, hamburg steak on rice and spicy beef bowl. All super duper yummy. You can always request for an extra fried egg or cheese to be added to anything. I love those extras with my curry (sounds weird with cheese but it's really yummy). Service is always quick and they've gotten their operations here down to an art. It's tiny but you can fit a group of 5 or so if you don't mind waiting a little. The lines get long during peak lunch/dinner hours but I say it's totally worth the wait. You can place your order while in line so that your dish will be ready when you're table is ready. It's located right beside the Porter Exchange T-stop and there's also a parking lot that's free.
(5)
Erin F.
Do not be fooled by its appearance, some things are more than what they seem. What looks like a run of the mill food court joint is so much more. I randomly heard of this porter square cafe and thought it sounded like a fun and different experience in an area of greater Boston that I haven't really given enough of my time. And Japanese food is certainly out of the ordinary Boston pub scene. I was not disappointed. My friend and I decided we were going to have a fun, different, and cheap night. I was a little worried when we first got there and the place looked like a common "japanese" sidebar at the mall. There were two long tables right next to the counter. We got there early, around 6, so there weren't may people there. You are seated where you fit, meaning you may be sitting next to people you don't know. If that's fine with you, which it was for us, continue reading. The menu had a great selection and was fabulously priced. The beef Yaki-Don was excellent. Thinly sliced beef bits with scallions and onions over white rice. (free refills of white rice!!) The beef was seasoned just right and had an excellent flavor. The waitress was great and very attentive. She had no problem bringing me extra rice and extra spoons and the like. Place got crowded when we left shortly before 7. I didn't know this place had such a following! There was an odd selection of music which sounded like a mix of japanese and reggaeton. Wasn't overwhelming and certainly added an element of interesting to the whole experience. The place is very low key and very informal. If you're looking for an easy, cheap, interesting, and quick meal, I would certainly check this place out.
(4)
Robert C.
I don't think you'll find this review very helpful because anyone that asks me about cafe mami will hear me tell them that it's the max rating on whatever scale they use, and that they absolutely have to try the curry. I'd talk about the incredibly diverse and politically correct menu, but I only ever get the pork veggie curry with cheese, and I'm sure that offends quite a few abrahamic religions. Bottom line is go try it, and try to show up at a not-so-peak hour because the wait gets long (but do stay anyway because it's worth it) Perfect aftermath for a daytime/morning drinking session, such as post Tufts Spring Fling (yall know what I'm talking about).
(5)
Andrea B.
If I had a Cafe Mami on my college campus, I probably would have been the size of a house. Because I would've been there every day. Their Japanese food is cheap and tastes good. It makes for great hangover food, great I-should-be-studying-but-I'd-rather-be-eating food, or just a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. One word of advice - don't spend $3.50 on the green tea milkshake unless you're really, really a fan of green tea. I liked it the first few sips, but I ended up barely drinking half of it. You're better off putting that money towards another bowl of Tatsuta Don!
(4)
Jim M.
Delicious! Can't believe this gem was in my neighborhood.
(5)
Ed Y.
A real hidden jewel in porter square Cambridge. Located in the porter exchange building it has only 2 tables and 1 small counter. Seating capacity is like 13 the most. There is always a line but you can take out too. All dishes are authentic Japanese fast food. I always order the Japanese chicken, completely different from American chicken it is to die for. Comes with a potato, salad and unlimited rice. With a drink it runs you about $10, a real bargain. Its definitely worth the wait or take out and eat in your car. Its truly unbelievable!!!
(5)
Kara S.
This is another instance where I am willing to overlook less than stellar service because the food is just that good. They have a weird way of seating people, where they need to fill one of the two small tables before they'll seat anyone at the second one. This was a little annoying to me and my friends when we went tonight, but we shook it off. I'm glad we did. I ordered the same dish I had the last time I went---yaki don, thin slices of spicy marinated beef over rice--and it was just as good as I remembered. I will probably never ever eat anything else on the menu, it's just that good. And so perfectly paired with the sweet smoothness of a green tea milkshake. My friend Carrie, who is a vegetarian, had the veggie teriyaki don w/tofu and was very happy with it. My friend Mary had the Oyako Don (chicken and egg over rice) and liked it, but said she would probably order the Yaki Don next time. Yes, IT IS JUST THAT GOOD! See my photo of the dish for a visual clue to the deliciousness of the yaki don!
(5)
Kathleen M.
The yaki-don brought me back for a second date, but the Tokyo hamburg set made me fall in love. I can't speak for its authenticity, but this place serves up some delicious dishes. My fave is the hamburg set, always with egg and cheese--delicious seasoned ground beef with a tomatoey sauce, rice, the egg (over easy), a side salad, and a mini baked potato. Haven't sampled too much more since my love affair with the aforementioned hamburg set, but all looks delicious. Cute, very small place with efficient, no nonsense service. I always take out, but if you eat in, you may make new friends with people at the table next door. Extremely affordable, extremely delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)
Ina C.
$5 for a delicious yaki-don before 2pm on weekdays. Need I say more? There are a handful of options in the $5 lunch menu, and I was a little afraid of the yaki-don because it was described as "spicy." But don't worry - if you've had spicy before and can stomach it, this stuff will be harmless. Thin slices of beef over rice topped with scallions and a delicious sauce? Mmmm... Be prepared to be cozy with your fellow diners - This place has space for no more than 12 people. We sat at a table for 6 with two other parties. There's a tiny free parking lot to the left of the complex. Other than that, there's a cheap lot nearby and metered spots. Cash only. I love this place and I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jeff D.
I love Erin H's review, because she brings up the non-food things that make Cafe Mami the quintessential Japanese restaurant. It's tiny, the seating is very crowded and you'd better bring cash or it's no go. While I like the hamburger sets, I almost always end up getting katsu-kari with a pork cutlet. The cutlet is always juicy and while I tend to like my curries a bit more rich and spicy than they do it here, it's very good and they always serve fukuzinzuke (the red daikon pickles) with their curry. I do wish they offered a curry udon set, I might suggest that to them next time I am there.
(5)
Tracy C.
Mmmmmm... where can I even begin? Cafe mami is the type of Japanese restaurant that I didn't expect from Boston-Cambridge area. Most of the places I have been to in the city are Chinese or Korean owned and serve mainly sushi and some Americanized hot dishes. But cafe mami? well yeah it has amazingly yum hamburger steaks, all kinds of chicken and pork katsu in their dons or dishes, and rice plates that seem so simple to swallow that makes you feel that it's not an "exotic" ethnic food joint that you need a special stomach for. The thing is, the techniques and the flavors in these foods are so authentic (thats why the hamburger is amazingly delicious and you just can't figure out why it's not the same at the UNOs down the street). I find everything priced fairly except for the green tea milk shake...yes the taste is heavenly but $3.50 for a tiny cup is not. The place is small, and there are so few seats, but i find it worth the wait every time.
(5)
Juliana N.
JAPANESE HAMBURG SET =) Teriyaki style. I think the other styles are really great too like the Toko style with the tomato sauce, the Wafu ginger and ponzu sauce, and the chili tomato set. Delicious meat served with rice, a baked potato and a side salad. How can you go wrong. Costs less than $9. I love this place. My friends and I come here often and we always manage to get a seat within 5-10 minutes! We come here for lunch around 12:30pm. The service is quick and accurate. The waitresses are always really nice. If you've never had japanese hamburg, you must try!
(5)
Yoonie C.
Super tiny corner, but with yummy casual Japanese food. Great Tonkatsu, and Udon stir-fry. Fried shumai were super hot from being fresh out of the fryer, and the sauce was so delicious! This reminded me of a "boon shik jum" which is the word in Korean - who knows the equivalent in Japanese? I'm not sure what the equivalent is in English either... only "great casual food" comes to mind.
(4)
Te R.
i tried their yaki don lunch special. it was $5 or something. the serving was the right size. and it was delicious. we also had their frozen green tea. it was very sweet, but it's how it's supposed to be. they don't have much seating, so it might not be great for group. there are other things on the menu that i would like to try next time i'm in town. this place is inexpensive, cute, and quite delicious.
(4)
Andy L.
I come here every couple months because it's one of the best values on food in town, and it's real close to the T-stop where I live. The young asians in the porter exchange mall keep the tiny space (2 tables and a tiny bar!) crowded for dinner, which portends well for its authenticity. I only ever get the same thing for dinner because it works for me: Yaki Don (thin fried beef, onions, bean sprouts over a bed of nice rice). I pay 9 dollars including tip, and I get free miso soup to start off. I eat the whole thing including the garnish. I never get a spoon for my miso soup and have to ask for one. Is that normal? It still tastes top-notch, so I get over it quickly. You'll be able to get a seat quickly if you show up alone and are willing to sit at the bar so that you are staring into the side of a green tea milkshake machine. This doesn't bother me, but it makes it harder to get the attention of the only server - who has to wait tables and handle take-out orders. Just because I only get one dish doesn't mean it's the only good one. I often look around and see that people are digging into very different things than I have like they get it all the time. You'll probably find something like that for yourself if you give this place a few tries.
(4)
piggy c.
It hard to find "good" cheap eats in boston...other than usual trips to Chinatown or a stop by a pizza or burrito joint...there is not much else. this would be considered Boston's little tokyo...located in porter square there is a range of jap/korean restaurants lined along each other in an unassuming building...after eating at each place i would have to say hands down this is my favorite joint... I love cafe mami!!!...its good food on the cheap fast and easy. when i go there always seems to be a line...you share tables with patrons...you go about your way and eat pay and be done...this place is CASH ONLY! i love their salad...its something about the dressing that really does it for me...plates that i would recommend are the hamburg set topped with a sunny side egg....the hamburg is tender and slighty sweet from the sauce...its a match made in heaven paired with rice....my 2nd dish would be the chicken piccata....its pieces of dark meat fried it comes with a dollop of japanese mayo....UGH sooooooo good!
(4)
Orly M.
I love you Cafe Mami! LOVE. The line is always ridiculous but there is a reason. The food is yummy and affordable and amazing. On Saturdays I have a particularly hard workout day and once i'm done with my afternoon session, i haul ass to Mami and get there right when they open. I get chicken yaki don over salad instead of rice. Add some sriracha and it's so delicious. I walk home sipping my miso and then devour my Japanese goodness. I usually end up drinking the sauce, which I probably shouldn't admit. For $7.50 there are few more perfect meals in the world.
(5)
Alex C.
Simply put it, cheap eats that is good. When I were in college, I use to come here all the time because of its simply goodness. On those Thursday nights when I don't feel cooking, cafe mami would pop up like nothing else. Good thing cafe mami pop up because on a college budget, it would hurt my wallet if anything else I would crave came up. My favorite dish is the veggie curry but with the beef. Like many user said before, it small and can get crowded. You wouldn't be surprise if some random people join your table to savor the cafe mami food. Well worth the wait, and well worth the price. An all-star in my book
(5)
Cara P.
ORLY GOT ME ADDICTED TO CHICKEN YAKI DON Girl, didn't steer me wrong. They only take cash, and for some reason I suck at ordering there....I just say.."What she's having".....Sure, my hair frizzes up while waiting in the walkway and it is crowded and I feel like I am invading people's personal boxes of space. I just don't care. Perfect, after workout food. Now, I just have to remember to workout See you Friday.
(5)
Amanda L.
I'd just like to point out, that you are more likely to win the lottery than get a seat at Cafe Mami. That being said, Cafe Mami is my new favorite at the Porter Sq Exchange. I first heard of Cafe Mami through Phantom Gourmet (When I could still stand it). It was their burger episode, and they mentioned how Cafe Mami had "Steak Sets" which were similar to a burger except without the bun, and about 1000x better. Holy crap, I have never agreed with the Phantom more. I got the Terriaki Steak Set. You have the option of adding melted cheese, a fried egg, or both for $1.00 or $2.00. Yes PLEASE. Ok, so I only got the fried egg, that's healthy....right?? I'm just going to say yes for the sake of my wellbeing. Um, it was AMAZING. Your mouth is going to have an orgasm with all the flavors and textures that are going on. FYI, dunk all your rice into the juicy goodness that's left over. Yum. I haven't tried anything else, but they have about 6 different Steak Sets, and needless to say, I'm excited to go back.
(5)
brian w.
Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. If you take away nothing else from yelp today, make sure to remember this one menu item: Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. Cafe Mami is the only place in beantown where you can get curry katsu that rivals what you might find in LA or Hawaii. The curry is worth the trip up to Porter Square, and it's worth the wait for seating (which isn't bad at all off-hour). My buddy likes the Japanese Hamburg, and another friend of mine swears by the Tetsuya Curry. I would comment on other menu items if I could, but I must confess that my knowledge of the Cafe Mami menu is far from exhaustive. That's because I can never bring myself to order anything but the curry katsu.
(5)
Tanya O.
Sooo good!
(5)
Byron M.
A japanese approach to curry. Imagine having something crunchy with curry. That is what they do here. They prepare a katsu with panko bread crumbs and fresh chicken and serve it over rice and curry that has been cooking all day. The result is a flavor and texture profile that is quite satisfying. I am told that this katsu curry dish is what kids in Japan eat. It is marvelous. I also like their toyko hamburger, you can see my previous review for that. This is still a very nice place for cheap eats ala japan. As I have said before in my last review, don't go there if you are in a rush, because it gets awfully busy, and there is often a wait. They only have a few tables, and you will probably need to share a table. Mangia!
(4)
Insun M.
Service: The hostess tries her best to accommodate everyone despite the long lines and is very very efficient. My meal came out just seconds after i finished my miso soup =) Food: Every time I go here I get the chicken or pork katsu with curry. SOOOOO GOOD. Good portion size too.
(4)
Aretha B.
I had a damn good meal tonight at Cafe Mami. I had the fried pork cutlet on white rice with red pickled cabbage and a ladle full of japanese curry. It was very filling and flavorful. The curry was INTENSE in flavor, but not too spicy. Sriracha on the table for those who like it hotter. It was a tender pork cutlet. Nice crunchy breading, even under the sauce. OMG OMG so good. Me wanty more. Too bad this place is so busy and not more convenient to me. But I will def come back.
(4)
Leeta W.
Some of the chefs there attend my Taekwondo school in Porter Square so I finally gave in and tried it. I I am absolutely addicted to their Japanese Curry. To a gravy and carb lovin-American, it's the closest thing to food heaven. Throw in some friend chicken (Tatsuta Curry) and it's borderline sinful. I have heard that their Hamburge Sets and Donburi ("rice bowls) are amazing too but I can't NOT get the yummy, creamy, slightly spicy goodness that is curry.
(5)
G Y.
My husband and I come here at least once a week for their wafu hamburg set. Great value for money. There is not much seating, however, so timing is everything. We even go get takeout every so often.
(5)
Heather P.
I finally tried Cafe Mami's green tea shake on a warm summer day; it was delicious and hit the spot! The drink reminded me of the matcha soft serve ice cream that you find in Japan. I am also a big fan of Mami's mackerel entree (saba shioyaki).
(5)
Jackie Y.
Cafe mami is a MUST whenever I head back to Boston. Delicious homestyle Japanese food is harder to come by in NY... Dishes I HAVE to get: Tokyo Style Hamburg Set with Cheese and a Fried Egg served with homemade tomato sauce, rice, potato, and simple side salad: the texture of this beef patty is amazing, extremely tender. I would love to learn how to make this so I don't have to go all the way to Boston to get this... Ninniku Chicken Set: this garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate with carrots and a small potato is HOT (tempurature-wise) which I love and I highly recommend dipping the potato in the garlic-lemon sauce on the hot plate! Dishes I will get if I am with more than one person: Any and all Curry dishes! Items I'll PASS on: Fried Shrimp Shumai: Nothing special here, almost tastes like lightly fried shrimp paste.
(4)
Anne M.
Good food!!! Udon noodles were excellent!
(5)
Jang David K.
I forgot to talk about their tofu....oh....please get it!!! I didn't like tofu until I ate their tofu salad. Actually, get their fish dish as well. YOu know what, forget it....get everything there....i love every single dish in this restaurant...not kidding. See, Cafe Mami has a WoW factor....you are a 5 star forever.
(5)
Tom E.
About 4 bites into my meal here was when I, the Emperor, looked down on the new clothes I'd been given and suddenly realised that it had all gone wrong. Was this some kind of joke? What was I doing here? Why had a waited in line to be seated next to a slush machine for this food? Was I back in '97 on my student budget with no culinary clue? I was! I was eating a small jacket potato with a burger drowned in ketchup and a fried egg on top. My partner was having breaded chicken cutlet with English mustard and brown (HP) sauce. It was uncanny - this is exactly the cheap mess I used to cook up myself from the Tesco's Value frozen range back in the gastronomic wasteland that was my late-nineties life in England. They didn't even forget the soggy token side-salad. I was even drinking a can of coke! And yet all these people in line, and all these glowing reviews from trusted friends espousing the wonders of Japanese canteen cuisine. It's strange - the miso was great but apart from that I obviously don't get it, or maybe I ordered the wrong things. But then I also for once want to support that little part of my brain that shouts out every time I try some new ethnic cuisine - "It's probably all a con - they're all laughing in the kitchen - they're joking about you back in their home country!" I may come back and see if they have any of my other staples from 1997 - battered fish sticks in a white bread sandwich, baked beans served in a mug with a frankfurter to stir it with, pot noodle with squeeze cheese...
(2)
Justin G.
I have been coming to Cafe Mami for about 5 years now and have never been let down. Everyone that I have ever taken here has left feeling as enthusiastic about the place as I was after eating here the first time. My favorite selections on the menu are: Yaki Don, Seaweed Salad, BBQ Hamburger Set and their Chicken Katsu are all wonderful. The staff is always very friendly and will work hard to accommodate you and your party. The only drawbacks are that they are located in a tiny storefront so you may be seated at a joint table with people you don't know and they also don't accept credit cards (only reason for 4/5 stars). All in all, Cafe Mami is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area and I highly recommend that anyone in search of hearty Japanese fare check it out!
(4)
Andrew M.
This place is SO GOOD. It's the ber-ZOMB! Very small, you have to wait and then share a table. "Real food, real cheap." (Maybe it is Yelp reincarnated as a restaurant.) And a super vibe. We are both miso enthusiasts and we found the miso to be delectable. My gf was not that into her dish, but admitted that it was because she just didn't really know what it was going to be (and neither did I). She totally gives it "gobishi" (or whatever 5 stars is) and we can't wait to go back.
(5)
Huan z.
Never thought I would try this place but you always see a long waiting line when you pass-by. Until a friend told me in ski trip this is his favorite cheap place, I decided to give a shot. The place is very small but food come quickly. I wasn't sure if the food would be good cause I thought why a Japanese restaurant would have a dish called some thing Hamburger. Out of my surprise, foods tastes OK. Every dish came with a miso soup. Cheap and tasty! Oh, plus the waiter is very friendly.
(3)
Kenny L.
The lively hustle and bustle of this place reminds me of Osaka, Japan! I've been to Porter Exchange many times now for my authentic Japanese fixes after moving to Boston and this places always seems to be the busiest out of all the eateries there. There is a counter for up to three people, as well as three tables for groups. And the open kitchen is a welcoming sight to watch during eating and all the Japanese talk between the chiefs and waitresses made me miss Japan all over again! Be prepared to wait to dine in but they have menus displayed outside and are ready to take your order before you are seated. I also noticed many orders for the go! As for me, I enjoyed a nice dine-in experience and had the curry pork cutlet tonkatsu ($8.50) and it was oishii (delicious)! The katsu was very comparable to what I had in Kyoto and not greasy at all, while there was plenty of rice to keep you full. Miso and salad with Japanese dressing came before it and that was very enjoyable as well! I missed out on the green tea milk shake but will have to try it next time ($3.50). Cash only please and they're closed on Tues (thanks Yi-Hwa H.). Sorry Ittyo, but Cafe Mami will be my food geisha from now on! "Gochisoosama," says the wise Lin san. 11/11 Update: Came back today to try their Tokyo Hamburg Set. It has miso soup, salad with Japanese dressing, small potato, rice, and meatloaf like hamburg with Japanese tomato sauce that not too tangy and a bit sweet. Not bad at all! To the pretty Japanese waitress: pass me your number next time I get the check?
(5)
J L.
The service there has been deteriorating..My friend ordered a chicken curry and received a chicken cutlet with some sour sauce that tasted like A1 instead. We voiced the mistake and yet the waitress said he pointed to the picture of the chicken cutlet. If she had listened instead of looking we wouldn't have the wrong order..We just ask for the waitress to give us the curry sauce instead of having the entire order replaced and she said she MUST charge us $5 for the freaking sauce ONLY! How fair is that??!! Geez, we just asked for sauce and they have to be so damn cheap about it. The waitress sounded like the business will close down if they don't charge us the 5 bucks. This place has officially lost two customers. If you don't do it right someone else will..
(1)
John P.
Three words: Green Tea Milkshakes. If not for a lack of vegetarian options, this would easily be 5 stars.
(4)
Di Yin L.
The Tetsua set (fried chicken, rice, mayonnaise, salad and miso soup) is the best of its kind I've had on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The chicken is well brined, juicy, and not greasy. The miso soup acts as a great palate clenser. The waiters are very kind, particularly when there's a rush. They take your order before you sit, to speed up the process. The place is small - about three tables and a bar - and the wait can be long.
(5)
Carl G.
Like a previous reviewer said...Tokyo Hamburg Set...Everytime, this is a remarkable and unique offering I only see here...and I love it! Ambiance is good, only two tables so you'll be seated with a couple strangers, my group of cohorts are usually a loud obnoxious type, but it's all in appreciation of the good food and good company. I highly recommend their food
(5)
Emily H.
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. After a disappointing visit to Sapporo Ramen, I was about to write off all the shops in this mini-mall as just "bleh". Glad we tried this place as well. Bf and I got a katsu-don and katsu-curry. What can I say? It was super cold and damp out today and I just wanted some Japanese comfort food to warm up my bones. The curry came with salad and both meals came with miso soup. Very generous portions, we boxed up the last 1/3 of our meal to eat later! Meal came out to be a whooping $17. FANTASTIC. Cafe Mami is a great balance of affordability, quantity and quality. Will go again. Protip: $5 Dons (or curry rice) for lunch! They open at 11:45am and the specials go until 2pm on Mondays-Fridays. Extra fantastic :)
(4)
Julissa P.
Great authentic Japanese curry, love the salmon yaki don and that salad dressing that they use is delicious. I come here often, it's cheap and the staff is friendly. Just kind of awkward facing the cooks when eating. I definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Daniel H.
Traditional Japanese Comfort food. Authentic and incredible. I've been coming here for years and NEVER been disappointed. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is to die for. Typically I get donburi--basically, a ridiculously tasty rice bowl concoction. My favorite would have to be Yaki Don (spicy shredded beef, various vegetables, some picked radishes, perfectly cooked rice) though Oyaki Don is probably the most classic and one of their most popular. I've also had a number of their sizzling plates--Yaki Udon, Wafu Tatsu Set, a spicy chicken dish I cannot recall the name of--and a number of cutlet and curry plates, and it is ALL good. If you can, try going for lunch. You get basically the same menu as dinner but several dollars cheaper (like, $6 for Miso and Yaki Don!). Also, the green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I don't get it often but it's high quality. Seating is tight and you may have to wait...but it's worth it...wayyyy worth it. Cashish Only.
(5)
Jessica C.
What's the big deal??! There is NOT enough seating here... and the wait is forever! The food is not bad, but its not that great either! Everything is pretty salty! But i guess everyone likes this place for the economical prices?!?! Hmmmmm.. The green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I always get one whenever I'm at porter exchange. I like to grab a green tea milkshake while waiting in line for Sapporo Ramen!!!
(3)
DD T.
My favorite dishes, being an Asian myself are: -Chicken tatsuta -Rock'n chicken -Hamburg set And guess what, unlimited refill of Japanese rice! In case you have not known this, the restaurants here work together like a food court. If someone in your party feels like having noodle instead of rice, you can still sit here and order from the restaurant next door.
(5)
Alan S.
As someone with a Japanese background, I am thankful that there is a place like this in Greater Boston. Nothing fancy, but for $7-8, I can get a delicious Japanese meal that is filling. I got there at 11:30 (15 minutes before opening) on a Sunday morning and got in no problem but there was a line 10 people deep by the time I left. The restaurant is small (fits maybe 15 people). I got the katsudon (chicken cutlet with egg and rice) and my dad got the oyakodon (chicken, egg, rice). Both were delicious.
(4)
Roxanne B.
After all the positive yelp reviews, had to try this "hole in the wall" in the "Shops at Porter" on MA Ave. All 3 of us tried Mami's special Yaki Udon. Got noodles? Oh yeah - but that's all it had - I counted 3 dime-size pieces of thigh meat chicken and a trace of broccoli - for $8.99 each. It was like eating an Italian spaghetti dinner without the meat! And their is a sign on their wall that says prices are going up as of May 1st. Sorry Mami - won't be visiting again anytime soon.
(1)
Linda H.
This place is legit. I've been craving some good authentic Japanese food since I've moved to Boston from New York City. I was accustomed to my little Japanese joints which served good, cheap food. After perusing through yelp, I found Cafe Mami, and thank heavens I did. I ordered the tofu with bonito (called Yakko?) and the chicken cutlet curry. SO GOOD. I gobbled it down like an unashamed fat child. My boyfriend got some sort of beef Don, which tasted a bit like korean bbq with beansprouts over rice. Also good. My boyfriend LOVED it. I also got the greentea milkshake, also good, but was too full to finish it. Portions are large, service is sweet, and the prices are just right. Seating is limited (4 tables for 2 and 3 bar stools) to it's best to come at a random time. My boyfriend can't stop talking about this place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lola O.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. This place has a very limited seating (three seats at the bar, two tables of four) so my friend and I had to share a table with other people, and honestly they were loud and annoying. This place is cash only which is annoying, and they close at like 9. The food is okay, but nothing special. I had the Oyaki Don, it was okay, kind of bland. I forget what my friend had, but same story, good but I've had better. The price is reasonable and the service is fast and friendly, I'll give them that. I just expected a lot more after reading a couple of yelp reviews.
(2)
Kat T.
Cheap, authentic, Japanese food? Yes please! After living in Japan for a few months I was sick and tired of Miso soup with every meal and some form or other of soba, udon, or donburi. However, never EVER did I get sick of curry. If you want curry like I need curry, go here. You can never go wrong with a katsu curry. Especially with an egg & cheese. The price is cheap (I'm a student, so I know cheap), the food is delicious, service is nice and fast. My only qualm is that it's cash only, but even that is remedied by the existence of an atm a few yards away. Now if only they would move this place to Harvard square instead of Porter... time to fill up the Charlie card.
(5)
Paul C.
If you've read any of my other reviews, the ratings are pretty high. WHY?! because I only eat at amazing places! This place is completely hidden (if you don't have yelp to help you out). I'm tired of Japanese restaurants that are only Japanese because they have sushi. Sushi-less Japanese restaurants are so rare, that it adds an even more greatness to this eating establishment. Just as a side note, I heard that people around the New England area come to Porter Square because Cafe Mami is THAT GOOD. Cafe Mami is really small, so if you don't mind taking out, then you'll have no problem. If you want to stay, then you might have to wait a little bit, but trust me... it's worth the wait. I've been here a couple of times, but during my more recent visit, I decided to get the WAFU HAMBURG STEAK. It's kind of like a thick hamburger patty, covered with different sauces, along with a steaming potato, salad, and rice (unlimited refills). It's a lot of food, so bring those stretchy pants that you would wear to a buffet. I would also recommend the WAFU TATSUTA SET. Basically like ginger infused fried chicken strips. freaking NOM-O-LICIOUS finish it all off with a GREEN TEA MILKSHAKE!!! CASH ONLY!
(5)
Ashley D.
so pleasantly surprised to find such good japanese food in this little complex! there are a number of little places to eat at in here, but from what my friend tells me this is the best. there are only a few tables so the wait can get pretty long but luckily there were still a few seats left at the bar when we got there. first ordered a green tea milkshake which was really good. creamy and refreshing and sort of tastes like a green tea version of a creamsicle. don't wait until the end of the meal to finish it though because when it's sitting out for a while it gets warm and kinda foamy and just doesn't taste that great anymore. i ordered the chili tomato hamburg set and was very satisfied. my friend likewise enjoyed the yaki chicken tofu plate (you can substitute the beef for chicken if you'd like). the hamburg sets come with rice, potato, salad, and miso soup and i finished every last bite of it. the hamburg is pretty much like a meatloaf soaked with tomato sauce and while it doesn't sound like much, i love this simple classic combo with rice. i definitely want to come back and try some of the other stuff next time i'm in need of some good comfort food. don't forget cash only! but there is a bank of america ATM in the plaza if you need it.
(4)
Judy L.
There are only 3 tables and 3 bar seats!!! So wait time may take quite awhile. It's not a particularly authentic Japanese cafe, with the Cantonese and Mandarin songs blaring in the background, but it was good nontheless. We ordered yaki soba, which I highly recommend. It was seasoned with black pepper that added a kick to it while it was not overly-drenched in soy sauce like most other non-authentic Japanese places would do. We also ordered pork cutlet donkatsu which was good as well, though I'd much prefer the yakisoba. Will return!
(3)
Joanna F.
My Chinese friend raved about this place, so my boyfriend and I finally went with him this weekend. We sat down immediately on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere won't blow you away but the food will. I ignored my friend's suggestions and tried the Yaki Don. I liked it, but one taste of my boyfriend's curry made me realize what I was missing. The curry was like no other curry I've had before. It was a little heavier than Indian or Thai curries and much richer. It was fabulous. The group seating could be a little awkward, but I didn't mind too much when two random people sat right next to us. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Dan B.
Went here for dinner today and got the Yaki Beef Tofu (Hot Sizzling Plate) main dish. It had thinly sliced beef with scallions, tofu in Mami's spicy sauce, carrots and a boiled potato. To start, it comes with a miso soup. If you need more rice with the entree, its free. I got a hot tea as well which came in a plastic cup (not a fan of that). That little ding didn't matter much as I was having a very delicious Japanese comfort food meal on a cool fall night. As most places in Shops at Porter, cash only.
(4)
Anne W.
When you don't feel like sushi.. it is good to get some traditional Japanese fare. Be sure to bring some cash.. this place is a no frills where you sit at the counter or share tables with some strangers. Best things on the menu.. lemon chicken and miso fish. I need to learn how to make this. About $9 per dish.. and always a line. Best value for the money for restaurants in Porter Square.
(5)
John P.
Okay maybe not super cheap... basically anything is 8.99$, but @$*&# delicious. Had steak, egg, cheese with tomato sauce... it was delicious. Gf's Teriyaki was a little too salty. Delicious! Cash only = lame.
(4)
Nors P.
My go-to for comfort food. Nothing like some donburi to make you feel loved!
(5)
Ellice S.
This is our never-fail place when we lived in Boston. Even now that we're in California, I still dream of this place and I haven't found a replacement yet. Fried Chicken marinated in ginger, Fried Shumai, Spicy Beef bowl and Oyako Don --- yummm, I also love their sweet carrot side which I have tried to replicate without success. Also have to mention how fun it is to sit at the bar area just because you can see japanese efficiencies at it's best. From the really fast compact dish washer to the prepared meats ready to be cooked.
(5)
Raymond W.
Cafe Mami, located in the Lesley University Student Center, serves home style Japanese fare at a small humble outpost along with other various food court style restaurants. A friend from college recommended the hamburg set while my sister order a $5 lunch special of a bulgogi like beef dish over a bowl of rice. Both were satisfying and inexpensive with the meal coming out to under $20 with a tofu appetizer before tax and tip. A great place to get some cheap food with out feeling guilty about price or unhealthier alternatives. Please remember to bring cash and know that there are under 10 seats available.
(4)
Tiffany D.
I have bad luck when it comes to wanting to try this place. The only one time that I saw it not packed with a line was when I went to Porter Sq. to try octopus balls from Tampopo (haha) anyways. I didn't eat THERE (I got takeout - which is why I didn't get the hamburg plate that I've heard good things about) so I got the spicy beef bowl (the other thing that I've heard about from there) and it was phenomenal. It wasn't spicy tho :( I like how it comes with a little cup of free miso soup hehe just wish there was more seaweed and tofu in it. I also didn't get to try their green tea milkshakes (waa!) but there's always a next time... This place is TINY you have to go during a non-rush hour to get a seat. And it's horrible for groups larger than 2 or 3 cuz you probably can't really sit together. Also, (looking at the survey below as I write this) who said this place was good for breakfast???
(4)
Julia H.
Extremely small place. Did not find the food to be as great as everyone says it is. It is very basic and cheap. I got sick afterwards. Enough said!
(1)
linda c.
This place is always packed~ espeically during weekend dinner time. expect at least 15min wait, and make sure you know what you want before you go. The food is amazing, its simple and affordable. love love~ love their hamburger set and boneless chicken.
(5)
Timothy L.
This is one of my favorite places to eat at Porter Square. I'm a big fan their Ninniku Chicken Set, garlic/lemon chicken with ginger sauce on a sizzling hot plate. When I'm not feeling like eating chicken, I'll get the Tokyo Hamburg Set (Hamburger without the bun) or Yaki Don (shaved steak stir fried with onions/beansprouts in a spicy sauce). Most of their sets are about $9. Only problem is this place is tiny and wait time are a bit long. So I would recommend not going during lunch/dinner times.
(4)
peggy c.
Simple. Fast. Delicious. As others have mentioned, the space is small, the food delicious and the staff friendly. It's a great casual place to grab some yummy Japanese food when the craving hits. I heart donburi!
(4)
Moomin T.
Words to the wise: what is served here as "hamburger" is more like what we in America would call meatloaf (i.e., the meat has been cut with breadcrumbs). It is more like a meatloaf in the shape of a hamburger to be precise. I do not deny that it is fairly tasty, but if you are looking for a real burger I'd stick with Mr. B's (especially if you are local and can go on a weeknight in winter to avoid the touristy crowd). As for the "hamburger" (a.k.a. meatloaf) our Japanese friends are serving: it is a nice variation on a theme. I got the one with tomato sauce and my dining partner got the teriyaki version. The waitress was really the high point of the meal: such a friendly and helpful person! There are only two tables in this 'restaurant' so you better come at an off-time or expect to stay in line for a while waiting for somewhere to sit.
(3)
masa s.
Er. Maybe I'm spoiled, but this place was just okay. Service was nice, food was decent, atmosphere was so so. I had the veggie donburi, which was what I expected. I liked it, but it was nothing special. They only had one server who was rushing around, barely keeping things together. She seemed a bit frazzled, but I guess 2 people would have been overkill? Dunno. The prices were okay, though.
(3)
Mimi X.
I came in with high expectations from reading the other yelp reviews, but was disappointed. It was just ok. We shared a table with some strangers in the cramped restaurant, which was about the size of my bedroom. I hoped the food would live up to the hype.... but sadly it was forgettable: although inexpensive, (dinner for 2 was about $20), the Hamburg steak was basically meatloaf with tomato sauce, and my thinly shredded beef was a little too sweet. I kept thinking it needed a spicy kick to be satisfying. I could be convinced to go back and give it a second try, perhaps going for one of the curries- but I would not go out of my way to return.
(3)
Brian W.
This place is really good, especially for Boston. The food is cheap and delicious. The service is quick, courteous, and accurate. Yeah it's small and cheek-to-jowl, but I kind of enjoy that atmosphere at times. It's something between a sit-down cafe and a streetside vendor, complete with all the bustle 2 feet away from you (although the street here is the inside of a mall). It's also fun to watch the staff work and take care of business. I haven't tried all the dishes yet, but they have pictures in the menu for all us non-initiates. The green tea milkshake is delicious!
(5)
David L.
Mmm...Tokyo Hamburger Set and Tatsuta Curry!!! Eating on the cheap at Cafe Mami was one of my weekly experiences when I used to live in the area. Now that I've moved out, I still make it over to Porter Exchange (and Cafe Mami) on occasion. I always get either the Tatsuta Curry or the Tokyo Hamburger set. Lately, I've been getting the curry more since it's something I've really never found anywhere else. But the same can be said about the Tokyo Hamburger set...hard choices indeed! There are only two tables and some counterspace available, maybe sitting 12-15 people at the most in the tight little area, but that just adds to the mystique of the small crowded lunchtime food vendor that can both serve great food and turn over tables quickly!
(5)
Shuo S.
Cafe Mami is interesting Japanese food. Interesting in the sense that you've probably never seen any of the food on the menu advertised as Japanese. From "Hamburg Steak sets" to Japanese curry, the creations at this bistro have a unique sense of character. If you're going to Cafe Mami for dinner, expect to pay around $10-12. The portions are not exactly the biggest, but will satisfy. Do expect to wait in line if you want to be seated (there are only 2 tables, and 3 seats at a "bar"), and don't bring parties of more than 5 or 6 because you won't be seated together. Each "set" of food comes with an entree, miso soup, and as much rice as you can eat. The soup is done nicely here; it tastes really fresh, although some might say it's a little salty. Each entree also comes with a salad of lettuce, carrots, and japanese dressing, as well as a small roasted potato. The food here is definitely interesting, but my main gripe is that for $8.50, there's not enough food on the plate. Try a teriyaki hamburg steak set if you're going for the first time, or if you're into something spicier, try a curry dish or one of the chef's specials on the back of the menu. The green tea milkshake is really good as well; a 16-ounce cup of it will run you $3.50. Overall, Cafe Mami combines traditional Japanese flavors with bold, innovative creations to form new and interesting fare. Definitely try it at least once!
(4)
Alex B.
Really good. I'm not exactly sure what I just ate... but I read other yelp reviews and ended up with a burger type thing on a plate. The yaki-don was amazing, you're going to want to go ahead and order that.
(4)
Edward P.
wow, was gonna try Fugakyu but found out about this place. Their curry rice is the truth. this is how authentic japanese cuisine should taste like. Fugakyu costs 2x as much and cant be as good. ill still try them later so i can review them 2. but as far as authentic, economically priced japanese food, can't go wrong with Mami.
(5)
Po L.
CURRY! The curry is great here. This place is very authentic and similar restaurants in Japan. They only take cash and it can be a tad on the high side. The line for this place is similar to the DMV, but that's apart of the Cafe Mami experience. The service is good. I've been coming here for a long time now. You should give it a shot. Gambade!
(3)
Josh K.
Japan 1, USA 0. Burgers can get boring after a while. You have a burger, you have bun, and then you are done. Why not drench a burger patty in homemade teriyaki sauce, put it on a plate, and serve it with some rice and salad? Cafe Mami makes a delicious teriyaki burger patty served with rice and salad for a reasonable $7.99. I'd recommend this place as a quick place to stop to eat after work as it's a small place, so there could be a wait during peak times for groups of more than two.
(4)
D H.
Tasty hamburg. Tried the one with the special tomato sauce, as recommended by the staff there, but the oroshi ponzu one was very tempting I have to say. This is the place to go if you need a break from all the sushi and fusion crap (not saying that it's always bad) and want some good old homestyle Japanese food. I'll be back for more.
(4)
bozohazard H.
Chefs specials are excellent and not the average-asian-fusion. A bit pricey for everyday lunch ($9) but worth it!
(4)
Mark H.
I ordered the tatsuta chicken curry with an egg (over easy) and it was awesome. The curry had a perfect amount of spice and the chicken was tasty though I wish it were a bit crispier. Miso soup and a salad come with your order and you also get free refills on rice (if you're Asian or if you just love carbs, this should be enough of a reason to love this place). I also had a taste of the hamburg steak but I'm not sure which one it specifically was. I liked that a lot too and that's probably what I will order the next time I go
(5)
Lei L.
boston doesn't have a thriving japanese town like ny, but porter square is not bad! cafe mami is the place to go. the guys always want to go because they think the waitresses are cute...i get suckered to go, because i just craving eating asian food or seeing asian people sometimes. food here is good and inexpensive, A-rating for boston.
(5)
Andre C.
During lunch or dinner hours, you'll always find this establishment to be packed. Part of this can be attributed to the seating area, which is tiny. The food is simple, mostly consisting of Japanese rice bowls. They have some of the better teriyaki in Boston, although their curry is average and I've found the Katsu-Don to be a tad too "saucy" at times. The portions of the rice bowl is a little small to me, but then again I'm a big eater. Their sizzling plates are also quite good, and I especially like their Japanese hamburger meal. Nothing much in terms of appetizers or dessert, and avoid their Green Tea slush at all costs - I found it terribly bad. Lunch specials are great, $5 for a rice bowl and a miso soup. Service can be bad at times, I've had the experience of waiting for 20 minutes in line and sitting down at 2 minutes past 2pm only to have them refuse to serve lunch specials. Overall, good food at low prices, with service to match the price. If you can, call-in your takeout and save yourself the agony of standing in line for 30 minutes.
(4)
B. B.
This is a tiny restaurant in an array of tiny Asian restaurants located in the Porter Exchange shopping center. I always have the beef bowl (sliced beef, red pickled ginger, rice), though others I dine with usually have the spicy beef bowl (not really spicy), and the vegetable teryaki bowl. In general, the service is very friendly, though they get swamped pretty easily. And I used to love the green tea milkshakes, but now they have a milkshake machine, and they're not nearly as good.
(3)
Julie T.
I would say that for a period in my life, my friend and I would come here once or twice a week. Now that I've cut down and am only coming here about twice a month, I still love it. It's pretty apparent that I only order one thing off the menu cuz the waitress knows my order exactly how I like it: Chili Tomato Hamburg Set, extra spicy, extra sauce. A few changes here and there and it always tastes amazing, even if you eat it twice a week. It's cheap and awesome and it's so good that I just don't even know what to say about it. I guess if you gave this place under four stars...shame shame on you.
(5)
Hieu N.
This TEENY place is truly a hidden jewel. My brother and I stopped by with our mom in lieu of eating at a restaurant for Restaurant Week because we werent really hungry. Luckily we did so because we left happy. We had gyu-don, curry rice,tokyo hamburg set, and yaki-don. I wasnt really a fan of the gyu-don but it was good on another occasion, I thought it was a little under seasoned at the time but later on it was not bad. My favorite was the yaki-don, Im not really a fan of curry but the curry was pretty good I have to admit. The hamburg was soooo good, especially with the egg. It was my moms...but i couldnt help myself haha. On another occasion i tried the oyako don....dont try it. It was a weird watery half cooked chicken egg soup with rice. I did not like it at all. But that was my choice I suppose. The green tea smoothie was good too, its got more of a deeper green tea flavor than Im used to and it was great. Cheap deals, if you cant tell i got everything off the lunch special. Best 5 dollars (each dish) I've spent in a while. The waitress there is also suuuuppppperrrr cuuuute. Running around everywhere and talking to the chef in her little voice. We gave her a good tip because she definitely worked hard running around. The seating is small and you'll most likely have to share a table but make the best of it and chat it up. Great place, great food,
(5)
Hana C.
tokyo hamburg steak, chicken katsu curry, tatsuta age, yaki-don... with saracha sauce and green tea smoothie. omg so yummy! I love this place. I always get takeout too. A tiny place, and there is usually a line but so worth waiting. love this place. love!
(5)
Carlos D.
This is hands down the best Japanese curry I have had since I lived in Okinawa. Very reminiscent of Coco's curry. The service was quick and friendly, portions were large, and the price was very reasonable. I recommend the chicken cutlet curry and green tea milkshake. I can not wait to go back!
(4)
Chin C.
Great place to go for Japanese food. I love chicken curry, it's the best. The place is often crowded during lunch time or dinner, so you may like to drop by other time than that. You will get a good meal here and yeah it won't rip you out.
(4)
Bernice S.
To die for green tea ice cream milk shakes (that's a mouthful, literally) that'll clean out your wallet ($4!) if you're not careful; however, otherwise cheap eats ($5-$9) that are gastronomical treats, and I swear that Boneless Fried Chicken has something addictive in it; line-up if you arrive, like, 10 minutes after they open can suck big balls, 'specially if you have rugrats with you--oh, and only one high chair. (Ok, so I cheated in that review by misusing the semi-colon. Eats Shoots and Leaves, man.)
(4)
B C.
We have going to this place on weekends now for 10 year and I always wondered if this an authentic corner eatery that you would find on the streets of Tokyo. Since a number of my son's classmates were Japanese over the years, I had the opportunity to ask their parents (these parents, who are all recent arrivals, are usually here for 1-3 years sent either by their Company or here doing medical research). I am please to report this place is the real deal. I can never pass on the spicy beef and rice.
(4)
natalie c.
for any cheap authentic japanese food, where do i go? one answer: Cafe Mami. lunch specials have yaki-dons, gyu-dons for $5 (original price is $7). pretty good deal b/c it also comes with a piping hot delicious miso soup! gyu-don is pretty good. thin slices of marinated beef and onions over rice. only con is that sometimes the beef can be a little tough. every time i go i either get the tokyo hamburg with sunnyside up egg and cheese or the ninniku chicken. tokyo hamburg set is delicious! it tastes like a hamburger, but asian-fied and with rice! it also comes with a salad and small potato, but i can't even get to the extras because the hamburg is so filling and big. the outside of the hamburg is crispy, but inside its steaming hot and soft! yum! (i actually burned the roof of my mouth eating this yesterday ) ninniku chicken is for the times where i feel like i've had the hamburg too many times. its made with garlic and a ginger sauce. it comes sizzling out and is served with a potato as well. i think the best part is the carrot they give you with it, its really sweet and tasty! also comes with a miso soup people here are friendly and you are seated cafeteria style. i would only come here if you have a group of less than 4. you can also order sushi from kotobukiya sushi (right across) and they usually bring it over to your table so you can eat it with cafe mami's food! (cafe mami is okay with this too!) cash only! but there's a citibank and bank of america inside the square so its not so bad.
(5)
Susan D.
This place supported me during college. The best wholesome food offered in this itty Japanese mall. This place feels like home because you get bottomless white rice, sriracha sauce, and rice seasoning conveniently on your table. MUST: chicken curry, pork cutlet, beef patty with homemade red sauce and fried egg on top. CHEAP: dinner entrees -$7, lunch specials $5
Since this place revamped their menu I really miss the other fish dishes--the saba shioyaki and teriyaki. They were SO delicious and unlike you could get anywhere else or reproduce at home. I really wish they would bring them back. In spite of this, I still love Cafe Mami and will keep going back for the saba miso and green tea milkshakes.
(3)
Anino X.
I'll rate this closer to 3.5 stars. The portions were pretty big and the service was friendly and fast. I just thought the curry rice was not as good as Tampopo's next door. As far as I've seen, they're the only restaurant in the Porter Exchange that offers hamburg sets, which I'll probably give a try the next time I visit.
(3)
トモ T.
A nice small Japanese restaurant in the row of similar restaurants in Porter Exchange. They serve good western style Japanese food which you can get in Family Restaurants in Japan. I give only 3 stars because it's so hard to get seats at this place. It's also not a comfortable place to eat a meal. Points for it's price.
(3)
CeeCee R.
Good food for very good price. Been going there for years. Went there for lunch with my sister recently. I had Salmon Veggie Teriyaki bowl, which was a bit too much sauce but overall was good. She had a Beef bowl which she loved. Most of my friends and family love the Hamburg or the Chicken hot plate dish. My personal favorite was the Saba Teriyaki, which is discontinued a while back =(. Since it is a small place, you just have to be willing to share a table with strangers, but the speedy service, good food and friendly staff would make up for it.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Best Japanese curry I've had since leaving Japan. Tasted exactly like the stuff I got used to there and was the perfect portion. Go for the $5 lunch special!
(5)
Erin H.
I've only gotten the various hamburg sets... and can't get enough! The flavors are amazing and I'll even put up with the tiny space, sharing intimate tables with strangers and having enough cash on hand. The food is just so good.
(5)
S. C.
I'm giving it a 4 star instead of a 5 star. It wasn't an easy decision. They changed owners about a year ago. It is not the same as it used to be. With the original owner, I would have easily given it a 6 out of 5 - it was perfect each and every time. But, for the price, it is still the best around.
(4)
Ben L.
Cafe Mami is quite simply spectacular. Just thinking about it makes my eyes turn into gigantic hearts and if I have just eaten there you will know because my mouth will keep moving nonstop about the virtues of this petite little establishment. It is good to know that you are going to be getting real Japanese food if you go here. That means that you are going to be getting a lot of options that have very base flavors. You aren't going to get any super spicy thai dishes or odd asian fusion options. Also you are going to have a line. What ever your schedule is I would tack a half and hour, at least, before you plan to sit down. When you do sit down everything is flawless. if you are prepared you can even order your meal while you are waiting for your seat. With my meal I was started with a miso that was perhaps the best that I have ever had. next was a small little salad with just the right amount of dressing. Then I was KOed by the supreme curry pork. A perfect cutlet of pork prepared immaculately with plenty of amazing curry sauce. The sauce was utterly ideal with just enough spice without being hot and flavor that almost couldn't fit in your mouth. To add to their ideal food the staff keeps up every inch of the way. Each dish is perfectly timed and they are very friendly. I wouldn't recommend Mami everyday because the waiting might be enough to give you a heart attack. I would say that if you are feeling patient it is more than wort the wait. "You rock Cafe Mami" (pounds fist against heart and points finger towards Cafe Mami)
(5)
S T.
Great place to go if you want some Japanese comfort food. I ordered the pork katsu curry on rice. It was good, tasted exactly like home cooking. They also have a delicious green tea shake which is like a desert! Service was fast, efficient, and friendly. The lady asked if I wanted more water like 3 times. The only con about the place is the tight seating. Get there early!
(4)
Terry C.
This place is fantastic. The food is excellent, the service is great, and the prices are très reasonable. Because it's so tiny, you may have to wait for a seat, but the turnover is pretty quick and you probably won't end up waiting too long at all. My partner loves the chicken curry, but being a veg-head, I go for the veggie don. Delicious!
(5)
Jaime N.
I love the Teriyaki Hamburg set so much I can't bring myself to order anything else.. The waitresses are always so sweet and wonderful and the cooks behind the counter are always super friendly! The wait is no big deal- if you can't handle it you can always jump over to Tampopo or Ittyo, but if it's Hamburg you want, stick with Mami! Don't forget to try the green tea shake- my gf loves it!
(5)
Sean C.
I went there couple times. It is AWESOME Japanese Food and very original Japanese style. I have visited Japan couple times and taste quite the same here. I have no doubts that Cafe Mami is the best on in Boston - in terms of the quality and the price. The only thing can be criticized is some time I have to wait - the seat number are limited by the space and building regulation. The food is so good that It is wroth to wait, and I recommend to go some non-rush hour if possible.
(5)
A. T.
The Rock'n Chicken Set is oh so tasty but oh so, so salty -- definitely take advantage of the 'unlimited rice refills' for this one. You will also be satisfied with any of the Tatsuta or Cutlet dishes. Oh my Lord, I can't believe this was the first time I have ever been.
(5)
Andy S.
Katsu curry is great, I get it every time. It is quick and service is nice. Would be nicer if they expanded to a bigger place, so crowded always. Btw, try the green tea smoothie they have. That might be pricey, but its amazing!!
(4)
Amanda M.
Good food good prices! Just have to be careful you don't go looking for you yaki don fix during that 2 hour period between lunch and dinner they close for (3-5 I think).
(5)
Yuki Z.
Where Japanese people go to get homestyle food. Cafe Mami isn't glamorous. The space is tiny, shoved in the back of a dinky mall. The food is simple and not what most Americans expect of Japanese food - all classy and, ahem, minimalist. They just serve up real good food. It's pretty cheap, and the portions are just right. The Oyako Donburi and the curry are my favorites. The super quick service also makes up for the fact that they only have seating for...maybe 10 people at a time.
(5)
Leigh I.
This place is typically known as 'teishoku' style food. Essentially a Japanese cafeteria food. They have the basics, and the kitchen staff is yapping in Japanese. Sort of nice as it reminds me of Japanese restaurants run by part timers. Last time I looked, comics weren't updated, but you can grab a 'recent' Japanese newspaper instead. It's not your typical chicken teriyaki and california roll joint. If this is what you want, skip Mami. The 'hype' is mainly due to people looking for Japanese eatery type food, which is very difficult to find in US. The two best places in the states is Little Tokyo in NYC, and Japan Town in San Francisco. Since we can't driver there this is the place for teishoku food. So, what's good? Well, the sea-weed salad is pretty decent. Miso soup isn't that bad. (Not the best, but it's better then over priced miso soup made from packet and hot water). I like their katsu-curry. (Ask for 'ton' (pork) or 'tori' (chicken)' and you are good to go. But do try their tatsuta-age. Basically chicken nuggets. Dip it in Japanese Mayo and you are good to go. Also, 'hamburger steaks' are what is very typical in Japanese. (If you are Eureka 7 fan, watch the very first and last episode and you'll see them eat 'big-bagu'. Short for 'big-burger'). Get the one with egg on top. If you are daring, do try the cheese as they stick it inside the burger. Back then, they gave me as much rice (except for curry orders) as I wanted. It's great if you are super hungry and you can wolf down couple of bowls of rice. They didn't have any soft drinks,so you had to bring you own. Go to the grocery store and grab yourself a drink or walk across the hall to the sushi restaurant and they used to have a vending machine there as well. (At least they used to) Overall, I like this place, but I had to knock 1 star off because it's always packed as there are only 3 tables. There are creative ways around that if you happen to be friends who don't want to eat at Mami and you can talk to the wait staffs in Japanese nicely. (hint hint!!!) Food is less expensive then a formal Japanese restaurant but not cheap by any definition. If you are broke, hungry, and you just want to fill yourself up, you can get more for your money elsewhere. Expect to spend roughly $10 after tip for 1 course meal. I recommend people to try this place. Be warned that it can be packed and line can get long (15+ mins wait) during lunch and dinner, and you will be surrounded by tons of young Asian students. While most American would detest that, for some, that just adds more authenticity to this place.
(4)
Irving L.
I spent many lunch hours in line just to get a taste of their lunch specials....basically everything is spectacular... and now that I don't work in the city, I miss the place... Heck I would even order extra for dinner.. Great place in Porter Sq, and although the lines can be ridiculous, it is for a reason.....so check it out when you get a chance... you'll be surprised at its Japanese goodness.. tiny place, with huge flavor..
(5)
Daisuke F.
I miss Cafe Mami so much! This was the place for me to go with friends when I was in Boston for college. Even now, I make sure to have a meal there when I visit Boston. Curry dishes, hamburg set, donburi, you name it and they are all good! Being away from Japan, this is my number 1 place to get "youshoku" - Western style Japanese food - in U.S.
(5)
Ligaya T.
When I feel nostalgic for Asia I go to Cafe Mami. I dig the counter and communal tables and in-and-out manner of eating during a busy day. Most importantly, the food rocks! If you know what's up, you'll order a green tea milkshake, all gritty with matcha, CURRY (which comes with miso and rice, which they weigh, just like the spots in Nihon) or a yaki don. You know when you crave something and nothing else can quell it? Something about that particular combination of tastes, maybe the experience? Uh huh. Hankerings for this place strike me at the oddest of times, walking in the rain, chatting with a friend, typing on the keyboard... like right now and I just had lunch. And the Latino guys in the kitchen (Mexican?) speak Japanese, how novel is that?
(4)
Amy L.
love love love! best katsu ever!
(5)
Tina B.
Tried the Vegetable Curry with Tofu. Felt it was too bland in taste, & I could of made it better at home ? Very limited seating. Inexpensive.
(2)
Nick A.
I'm from LA and I love the Japanese curry franchise there. This place was just as amazing! The food was excellent and it met my high expectations completely.
(5)
Mara K.
Cafe Mami's curry is still the one that I use as the basis for all my comparisons when getting Japanese-style curry. I even had what is supposed to be one of the finest curries in the LA area (Curry House) but really, this one's my favorite. I have tried duplicating it at home, and I've come up with some tasty curries, but nothing like theirs. It's magnificent with whatever protein you choose to get it with and isn't even entirely necessary. Aside from that, I like their spicy beef bowl, the Tokyo-style hamburger, and they make a good green tea shake (though I liked their old ones from a few years ago better: made with actual ice cream). It's cramped, and you have to wait and share your eating space with people who you may not wish to share your dining experience with (pasty white anime fans that you, as another pasty white anime fan, try to avoid the best you can in other venues), but it's still one of my favorite places to go for a consistent and tasty meal.
(5)
Tiffany W.
hurry. curry. the small corner stand shop in porter exchange, cafe mami is one of my most fave places to go for the non-sushi side of japanese! absolutely luv the curry cutlet dishes and the green tea smoothies there's always a long line around dinner time but service has a pretty quick turnover rate and the waitress is always very friendly and uppity just a heads up, it's closed on tuesdays... Ittyo (two stores down) is also a good alternative if the wait is unbearable
(5)
Dave C.
This place gets my vote whenever I'm in the mood for good, simple Japanese food. There is usually a wait when you go near dinner time hours, but if its not too long (over 20 minutes,) then its worth the wait. The spicy tofu salad is always a good starter. I always get the Saba in miso gravy, and its always delicious. Its a cheap date, because 2 people can dine for less than $30.00. Works for me.
(4)
Raymond Y.
I have been going here for the pass 8 years. Loved it every time. They have the best Japanese curry in town if you ask me. One of the favorite dish would be "Boneless Fried Chicken". Simply one of the best dish around Boston.
(5)
Celin W.
Nice place though small seating and cash only so do go at an off peak time (ie not lunch or dinner time) if you don't want to wait too long for a table. Service was efficient, with a keen focus probably to turn tables as quickly as possible. Green tea milk shake was excellent. Beef bowl - beef tender, well seasoned, tasty. Also tried the chicken teriyaki (on a hot plate) which was good and came with sides like a baked potato. One thing I wish I tried was the katsu curry as the portions on the other table looked very substantial. Solid food overall!
(4)
Dedania M.
Very compact and small spot to grab food in the porter square mall. Only about 2 big tables and CASH ONLY. Tried their vegetable don, shared some chicken curry, and had a green tea milkshake. -Vegetable don was pretty light and simple. 3/5 -Chicken Curry packed A LOT of flavor and they gave us a free refill on rice! 4.5/5 -Green tea milkshake, I heard so many good things about you AND you were kinda average. I probably looked like a little nerd/foodie when the green tea milkshake came out, but it was so average to me! Maybe my expectations were just sky-rocket because I love matcha. 3/5 Didn't have a problem with service and everyone seemed nice!
(4)
Will C.
Whenever I am craving a katsu curry, this is where I go. Well made, flavorful and I will never get sick of it. Oddly, this used to be the place that had the massive line to get in for, now it's the ramen place next door that used to get no love. Anyhow, more katsu for me!
(5)
Mary L.
I suppose if you are in the mood for quantity over quality, this is a five star spot. Cafe Mami is one of 3/4 eateries in what is otherwise an empty Porter Square Mall. There are two 6 top tables and a bar counter that seats two so prepare to share elbow room with strangers sharing your table. We had the tofu salad to start and it was essentially store bought tofu with bonito flakes, lettuce, and a diluted soy dressing. We had to pour soy and spicy sauce on it to make it edible. They were out of the salmon veggie yaki don so we ended up with the yaki don and special yaki udon. Rice was dry on the yaki don and it was perhaps the best decision of the night. The special yaki udon wasn't so special and the "sizzling plate" it came on had zero sizzle. Dishes come with unlimited white rice and piping hot miso soup. Green tea milkshake was meh, I might even prefer the overly sweet green tea frappe from Starbucks. Overall, cheap eat but definately not worth the 25 minute drive from the south shore.
(3)
Hurnan V.
The wait is usually a hit or miss -- several times (esp at dinner time on weekends) the wait can be up to 20 min, but the most recent time I went our party of 4 was seated immediately. The space is very small, and the shop itself is hidden in Porter Square in a mall. The portions are enormous, and at very reasonable prices. Menu has diverse choices for the curry dishes, donburi, but nothing fancy. I personally like the chicken cutlet curry-- the rice was moist and the chicken breaded and cooked well. Each entree comes with a soup and salad. My personal favorite is the green tea milkshake- strong sense of matcha blended nicely with ice cream. :) Yum! Tip: cash only and no reservations.
(4)
Christina P.
Cafe Mami is hands down the best little restaurant in the Lesley Univ Japanese food court area. This place is tiny tiny tiny, maybe 4-5 tables, and is packed with a line of people waiting during lunch and dinner times. Go at an off time like post-lunch on a weekday. Anyway, the food here is so comforting. The hamburg plates are delicious--perfect rounds of meat with amazing sauces. The yaki udon is a delicious stir-fry of thick, chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables. So tasty. The curries...omg the curries...the rice and sauce just bring you happy, carb-y warm feelings. Everything is good, so go a bunch of times and try it all! The green tea milkshake they have is the perfect drink to have with or after your meal too!
(5)
Angela L.
If only Cafe Mami were closer to where I lived.... I would probably come here more often. There's always a line because it's so popular and its a tiny little restaurant in Porter Square, but I just went last night before it closed and got a table right away! They only seat you if your whole group is there, which is annoying, but it is a tiny place. The whole seating area probably sits max 10-15 people total. I've been here a few times and I've tried a few of the different sets. The Wafu Hamburg set, cutlet don, and the Tatsuta curry. I've also tried the Tatsuta set before as well. All the sets come with salad and miso soup. The Tatsuta is so crispy and delish. If you love eggs, get one of the donburi sets. The wafu Hamburg is super juicy. I think my favorite is the Tatsuta chicken because who can say no to fried chicken. People love the green tea milkshake. It's super creamy so if you want a sweet treat, get it! Maybe I'm a little anti-salt. Only thing I would say is that everything is just a tad bit on the saltier side... But it doesn't stop me from loving this place since everything is so flavorful and YUM.
(4)
Susanna L.
Good green tea milk shakes for $3.50 :) I tried to go today for lunch. They usually open at 11:30 but didn't open until 1:30 because they received a lot of take out orders... Casually delaying opening for two hours like that seems pretty unprofessional.
(3)
Bryan N.
Cool little Japanese pop up restaurant in the string of restaurants in the Porter Exchange building. Lunch specials are really reasons and they are very generous with their portions. I highly recommend ordering the Japanese beef bowl with an egg, topped with a little spicy mayo and wash it all down w a green tea smoothie. Your taste buds will thank me later!
(4)
Kevin J.
Food: 4 / 5 Stars Service: 3.5 / 4 Stars This is a cute little shop in the porter square mall basement. I love the prices and the simplicity yet delicious-ness of their dishes. One in particular I would recommend is their donburi - the egg and chicken katsu are both fantastic, large portions, fresh and finely cooked rice all at a very affordable price. Seating and waiting may be an issue though if you're in somewhat of a hurry. The shops at the bottom of the university mall are usually quite packed and some have super long lines, like the ramen cafe nearby.
(4)
David T.
Nice Japanese curry. Other dishes were pretty average. Very small eating area. Part of a tiny japan town in the porter exchange building.
(3)
Lisa R.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday. Low key place with quick service. Overall though I wasn't too impressed. I got the Hamburg Tokyo and it tasted like meatloaf with some Asian sauce on top. The portions are sizable though and it's affordable. My friends got other dishes and they were much better so I'd give the place another shot but I'd try something else.
(3)
Albert W.
The curry is probably the best curry I have tasted ever. Totally worth it and the pricing is not that bad as well. It is a cash only restaurant but there is an ATM nearby. If you are near the area, definitely try this place. I would eat here everyday if I could.
I have tried a couple of chicken dishes and they were mouth watering. I don't miss a chance to go back there.
(5)
Diana F.
There is a reason why Cafe Mami is the go-to place in Porter Square for Japanese food, especially curry! Huge portion sizes and delicious food, where can you go wrong? I highly recommend trying their curries since that's what I used to go to Mami for and they never disappointed me. Their green tea smoothies are also fantastic! Whatever matcha powder they use must be fairly expensive. It's not watered down or artificially sweetened. Instead, you get the full, grassy, refreshing green-tea taste. I recently went back to Boston to visit a friend who had recently moved to the city, and Cafe Mami was on my list of must-show gems. My friend ordered their Tatsuta Don and wolfed it down in seconds cause it was that good. Then, a week later, she took some Harvard friends to Mami cause she was craving Japanese food. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that they fill up really quickly since the seating area is small. The wait is usually 20-30 min and gets longer during peak times. I'd suggest going during off-peak times (ie. take an early/late meal) or go right when they open. Also, remember, they're cash only like most stalls in Porter Square. Food: 5/5 -- I'm salivating just thinking about their curries and green tea smoothies! Service: 5/5 -- They're always super nice and accommodating. When my friend and I had forgotten to bring cash, they let me wait by the restaurant for my friend to run back to her dorm and come back, a trip that took 40 min. Not once, did the waitress give me trouble about the long wait to close our tab. Very nice of them! Atmosphere: 4/5 -- A bit crowded and loud, but well-maintained and clean. Crowds and volume just comes with the territory; Porter sq is always bustling with college kids. Overall: 5/5 -- Exceptional!
(5)
Tiffany J.
Cafe Mami is an extremely good buy for your money. It's cheap and yet extremely generous with portions (unlimited free refills of white rice for most dishes, which seems to attract hungry guys with bottomless pits for stomachs). The food is also incredibly tasty and always well done. Cafe Mami is best known for its "hamburg" sets - literally fat, juicy hamburger patties covered in various kinds of sauces, with white rice, a baked potato, and a side salad. As someone who no longer eats meat, I've never tasted the patty itself but I've sampled the tomato and teriyaki sauces and they are always delicious. I typically get the salmon yaki don or salmon teriyaki don. These are almost identical dishes, except the yaki sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce that tastes a lot like teriyaki. You get many chunks of salmon, white cabbage, and broccoli over rice, all soaked in sauce. I'm always amazed at how much salmon comes with it and how well done it is for just $8.50. Other than how much sauce they use, it's a very healthy and tasty meal that I can finish without guilt. And did I mention, a bowl of miso soup with most orders? The one down side is the wait time. Cafe Mami is a small, hole-in-the-wall eatery inside a Lesley University building, so if you visit at peak hours you'll have to wait for seats. It's also not good for groups for the same reason. However, I'd rather they stay there and keep their prices low than move someone with higher rent.
(5)
Jaclyn P.
The Salmon Teriyaki Don was delicious and the portion was very generous. Be sure to load up on the spicy mayo condiment, yum! The Miso soup was very flavorful but I wish I had known our tofu appetizer would be served cold. Still tasty though with PLENTY of bonito! Prices are decent, the decor is basic and seating can be limited. Overall, definitely worth checking out. And the green tea milkshake really is THAT good. CASH ONLY!
(4)
Ellie L.
This place is amazing. The food is SO GOOD. Came here with a friend on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm, so there weren't many people and we were able to find a seat easily. I ordered a cheese tofu and beef on sizzling hot plate set with miso soup and rice. My friend got some chicken plate set (extra large). The portion is huge. I got the normal size, which is filling enough for me. And his extra large plate is just enormous - let to a food coma two hours after we finished. If you are hungry or just want to challenge yourself, definitely go for the extra. We also ordered the famous green tea milk shake. It's creamy, smooth, and has a strong green tea flavor. Love it!
(4)
Jini H.
I don't know if they have special Friday operating hours, but I got there at around 4:30pm for an early dinner, and they weren't open. I asked if they were closed and they said they open at 5:00pm. So I had to drop by into a cafe nearby to kill some time before they opened. Besides that, the food I ordered was absolutely delicious, and the service was very quick and friendly. Their portions are pretty big for their prices, so don't underestimate! And don't forget to try their green tea milkshake. If you've come a long way to this place like I did, it would be such a waste to make it all the way here and not order it! Anyway, my experience here met above and beyond my expectations, and I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes!
(4)
Jay K.
Been here a couple of times. Eat-in, pick up, and take out. Good service. Not the "let-me-be-your-friend" or super attentive kind. Just an appropriate level of service for a busy hole-in-the-wall vibe joint with a table shortage. - Green tea slushie is delicious, but filling. Not recommended if you're going to eat a whole hamburg set on your own. - Hamburg steak - teriyaki's a little too sweet for me, but I know a certain someone who devours it quite happily. I prefer the tomato sauce version. - Donburi - have had a variety. Enjoyed them all. - Curry - good standard fare. - Seaweed salad - the bright green stringy seaweed served with lettuce and such. Refreshing and simple. Good appetizer if you're hungry, good meal if you've been eating a lot of heavy food and need something light.
(5)
Cecil S.
They had a Boston Globe review posted on their wall, but honestly didn't see what all the rave is. Was much more satisfied by Masa's sushi located in the same building. I tried the Pork noodles with a light soup beforehand. Long wait time and crowded seating area (there is literally only 3 tables).
(3)
Stephanie N.
I actually had AUTHENTIC miso soup here! Very impressed. A small menu, but everything tastes about as good as it gets outside of Japan. Highly recommended for a katsu-fix.
(5)
Cindy C.
OH CAFE MAMI. if I could sing, I would sing you a praise, however, with my lack of talent, it'd come out to be more torture than delightful. After living in Boston for 4 years, all the way at BC, which, is at the end of the green line, I've made countless treks to eat at your tiny tiny establishment. Rain or snow, I'll be there to experience the tastes of true culinary goodness. Personally, I love the chicken that is lightly breaded and fried. The tenderness and flavorful chicken never ceases to amaze me. Then there's your famous hamburg with the tomato sauce. I'm salivating even as I type this. To top off all that heavy meat, the side salad is light and refreshing, a perfect compliment to any dish. A meal at cafe mami always leaves me satisfied and happy. and most importantly, always wanting more.
(5)
Jessica M.
Oh god I love the hamburg curry. With an egg and cheese. I made the mistake to get it with the chicken katsu once and the chicken was undercooked and had a stringy texture. Stick with the veggie or hamburg. I love Japanese style curry but every single time it destroys my stomach.
(4)
Jackie C.
Every so often I get this craving for hamburg and I just have to go to Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami also has great curry dishes and the food is reasonably priced. I always find myself wanting to finish my plate of food when I come here even when I'm full just because their sauce on their hamburgs are just that good. But watch out if you want to come here as a group as this place is tiny! There are only about three tables and if you are a party of 2, don't be surprised if you have to share the table with other patrons. The place is also cash only... I always seem to forget to get cash and we end up running to the ATM to grab some right before the bill comes.
(4)
Müs B.
Been visiting this place for almost 10+ yrs. Affordable and consistently awesome food!
(5)
v y.
Anytime I'm in Porter Square, I have a hard time not stopping by Cafe Mami. Their Japanese Hambagu sets are DELICIOUS. The sauce is killer and their patties are melt in your mouth delicious. All meals come with unlimited rice and a baked potato and salad. Best of all you can get out of there for around $10. There curry is also delicious. Definitely a place to try out.
(5)
Patrick V.
Amazing katsu curry and the miso soup is also good.The katsudon is really good.The sauce is really good and the chicken is nice and moist.You have got to go to this place.
(5)
Karen K.
My love affair with Cafe Mami began in 2001 and, after a facelift in the restaurant interior, it is still going strong. What I loved most about Cafe Mami was, despite the line, they would still try to get you to your meal as quickly and as efficiently as possible by taking your order while you're in line and then having the food essentially ready for you when you sit down. Great prices too. I would chime in with my fellow reviewers to remember the crazy long wait during peak dining hours, cash only (never fear, there's a bank of america ATM right around the corner) and finally IT IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!!! Don't make the heartbreaking mistake and go there on a Tuesday, as I have done before. It's not a pretty scene. My favorites: the Yakidon - spicy beef and bean sprouts served over a bed of rice, this dish is exceptionally good in the winter when you need a bit of fire. The spice does not overpower the flavor of the beef but simply enhances in a divine way. The Ninniku Chicken - Garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate (note: I believe life would be so much better if everything was served on a sizzling hot plate). The sauce has just the right amount of tanginess to spoon over your rice and the baked potato (request said spoon...) and the carrots that come with the dish is impossibly sweet and tasty even for non veggie lovers. (Note: if you have a large appetite and would like the yaki don and the Ninniku chicken, there is a beef salad that will satisfy your yaki beef cravings as well) The Tatsuta Curry - crispy fried chicken in Mami's delectable curry sauce. It is my way to remind myself that even when I'm homesick for good Japanese Curry, Mami will always be there. The Green Tea Milkshake - Once upon a time, Mami used to make their green tea milkshake by taking scoops of vanilla ice cream and blending it with green tea powder. They have now understandably streamlined the process with the automated frozen drink maker and even though I still enjoy my green tea milkshake every now and then, I still miss the good ol' fashioned way of making it. To conclude: One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. If I were in Boston for only a day I would always make my special pilgrimage to Cambridge to Cafe Mami. It is THAT GOOD.
(5)
Dominic Y.
Food is so good but the wait is just too long!
(4)
M J.
yum! this is a super place for a fast, cheap lunch. it's a tiny spot with one server, possibly the owner, who is such a nice guy. tables are communal, sit at the counter or get take out -- the food is fantastic. best miso soup i've ever had, ditto the spicy beef with rice, though really i wish they served brown rice. i'll be craving it all soon and i just ate it yesterday - it's THAT good.
(4)
Barbara B.
Nothing else in Boston beats the Japanese food in Porter Square. And I'm not talking about the sushi kind of Japanese food. Cafe Mami is the reigning gem of the pack when it comes to their curry and the portion of their meals. The pork katsu curry is to die for. Don't miss out on this place.
The boyfriend and I have basically become regulars at this place. Granted, I've only ordered two items from the menu, but they are so good that they keep me coming back for more! We always get the pork katsu with curry and the rock'n chicken. Both come with miso soup and a salad. I'm not a fan of the salad; they drizzle some kind of oil on it. The mains are delicious and the servings are huge. The katsu is nice and crispy. If you get the curry on the side, you can save half for another meal. The chicken is extremely tender... in fact, some of the best chicken I've had, ever. We've also tried the green tea smoothie. Tastes great, but a little pricey at $3.50. Nonetheless, an entire meal for 2 ends up being around $25--a great deal! This is definitely not a first-date kind of place, though. We usually do take out and eat at home. There are never any seats available, the line goes out the door during prime dinner/lunch times, and frankly, not the best ambiance to eat in anyway.
Is it the best restaurant in Boston? It certainly was when they were buying their ingredients from Kotobukiya, before the greedy landlord shuttered it. Today it may be a little harder to determine; I think some ingredients have changed. But it's definitely among the best, and what you get for the price (usually $5 for lunch) is certainly the best value in all New England. Get the green tea milkshake.
(5)
Elizabeth P.
Sometimes the wait is long, but it's totally worth it. I really like their hamburg steak menu. The serving portion is quite big. the only downside: - you sometimes have to sit with strangers since there aren't many seats available.
(5)
David S.
I have a deep and abiding love for a good Teri Don, and I'm always searching for a more convenient option than my favorite vendor, Shogun out in West Newton. I checked out Cafe Mami to see if they could teri a don, and I have to say I'm still searching. Presentation was pretty much nonexistent, but that's par for the course at this particular food court. The food was decent, if a little short for the price (although rice refills are free- cheapskates take note!). I did have to wait about fifteen minutes for it (Salmon Teriyaki takes fifteen minutes? What?) and it was a long time to sit there and smell everyone else's dinner. All in all I guess I was satisfied but not overwhelmed, but for value I'd have to give the edge to the Ten Don at Ittyo a little further up the hall. Sorry, Mami, but that's how it go.
(3)
Euni L.
I am in Love with Taka-san. Any man that can craft a perfectly juicy tonkatsu (so thick and tender, with this perfect layer of egg between the panko and the pork) and a perfectly crisp Tatsuta (fried chicken) set is entitled to at LEAST a 5-star Yelp review ;) .. oh... I get it...I didn't mean... no, I'm not a whore. But I do love my Japanese street food. Walk down any alley in trendy Shibuya and you'll find many of these classic favorites available for quick consumption. Delicious, rich hambaag steaks topped with an over-easy egg with the yolk popped over rice or a steaming hot bowl of karae can warm up any freezing New England night. I can actually say that as a native San Franciscan surrounded by a plethora of tasty choices in J-town, nothing compares to the savory yumminess of Mami. Even in my 4-year stint in LA, nothing on Olympic/Sawtelle or downtown Japantown compares. Everything else seems to miss a key feeling of authentic Nippon savory hominess... you really have to watch Taka and his boys cook for you to appreciate what goes into his food =) Service is... well... I've seen so many girls come and go, but one particular girl has actually stuck around for a while. She's definitely been eating the food though, as she was near microscopic when she first started working there 9 months ago and now looks healthy and normal. When she's not flustered, she's great- friendly but usually inefficient, but she tries her best. Hey, I'm a service Nazi... you get that way after waiting tables for the cheeky (pompous) elite (assholes) in Beverly Hills/Los Gatos (pretentious) fine dining (overpriced) restaurants for 5 years. You likely won't get a simple water refill, but your check will come as soon as you finish your meal. Ha, what a way to turn tables huh? As for portions... I suppose if you're used to super-sizing everything and storing a layer of fat for the cold winter months, I can see why Mami may be a little unsatisfying. They really do give you an adequate portion that any human should be able to consume without going into food coma afterwards. But for the days when you're famished, ordering three entrees between two people is not a bad idea, and gives you the opportunity to sample the other delicious offerings on the menu. I don't know what the big deal is about the donburi sets- you can get those anywhere and it just seems so... not worth it. Why don't you go to Yoshinoya or something? Taste the more "eccentric" menu items and you won't be disappointed. Every time I go to Boston I have to hit up Cafe Mami at least five times, embarrass Taka-san with my endless compliments ("SUGOKU OISHIKATTA~!") and stuff my face silly with Tatsuta/Hambaag/Tonkatsu goodness. Don't let the communal tables and modest appearance fool you- this place is gold.
(5)
Lynn P.
I tried their cutlet curry with rice and all of their hamburg steaks. So~~~ good~~~~. I luv the thick slices of crispy cutlet and the thick flavorful curry sauce. The portion size was pretty big too. Their hamburg steaks are better than expected. Really tasty. I would definitely come back for that. However, the place is so tiny and kinda old. there are only about 14~15 seats total. But, people usually eat fast there so its not that bad. Every time I go there, I have to wait about 15~30 minutes to be seated. Other things in the menu like "~don" not that good. Just order either curry or hamburg steak to be safe~!
(4)
Susan S.
I usually really like Cafe Mami's food but my recent visit there was underwhelming with what I particularly ordered. I got the Gyu Don and I really was disappointed with the flavor and quality of the meat. This type of dish was supposed to have delicate slices of beef that was supposed to be ultra flavorful. But I found that the pieces of beef were thicker than usual and that it was bland, tasteless and a little lukewarm. I feel that the beef wasn't fresh and it even looked overcooked judging by the pale grey color it had instead of a golden brown. They even had a huge chunk of beef that was too chewy to further bother to eat. The dish is pricey for what it was, just a few pieces of bland meat over rice. Even though it's considered a relatively cheap place, at the end of the day, it's about the food. And why bother paying for food I can't enjoy? I also noticed that one of the original chefs wasn't there in the kitchen preparing the food and I don't know if that has anything to do with the quality of my dish. I really hope that this isn't a sign that the restaurant is losing its quality and the great flavor that I used to know. I don't know how their other dishes fare as of right now but I would never order that Gyu Don dish again. Did they have an off day? I don't know, but I don't appreciate paying for other people's mistakes. Their green tea shake I like though.
(2)
Mark C.
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in Boston. Cheap, fast, and extremely tasty. Try the chicken cutlet and egg rice bowl or the spicy beef rice bowl. Most of their dishes even come with unlimited rice. The only thing is, they're pretty small. I think the restaurant in total only seats 15 max, but they churn pretty quick. Best non-sushi Japanese food in Boston IMHO.
(5)
Yvonne W.
Cafe Mami is one of those hole-in-the-wall, no-frills type places where you order what you want, eat it fast, and then leave happy. What everyone says here is good -- the hamburg sets and the curries, are really good, just the sort of stick-to-your-ribs type thing that I had in mind when I first came in here. We shared a hamburg set and a curry rice with tonkatsu. There was a LOT of curry on the tonkatsu -- kind of wish that they had the tonkatsu separate from the curry, though. The tonkatsu wouldn't have gotten soggy that way. The prices here are reasonable, and really cheap if you get the lunch special on the weekdays. Also be prepared to wait if you go at peak hours since there's very little seating and this place is crazy popular.
(3)
Anita S.
Oyako don here is great. Seating can be tricky in the evenings. Staple of the area!
(4)
Anthony L.
got the yakidon for $5 lunch, totally good and worth it got the green tea milkshake, $3.50 for the size of a tall drink at starbucks is kinda pricey cash only might be a problem for some, but there are so many atms nearby place is small, realisticaly don't expect to get a spot to sit down unless you get there right when it opens (like me)
(4)
Tracy T.
Probably the best cheap Japanese food you'll get in Boston. I'm not saying it's my all-time favorite, but their donburis are pretty tasty, although a bit strong on the salt/soy sauce. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere and you really can't beat the prices. Don't bother with any of the other restaurants in that row, I've tried them all. I always thought, why didn't I just go to Cafe Mami every time. Their green tea milk shake is also fantastic as a dessert. I usually get one on my way out.
(4)
Eric W.
Used to come here every week when I was still at Newton North High School. Lately with work being so damn busy, I barely get to go once a month... but when I can, I enjoy every minute of it. I'm not going to litter as too many superlatives as there are plenty of great reviews already here but suffice it to say, you won't regret it.
(5)
Alexander H.
What to say about Cafe Mami? Tiny (seating for about 12 people total) Fast (due to the size, the waitresses haven't gotten managing lines, tables, and orders down to the wire) Inexpensive (about $8-$10 for dinner) DELICIOUS (the hamburg sets are pretty much all I crave every time I hear the words "Cafe Mami") In essence, this tiny Japanese "restaraunt" is a must stop for anyone looking for good Japanese food in the Cambridge/Boston area. Go to Porter Square and check it out!
(4)
Jenn Y.
Tiny space, but friendly staff and quick service. My friends and I all got various rice bowls, I ordered the veggie don, which was done very well. The egg was tender, the sauce was not overpowering, and the portions were just right, definitely satisfying. Very reasonable prices, so it was a great value. The green tea smoothie was fantastic, it's drinkable green tea ice cream, highly recommend!
(4)
Jane L.
Cafe Mami is amazing, truly. I moved to Cambridge in June, and I've already been at least five times. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The quality is incredible for the price, as are the portions. Favorite dishes: yaki don, plain curry rice, kaisou (mixed seaweed), miso soup. Other tips: if you don't have the patience to wait for a table, they offer extremely fast take-out service. Either stop by or give them a call, and you'll have mouth-watering food in ten minutes or fewer.
(5)
Chanpon N.
Yum! Craving yoshoku after returning from Japan? This place will help. This little stall not only recreates the experience of busy, lunch-time food counters in Tokyo where you're sitting elbow to elbow with another diner not in your party, but it also very ably recreates a number of Western-inspired foods found throughout Japan. Most people know katsu and curry (and it's combination) which appears on many Japanese restaurant menus, but few dive into hamburg territory. This cafe serves a flavorful and authentic tasting hamburg that'll put you right back in Tokyo. Served simply with salad, potato, rice and miso soup, the hamburg is not quite a hamburger patty (it has other ingredients usually mixed in for flavor). The texture is smoother, the patty more flavorful and it's usually paired with a sauce (tomato-based being very common - not ketchup!). Meal sets are very reasonably priced. I would try more than the katsu and the hamburg, but the portions are more than enough to keep me filled so I don't have room for other items ( *sad*). Prices are reasonable for the amount of food. A word of caution - this place is SMALL. Be prepared for a line, though turnover can be quick at times. I would not recommend this place for a big party (i.e., more than 3 or 4).
(4)
Min Y.
Pure Awesomeness. My favorite is the wa-fu - ham-ba-ga su-te-ki..
(5)
RM S.
They have great comfort food. I usually order the spicy beef or beef donburi. My friends usually order curry and they told me that it tastes much better than the curry blocks you can buy at the supermarket. I go there about once a month.
(4)
Tracy K.
I spent the first few months of college missing home-cooked Japanese food. Not sushi or teriyaki or other typical things that Japanese restaurants have, but the subtler things, like yakizakana (broiled fish) and hiyayakko (cold tofu). Then I found Cafe Mami, and I was happy. My friend got curry, and it was pretty good too. I liked my fish better, though. We sat at the tiny bar on the side of the kitchen, so we got to watch them make everything. I was impressed at how they utilize their minimal space, but their iced green tea machine probably doesn't make as much money as the bar space that it takes up. Most definitely don't come here with a group (if you want to be seated quickly, that is), and most definitely do come here looking for authentic Japanese meals.
(4)
Anonymous P.
I thought the teryiaki chicken was decidedly lackluster, though the hiyayakko and miso soup were good. Mami wasn't really bad, but my criterion for three stars is that I would go there again. I would definitely go to Ittyo every time over Mami.
(2)
Lucy S.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch, ugh! I came with my friend after she kept sayin' how good this place was and all, lemme tell you, i will never eat here again...the hambuger on rice was gross...so was the orange ketchup on it, the buger was using some mystery meat which tasted totally freezer-burned
(1)
Stephen Y.
Oh, yes.... Cafe Mami.... Just be there 5 minutes before opening so you can score a table- space and a seat. Cheap Japanese fast food but so much better than McD ! Choose wisely, however. The green tea milkshake is addictive !
(3)
Victor C.
Hands down the best place for japanese boneless chicken! (aka Tatsuda Chicken or Karaage) Served with miso soup, small salad and rice(unlimited refills on the rice). Portions are moderate. I could probably eat two dishes if I were extremely hungry. Cost: under $9. Be prepared to wait. The place, located in the heart of porter square in cambridge seats 12 people and more likely than not, you will be sharing a table. There is always a line. They open at 12 -3 and again from 5-8:30. They are closed on Tuesdays. This is another place that only takes cash.
(4)
Frank N.
I love Cafe Mami. Sure, they take your order when you haven't been seated, you can't be seated until everybody in the party is present, and you gotta sit with rando people sometimes, but I attribute it to Japanese efficiency. The food is amazing. I first ate here during the first week of freshman year of college, and I've been going back ever since, constantly craving tokyo style hamburg set, rice bowls, fried chicken, and the curry! I pretty much rotate between these dishes. It's terrible though-- every time I come I end up getting the same things over and over because they're so freakin good and can't really bring myself to try other dishes. Maybe I should just go everyday for a week...then I'll get sick of everything and finally try something new. Actually, now that I think of it, I've tried the spicy beef bowl, and the fried chicken with mami's tomato sauce (on the back of the menu), which were ok, but I prefer the aforementioned dishes. The miso soup is great too. There's a parking lot in the back that's $1 if you eat at porter exchange (where Cafe Mami is). I would also recommend that you come with no more than 6 people--the less the better because then you don't have to wait as long. The biggest table will seat 6 people, but I believe they have an extra seat so you could squeeze in 7. They sometimes have odd hours, and close on Tuesdays, so if you're not sure, give them a call before you go. Oh, and apparently there's nothing as good as Cafe Mami in NYC. Take that, "everything is better in NYC" bastards! ha! I also vote that they open a Cafe Mami at Super 88 :DDDDDDDDD
(5)
Jud P.
I had to check out Cafe Mami in Porter Square after hearing several of my friends rave about it. The place is tiny, less then 15 seats total, but they take your order before seating you so people move in and out efficiently. I tried the curry pork cutlet. The pork was cooked very well, and the curry was good, but a little on the bland side. The value is high with dishes ranging from $7-$9. I also enjoyed the green tea milkshake, although my friend did not. Cafe Mami is a good dining experience, but not a great one.
(3)
Michael T.
Tufts University apparently has one of the Top Five Dining Hall foods in the country, but after a semester of eating dining hall food, one must diversify. I lived off of Cafe Mami for 4 four years. During exams, papers, finals, break-ups and hook-ups, this place served some of the best japanese comfort foods outside of Tokyo or Osaka. I highly recommend the hamburger and/or the boneless fried chicken sets. Also try their green-tea shakes; they made them before anything green-tea was cool in America, so yeah, it's really good.
(5)
Amy W.
Absolutely delicious hamburger sets and green tea milkshakes. Waiting for a seat can be tough while watching everyone else eat but you can check out all the action in the tiny kitchen. Can't get this type of food anywhere else in Boston. Delish!!!!
(4)
Ed Konagaya K.
this is one of the few places where you can taste real Japanese food that we have in Japan!! (trust me! i'm from Tokyo!!) most of Japanese restaurants in Boston change the taste&style of Japanese food to be Americanized (like california rolls), and sometimes chefs at these place are not Japanese.... Actually, they do not have SUSHI, but taste of their food is reeeeeal Japanese food!! You should try that before going pseudo Japanese food!! the restaurant is not very expensive. $10~$15
(4)
Farah W.
Cafe Mami is BUSY, and I'm wondering why it's so much busier than the other restaurants at Porter Exchange. Food is average, but I am thinking it's the prices that keep patrons coming back. We had two hamburg sets. Hamburg itself was decent; however, someone has to teach them to learn to make rice. Rice was SUPER STICKY. I understand Japanese rice is sticky, but this was a little too much.
(3)
Stephen J.
A good, small little restaurant tucked away in the Porter Exchange serving Japanese comfort dishes in good portions. The price is what you'd expect (slightly cheaper than average, $8 for curry, $8-$10 for steak sets, $2-$5 for appetizers) and the taste is pleasant but nothing to write home about. It seems like it can get rather busy making for a wait, and the seating is limited and not too comfortable.
(3)
So S.
Best JAPANESE CURRY you will find in Boston!! If you have never had it, you should try it---mix between Indian and Asian.....just a delicate flavor and not too heavy like the Indian ones. Love the crispy pork curry. Dishes comes w/ miso soup and salad! Cheap! Very small popular place in Porter Exchange. Get's very crowded!! Must try!
(5)
MingPey L.
cafe mami is hands down the best reasonable price japanese food you can find around boston area... i have been coming here since '99 a lot have changed, but the food is still great, i always have a hard time wut to order here, cause i want a bit of everything, the hamburgers, the curry, the lemon chicken... this place do tend to crowd up during lunch times especially on the weekends. the menu has shrunk over the years but i guess other items just werent as popular as the ones they kept. although i did noticed the serving portion of the dishes has became smaller over the years, but i guess this is how the kept the price the same. all and all i love this place. if you havent tried cafe mami, next time you are in porter sq. stop by and check it out for yourself...
(5)
Melody V.
I'm craving some Cafe Mami as I write this review. It's real simple Japanese food... for cheap... good speed of service... good portion... good location... flavorful, no matter what plate you get... and a delicious green tea milk shake to top it all off. We ordered our food while waiting for a table and got the food not long after when we get seated. Yum!
(4)
Steve M.
Ok, I must be honest. I posted a harsh review of Mami last summer when the curry left me dry. About 15,000 donburi bowls later, I'm a changed man. Their yaki-don is incredibly delicious and only $5 on weekdays. The hanbaga is really tender and the sauce is well flavored. The appetizers are tasty and the people that work there are the nicest. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Melissa B.
Solid little place in Porter Exchange. Great deal on rice plates. Love the fried chicken. You can eat well here for $7-$9.
(3)
Atrebor B.
I went to Cafe Mami today after watching the Phantom Gourmet feature it as a "hidden gem" last week. I was sorely disappointed. I ordered the "hamburg plate with the special homemade tomato sauce" with the addition of a fried egg. It came with miso soup, rice, a fingerling baked potato and raw lettuce on the side. First, the "hamburg" patty had a really strange and funny taste to it (like meat gone bad), I can only assume that more than ground beef was used as an ingredient; and not necessarily in a good way. The tomato sauce had a tangy twang to it but was completely forgettable. The potato was a potato and the "salad" had a sesame oil drizzle on it which did nothing for the lettuce, resulting in a bland and somewhat watery mess. The best part of the meal was the bold and flavourful miso soup and the nicely done fried egg. But for $9.98 I expected more! Suffice it to say, I won't be returning and I won't be trusting Phantom Gourmet anymore.
(2)
Ebrahim B.
Next to perfect. The Terikyaki steak is fabulous but if you need rice in your life then go for the spicy beef bowl. The Shumai appetizer is also good but the main course quantities are a perfect size so I would stay with just one of those and not a appetizer. Place is pretty cramped, only space for 10-12 to sit and sometimes there a wait but you should try thr place out atleast once.
(5)
Celicia C.
Cafe Mami supported me throughout college. I went to nearby Brandeis University for a whopping 5 year long program so I definitely frequented it alot! We were about a 15 minute car ride away and lo and behold I was the only one who had a car. Whenever someone in our group would utter the words "I'm hungry" we'd all look at eachother in hopes of someone suggesting Cafe Mami. I probably came here once a week with dreams of having the chicken katsu (panko breaded chicken cutlet) all sliced up with the katsu on the side. And the never ending rice. And the little baked potatoes wrapped in foil. Soooo good. The spicy beef salad is also one of my favorites. Just the right amount of spicy thinly sliced beef spread over a crunchy iceberg lettuce mesclun. I tried to make it in my dorm room but I could never make it right. The curries are also amazing. Cafe Mami is always a hit and one of my all time favorites. I miss it so! When you're done, go to the mini-mart/ice cream stand that sells green tea, red bean, and lychee ice creams. So good!
(5)
Andrew L.
A great little Japanese place in Porter Exchange. portions are a good size tha it's cheap. There is always a line during the lunch and dinner rush, but people move quickly. I green tea milk shake is a hit on a hot day.
(5)
yy l.
I went there after seeing the good reviews here. Very disappointed!!!!!
(1)
Samantha B.
Within The Shops at Porter in Cambridge, there is a courtyard of several small Japanese restaurants. Cafe Mami has two large tables and a few seats at the counter. There may be a wait so come early and bring cash. Cafe Mami serves classic Japanese cuisine including curry and hamburg steak. The dishes are made to order and the taste shows. The curry and steak both come with miso soup and salad. The Veggie Curry blends a very generous portion of either chicken, pork, beef, or tofu (chose pork) with a plethora of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. The curry is strict to form and is thick and creamy prepared with chicken and beef broth with the ideal level of spice and served with white rice. Also the option to add fried egg and/or cheese for a little extra. The Wafu Hamburg Set combines a hearty ground beef steak with a flavorful ginger/ponzu sauce and a shredded ginger "compote." The hamburg is served with a small red potato and rice. Can add fried egg and/or cheese to the hamburg sets. Recommend the fried egg with this juicy and tender steak. Combine the hamburg, egg, and ginger compote for the perfect bite. The Donburi are also great deals with a lot of flavor in a small bowl and a side of miso soup. The Salmon Veggie Yaki Don is cooked to proper tenderness and is served over rice and vegetables with a spicy sauce.
(4)
Teddy B.
Don't eat here!! Food was going to be good until cockroaches came crawling out of the Kitchen. I told the waitress and got up and left. Honesty I felt bad and rude for leaving, but I lost my appetite immediately. Where they store the food has mice, and they store veggies and meat essentially in the same place, which makes sense that they have a bug problem. Worst food preparation, don't let the curry fool you.
(1)
Darwin G.
Inside a mall and part of a small food court, this place squeezes in about 10 people. The portions are incredible and the plates are about $10 or less. Delicious comfort food from beef on top of rice, to Japanese curry, to chicken covered in sauce. A great place to get stuffed on Japanese food at a low price.
(5)
Hillary C.
2/5 doesn't mean bad.. It means Meh, I've experienced better, And i have. I haven't had the chance to try much of the curry yet but the Tokyo hamburg steak with an egg on top and it was sad. It was a recommendation from the server. It has a tomato based sauce and white waiting for the food I CLEARLY SAW A CAN OF HEINZ KETCHUP. And it tasted like ketchup. I've had more authentic food in The Japanese Supermarket food court in Jersey. Now that place's hamburgs were unforgettable. Maybe I will go back... and give this place another chance. I just don't understand the hype.
(2)
Chanpon N.
Yum! Craving yoshoku after returning from Japan? This place will help. This little stall not only recreates the experience of busy, lunch-time food counters in Tokyo where you're sitting elbow to elbow with another diner not in your party, but it also very ably recreates a number of Western-inspired foods found throughout Japan. Most people know katsu and curry (and it's combination) which appears on many Japanese restaurant menus, but few dive into hamburg territory. This cafe serves a flavorful and authentic tasting hamburg that'll put you right back in Tokyo. Served simply with salad, potato, rice and miso soup, the hamburg is not quite a hamburger patty (it has other ingredients usually mixed in for flavor). The texture is smoother, the patty more flavorful and it's usually paired with a sauce (tomato-based being very common - not ketchup!). Meal sets are very reasonably priced. I would try more than the katsu and the hamburg, but the portions are more than enough to keep me filled so I don't have room for other items ( *sad*). Prices are reasonable for the amount of food. A word of caution - this place is SMALL. Be prepared for a line, though turnover can be quick at times. I would not recommend this place for a big party (i.e., more than 3 or 4).
(4)
Min Y.
Pure Awesomeness. My favorite is the wa-fu - ham-ba-ga su-te-ki..
(5)
RM S.
They have great comfort food. I usually order the spicy beef or beef donburi. My friends usually order curry and they told me that it tastes much better than the curry blocks you can buy at the supermarket. I go there about once a month.
(4)
Tracy K.
I spent the first few months of college missing home-cooked Japanese food. Not sushi or teriyaki or other typical things that Japanese restaurants have, but the subtler things, like yakizakana (broiled fish) and hiyayakko (cold tofu). Then I found Cafe Mami, and I was happy. My friend got curry, and it was pretty good too. I liked my fish better, though. We sat at the tiny bar on the side of the kitchen, so we got to watch them make everything. I was impressed at how they utilize their minimal space, but their iced green tea machine probably doesn't make as much money as the bar space that it takes up. Most definitely don't come here with a group (if you want to be seated quickly, that is), and most definitely do come here looking for authentic Japanese meals.
(4)
piggy c.
It hard to find "good" cheap eats in boston...other than usual trips to Chinatown or a stop by a pizza or burrito joint...there is not much else. this would be considered Boston's little tokyo...located in porter square there is a range of jap/korean restaurants lined along each other in an unassuming building...after eating at each place i would have to say hands down this is my favorite joint... I love cafe mami!!!...its good food on the cheap fast and easy. when i go there always seems to be a line...you share tables with patrons...you go about your way and eat pay and be done...this place is CASH ONLY! i love their salad...its something about the dressing that really does it for me...plates that i would recommend are the hamburg set topped with a sunny side egg....the hamburg is tender and slighty sweet from the sauce...its a match made in heaven paired with rice....my 2nd dish would be the chicken piccata....its pieces of dark meat fried it comes with a dollop of japanese mayo....UGH sooooooo good!
(4)
Alex C.
Simply put it, cheap eats that is good. When I were in college, I use to come here all the time because of its simply goodness. On those Thursday nights when I don't feel cooking, cafe mami would pop up like nothing else. Good thing cafe mami pop up because on a college budget, it would hurt my wallet if anything else I would crave came up. My favorite dish is the veggie curry but with the beef. Like many user said before, it small and can get crowded. You wouldn't be surprise if some random people join your table to savor the cafe mami food. Well worth the wait, and well worth the price. An all-star in my book
(5)
Will C.
Whenever I am craving a katsu curry, this is where I go. Well made, flavorful and I will never get sick of it. Oddly, this used to be the place that had the massive line to get in for, now it's the ramen place next door that used to get no love. Anyhow, more katsu for me!
(5)
Dedania M.
Very compact and small spot to grab food in the porter square mall. Only about 2 big tables and CASH ONLY. Tried their vegetable don, shared some chicken curry, and had a green tea milkshake. -Vegetable don was pretty light and simple. 3/5 -Chicken Curry packed A LOT of flavor and they gave us a free refill on rice! 4.5/5 -Green tea milkshake, I heard so many good things about you AND you were kinda average. I probably looked like a little nerd/foodie when the green tea milkshake came out, but it was so average to me! Maybe my expectations were just sky-rocket because I love matcha. 3/5 Didn't have a problem with service and everyone seemed nice!
(4)
Celin W.
Nice place though small seating and cash only so do go at an off peak time (ie not lunch or dinner time) if you don't want to wait too long for a table. Service was efficient, with a keen focus probably to turn tables as quickly as possible. Green tea milk shake was excellent. Beef bowl - beef tender, well seasoned, tasty. Also tried the chicken teriyaki (on a hot plate) which was good and came with sides like a baked potato. One thing I wish I tried was the katsu curry as the portions on the other table looked very substantial. Solid food overall!
(4)
Mary L.
I suppose if you are in the mood for quantity over quality, this is a five star spot. Cafe Mami is one of 3/4 eateries in what is otherwise an empty Porter Square Mall. There are two 6 top tables and a bar counter that seats two so prepare to share elbow room with strangers sharing your table. We had the tofu salad to start and it was essentially store bought tofu with bonito flakes, lettuce, and a diluted soy dressing. We had to pour soy and spicy sauce on it to make it edible. They were out of the salmon veggie yaki don so we ended up with the yaki don and special yaki udon. Rice was dry on the yaki don and it was perhaps the best decision of the night. The special yaki udon wasn't so special and the "sizzling plate" it came on had zero sizzle. Dishes come with unlimited white rice and piping hot miso soup. Green tea milkshake was meh, I might even prefer the overly sweet green tea frappe from Starbucks. Overall, cheap eat but definately not worth the 25 minute drive from the south shore.
(3)
Hurnan V.
The wait is usually a hit or miss -- several times (esp at dinner time on weekends) the wait can be up to 20 min, but the most recent time I went our party of 4 was seated immediately. The space is very small, and the shop itself is hidden in Porter Square in a mall. The portions are enormous, and at very reasonable prices. Menu has diverse choices for the curry dishes, donburi, but nothing fancy. I personally like the chicken cutlet curry-- the rice was moist and the chicken breaded and cooked well. Each entree comes with a soup and salad. My personal favorite is the green tea milkshake- strong sense of matcha blended nicely with ice cream. :) Yum! Tip: cash only and no reservations.
(4)
Christina P.
Cafe Mami is hands down the best little restaurant in the Lesley Univ Japanese food court area. This place is tiny tiny tiny, maybe 4-5 tables, and is packed with a line of people waiting during lunch and dinner times. Go at an off time like post-lunch on a weekday. Anyway, the food here is so comforting. The hamburg plates are delicious--perfect rounds of meat with amazing sauces. The yaki udon is a delicious stir-fry of thick, chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables. So tasty. The curries...omg the curries...the rice and sauce just bring you happy, carb-y warm feelings. Everything is good, so go a bunch of times and try it all! The green tea milkshake they have is the perfect drink to have with or after your meal too!
(5)
Angela L.
If only Cafe Mami were closer to where I lived.... I would probably come here more often. There's always a line because it's so popular and its a tiny little restaurant in Porter Square, but I just went last night before it closed and got a table right away! They only seat you if your whole group is there, which is annoying, but it is a tiny place. The whole seating area probably sits max 10-15 people total. I've been here a few times and I've tried a few of the different sets. The Wafu Hamburg set, cutlet don, and the Tatsuta curry. I've also tried the Tatsuta set before as well. All the sets come with salad and miso soup. The Tatsuta is so crispy and delish. If you love eggs, get one of the donburi sets. The wafu Hamburg is super juicy. I think my favorite is the Tatsuta chicken because who can say no to fried chicken. People love the green tea milkshake. It's super creamy so if you want a sweet treat, get it! Maybe I'm a little anti-salt. Only thing I would say is that everything is just a tad bit on the saltier side... But it doesn't stop me from loving this place since everything is so flavorful and YUM.
(4)
Susanna L.
Good green tea milk shakes for $3.50 :) I tried to go today for lunch. They usually open at 11:30 but didn't open until 1:30 because they received a lot of take out orders... Casually delaying opening for two hours like that seems pretty unprofessional.
(3)
Bryan N.
Cool little Japanese pop up restaurant in the string of restaurants in the Porter Exchange building. Lunch specials are really reasons and they are very generous with their portions. I highly recommend ordering the Japanese beef bowl with an egg, topped with a little spicy mayo and wash it all down w a green tea smoothie. Your taste buds will thank me later!
(4)
Kevin J.
Food: 4 / 5 Stars Service: 3.5 / 4 Stars This is a cute little shop in the porter square mall basement. I love the prices and the simplicity yet delicious-ness of their dishes. One in particular I would recommend is their donburi - the egg and chicken katsu are both fantastic, large portions, fresh and finely cooked rice all at a very affordable price. Seating and waiting may be an issue though if you're in somewhat of a hurry. The shops at the bottom of the university mall are usually quite packed and some have super long lines, like the ramen cafe nearby.
I have tried a couple of chicken dishes and they were mouth watering. I don't miss a chance to go back there.
(5)
Jaclyn P.
The Salmon Teriyaki Don was delicious and the portion was very generous. Be sure to load up on the spicy mayo condiment, yum! The Miso soup was very flavorful but I wish I had known our tofu appetizer would be served cold. Still tasty though with PLENTY of bonito! Prices are decent, the decor is basic and seating can be limited. Overall, definitely worth checking out. And the green tea milkshake really is THAT good. CASH ONLY!
(4)
Diana F.
There is a reason why Cafe Mami is the go-to place in Porter Square for Japanese food, especially curry! Huge portion sizes and delicious food, where can you go wrong? I highly recommend trying their curries since that's what I used to go to Mami for and they never disappointed me. Their green tea smoothies are also fantastic! Whatever matcha powder they use must be fairly expensive. It's not watered down or artificially sweetened. Instead, you get the full, grassy, refreshing green-tea taste. I recently went back to Boston to visit a friend who had recently moved to the city, and Cafe Mami was on my list of must-show gems. My friend ordered their Tatsuta Don and wolfed it down in seconds cause it was that good. Then, a week later, she took some Harvard friends to Mami cause she was craving Japanese food. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that they fill up really quickly since the seating area is small. The wait is usually 20-30 min and gets longer during peak times. I'd suggest going during off-peak times (ie. take an early/late meal) or go right when they open. Also, remember, they're cash only like most stalls in Porter Square. Food: 5/5 -- I'm salivating just thinking about their curries and green tea smoothies! Service: 5/5 -- They're always super nice and accommodating. When my friend and I had forgotten to bring cash, they let me wait by the restaurant for my friend to run back to her dorm and come back, a trip that took 40 min. Not once, did the waitress give me trouble about the long wait to close our tab. Very nice of them! Atmosphere: 4/5 -- A bit crowded and loud, but well-maintained and clean. Crowds and volume just comes with the territory; Porter sq is always bustling with college kids. Overall: 5/5 -- Exceptional!
(5)
Tiffany J.
Cafe Mami is an extremely good buy for your money. It's cheap and yet extremely generous with portions (unlimited free refills of white rice for most dishes, which seems to attract hungry guys with bottomless pits for stomachs). The food is also incredibly tasty and always well done. Cafe Mami is best known for its "hamburg" sets - literally fat, juicy hamburger patties covered in various kinds of sauces, with white rice, a baked potato, and a side salad. As someone who no longer eats meat, I've never tasted the patty itself but I've sampled the tomato and teriyaki sauces and they are always delicious. I typically get the salmon yaki don or salmon teriyaki don. These are almost identical dishes, except the yaki sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce that tastes a lot like teriyaki. You get many chunks of salmon, white cabbage, and broccoli over rice, all soaked in sauce. I'm always amazed at how much salmon comes with it and how well done it is for just $8.50. Other than how much sauce they use, it's a very healthy and tasty meal that I can finish without guilt. And did I mention, a bowl of miso soup with most orders? The one down side is the wait time. Cafe Mami is a small, hole-in-the-wall eatery inside a Lesley University building, so if you visit at peak hours you'll have to wait for seats. It's also not good for groups for the same reason. However, I'd rather they stay there and keep their prices low than move someone with higher rent.
(5)
Ellie L.
This place is amazing. The food is SO GOOD. Came here with a friend on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm, so there weren't many people and we were able to find a seat easily. I ordered a cheese tofu and beef on sizzling hot plate set with miso soup and rice. My friend got some chicken plate set (extra large). The portion is huge. I got the normal size, which is filling enough for me. And his extra large plate is just enormous - let to a food coma two hours after we finished. If you are hungry or just want to challenge yourself, definitely go for the extra. We also ordered the famous green tea milk shake. It's creamy, smooth, and has a strong green tea flavor. Love it!
(4)
Jini H.
I don't know if they have special Friday operating hours, but I got there at around 4:30pm for an early dinner, and they weren't open. I asked if they were closed and they said they open at 5:00pm. So I had to drop by into a cafe nearby to kill some time before they opened. Besides that, the food I ordered was absolutely delicious, and the service was very quick and friendly. Their portions are pretty big for their prices, so don't underestimate! And don't forget to try their green tea milkshake. If you've come a long way to this place like I did, it would be such a waste to make it all the way here and not order it! Anyway, my experience here met above and beyond my expectations, and I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes!
(4)
Samantha B.
Within The Shops at Porter in Cambridge, there is a courtyard of several small Japanese restaurants. Cafe Mami has two large tables and a few seats at the counter. There may be a wait so come early and bring cash. Cafe Mami serves classic Japanese cuisine including curry and hamburg steak. The dishes are made to order and the taste shows. The curry and steak both come with miso soup and salad. The Veggie Curry blends a very generous portion of either chicken, pork, beef, or tofu (chose pork) with a plethora of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. The curry is strict to form and is thick and creamy prepared with chicken and beef broth with the ideal level of spice and served with white rice. Also the option to add fried egg and/or cheese for a little extra. The Wafu Hamburg Set combines a hearty ground beef steak with a flavorful ginger/ponzu sauce and a shredded ginger "compote." The hamburg is served with a small red potato and rice. Can add fried egg and/or cheese to the hamburg sets. Recommend the fried egg with this juicy and tender steak. Combine the hamburg, egg, and ginger compote for the perfect bite. The Donburi are also great deals with a lot of flavor in a small bowl and a side of miso soup. The Salmon Veggie Yaki Don is cooked to proper tenderness and is served over rice and vegetables with a spicy sauce.
(4)
Teddy B.
Don't eat here!! Food was going to be good until cockroaches came crawling out of the Kitchen. I told the waitress and got up and left. Honesty I felt bad and rude for leaving, but I lost my appetite immediately. Where they store the food has mice, and they store veggies and meat essentially in the same place, which makes sense that they have a bug problem. Worst food preparation, don't let the curry fool you.
(1)
Darwin G.
Inside a mall and part of a small food court, this place squeezes in about 10 people. The portions are incredible and the plates are about $10 or less. Delicious comfort food from beef on top of rice, to Japanese curry, to chicken covered in sauce. A great place to get stuffed on Japanese food at a low price.
(5)
Hillary C.
2/5 doesn't mean bad.. It means Meh, I've experienced better, And i have. I haven't had the chance to try much of the curry yet but the Tokyo hamburg steak with an egg on top and it was sad. It was a recommendation from the server. It has a tomato based sauce and white waiting for the food I CLEARLY SAW A CAN OF HEINZ KETCHUP. And it tasted like ketchup. I've had more authentic food in The Japanese Supermarket food court in Jersey. Now that place's hamburgs were unforgettable. Maybe I will go back... and give this place another chance. I just don't understand the hype.
(2)
Karina L.
A wonderful reminder how wonderful Japanese food is beyond ramen and sushi. Since they only seat around 10 people (a couple of small tables and some counter space), the line will get pretty long by 6pm. The line is usually shorter than it's neighbor Sapporo. It is also cash only, so make sure you pick up cash at the BofA ATM in the mall or outside of the mall. We got the pork cutlet curry, which was *enormous*. The pork is crisp on the outside and moist. And fresh! Since we got seated at the counter, we got to see everybody's order go from the stovetop/fryer straight to the plate. Make sure to add a fried egg to the top. This curry was born to be mixed with some runny yolk. We also got the Tatsuta Don, which is a bowl full of boneless fried chicken cutlet, their special "mami" sauce, and egg. I'm a sucker for complete meals that come in one bowl. The egg is opened up into the bowl, mixed with the sauce, and steamed in with the rice. Overall, a wonderful homey meal for two for under $25 after tip. A ton of people got the green tea milkshake, which I'll be sure to get next time. The only thing to be worried about is the wait, so come early!
(4)
Will S.
Rocking chicken is a must try. Sweet, salty, spicy, and tender. Reminds me of the Korean chickens. Better yet comes with free refill of white rice. Makes me wanna go back for more the next day. Another must try is the green tea shake. More like slush, perfect for a hot summer day. Good quality ingredients, and you can actually taste the matcha. As for environment, it has a small area for sitting. It's a lucky day if you don't have to wait to be seated. It's almost always the case when you have to sit with strangers
(4)
Raymond P.
Really good food.. I like the spicy beef bowl, the fried chicken garlic and hamburg steak is also one of the best...
(5)
LC P.
I used to live in Boston for school and have since moved back to southern California, but I still cannot find a suitable substitute for their hamburg. The patty is juicy and sauces are great. We usually get the Wafu hamburg. I love the salad dressing they use too. And don't forget the green tea shake! I'm not sure if they changed their ingredients recently, but I feel like it's not as good as it used to be around 2006-2008. But it still beats out anything I can find in southern California. So we always make time to eat here every time we're back visiting in Boston. The only setback is the limited seating. There are only 2 tables that seat a total of 8-10 people, plus 2-3 counter seats. And if you're a party of 2, expect to share the table with another party of 2-3. You might have to wait a little if you're there during peak lunch times, but people tend to eat pretty quickly so the wait is not unbearable.
(5)
Sarah A.
Omg! This place is on par with what used to be my favorite Hamburg steak place in Torrance. We got takeout and I had the wafu hamburg which was a very dense hamburger patty topped with this luscious soy glaze, daikon oroshi and some extra ponzu sauce. Wow. Reminded me of the hambagu bentos from Japan! The hamburg was super flavorful and the meat seemed like it was of higher quality. So freaking delicious! My SO had tatsuta age set which is boneless Japanese fried chicken. Also freaking good. Soooooo yummy and I really liked the texture of the rice. The miso soup was also delicious. For that set, it cost us about $9.50 each, such a steal! And more than enough food. I can't believe this was my first time having Cafe Mami!! I must come back :)
(5)
Jeffrey N.
The portion is pretty good for the price and the curry is quite rich. The setting is very cozy so its only good to go there with one other friend.
(4)
Harvard P.
Cafe Mami is one of those destination restaurants that will make me drag my lazy butt over to Porter Square. While the location is quite small and has very limited seating, everything about the restaurant is worth the trip. What they serve is not what you normally expect from a Japanese restaurant. You won't find sushi or ramen here (for that, you can go next door). Instead, you'll find deliciously cooked rice, curry, fried chicken, and appetizers. It feels more like eating a home-cooked meal than going out. What do I get when I'm here? It's a no brainer. Cafe Mami has hands down the best fried chicken (Tatsuta) curry rice plate! Their Ninniku chicken is also pretty good, and the fried egg with their curried burger sets look absolutely delectable. Once you order a meal, you also get free refills on rice. With all that yummy curry, you may just want to take some extra rice home with you! While the Green Tea Milk Shake is a bit on the pricey side, I very much enjoyed it. Like others have said, it's more of a freeze than a milk shake. oh, one last thing. It's Cash Only!
(5)
Hursuong V.
The place to fulfill Japanese food cravings! This restaurant may be hard to find as it is tucked away in the relatively non-busy Porter Square Mall that has a very big Lesley University sign on it - that could be confusing for those trying to find it. There are a couple other Japanese restaurants around it, such as for ramen, but I chose this place for the more diverse menu offerings. The food is tasty and portions are large and filling - my sister and I actually shared a chicken cutlet curry and kaisou salad and each got a green tea milkshake. I enjoyed the salad, as the lettuce was still crisp and I liked the seaweed too. The rice was a little dry/hard. The green tea milkshake is a classic there - it's like drinking green tea ice cream blended with ice! Each entree also comes with a bowl of miso soup, which tasted just right. The downsides are that it's cash only and the place has little seating (10-15 seats). I've been here multiple times and at times, I have had to wait for a seat but other times, it's empty and I get seated quickly. Service is pretty fast.
(4)
Leila L.
My all-time favourite Japanese eatery in Boston. Love anything with curry there, especially Tatsuta (fried chicken) curry. Their curry is so thick and flavourful - though a bit too salty - and the tatsuta is so well marinated and juicy - absolutely worth every calorie! In pretty much the same vein, Rock n Chicken is also my go-to item - love its spicy-sweet flavour. All the hamburg sets are awesome. My personal recommendation would be Wafu (Japanese-style) Hamburg. It's soft and juicy, but not too greasy at all.
(5)
David T.
Nice Japanese curry. Other dishes were pretty average. Very small eating area. Part of a tiny japan town in the porter exchange building.
(3)
Lisa R.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday. Low key place with quick service. Overall though I wasn't too impressed. I got the Hamburg Tokyo and it tasted like meatloaf with some Asian sauce on top. The portions are sizable though and it's affordable. My friends got other dishes and they were much better so I'd give the place another shot but I'd try something else.
(3)
Albert W.
The curry is probably the best curry I have tasted ever. Totally worth it and the pricing is not that bad as well. It is a cash only restaurant but there is an ATM nearby. If you are near the area, definitely try this place. I would eat here everyday if I could.
(5)
yy l.
I went there after seeing the good reviews here. Very disappointed!!!!!
(1)
Veronica C.
Hidden gem! My favorite place to get Japanese comfort food in Cambridge. I used to come here almost every other weekend when I was still living in Boston :) Pros: * Curry rice are all excellent. I usually get their chicken katsu. * Japanese hamburg set is another bomb dish. Loved the tender beef served with rice and baked potato on the side. Additional cost for a fried egg. * Best green tea smoothie ever. A little pricey at $3.95 for a small cup, but thick, creamy and oh-so-sweet. * Free rice refill! * Special lunch deals on Tuesday for $5. Cons: * Teeny tiny space (only enough to sit 10 people at a time, max). Usually you will have to share tables with others. * Service can be slow (with only 1 waitress and 2 cooks) but very friendly waitress. * Take out orders can take 20 minutes to prepare...best to phone ahead. A wonderful spot!!
(5)
Yuka Y.
While Cafe Mami's closing time was purportedly 9pm, staff were still accepting take out orders by late customers. Those who were still eating were not pressured out. Last order calls, however, were made at 9 and those wanted to dine in were politely shunned out understandably past closing. Original plans was to dine at Sapporo, but with the line present at 8:30, we were ambivalent we could get seated by 9. Cafe Mami next door it is. FREE refills of rice! Not that it was ever necessary with the good proportions they gave out but there's always the option. Beautiful picture menus and a large variety of dishes. Their Tokyo Hamburg set is great- salad with light vinergrette dressing, an aluminum wrapped steamed potato, miso soup, and most importantly the hamburg. Hamburg is NOT your typical, American hamburger slab of meat. Hamburg is the Japanese version of Salisbury steak where the steak is not really a steak but a mix of minced beef, onions, etc. Doused with the hamburg is Cafe Mami's homemade tomato sauce which was delightfully excellent- tasted like a mix of tonkatsu sauce and ketchup. It's not a common dish to be found in Boston's Japanese restaurants so I highly recommend it. The boyfriend's Tatsuta curry was also great- curry was runny and not too thick, the fried chicken didn't feel like it was fried but the meat itself was moist and juicy. The salad that came for both was not fresh, but acceptable. He felt the dressing was too oily and after combining our salads into 1 convenient bowl, the bottom half of the salad greens were swimming in a soup of dressing. Dressing overkill. Seating can be slightly annoying when big parties appear. We were asked to migrate from table seats to the counter because a larger party showed up, but the waitress was appreciative and polite about it.
(4)
Vicky W.
One of my all-time favorite places to eat in the cambridge/porter area. All their curries taste great, portions are huge, and free refills of rice (only if you plan to eat the rice while there), the cutlet is awesome (breaded fried chicken patty). The tasuda, though, is my favorite since it's real cuts of chicken that's fried. I would also recommend the veggie curry which comes with your choice of chicken, pork, or beef for a more balanced meal. Also you have to try the green tea shake, it is to die for though. The perfect combo of creamy and icy, with a strong flavor of matcha. Seating is very limited, and doesn't normally have crazy long lines like Sapporo. Also don't forget to bring cash since it is cash only.
(5)
Jeannie D.
We started coming to this gem in Porter Square during our high school years. I am really a fan of small shops like this and asian night markets. Please be aware that the seating is very limited at this place (like 4 tables and the bar). The food is delicious and not too expensive!
(5)
R S.
Superb authenitc Japanese food. Great deals at lunch. Always fresh and fast with little or no wait. a Cambridge gem!
(5)
Huong N.
I had the green tea shake and salmon & veg donburi. Was pleasantly delighted; the price was decent for the location and service it offered. The place is small, but thankfully I came in on a rainy day so there wasn't a line like some reviews mentioned. I got a little confused when trying to find the place (it was located inside Wellesley U building). But all in all I'd return for more in the future!
(4)
Madeleine Q.
Our favorite quick, cheap-rat Japanese eatery in Cambridge/Boston! Unlimited rice if you dine on the premise and service is always efficient and excellent! Their rice bowls ate great but what they do best are variations of Japanese curry. Their house curry is far superior to that of Go Go Curry at H-Mart (Japan-based chain restaurant). Try their iced green tea drink too--very creamy, semisweet and flavorful. The lines get long on weeknight and weekends so be prepared for a half hour wait on average!
(5)
Nanci C.
This place got the best lemon grilled chicken. My favorite! Free refills on white rice. The place is just too small. Too little seats and tables. Makes it really awkward to eat with strangers.
(4)
Idy T.
This is located at Porter Square inside a mall with many other Japanese restaurants. This is like little tokyo of Boston. It is literally really little. There are several restaurants but I chose to dine here because this was one of the busiest restaurants. I thought if everyone likes it, then I should be safe with my choice! The restaurant is really small with limited seating and I came with a party of 8 or 9 people so everyone was cramped and had to squeeze in to fit at the table. I tried the Rock n' Chicken, the Yaki Beef with Tofu and the Oyako Don. These dishes were pretty good. The portion size is really huge for a reasonable price. For the Rock n' Chicken and the Yaki Beef with Tofu, they give you a big plate of rice with your meal and it is unlimited refill. But I couldn't even finish what I had. The meal also comes with miso soup. The Rock n' Chicken was really soft and marinated well. This is definitely one of those dishes that goes well with a bowl of rice. It was supposed to be spicy but I did not find it spicy at all. The Yaki Beef with Tofu was also delicious. The tofu was soft and the beef was also seasoned well. The Oyako Don is also really good. It is a mixture of eggs, chicken, and this sweet and savory soy sauce. The egg was super fluffy and mixed with the rice and the chicken turned into this amazing bowl! Make sure you stop by the ATM before dining here because it is cash only! Each dish ranges from $7-$11 depending on what you order.
(4)
Matthew B.
Yes yes yes. Listen to no one less than 5 stars. Food is inexpensive, includes a miso soup at a communal table with who the hell knows who else. Within 2-10 minutes, you get a mouthwatering bowl or flavorful, wonderful and perfectly cooked don. All for $7 on a weekday lunchtime. I hadn't heard of Japanese soul food before Mami, but I now know it's on my short list for last meals.
(5)
Henry L.
Super cheap! Super good! Super authentic! Cafe Mami is one of the few Japanese restaurants to serve Japanese food made by real Japanese recipes and chefs. Lunch and Dinner usually requires about a 15 minute wait, and the seating arrangements may be a bit cramped at times, but it is well worth it. You can get away with spending about $8 on a meal pre-tip, and depending on the dish, you can get unlimited rice refills (usually one refill is enough). Cafe Mami makes the best Chicken Katsu dish in all of Boston. This is a great measure to see how the quality of a dish stacks up. Try to order Chicken Katsu at other restaurants. It is a simple dish, but many restaurants get it wrong. The green tea smoothie is delicious, but it can get a bit heavy if you are not used to it, since it is so filling. Instead, order it to go after your meal as a dessert!
(5)
Yuki S.
Cheap and good! They have curry, hamburg, Oyako-don...Just like a school cafeteria in Japan! Many of my Japanese friends are also big fan of them! I often go there to have quick lunch or dinner under $10! My favorite is Yakidon (stir fried beef over rice). It is really good! For dessert, you should try Green Tea Milkshake! This place is really small, they have only 2 or 3 tables and few seats at counter. You could wait in short line at dinner time.
(5)
Ava R.
Tiny, tiny, teensy place with hardly any seaitng space but the Tatsuta and the curry are off the hook. Order take out and love your life.
(4)
Jonny I.
You won't find the store front from the street, its located inside a mall area/City Sports where Lesley University is located. But once inside, there is this small hallway that has around 3 other Japanese restaurants selling sushi, ramen, donburi bowls and mochi ice cream. I had high hopes of this place after reading all the yelp reviews, then those hopes sort of dipped once I saw how dingy the place was, then it rose again once I got my food. Don't take the same emotional roller coaster I took. Just stay high on this place! The Yaki Don was awesome. Beef over rice never tasted so good. I liked putting the orange house sauce over the meat and rice to give it some added flavor. Oh, and DO NOT FORGET to order the green tea milk shake. I could have sworn it was so rich that there was ice cream added to it, but the waitress said that there wasn't. If not, then they must have used a lot of crack to thicken it because it was the best green tea milkshake I had ever tried! There is only one waitress/hostess and she does her best to take orders and names of the people in line. She also has to bring the food out, but there are only about 4 tables. We waited about 10 minutes on a Friday at 8pm. Entree was about $8 and don't forget that its cash only. Overall a great place in general to fulfill a Japanese food craving because of all the choices in such a small area.
(4)
Sora C.
It does taste good...so what else can I ask for? I've been a regular customers at Mami since three years ago. I usually get a curry katsu and tokyo hamburger set and a cup of green tea slush! It is not super authentic Japanese cuisine perhaps good is good. The reason I left four instead of five stars is it would be much better if they can make a FRESH green tea slush instead using a pre-mixed slush for all day long..
(4)
Matt Q.
Cafe Mami is one of those places that you can count on. Despite a poor day at work, a long grueling work out, or indecisive friends when trying to meet up for dinner, this simple Japanese restaurant turns that frown upside down. My go to dishes are usually the Chicken Tatsuta Set or the Pork Cutlet Curry. The Tatsuta Set is fried chicken pieces with a spicy mayo sauce on the side. The Cutlet Curry dish is a breaded and fried piece of chicken smothered in yummy curry sauce. Other things that have not disappointed have been the Teriyaki Hamburger set, which is exactly as it describes...odd but tasty; and the Cutlet Donburi, which is a fried pieces of meat mixed with egg on top of rice. Take note that the place is really small, with about three tables and a few stools, so there is often a line. If you're in a rush or very hungry, just order ahead and take out. They only take cash as well.
(5)
Eugenia L.
This is where I go to satisfy my Japanese curry and hamburger cravings. There's very limited seating so be ready to get cozy with other diners. Service is no nonsense since it's always busy but never rude. FYI the hamburger is more of a meatloaf than an actual burger. Don't worry though, it's not the sad ketchup laden kind doled out at school cafeterias. The curries are all satisfying and comes with unlimited rice if you want to be a super glutton! Also a fan of the green tea smoothie. Be prepared for a strong dose of matcha flavor as it's not diluted with sugar or cream. It's great to take on the go as an after meal dessert.
(4)
Irene C.
Most people may think of Japanese food as sushi or ramen, but instead of heading to Blue Fin or Sapporo in the same plaza as Cafe Mami, do your tastebuds and wallet a favor and check out these Japanese comfort food stand. FOOD - Tatsuta Don ($7), a rice bowl topped with fried chicken cutlet, egg, onions, and the most delicious sauce, the - Yaki Beef Tofu ($9), sizzling plate of juicy sliced beef, onions, tofu, and unlimited rice - Hambug Curry ($9), no description is given on the menu, which is just as well because this super filling meal consists of hamburger patty, rice, and Japanese curry. Japanese curry is a little milder than Indian or Thai curry, and I find that I prefer it. Order if you're super hungry! DECOR The location is literally in the food court, and there are only 3 tables. Not a lot of fanciness in this restaurant as the staff are more concerned with feeding people quickly. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, maybe even literally bumping elbows or sharing a table. If you're looking for a relaxed, low-key dinner to savor some good food and the company of a close friend, check out Cafe Mami sometime. Very solid restaurant, and the S
(4)
Matthew Y.
The chicken tatsuta offers a fillingly large portion, but the deconstructed nature of it all was just weird. The chicken was flavorful but the potato on the side, the white rice, and the raw vegetables just didn't really jive with the chicken. The green tea milk shake -- over-priced. But flavorful. I would probably pay $0.50 extra and just get a green tea frap, which is 3x better-tasting.
(3)
May N.
Cafe mami maybe a small place, but the food is mouth watering. You will crave for it during mid-night and will regret not finishing up your meal. The waitress is super nice. The price is very cheap, you won't regret going
(5)
Adeline X.
My favorite place in Cambridge/Boston for Japanese curry. Very flavorful and portions are large. I find the prices very reasonable too. Seating is limited during peak hours though. Also, the green tea shake is also pretty good if you are a matcha fan.
(5)
Stephanie S.
The curry there is delicious!! I always get their veggie curry with chicken!! Worth of trying!
(4)
Nhi H.
5 star for Cafe Mami's curry and Don bowls. Nom noms. 3 star for their Hamburg set. I usually have the chicken curry at Cafe Mami, but today I felt adventurous. After reading through many Yelp reviews, I decided to try the Tokyo Hamburg set with egg and cheese. Might as well go all out right? But it was totally not worth it. The Hamburg tastes like a glorified meatloaf. The cheese makes the hamburger even harder to swallow. The egg was the saving grace of the meal. Also the sauce was not "special" in any way. It's just a tomato-based sauce. Go to Shaws and get a microwaveable meatloaf instead of paying $12 for this.
(4)
Anna Q.
I absolutely love this place! The only thing is that it is small and you may have to share a table with someone else. However, the food though is amazing! If you love curry like I do this is definitely a place you should try! They even give you free refills on rice.
(5)
Dave M.
the place is one of those small corner shops amongst all the japanese restaurants there. it's CASH ONLY like many of the places there so make sure you have cash (there's a BoA atm inside the building). i sat down with my wife while we were waiting for another couple to join us. he quickly asked me to stand up b/c some other customer might come. i said uhh, ok. i understand space is limited there but that's didn't make me too happy. so i stood up and sat down when everyone arrived. i ordered the Tokyo Hamburg Set ($8.99) plus an egg (extra $1). it was pretty good. it comes with a small steamed potato, iceberg lettuce salad, and rice. it was pretty good but a little greasier than i'm used to. i much prefer the Yaki Beef Tofu ($8.99) which was a little cleaner and also good. we also got the Teriyaki Hamburg Steak ($8.99). the plates came with a miso soup. the guy serving us was decent but he was more busy pacing than serving us but the overall experience gives this place 4 stars. i would recommend this place.
(4)
Monika-Bianca T.
The embodiment of bang for your buck. Food: 5/5 - We started off the meal with deep fried shu mai (shrimp dumplings) and they were delicious. Not too oily, not too salty like the frozen stuff, and came fresh from fryer. For the mains, I had the tetsuna set (marinated deep fried chicken). And holy cow, imagine 4 huge slices of boneless chicken pieces with a crisp outside and a superbly juicy inside that will last you throughout the meal. Served with a side of baked potato, mayo, hot sauce, and salad dressed with some kind of sesame dressing. All was amazing and I truly can't believe the portion size and better yet how amazingly good it was... :) My boyfriend had the Tokyo Hamburg, I only had a taste but their hamburg had a soft pleasing texture and went well with their homemade sauce :) My boyfriend and i shared the matcha milkshake which was much stronger than I expected. It's more slushy than milky? But nonetheless a good finish to a well made meal! Cost: 5/5 - ~$6 for 6 pcs for deep fried shu mai, $10 for a hefty serving of main course and then $3.50 for the matcha milkshake as our dessert, I really can't complain. I haven't been this satisfied in ages not only for the food but for the cost. It almost feels criminal to eat so much great tasting food at such a low cost.... Service: 4/5 - ok, we came around 7:30pm and got seated close to 8pm. Jeez, with that food at that price I'm surprised we didn't wait longer, but its worth the wait. There was only one waitress too who stood as front of house, did the serving, and the cleaning as well. It makes me feel tired watching her do all that work but she was attentive and efficient. Btw for people who never have cash, take some out before getting here... it's cash only. Ambience: 3/5 - so this is a terribly small place. Seats around 12ppl since they crammed us onto every space of their 4 small tables in their incredibly small space. So you'll find pairs sitting on a corner while another pair sits on the another corner. You will be seated, but don't expect any kind private dining. May ward off some, but you get over it when you see your gigantic plate come to the table and then take a bite out of it :) lastly this isn't a restaurant, it's located in the shops of porter square so again, small space! Even with the cons, value for my money outshines it all so I can't give anything lower than a perfect rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who doesnt mind the wait and the cafeteria like ambience :P
The food is pretty decent, and is reasonably priced, especially if you order the lunch set. I'd have appreciated more fish or vegetarian options on the menu, however. I had a salmon and vegetable rice bowl which was alright- the food was pretty good, just not particularly great or special or anything. I ate here at around 2 on a Saturday. The restaurant was empty and service was prompt.
(4)
Ken S.
Great tastes! The veggie don is so-so, tofu was bland and sauce did not help too much. The chicken cutlet set tastes delicious though, especially with the spicy mayos. Only four stars because the baked potato was rotting :\
(4)
Jay S.
Cafe Mami used to be one of my favorite places to eat in Boston until the new management took over. Ever since the takeover by the non-Japanese (I'm not Japanese btw) owners the food has never been the same; they lost the subtle Japanese style of flavors that had made their food so great. The salad became too salty and oily, the miso soup too salty, the tomato sauce for the Tokyo hamburg too sweet, and the list goes on. I've been disappointed with every single visit to Cafe Mami recently and sometimes I even felt sick afterwards. And that is why I won't go there anymore nor recommend this restaurant to anyone I know.
(1)
Michele J.
The food is good if you're into this specific type of curry dish but I pretty much come here for the green tea milkshakes. 3-4 stars for the food, 10 stars for the decadent, matcha green tea deliciousness!
(4)
Jennifer L.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time, and to keep it short, it was great. The waitress was really nice, food was DELICIOUS and definitely worth the price. I would try to come back more, definitely worth the troop.
(5)
Eunice E.
Hearty Japanese meal -- sounds oxymoronic, but it's true. I've had the classic, Teriyaki, and Hot Chili hamburg sets (not all at once!!!) and they've all been fantastic. I like to add some of that spicy red powder in my miso soup to get my taste buds a-kickin' before my main meal. And then, and THEN... the hamburg. YummMmmmmMMmmm. I had the hot chili hamburg set last time, and I think I've found my staple go-to. It's got a little bit of spice and a whole lotta flavor. I liked taking bites of the hamburger with the veggies and a tiny bit of rice, making for a perfect mouthful of texture and tastes. What else can I say besides I left stuffed, happy, and still with lots of cash in my wallet? (This is cash only, btw, so come prepared!) I guess nothing except... I'll be back!
(4)
Heidi L.
Cafe Mami always hits the spot, especially on a cold day. Def my favorite place in Porter Exchange - I get there right at opening, am always surprised to see a line, and even more surprised that that line is at Sapporo (shh!). Service is friendly, and sometimes you have to share a table with random people so I apologize to them in advance for our totes interesting conversations (just kidding). Love the pickles. Love the subtle spiciness. And love fried chicken (I always get the tatsuta). Definitely deserves the Yelp love!
(4)
Sarah R.
I am a katsu curry fiend - I would honestly eat it every day. It's so comforting and delicious - even bad curry makes me happy. Good curry, therefore, makes me VERY happy, and I don't think it gets much better than Cafe Mami. The sauce is so rich and delicious, and the chicken is really nicely cooked. (i've only had chicken so far, not pork). The portions are huge, and it's just all yum yum yum. I've now had take-out and eat in and loved both. It'sm amrv tiny place so like every where in The Shops you should expect a wait if you're sitting in. However, they do a good job of managing the line and the wait is not usually too long. Service is pretty good.
(5)
Lisa W.
I always wanted to come eat here when I'm in the building, but this place is always so full! We finally got a table during off-peak hours. This is a solid place to grab some yummy, cheap food quickly. The husband had the sizzling udon (I love sizzling anything!! I think the black plate automatically make things taste better), and I had the yaki don. Both were yummy and cheap (less than $10 ea), and the waitress was very attentive.
(4)
Linda L.
Split an Oyakodon and Yakidon. Both were really good. The Oyakodon (essentially chicken and egg), was really flavorful. The chicken was really moist and the egg had a really nice texture and flavor to it. The beef in the Yakidon was nice and thin sliced, but not dry. The rice in both bowls were really sweet and cooked just right: not too sticky, not too raw. They also give you a miso soup at the beginning of the meal, which is nice because while Cafe Mami is a "fast food" place, you still need to wait for the chef to cook the food. Just be aware that there are tons of students there around lunch time so you might not get a seat and you may not want to bring all your buddies at the same time. Overall, it's a good place to get good food for a good price. Try out their lunch specials!
This is my go-to spot for japanese food. I always get their yaki-don, gyu-don, or oyako-don. I always order in advance and they come out with food within 15 minutes everytime. Great food with a great price.
(5)
Wonyoung J.
Delicious food, good service, basically everything it needs. But what keeps it from being a flawless five? It's very small. Like, tiny. Soooo tiny, that you usually have to sit at the same table as others. Other people you don't know. I don't know about you guys, but I think it's kinda awkward. Kinda detracts from the overall experience. Food itself is fantastic. I recommend the hamburger steak set.
(4)
Diane H.
The first time I came here, I was actually eating next door, but while waiting for seats, I decided to grab a green tea milk shake from here because of all the great reviews, and my friend got one---and it was DELICOUS!!! So I hopped over, and there were two guys behind the register, the one that is the main cashier was too busy on his phone, blocking the other guy who was telling him to take my order---no respond *stares into phone* REALLY?!!?! so he took my drink order instead. When i came around for dinner on Friday, the line was real quick, it was about 730. Our server was very attentive, really nice guy. I got the chicken katsu curry thing everyone was raving about and added a sunny side up egg...MMMM can i say that BEST DAMN CURRY THERE IS?!!?! I think it might just be the top curry place for me!! $10 for a plate, whatever it's pure deliciousness! Sometimes the chicken can be a little over cooked though. My friends yaki udon (not sure what it was) but it was delicious as well... they sure do know how to make food here! Even though none of them were japanese. Just hope you guys are comfortable being seated right next to someone you don't know... ** the teriyaki hamburg ~$8.99 it's like angus beef quality so it was delicious!!! The sauce was sweet but very good. ***they are open on tuesdays now! ignore those reviews from 07-08 :)
(5)
Khoa N.
2 tables and 3 bar seats. That's all the seating available at this little store. But once you get to sit, you'll focus not on the close proximity of strangers who can easily join in with your conversations, but instead to the dishes in front of you. Really, I rarely notice the ppl at the same table and hear what they're talking about when I'm there. Even when we're bumping elbows. (Don't take my word for it though, I have a reputation of having bad listening skills.) Cafe Mami was where I fell in love with Japanese curry. And I started making them myself once every [other] week for a period of time when mommy wasn't there to cook for me. The yaki don is another delicious choice you can make, or the soba. The green tea milkshake is a new addition and I gladly welcome it. Tastes like ice cream! Quite a hike for me, but I manage to make it here once in a while.
(4)
David K.
Best Japanese comfort food in the area!
(5)
Jae J.
Oh, Cafe Mami, I wish I could give you a higher review after giving you so many chances, but you've disappointed me each time. The yaki beef tofu set was only just okay, nothing to scream about. I've had the pork cutlet curry rice set, which was dry and flavorless. The chicken cutlet curry rice set was definitely better...until I reached the raw parts of the cutlet, which were all the pieces minus one or two at the edges. Imagine my elation of biting into the chicken cutlet, thrilled at its moistness and juicy-ness, exceeding all of my expectations of the place..and then discovering pink, raw chicken meat in my next bite. Very sad day, indeed. The green tea shake was...meh. It's got too much ice and leaves a strong after-taste/coating of matcha powder on your tongue. For its small size and sub-par taste, you'd be wiser to spend your money on other things. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar the last time we went, so we got to watch the food being prepared. Everything was done by gloveless hands, which is fine if the cooks bothered to wash their hands between handling raw meats and then throwing together salads. This, coupled with the raw chicken I've experienced, makes me wary to return for another try.
(2)
Hsin-yi L.
Large portion. Very tasty and authentic. As the first meal when we arrived at Boston, it is warm and welcome, as long as you don't mind to share a table with other customers. Btw, the green tea milk shake is must-have.
(5)
Sonya M.
Review is solely on their green tea shake drink as I have not had food there yet. Their green tea shake is soooo good! A strong matcha taste that is just right and the balance between the shake content was great not too creamy and not too icy. If you are a fan of green tea drinks you gotta try their green tea shake! -1 star due to the volume. for $3.75/cup the size is fairly small, i hope they will increase the size or decrease the price in the future.
(4)
Kamille W.
When my homegirl told me she wanted to come eat piping hot donburi when it was 96 degrees outside, I thought she was experiencing heatstroke-induced confusion. I humored her because (1) I love her and (2) I am a fatty at heart that will eat basically anything, anytime. It was awesome. We started off by splitting a refreshing green tea milkshake. It was perfect: thick and creamy, with plenty of sweet matcha goodness. I was sort of bummed to have to split it, honestly. It was for the best though -- I had to leave room for my tatsuta set. Boneless fried chicken (all dark meat, I think) served with mayo and chili sauce, and some crisp lettuce on the side. Alllll the noms. It was a little too heavy for me to finish in one sitting on that balmy afternoon, but I can see that super-flavorful, slightly greasy chicken being perfect when the weather is cooler. I felt so spoiled when I had the leftover chicken on my lunch salad the next day. Delicioso. I had a couple of bites of her yaki don (spicy beef and rice), and immediately coveted it. Again, a little too heavy for that particular summer afternoon, but would be magnificent on a fall or winter day. Cheap, fast, and so so good. I'm all about it.
(4)
Jolene S.
Great value even if you go off the $5 lunch specials. I know that's a counterintuitive thing to do when you're there in time for a huge $5 meal. But I really like the $10 yaki udon here. It comes with miso soup on the side and it's packed with chicken and vegetables. If you're a girl who doesn't eat a lot, you'll get two meals out of the yaki udon. That's what I recommend at Cafe Mami, but I know a lot of people are not going to take my advice on this one. You can get a comparable value with the cha han (~$10) and a more posh/spacious atmosphere at wagamama in Harv Sq. If you have a choice of location (and/or want to pay by credit card) go to wagamama. But if you're going to be in Porter and have cash, Cafe Mami is a one of the better options.
(4)
Ana B.
Absolutely love this place! Very small, informal, and food is simple but always good- home-food feeling. Service is very nice and attentive. Food takes a while but comes very hot, made on the spot. Comforting food, warm place.
(4)
Christine J.
gone down hill since the japanese owner left and sold it to non-japanese owners. just not the same. servers are non japanese also. no longer authentic! stopped going.
(3)
Jeremy W.
Place is surprisingly good! I had a salmon and rice dish that was good, but I think they are more known for their curry dishes which I will have to try next time I come. My friend loved their green tea milkshake as well. It's a small area, so a group of 6+ people might be hard to fit together.
(4)
SJ I.
Last time I was eating here there was a cocroach on my table. The food was ok, but I'm not coming back to this place.
(2)
Kari C.
I hardly give out 5 stars but this one was worth it! It is a very small place located inside of a Lesley University labeled building. I think it is also called the Porter Exchange. It is the entrance next to Bourbon Cafe and it is in a relatively smaller corner/hall full of other small (mostly Japanese) restaurants. Now when we say small, we mean that the kitchen is not even the size of the ones inside mall food courts and that their seating area contains max 12-15 seats. But don't underestimate it! The food is cheap and delicious here and the service (usually only one waiter) is great. They do the best they can with the huge flocks of people that come around 7PM. While we waited in line, we were given menus to order beforehand. My boyfriend ordered a curry plate while I ordered the yaki beef with tofu and they were both exceptional. Best curry he has ever had. And we both had the option of unlimited rice which really came in handy after about the third refill. We both really like a lot of rice with each bite of curry or beef and it worked out well. They really know what some customers are looking for. The beef was well marinated and although I couldn't taste too much of the spicyness on the tofu, it was still very good. The small baked potato that came with it was also very nice. The portion of my dish was really big for someone like me with a small appetite so definitely worth the money as I brought it home for lunch the next day. I will definitely come back here in the future and make sure to try the green tea smoothie.
(5)
Eunice K.
Came here for lunch with a friend after a former Bostonian's recommendation... tiny little place... but a popular joint with a constant line of people waiting. Both me and my friend were sold on the $5 lunch special! I ordered the Yaki Don and my friend ordered the Gyu Don. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Both the dishes came with Miso Soup and the various meats on top of the big bowl of rice. Unfortunately I was in the mood for something with a little more variety. And my Yaki Don was a little too sweet... had to eat all the white rice to get it down... Truthfully, I was a little disappointed, but with the constant line and the variety of other menu items, I probably need to come back to make a fair assessment! Tips: 1) Located in Porter Square 2) Limited seating - take it to go, or prepare to wait! (only 2 tables and 2 seats at the bar) 3) Cash only
(3)
Jenn T.
This is a tiny little restaurant in porter square....very tiny, like 2 tables and a counter for 2 people tiny. They have basic japanese food, like curry, donburis, and the basics. No sushi or anything fancy or any noodle dishes. I went for the pork katsu curry, which was decent and tasted pretty good as a japanese curry, however the curry wasn't spicy at all. They give pretty good sized portions, a whole katsu and curry and you can get free rice refills. I also got the green tea milk shake, which was delicious and seems to be the thing to get at this place. If you want to eat here, go early as the line forms fast and slow considering there are only 2 tables to sit down. Take out might be a good option as well! Service was decent, slow with water, but ok.
(3)
Ashley B.
Believe this hype! If you can snag a seat you're in for a treat
(5)
Michelle J.
I've always seen Cafe Mami but never tried them. Usually this place is just as full as the ramen shop adjacent to it. However, one day I wanted some ramen and just refuse to wait behind the dozen or so folks who were in front of me. Cafe Mami was full but there was still some counter space so I got seated fairly quickly. They have a lunch menu which I wanted to try out the Gyu Don for $5. Only later did I realize that the lunch menu wasn't valid for holidays. It was my mistake I didn't read the fine print. No worries though as my meal was still cheaper than the bowl of ramen I would have waited over an hour to eat. All dishes come with a bowl of miso soup. The soup was luke warm at best. Of course being fairly warm out I didn't mind. The beef and rice bowl was delicious, flavorful and filling. But it paled in comparison to the Yaki Beef Tofu the people next to me ordered. It came out sizzling on an iron pan. I had to ask them what it was and made a mental note to try it myself when next I'm in the area. Although small this place serves up some really nice Japanese food for cheap. The ingredients are fresh, the food is hot and I didn't have to wait an hour to eat.
(4)
Francisca W.
chanced to be here again on a weeknight around 8:45pm, still had to wait a bit for a table for 4, and we were told that we had to put in the order before 9 as they were closing. picked our food, sat down, and our food rolled in. among us we had the wafu chicken, curry chicken, curry porkchop, a don (chicken?), and a hamburg set to go. all the food (including the soup/salad and the takeout) were cooked right and flavorful. friend ordered a green tea milkshake (i had a sip), it was the real deal -- a bit sweet for me but got tons of green tea flavor. service...yeah we were missing utensils here and there that made us get up to get it on our own (the guy seems very busy), but the same young man who stood there for at least 3 minutes straight patiently explaining the differences between dishes for my friend made the later mishap negligible. food is cheap for about $10/dish, with that quantity and quality, it is totally worth coming back. now i understand the hype, but that line, oh that line, is still very discouraging at times. cash only. p.s. a sign indicates that they have incorporated Ittyo under their management.
(4)
Chong C.
Love this placeeeee!!! Great food. Everything worths trying. And you will be shocked with reasonable prices they have :):):) Be aware, it is small cozy restaurant so you may not be able to find a seat at lunch time or in the evening! Go there lil bit early so that you can enjoy the food without problem :)
(5)
Simon L.
I've only had the pork katsu don because it is so excellent. One of the bigger cutlets served in the food court. Onions are sweet. Pork is steaming hot. Rice is sticky and plentiful, egg coats the pork. Served with miso soup. You can not go wrong here.
(4)
Parissa S.
This Japanese place is tucked in a Lesley University building in Porter Square. I ordered the yaki don, the spicy sliced beef rice bowl, which was filling and tasty. All their dishes also come with Miso Soup, which was excellent. I'm curious about how their other dishes taste and will definitely be back there. FYI, this place is cash only and has limited seating. I went for lunch with one person on a Thursday and didn't have to wait for a spot but it quickly filled up. Despite this, the service was quick.
(4)
Sung K.
Used to eat lunch here everyday while working in Boston close to 10 yrs ago and the food is still so tasty. Hamburg steak and Tatsuta chicken is my favorite!
(5)
Cecilia W.
So good! Saba miso set and oyako don is my favorite but they have lunch specials for 5 dollars EVERYDAY!!:) u might have to wait during diner time though !
(5)
Wonho H.
Been coming here for over 10 years. Their food is great and cheap. There's very little room to sit....a party of 6 max, and for that you'll have to wait a long time most days. For a while I used to get Yako Don and liked that, until some friends said "what is wrong with you? Get the Tokyo Hamburg Set." I've never gone back. Tokyo Hamburg Set EVERY TIME with sunny side up egg. Unlimited refills of rice. The Green Tea milkshake is also tasty as well. The lunch specials are great too. Overall, you can't go wrong. I've gone many many times, and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Ara M.
I just had a late lunch here with a friend. I often come here for good and cheap food. As always, I got the veggie don. The oyako don and veggie don are delicious. Its so consistant every time. The price is surprisingly reasonable for the amount and quality of food. Its not fancy, and yet its perfect as it is. For the veggie and oyako don, I give this place five stars.
(5)
Henry Z.
Great for a quick and causal lunch or dinner. Food is excellent as well.
(5)
Han F.
Everything I've ever gotten here is freaking fantastic. This place is always busy, but people are aware and polite and tend to eat and go. Even as busy as they are, staff will never make you feel rushed and will replenish your free rice as much as you want. My favorite dishes: Tokyo Hamburg Set Ninniku Chicken Set - I almost ALWAYS get this. I ask them for EXTRA sauce, and with the free extra rice you get, I'm in ninniku heaven. It's a simple garlic soy chicken, and it's so freaking good. Comes with a boiled potato and carrots. I like to break the carrots and potatos up and let it soak in the sauce on hot, sizzling plate that the dish comes on. It's clear this is my favorite. ;p Dishes I've Tried, Good---but I always end up ordering my above favorites: Oyako Don Fried Spicy Chicken Rice set (forget name) Spicy beef & tofu dish (forget name)
(5)
Katie C.
What makes Mami magical: 1. Yaki Don lunch special. When I worked in the area, my coworkers and I would order this almost every week. It's a generous amount of food and flavor for only $5.25, and it even comes with miso soup. If you want to avoid the long lines, pick-up orders are ready within 10 minutes. 2. Curry! After a year of ordering the lunch specials, I finally decided to try the curry for dinner. Why did I wait so long?! The Katsu Curry brought me right back to Japan. If you prefer your chicken/pork to stay crispy, ask for it on the side. And what's even better? Free refills of rice mean leftovers / lunch the next day! Two meals for the (low) price of one.
(5)
S T.
Decent little place - not good for large parties The curry by far is probably the best deal but all of their selections are good. I had the yaki don which was delicious! Their dishes all come with miso soup, so pretty good deal! I would pass on the green tea smoothie/milkshake. More like an icee than a smoothie/milkshake. It wasn't creamy at all.
(4)
Nicholas S.
The fried chicken dishes are fantastic; they're so good that it's hard to pick a favorite. But there's virtually no seating, and the sides they serve leave much to be desired. First, the seating. They have two tables and three seats at the bar. The bar should actually seat only two people, so if every stool is taken, it's very tight. They seat anyone at the tables, so you might be bumping elbows with a stranger. The entrees are served with a sad iceberg salad, a plate of white race, and half of a baked potato. Also, most of the chicken dishes come with a big spoonful of mayonnaise on the side. In short, a decent place for a quick lunch, but I'd go to ChoCho's (ten feet down) instead.
(3)
Tsungming H.
Recently they increase the price for everything on their menu. A little disappointed. The food is great but i won't be visiting as frequently due to the price raise.
(4)
Nancy H.
I finally visited Cafe Mami after eating at all the places in the Lesley university building. My b and I went got there around 8 after going to Cupcake Camp Boston and the wait was still 15-20 minutes. Then again it seated 14 people max. We had to share a table with two other guys. Anyways, the waitress was very nice she took our order 10 minutes into the wait and so by the time we sat down, 5 minutes later the food came to our table piping hot! I had the Salmon & veggie yaki don and my b had the yaki don. The salmon yaki don was drenched in their spicy sauce, which wasn't too spicy but I enjoyed it very much with the rice. The salmon was pretty good but I was more into the veggies and rice. xD Haha. That's what happens when you eat wayy too many sweets beforehand. Anyways, the yaki don was pretty good, lots of shredded beef and bean sprouts, a tad sweet, so it goes well when mixed in the rice. The bill came out to be about 17-18 bucks including tip and tax. Oh, and both our dishes came with a miso soup. Not bad, nothing special, but perhaps if I'm ever in the area again I'll try the other entrees other reviewers have said to be "oh so good".
(3)
Karen W.
Such a small place, but such yummy food! It's a great place for a small amount of people. Since Cafe Mami is small, my friends and I planned to come here 15 minutes early before it opens, so we wouldn't have to wait in line for a long time. Although it opened 10 minutes later than expected, the service was pretty good. The orders came relatively fast and the dishes were amazing! The curry sauce wasn't too spicy or salty-it was just right and just what we expected. I would definitely recommend Cafe Mami to college students around Cambridge (especially Lesley University since it's right there). Delicious, filling Japanese food as well as a very affordable price.
(4)
Heather K.
When I first moved to Boston, I was so excited to find out about this place! I've been to Japan twice and I always loved getting curry from this little stand in Chiba. Cafe Mami's pork cutlet curry tastes just like the stuff I got in Japan! I am also a huge fan of their salad dressing and miso soup that comes along with your order. Also, if you like green tea icecream, you should try a green tea milkshake here. They are delicious!
(5)
Michelle R.
Cheap (less than $10) and huge portions! All the curries are amazing -- thick and flavorful with plenty of juicy meat. I personally like the chicken tatsuta curry. Entrees come with soup/salad. Beware as the place is tiny and there might be long lines on weekends/evenings. You'll also probably end up in a food coma upon finishing your meal...
(5)
starrynight c.
Still solid food from back when I used to come during college more than 5 years ago. The owners changed during that time, but the recipes seemed to have been passed along pretty well. The boneless fried chicken curry is still delicious. The sizzling plate with the lemon garlic chicken wasn't quite as good as it used to be, but still yummy. The salad's dressing was a bit different, too. But, not bad. I get nostalgic for it, and plus, it's solid curry. I say this with conviction now having had curry in Tokyo and on the west coast!
Cash only but worth it! Went here for lunch with 2 co-workers. Seating can be tight as it's a popular place so be prepared for a wait and to sit closely with strangers. I had the cheese beef tofu (that's what its called..really) lunch special and shared the shrimp shumai. Both were served really hot so watch out for that. The meal was just under $9 and came with a miso soup so it was a great deal and everything was delicious. I regret not getting the green tea milkshake but I was so full-next time for sure.
(4)
Kristen S.
Cafe Mami has one of the best curries that I have ever tasted. I'm a huge fan of Japanese curry and this was just an amazing place to eat at! I was on route to another restaurant and just could not resist going in here as well. I had the Tatsuta curry, which is boneless deep-fried chicken curry, which tasted like kaarage. Amazing - the chicken wasn't overly greasy and was lightly fried and perfectly tender. The curry sauce was super delicious and the rice was perfectly fluffy. The best part - rice refills are unlimited!!! This was perfect because I was only able to eat about half of the dish so right before I packed it up to go, I asked for a refill of rice and it was like I had a second meal for free! If I lived in the area, there would be no question that I would be here all the time. Until my next research trip, I'll be dreaming about the curry here.
Got one of the rice dish things with teriyaki sweet something or other? It wasn't very memorable... But the green tea milkshake was yummy!
(4)
Henry C.
The Chicken curry was absolutely delicious. Did I mention that I love Japanese curry? I tried several bites of what my friends had ordered, and they were well executed as well. It is a very small place, seating for no more than 2-3 small parties. But the waitress is unbelievably efficient and still maintains a pleasant demeanor while taking care of the entire floor and balancing out seating arrangements with getting your food out on time. If I was in the area, I would definitely come back and try a few other things. The green tea milkshake looked interesting, but decided it wasn't worth trying at the time.
(5)
Hilario C.
Let me just start off by saying I love Cafe Mami. Its so good, in fact, that I often joke with my friends that their food must have crack. Its a tiny little place (be prepared to wait if its anywhere near rush hour), but so worth it. I used to live close by and went once a week. Then I moved away (all the way to Davis) and I was sad. But I still go at least once every couple months. My usual order? Miso soup, shumai appetizer, and the wonderfully amazing tatsuta set (chicken). If you are extra hungry, get a green tea milkshake too. Yum.
(5)
Nelson L.
Whenever I am in Cambridge, I make sure to visit this place. I highly recommend the Yaki Don or the Tokyo Hamburg set, paired with a green tea milkshake (the first i've tasted, and its great). When I went, they were actually about to close, but the waitress kindly allowed me to eat there, and was extremely hospitable the whole time. The service was great, and the food was arguably even better!
(5)
Sandy M.
I used to love this place- been going there for 10 years or so. It's always busy, inexpensive, friendly. But in the last year or so, the quality has gone down. We usually get one of the yaki-don bowls: chicken or salmon or veggies over rice. but the chicken is smaller less appealing bits than it used to be, the salmon is smaller and fattier, even the veggies seem skimpy. I know they've taken over another stall in this marketplace, and might have changed ownership? Not sure what's up, but they are cutting corners and it just isn't worth raving about anymore. so sad....
(3)
Theresa S.
Oh man, Japanese curry. This was my first requested meal when I arrived to visit a friend in Cambridge. Pork cutlet curry, mm mm mm. Huge portion, great price and good service. Also, the matcha smoothie is a good balance to the curry. Heat up the leftovers with a fried egg and you're set.
(5)
Jeff M.
Best spot in the Lesley basement/mall. Best pork cutlet by far.
(5)
Michael W.
+Amazing food, especially enjoy the curry and egg dishes +Cheap Prices, usually around $10 - $15 for two -Very limited seating but it isn't usually so busy that I can't get a seat. I would definitely recommend trying this Japanese place. It's located with
(5)
Wendy L.
Best japanese curry joint in Boston/Cambridge area. They only have a few tables here so I would avoid peak hours because there will be a wait. You can always choose to get take out too. The service is good and efficient even though there are only 3-4 people working. My favorite is the Hamburg Curry Set - it is kind of like a grilled hamburger patty. I think it goes perfectly well with sweet and a little spicy curry over it. My friends always get fried breaded chicken cutlet with curry so I'm sure thats good too. If you like green tea, make sure you try their Green Tea Milkshake! It's a little overpriced ($3.50) for what they give you but it's delicious. The only thing I will say is that their miso soup and salad is nothing special but it comes with the meal anyway. I think that Japanese curry is the least exotic choice if it is your first time having curry dishes. Thai and Indian have way more spices and complex flavors. Give Cafe Mami a shot and you won't regret it. It's under $10 too!
(5)
Guillermo M.
The Yaki Don was amazing!! Excellent flavor and loved the combination of the finely chopped beef with the rice, the sauce and the vegetables. You get a miso as an appetizer. We also got the seaweed salad that was really good too. The green tea milkshake was a great complement to the meal. The price/value of this place is as good as it gets.
(4)
Di Yin L.
The Tetsua set (fried chicken, rice, mayonnaise, salad and miso soup) is the best of its kind I've had on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The chicken is well brined, juicy, and not greasy. The miso soup acts as a great palate clenser. The waiters are very kind, particularly when there's a rush. They take your order before you sit, to speed up the process. The place is small - about three tables and a bar - and the wait can be long.
(5)
Carl G.
Like a previous reviewer said...Tokyo Hamburg Set...Everytime, this is a remarkable and unique offering I only see here...and I love it! Ambiance is good, only two tables so you'll be seated with a couple strangers, my group of cohorts are usually a loud obnoxious type, but it's all in appreciation of the good food and good company. I highly recommend their food
(5)
Emily H.
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. After a disappointing visit to Sapporo Ramen, I was about to write off all the shops in this mini-mall as just "bleh". Glad we tried this place as well. Bf and I got a katsu-don and katsu-curry. What can I say? It was super cold and damp out today and I just wanted some Japanese comfort food to warm up my bones. The curry came with salad and both meals came with miso soup. Very generous portions, we boxed up the last 1/3 of our meal to eat later! Meal came out to be a whooping $17. FANTASTIC. Cafe Mami is a great balance of affordability, quantity and quality. Will go again. Protip: $5 Dons (or curry rice) for lunch! They open at 11:45am and the specials go until 2pm on Mondays-Fridays. Extra fantastic :)
(4)
Julissa P.
Great authentic Japanese curry, love the salmon yaki don and that salad dressing that they use is delicious. I come here often, it's cheap and the staff is friendly. Just kind of awkward facing the cooks when eating. I definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Daniel H.
Traditional Japanese Comfort food. Authentic and incredible. I've been coming here for years and NEVER been disappointed. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is to die for. Typically I get donburi--basically, a ridiculously tasty rice bowl concoction. My favorite would have to be Yaki Don (spicy shredded beef, various vegetables, some picked radishes, perfectly cooked rice) though Oyaki Don is probably the most classic and one of their most popular. I've also had a number of their sizzling plates--Yaki Udon, Wafu Tatsu Set, a spicy chicken dish I cannot recall the name of--and a number of cutlet and curry plates, and it is ALL good. If you can, try going for lunch. You get basically the same menu as dinner but several dollars cheaper (like, $6 for Miso and Yaki Don!). Also, the green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I don't get it often but it's high quality. Seating is tight and you may have to wait...but it's worth it...wayyyy worth it. Cashish Only.
(5)
Jessica C.
What's the big deal??! There is NOT enough seating here... and the wait is forever! The food is not bad, but its not that great either! Everything is pretty salty! But i guess everyone likes this place for the economical prices?!?! Hmmmmm.. The green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I always get one whenever I'm at porter exchange. I like to grab a green tea milkshake while waiting in line for Sapporo Ramen!!!
(3)
DD T.
My favorite dishes, being an Asian myself are: -Chicken tatsuta -Rock'n chicken -Hamburg set And guess what, unlimited refill of Japanese rice! In case you have not known this, the restaurants here work together like a food court. If someone in your party feels like having noodle instead of rice, you can still sit here and order from the restaurant next door.
(5)
Alan S.
As someone with a Japanese background, I am thankful that there is a place like this in Greater Boston. Nothing fancy, but for $7-8, I can get a delicious Japanese meal that is filling. I got there at 11:30 (15 minutes before opening) on a Sunday morning and got in no problem but there was a line 10 people deep by the time I left. The restaurant is small (fits maybe 15 people). I got the katsudon (chicken cutlet with egg and rice) and my dad got the oyakodon (chicken, egg, rice). Both were delicious.
(4)
Roxanne B.
After all the positive yelp reviews, had to try this "hole in the wall" in the "Shops at Porter" on MA Ave. All 3 of us tried Mami's special Yaki Udon. Got noodles? Oh yeah - but that's all it had - I counted 3 dime-size pieces of thigh meat chicken and a trace of broccoli - for $8.99 each. It was like eating an Italian spaghetti dinner without the meat! And their is a sign on their wall that says prices are going up as of May 1st. Sorry Mami - won't be visiting again anytime soon.
(1)
Linda H.
This place is legit. I've been craving some good authentic Japanese food since I've moved to Boston from New York City. I was accustomed to my little Japanese joints which served good, cheap food. After perusing through yelp, I found Cafe Mami, and thank heavens I did. I ordered the tofu with bonito (called Yakko?) and the chicken cutlet curry. SO GOOD. I gobbled it down like an unashamed fat child. My boyfriend got some sort of beef Don, which tasted a bit like korean bbq with beansprouts over rice. Also good. My boyfriend LOVED it. I also got the greentea milkshake, also good, but was too full to finish it. Portions are large, service is sweet, and the prices are just right. Seating is limited (4 tables for 2 and 3 bar stools) to it's best to come at a random time. My boyfriend can't stop talking about this place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lola O.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. This place has a very limited seating (three seats at the bar, two tables of four) so my friend and I had to share a table with other people, and honestly they were loud and annoying. This place is cash only which is annoying, and they close at like 9. The food is okay, but nothing special. I had the Oyaki Don, it was okay, kind of bland. I forget what my friend had, but same story, good but I've had better. The price is reasonable and the service is fast and friendly, I'll give them that. I just expected a lot more after reading a couple of yelp reviews.
(2)
Kat T.
Cheap, authentic, Japanese food? Yes please! After living in Japan for a few months I was sick and tired of Miso soup with every meal and some form or other of soba, udon, or donburi. However, never EVER did I get sick of curry. If you want curry like I need curry, go here. You can never go wrong with a katsu curry. Especially with an egg & cheese. The price is cheap (I'm a student, so I know cheap), the food is delicious, service is nice and fast. My only qualm is that it's cash only, but even that is remedied by the existence of an atm a few yards away. Now if only they would move this place to Harvard square instead of Porter... time to fill up the Charlie card.
(5)
Paul C.
If you've read any of my other reviews, the ratings are pretty high. WHY?! because I only eat at amazing places! This place is completely hidden (if you don't have yelp to help you out). I'm tired of Japanese restaurants that are only Japanese because they have sushi. Sushi-less Japanese restaurants are so rare, that it adds an even more greatness to this eating establishment. Just as a side note, I heard that people around the New England area come to Porter Square because Cafe Mami is THAT GOOD. Cafe Mami is really small, so if you don't mind taking out, then you'll have no problem. If you want to stay, then you might have to wait a little bit, but trust me... it's worth the wait. I've been here a couple of times, but during my more recent visit, I decided to get the WAFU HAMBURG STEAK. It's kind of like a thick hamburger patty, covered with different sauces, along with a steaming potato, salad, and rice (unlimited refills). It's a lot of food, so bring those stretchy pants that you would wear to a buffet. I would also recommend the WAFU TATSUTA SET. Basically like ginger infused fried chicken strips. freaking NOM-O-LICIOUS finish it all off with a GREEN TEA MILKSHAKE!!! CASH ONLY!
(5)
Ashley D.
so pleasantly surprised to find such good japanese food in this little complex! there are a number of little places to eat at in here, but from what my friend tells me this is the best. there are only a few tables so the wait can get pretty long but luckily there were still a few seats left at the bar when we got there. first ordered a green tea milkshake which was really good. creamy and refreshing and sort of tastes like a green tea version of a creamsicle. don't wait until the end of the meal to finish it though because when it's sitting out for a while it gets warm and kinda foamy and just doesn't taste that great anymore. i ordered the chili tomato hamburg set and was very satisfied. my friend likewise enjoyed the yaki chicken tofu plate (you can substitute the beef for chicken if you'd like). the hamburg sets come with rice, potato, salad, and miso soup and i finished every last bite of it. the hamburg is pretty much like a meatloaf soaked with tomato sauce and while it doesn't sound like much, i love this simple classic combo with rice. i definitely want to come back and try some of the other stuff next time i'm in need of some good comfort food. don't forget cash only! but there is a bank of america ATM in the plaza if you need it.
(4)
Judy L.
There are only 3 tables and 3 bar seats!!! So wait time may take quite awhile. It's not a particularly authentic Japanese cafe, with the Cantonese and Mandarin songs blaring in the background, but it was good nontheless. We ordered yaki soba, which I highly recommend. It was seasoned with black pepper that added a kick to it while it was not overly-drenched in soy sauce like most other non-authentic Japanese places would do. We also ordered pork cutlet donkatsu which was good as well, though I'd much prefer the yakisoba. Will return!
(3)
Joanna F.
My Chinese friend raved about this place, so my boyfriend and I finally went with him this weekend. We sat down immediately on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere won't blow you away but the food will. I ignored my friend's suggestions and tried the Yaki Don. I liked it, but one taste of my boyfriend's curry made me realize what I was missing. The curry was like no other curry I've had before. It was a little heavier than Indian or Thai curries and much richer. It was fabulous. The group seating could be a little awkward, but I didn't mind too much when two random people sat right next to us. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Dan B.
Went here for dinner today and got the Yaki Beef Tofu (Hot Sizzling Plate) main dish. It had thinly sliced beef with scallions, tofu in Mami's spicy sauce, carrots and a boiled potato. To start, it comes with a miso soup. If you need more rice with the entree, its free. I got a hot tea as well which came in a plastic cup (not a fan of that). That little ding didn't matter much as I was having a very delicious Japanese comfort food meal on a cool fall night. As most places in Shops at Porter, cash only.
(4)
Anne W.
When you don't feel like sushi.. it is good to get some traditional Japanese fare. Be sure to bring some cash.. this place is a no frills where you sit at the counter or share tables with some strangers. Best things on the menu.. lemon chicken and miso fish. I need to learn how to make this. About $9 per dish.. and always a line. Best value for the money for restaurants in Porter Square.
(5)
Sophie P.
I have tried yaki-don and gyu-don. Both are very delicious. The hamburger set here is a okie for me. Green tea milk shake tastes great.
(4)
Sally K.
Really really good food. I had the pork yaki don that was perfectly cooked, really tastey, and my partner got sizzling beef plate also fantastic. All in all we, ended up paying 21 dollars - how can you beat that price. Thumbs up!
(4)
Josephine L.
There always appears to be a huge crowd waiting outside Cafe Mami, which is due to their having very little seating, but is still an ingeniously simple way to make them look like the hottest, most desirable restaurant in Porter Sq's little J-town. I finally convinced the boyfriend to forgo the ramen next door and try a new place for lunch, so we snagged seats at Cafe Mami before the nightclub line (as I call it) appeared. I got the Udon and the boyfriend got the Chicken with Garlic, Ginger and Lemons. The udon was delicious--all thick and chewy and tasty in its sizzling platter, surrounded by sliced cabbage and chicken groupies in a savory soy-based sauce. The boyfriend's chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful. Service was slow as heck and we were literally seated next to another couple in what could have been a fun double date sitch if it weren't for the fact that they were total strangers. But Cafe Mami provides a pretty raw, authentic Japanese food experience. No upscale sushi, no pricey kaiseki, no show-offy teppanyaki. Japanese cuisine has so many different styles. With Cafe Mami, you're getting the quick, almost fast food-like, street food-ish, college student on a budget, East meets West in a spectacular way-style of dining.
(4)
Deanna W.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago. So good! I missed lunch by an hour (ends at 3pm, I think...), so I got the Yaki beef tofu for about ten bucks. $5 lunch is a pretty good deal though. Okay, so now to be picky. The miso soup was pretty watered down, the beef was poorly shredded and not the greatest and my dining experience overall wasn't the best due to an annoying neighbor and an uninterested waiter.... BUT I'd totally eat here again. I'd do take-out and make sure to make it for lunch.
(4)
Nancy Z.
Curry that is... Japanese? Japanese curry is different than other curries. Thai curries are rich and creamy from coconut milk, while Indian curries are created through a delicious blend of diverse spices. Japanese curry, on the other hand, is mild, thick, creamy and has a subtle hint of sweetness that comes from apples. One restaurant that makes extremely luscious and delectable Japanese curry is Cafe Mami. Accompanied with chewy sushi-style rice and pickled ginger, it is a hearty dish for lunch or dinner. You can also add thinly sliced pieces of crispy chicken or a tender hamburger patty as well. If you want to add even more, an egg over easy on top will make it perfect. The restaurant itself is very small. It has only a handful of tables so patrons usually experience a wait. Remember, it's cash only and prices are very fair where you can leave satisfied for $10.
(5)
Jennifer L.
The green tea tasted really good but a little overpriced.
(4)
Michael B.
Price is great for the amount of food you get. Usually, i get the $5 lunch special with is either Oyaku Don or the curry rice plate. The amount of food you get is great and very filling. If i dont get those, i usually get the rice plate or the fried chicken curry plate. They give a lot of curry sauce when i order from them and they give unlimited refills on rice which is a great plus!! The curry is so flavorful that you jsut need a little bit with your rice so you can order more rice and get your fill :]
(5)
Maggie N.
Came for lunch with a friend on a Saturday. I had the chili tomato hamburg set, and my friend had some curry dish (I think). Location-wise: the place is pretty small, only 5-6 tables or so, so during peak hours expect a wait. We were lucky and only had to wait about 5 mins. Super casual - kind of like a food court in a mall. Food: The portion was very good I must say. I was completely full and my friend couldn't even finish her dish. The flavoring is okay, not a super wow factor, but was beyond acceptable. The meat was tender, the sauce was good. I liked. I heard raves about the green tea shake, but since I'm not into thick creamy drinks, I was afraid it would be too much for me to handle. Price: Very reasonable, I think it came out to less than $20 for both of us, pre-tip.
(4)
Andrew C.
Pretty good place to get Japanese style curry, cutlets, comfort food. Limited amount of seating but they'll do their best to accommodate. Green tea milk shake was good, but it's more of a icee more than a "milk shake". The 3.50 price tag was a little more than what I would want to pay for though. I'd get it again if it were 2.50ish.
(3)
Chris H.
Liked the yaki udon and miso soup a lot but thought the donburi was just OK. Not a lot of choices for vegetarians.
(3)
Semyon D.
Came here for a quick weekday lunch. The place is really tiny, and for some inexplicable reason the main entrance was blocked so everyone coming in had to squeeze right past my chair. The food itself was quite good, no complaints there. What was not good however is having to wait 25 minutes for my lunch - there were not so many customers to justify this and the waiter could not even remember if he brought me miso soup already. The five strangers with whom I had to sit at the same table were waiting a long time for food, too, so when my lunch finally arrived, some of them decided that my eating said lunch is free entertainment - a truly unique experience.
(3)
R C.
This place is so fantastic - 5 stars all the way. And to make it better - they've extended their hours! How awesome. The Place In the porter exchange mall food court - about 12 seats total. The Food Everything is good - but I'm not a huge japanese curry fan so I usually go with one of the following Yaki Don - salty, oniony, beefy deliciousness Yaki Udon - As above but with Udon instead of rice (you can do chicken or beef) Rockin Chicken - Fried chicken covered in spicy sauce with rice Garlic Chicken - Garlic'y goodness (also with rice) Most meals come with a miso soup side. How perfect. Service Quick and friendly
(5)
Jane Z.
The yaki-don is quite gooooood! I've been going here for a long time and I'm always impressed and happy with my choices. You can't go wrong with anything that you try here!
(4)
martin m.
Prefer the sushi next door.
(3)
Lisa I.
Yum yum yum! A friend of mine found this place through yelp so we decided to check it out. It is unusual to find delicious Japanese food in a mall, but this place is seriously legit. We all had miso soup to start and ordered several dishes to share including seaweed salad, a tofu dish with ginger sauce(melts in your mouth!), Yaki Beef and Yakiniku Salad. Everything was GREAT and we only payed $12 each. I would absolutely go back.
(4)
Ann S.
MMH-MMMHH! My friend took me here one day for a lunch date and I fell in love with their curry and rice. It was SOOO good! I ordered the hamburger curry with rice but I really didn't like the hamburger. I thought it tasted weird so I mainly focused on the curry, and my god, it was so good. Definitely a little hidden gem! I wasn't really used to sitting in the same table as strangers, but when this place gets busy, be prepared! But just for the curry, I definitely wouldn't mind.
I've never been to Cafe Mami without having to wait for a seat. But of course, that's expected at most of the restaurants at the Porter Exchange. I'm a big fan of their Tokyo hamburg sets and wafu hamburg sets; love the homemade sauces and choice of egg and cheese on top of the hamburg with hand-tossed salad. The portions are perfect and their green tea milkshakes are delectable. Perfect lunch place for the weekends (and weekdays, if you're in the area - they're not open Tuesdays, though). Always affordable and delicious.
(5)
Bailey M.
I came here for a quick lunch (unfortunately I came after 2pm so the official lunch hour was over) and ordered the tatsuta don bowl. It came with fried chicken, rice, eggs, and green onions. The portion could have easily fed two people, and I felt bad that I didn't eat even half the $7 bowl. The waitress kindly brought me a to-go box. When I gracefully managed to use my chopsticks to flip the to-go box onto myself and leave rice all over me, the waitress helpfully brought me paper towels and helped spot the rice bits stuck in my hair. haha. This place NOT good for groups. Super tiny.
(3)
C W.
Value for money is very good! Is it the best sushi I've ever eaten, no, but it's consistently fresh and high quality with good service, nice ambience and is across the street from my house so I can't complain. This is my wife and my go to for neighborhood sushi.
(4)
tammy l.
Track here from Yelp. It was a nice little place in the University center building. Really not much space (three tables at most), but the food is decent for the price. I feel very warm & comfi after lunch there. There were also other Japanese food stores and a Japanese shop across the corner. Got a pair of crane origami earing, so lovely!
(5)
Vivian L.
nothing except love the food there. I have been there many times. Almost every dish is good, cheap and fast. Watch out long line during weekend dinner time.
(5)
David C.
What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Cafe Mami serves up some of the best, most affordable Japanese food around, and it does so in the smallest restaurant space possible. I wish Cafe Mami could swap spaces with one of the larger shops in University Hall that does about half its business. It would probably benefit everyone involved.
(4)
A C.
Everything here is awesome! I haven't had anything I don't like. I'm less fan of the curry, but that's not to say they made it bad at all, it's very yummy. My husband LOVES their burger, those are some really nice yummy juicy tender burgers. I love their chicken, if you like dark meat, they know how to make it like the first class. Everything is tasty, fresh, made to order. It's one of our stables. Japanese for less than $10 at this quality? it's a no-brainer, did I mention their $5 lunch special? this place should not be missed out if you are in the area!
(5)
S T.
I enjoy coming to this place when it isn't full. The wait is long if you decide to eat at Cafe Mami during peak hours. But the food is delicious. I always order the curry rice, sukiyaki, and the hot plates are the BEST. The only thing I miss are about Cafe Mami was the previous way they always play Japanese music/top charts. Nowadays...its meh..the atmosphere is not how it was back then. Doesn't feel like the true Japanese dive-y place it once was. But the food is still great! Prices went up a bit.
(4)
Derrick C.
How does Cafe Mami's yaki don taste 9000x better than my yaki don? It's such a seemingly simple dish but I was in awe w/ every bite. I'd eat here every day if I could.
(5)
Shuang C.
Curry is really good, favorite being tatsuda curry. Oyokodon is decent for $7. Hamburger sets I don't really care for. The teriyaki chicken came on a sizzling plate but was only meh. The Miso soup they have is good, so is their salad. Sometimes there's a cute waitress wearing timberlands. She makes my day :D
(4)
V N.
Cafe Mami makes me cry for mommy (in a good way) If I was on death row, their yaki-don would be my last meal. I'm waiting for the day that they expand to a bigger location which is inevitable. Currently, they can only seat a handful at a time which will fill up immediately during lunchtime, but takeout is always available. Hidden gem
(5)
Mitch Q.
I love their hamburg. Yaki dons are also my favorites. Meal would not be complete with their green milkshake either :)
(5)
Basil S.
Good food, great prices. - cash only - no brown rice
(4)
Corona W.
I am obsessed with this place!!! Their curry is silky and sooo delicious. Forcing yourself to stop halfway through is a necessity or you will eat the entire plate and be unable to get up from your seat. However, strict vegetarians beware. I believe the curry is made out of chicken/beef broth and, even though I always order the curry with just tofu, I always find bits and pieces of chicken or beef....Nevertheless, super delicious and affordable. :D
(4)
Christina K.
We came to Porter Exchange one night and we walked around trying to figure out which restaurant to go to. We'd already gone to Bluefin and I wasn't too impressed so I pressed us to go somewhere else. Figured Cafe Mami might be good because of all the yelp reviews. My friend had the chicken katsu don and I had the vegetarian don. Both were ooookaaay. The katsu don was tasty, but something about it wasn't exactly right. Not enough sugar? Not enough soy? I'm not quite sure. The vegetarian one was a lil lacking, but probably because it's vegetarian. Plus for giving miso soup, as much rice as you want (though I felt we had enough), and for excellent service. The place is small and we shared our table with other folks which is fine. :)
(3)
Monica H.
This place is a truly hidden gem in every sense of the word. The food is SO tasty and the price is unbeatable. We ordered the seafood udon and yaki don. I mostly had the udon but also tried the yaki don. The two dishes perfectly complemented each other--the udon was simple while the yaki don was more flavorful. I also got the green tea milkshake which was AMAZING. It had just the right amount of green tea flavors for the milkshake. I would gladly order that over a frappuccino or bubble tea any day! One downside is when I say hidden, I really mean hidden. We had actually made a half-hearted attempt to find this restaurant once before, but couldn't find it as it is located in an unmarked building (it's the same one that has Bally Fitness, FYI). Another thing is that Cafe Mami is essentially located in a food court, so there are only two clusters of tables. We were lucky to be the first customers there, but as we were finishing the meal the waitress sat another couple next to us. Thankfully my boyfriend talked them up and got more recommendations of other restaurants in Boston so it wasn't awkward at all. Despite the fact that Cafe Mami is located in a student center, I still felt like I was being fed in the home of a Japanese family. Will definitely come again!
(5)
Ice T.
My friend introduce me to Cafe Mami because she loved it after she had the Yaki Udon. So my friend's and I decided to give it a try. When we arrived we got seated in less than 5 minutes which I am surprise because my friend said she had waited at least 10 mins before she got seated last time. The restaurant is very space limited. It has about three- four tables and about 2-3 side high bar chairs where you can face the cooks while you are eating. I had about 7 people with me so the waitress were very nice and asked a couple that were sitting at one of the larger tables to move to a smaller table so we can sit at the larger table. They were very nice about it. I notice many people join tables and sit each other. I personally wouldn't be comfortable sitting with people whom I do not know. I ordered the Ninniku Chicken Set and a green tea smoothie. I thought my dish was very delicious along with the green tea smoothie that everyone raves about. My friends ordered the the Chicken Cutlet and a few other sets that I do not remember. However, they said their dish were also very delicious. Overall, Cafe Mami is a very cute place to sit down where people could chat with their friends. I also saw many other restaurants in the plaza, which I will definitely try next time. But Cafe Mami is definitely a must try restaurant because I absolutely recommend trying the green tea smoothie. The smoothie has a strong authentic green tea flavor. A side from all the food, remember to bring cash with you, if you have an account with Bank Of America there's an ATM in the plaza near the Lesley University Police Office. And lastly, when you finish with your meal remember to ask the waitress to validate your parking ticket so you do not have to pay full price. Definitely recommend Cafe Mami and I will most likely come back for a second try. =)
(4)
J. Lynn T.
I've been here too many times to list what I've eaten, basically anything on the menu is great, the curry and hamburgs are especially delicious! Prices are more than affordable, but make sure you have cash. Great for a quick bite, but don't be too alarmed if you have to share your table, because this place is small. Good and cheap food, what's there more to ask for?
(4)
Rob W.
Tucked into a tiny shopping area and school, surrounded by other Asian restaurants is Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami is perfect for a good quick cheap meal. I absolutely love the Yaki Don and Pork Cutlet Don. The bowls are delicious and cheap at ~$8 and they come with endless white rice (as if you'd ever need that much). During lunch, bowls are only $5 and come with miso soup, which is an absolute steal. Just a few quick notes, they have a giant parking lot in the back that when validated is only $1 for a couple hours or so. If you're not fond on driving in Cambridge, it's literally a minute walk from the Porter Red Line stop. Seating is a bit scarce here, there's all of 10 seats at two tables and maybe 3 or 4 bar type seats. You're gonna have to get used to sitting next to strangers eating here, but you're usually in and out pretty quick so it's not that big a deal. And finally, Cafe Mami is cash only, but there is a Bank of America ATM and a citibank in the complex.
(4)
Stephanie Y.
Great Japanese comfort food ... we ordered from here for girls' movie and mani night. We order 6, YES 6, onakyu don (chicken WITH EGG over white rice). However, she misheard me and we got this beef dish with scallions over rice. Even though we were a little disappointed about the wrong order, it tasted amazing!!! Add a little siracha sauce and it's the perfect comfort food. We were all so satisfied afterwards.
(4)
John X.
This place is great, you would never know it's there unless you've heard about the Japanese food court at Porter Square. It's only big enough for a few people, and the kitchen barely allows room for more than one person, but the decorations are tasteful and well-done. I got the lunch special curry, and it was decent. I've never been that big a fan of Japanese curry (I prefer Indian and Thai curry) but theirs was good. Flavorful and hot, and after adding some spice, was a decent meal. Best part was the lunch price was cheap for the amount of food i got, so definitely no complaint there. They had some other interesting entrees that I'll be sure to try next time.
(4)
Gregory A.
One of my all-time favorites! When I was in school in Boston, I would constantly find excuses to come here. The food is super cheap, and extremely delicious, and you won't find anything more authentically Japanese in town. The lunch specials are beyond awesome. My personal favorite is the Yaki Don. It is Yakiniku (grilled meat, in this case beef) over a bowl of rice. It is a little sweet and a tiny bit spicy with some onions sauteed and a lot of yummy. Also, a sufficiently filling portion, especially for around $5. Other lunch specials include similar donburi (rice-bowls) with chicken, or beef with a different sauce, or another fave of mine, curry. It's just Japanese curry sauce and rice, and if sauce and rice sounds weird to you, you're missing out. If you're not into the lunch specials, or if you stop by for dinner, there's more faves to choose from. Everyone else has mentioned the hamburg set, so I won't elaborate, but they're all delicious; I like the chili tomato. Also, their tatsuta age (basically battered fried chicken) is amazing and cooked just right. You really can't go wrong no matter what you choose. And to top it all off, almost every dish that comes with rice, comes with rice UNLIMITED. To me, this is heaven. Also, a few last notes: - the people that work there are always awesome. They are friendly and attentive. -if you come in the evening and there is a wait, don't worry, it's never very long, and even if it is, it's totally worth it. However, a lot of the other restaurants in the strip are also delicious. -bring cash. If you live in the Boston area, I'm sure you're used to the occasional cash-only joint. This is one of them, but you don't need that much (read: cheap food!). Also there's a Bank of America ATM in the building. -if you're driving, the parking lot in the back of the building is $1 for one hour.
(5)
Carol W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the Porter Exchange. When I come here with my husband, he gets either the chicken or pork cutlet curry and I get the Tokyo hamburg set with the fried egg on top. We end up sharing with each other, and it's quite an amazing meal. You get a salad and miso soup with the meals, and the price is as good as it gets! We've also gotten the fried shumai and agedashi tofu before. If you like green tea, I highly recommend trying the green tea milkshake. It's very filling though, so you might want to save your stomach for the entree and get the shake as a dessert or to go.
(5)
Jade N.
I mentioned in my review for Paris Creperie that that is one of the two places I have to visit every time I see my a parents in Brookline (I live in NY now). Cafe Mami is the other half of my must-visit list. This is Japanese home-cooking perfection. I've had Japanese food all over NY and never have I found a place like this. I'm the type that tries a new entre each time until I settle on my favorite and that is what I order every time afterward. Teriyaki hambagu here I come! I've tried making it myself and I can never get it right. The chicken they have that you dip in kewpie mayo is also great but I've achieved a fairly competent imitation at home. Curry, pork cutlet, or sizzling steak platter... it's all a party for these tastebuds! There's always a line for Cafe Mami and you're almost guaranteed to have to cozy up to some strangers at your table. Don't let this deter you though~ once you're going primal on the food you won't notice anything around you. Don't forget to leave without a green tea shake. Perfect treat to top off your meal!
(5)
Flora R.
For some reason I've visited just about every other restaurant in Porter Exchange until now. What a mistake to have been missing out on Cafe Mami all this time! Just by walking by, you know the seating area is packed - so it's a smart idea to come on off hours, order takeout, or know you'll be waiting a bit to sit down. Their prices are super affordable, the portions are good, and the curry is delicious. They have udon and curry and some other combos that you can try which all look and smell super yum. I will be back for more curry in the future. Definitely.
(4)
Nina B.
AWESOME food. I really think it is worth the wait. Cheap, flavorful and just perfect for a comfort-food style meal.
(5)
Albert L.
I'll be honest: I haven't been here in years. After living in Cambridge for 5 years, I moved in 2007. Now, I live in California, allegedly home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in America. Yet with every bite of mediocre Japanese curry I've had here, my mind -- and my heart -- returns to Cafe Mami time and again. I don't know if much has changed since I left. Judging by the pictures, no, but maybe there's since been a new menu or owner, in which case it'd be nice for you if there were an "Un-useful" button you could click. What I remember best though were the buttery-smooth and generous curries, the option to top a rice plate with a fried egg (do NOT take this for granted, since the only way to get a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled one here in Norcal is to put a gun to someone's calorie-counting head), and the green tea shakes. Conveniently, I've forgotten about how long the wait was and how uneven the service could be. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose. Personally, I'm a katsu curry fan, and Cafe Mami never once let me down. I had the hamburg dishes a few times which were great in their own right; just not my taste. And make sure you arrive early! Not just to avoid a wait, but also to avoid having the curry run out on you. It happened more than a couple times when my friends and I tried to sneak in a late dinner (after 7:30 pm). 5 stars always! You guys out there in Boston are lucky.
Very good food! Really really good. And prices are SO CHEAP, this place is amazing. Unfortunately, there's only two tables. You can sit at the counter too, though. But my friends and I had to wait around 30 minutes to get a table (although that might be because the people who were eating who a group of girls who didn't seem to notice the line of people waiting for food). I had the yakidon which was very delicious and filling. Next time I go there I'm definitely trying the tonkatsu. The only other negative thing besides the small sitting space is that the waiter speaks minimal English. Not really a problem though.
(4)
Huong P.
Hey there Cafe Mami, This is the first time I came by Porter Square and you had no long line. I had always wanted to try you out but you were too busy with everyone else to try to get to know me. It's okay, I get it. At least you made it up this time by not cramping me up but instead giving me good physical space to breath. Moreover, your friend was really nice. I like how she was patient with us while we were deciding from your delectable list of food items though I must say, there is not too much variety. I gave your special yakidon on a sizzling plate a try ($8.99) while my friend tried your curry with katsu and egg ($9.99). I was not expecting the big servings you had for the price we were paying. I could barely eat half before being stuffed, yet kept on eating to get my money's worth. I must say that the food was all tasty, but I take off a star from you because you were a little greasy. When I have Japanese food, I expect to eat foods that taste and feel light. Your katsudon was a bit dense, your yakidon soaked in too much flavor to eat by itself. Yeah, I had to eat white rice with your yakidon--starch on starch, yum. Nevertheless, that is some good food that definitely hits the spot and even more. Thank you server, you were awesome and gracious with us.
(4)
Sunny C.
Been going here since college days. Two faves: chicken cutlet curry, spicy beef bowl. Unbelievably good!!! Living in NYC now, cafe mami still beats all the japanese curry houses here. hands down. yum yum yum!
(5)
Tammy L.
Always packed, but that's how you know they're good. I love their Teriyaki Hamburg Set. I'm craving for it right now. Their homeade tomato sauce is wonderful and the rice is soft. Yay for free rice refills! I also love their Chicken Teriyaki Set and their green tea milkshake. Sometimes I wish they would just move to somewhere bigger...
(5)
Lai X.
Most important thing about a eating out? Food. Second most important thing about eating out? Fits in my budget. Yakidon - Rice bowl with fried beef and onions. $5 on the lunch menu. Do it. Curry - I've gotten the fried chicken and the fried pork, both delicious, ate until I was uncomfortably full. Seriously. Free rice refills will be the death of me. Teriyaki Hamburg set - Soft beef patty, delicious sauce, also comes with free rice refills. One thing you might not know about me as a reviewer is that I only give 5 stars to places that are so good I come back more than once. Service was always friendly and efficient. One time I caught the waitress playing with a customer's baby. Waitresses that are baby-approved and mother-approved? Gold star. Only con about this place is it has very limited seating. You're going to have to be okay to be seated at the same small table as strangers, if need be. Coming from past experiences of cramped buses and subways during peak hours, I don't have a problem with this. Plus I'm kind of too into the food and the person I'm there with to really care anyway.
(5)
Keiko K.
I love Cafe Mami! There is no Japanese food like this anywhere else in Boston. I almost always get the chicken tatsuta set. So delicious! The servings are huge and there's free refills on rice. I've never needed it but it's nice to know. :) If I'm really hungry I can eat my whole meal but I often take leftovers home. I've gotten the tatsuta set for take out a few times to eat at the airport while I wait for my flight. I just skip the miso soup, although they will give it to you if you want it. One of my friends always gets chicken katsu curry and loves it. The green tea milk shake is yummy. Food is served very quickly. Seating is their biggest problem (I think their maximum capacity is 12 - 2 tables and 2 bar seats), so I try to go when the line isn't too long. You have to share your table if your party is smaller than 4, so it's not a good place for intimate conversation. If there are lots of people waiting, I feel pressure to eat quickly and leave, not because the staff are rushing me, just because I feel guilty looking at all those hungry people. :) Their hours are a little odd - they're only open for lunch and dinner and closed for a few hours in between. They're also closed on Tuesdays.
(5)
Bryce K.
Have you ever had traditional Japanese hamburg? No? Well have I got the place for YOU sir(or miss). Cafe Mami is a TINY but DELIGHTFUL spot where you can indulge yourself in a savory and scumptious meal that will make your cheeks sore(from all the smiling you'll be doing). It's simple food executed well. I went with my girlfriend and we had the Tokyo Hamburg and the Tonkatsu Curry. The curry was a pretty standard fare but it was struck a great balance in the sauce that was both sweet & salty and all delicious. The Hamburg was smothered in a pork based ragu which was exquisite and topped with an (optional) fried egg. This is my virgin experience with hamburg and I had always wondered what could possibly make a regular old hamburger patty gourmet. My curiosity has been quenched. Speaking of quenching, they have a green tea milkshake which is also quite good(but not great). Get it if you love green tea, otherwise, it's merely average.
The best Japanese I have ever had. Small seating area and smaller bar. If you can find a seat, no matter what you order you will enjoy it.
(5)
Candice B.
The Chicken Katsu Curry with egg over rice is my FAVORITE thing from Cafe Mami. Japanese curry is my favorite type of curry. Indian curry (Vindaloo!) is my second favorite, and my least favorite is Thai curry. I just love the creamy, sweet flavor that covers the panko crusted chicken katsu and white rice. I'm drooling just thinking about this! As many have said before, the down side to Cafe Mami is the lack of seating. There are 4 spots on the counter, maybe 4 tables that can fit about 8-12 people at a time. This is pretty much a "chew-and-screw" type "fast" food, not a place to have dinner if you are trying to catch up with a friend.
(5)
Myha N.
I absolutely love this place. I should probably try more items on the menu but when I show up, I always crave the one dish.. chicken tatsuda set. Their hamburg is a must try too. They only have seats for about 15 people so expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Usually it is one waitress and they're always fast. If the wait is long, they'll ask you to order while in line so you don't have to wait too long when you sit down. I love that!
(5)
Ellie W.
Pour some green tea shakes on me, oooooooh in the name of love. Soundtrack of my food life. Cafe Mami is one of the few restaurants I dream about. No, scratch that. Fantasize about. Cafe Mami is the Megan Fox/Robert Pattinson of my food world. The yaki don and hamburg sets are filling and perfectly drenched in all the right sauces. Fantastic food, yes, but my real love--no, soul mate--would be their GREEN TEA SHAKES. Oh my, if only I could swim in an ocean of green tea shakes, my life would be ever so complete. Don't judge. A girl can dream.
(5)
tegen d.
Very nice. Affordable and tasty food. Quick and friendly service.
(4)
Tan E.
I guess you can say that the 'HAMBURGER" is back; the Cafe Mami way. The tokyo hamburg entree is by far the best "hamburger" I tasted or had. Its the new of eating a hamburger without the hamburger. The chili tomato hamburg is by far my favorite hamburg set. Its sweetness and sourness of the tomato paste, hint of spice sends unimagable thoughts to my mouth. The beef patty itself is moist and soft in each bite & the sunnyside egg with cheese just tops it off, making it a complete meal. But believe me, its the sauce that makes keeps my mojo running back for more. Can't get enough of the sauce! If your not daring to try the any of the hamburg sets, you can also get the cheese and curry chicken/pork w/ rice which also one of my favorites. Even though its small and the wait is usual long on the weekend for dinner, the wait is worth it! It just goes to show how popular the hamburg really is and that everyone is willing to wait it.
(5)
Lauren L.
Cafe Mami serves the best 'homestyle' Japanese comfort food I've found in Boston so far. Their curries (with and without chicken/pork cutlets) are perfect, not too starchy, not too thin/gooey or too sweet. Their rice bowls (yakidon, pork cutlet with egg, chicken with egg) are all very good and really remind me of small restaurants back in Asia. My favorite however, is the Tokyo Hamburg Set with the house sauce. The hamburger patty is so tender, so flavorful, and the sauce is just the cherry on top. I've tried to recreate the sauce at home, but to no avail. Downsides, the place is TINY, seating maybe no more than 15 people and they take no reservations so be prepared to wait if you come at peak hours. This is not the place to go with a group of more than 4 as it'll take you forever to get seated, and if you're less than 4 then more often than not you'll be seated at the same table as other parties. They are cash only (last time I checked) so bring cash. Other than that, the prices are cheap around $10 normally per entree, and $5 for lunch. The food comes out pretty quick, and for the curry, hotplate, and hamburg dishes, rice is unlimited. Mami is definitely worth a try if you're in the area (and even if you're not).
(5)
Hannah K.
Cafe mami is my jam! Get the tatsuta set!
(5)
Richard J.
+ 1 star for unlimited rice! + 2 stars for curry sauce! + 2 stars for perfect boneless fried chicken (tatsuta) and hamburg! -1 star for tiny, cramped place..wish they were a bigger place! final: 4 stars
(4)
Kate C.
The food here EASILY beats out the food from Boston's Chinatown and Allston-Brighton areas. The curry here is light and sweet -- with a slightly more distinct taste of ginger. It's a great alternative for those who find Indian curry too overpowering/nauseating. Overall, the food just felt much cleaner than Chinatown's and although the food from Allston/Brighton is not necessarily bad, I have not found anything that is remotely similar to Cafe Mami's. Although many have mentioned that there is limited seating here, I did not find that to be a drawback when I came here with a group of 10 famished college students on a Sunday afternoon. The staff here was really accommodating and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated (although we could have just timed our visit perfectly). For affordable, tasty, and generous servings of food, I would not hesitate to come back -- even if the wait were up to an hour.
(5)
Jim L.
I wrote a poem about how much I love Cafe Mami: Mami, Oh Mami What else can I say? Maybe the fact the you are really the size of a cafe So what? you lack in size? you definetly don't lack taste Mami oh Mami, come back in my life without haste. Really though, don't hesitate! go there now. Turn off the computer, get ready to receive the best meal of your life. The Hamburger Set with egg is a new realm of food eating.
(5)
Doris W.
The place to go for Tokyo Hamburg! I've been going here for years and it's the only thing I order (I've gotten the spicy version twice, topped with an egg every now and then, topped with cheese once.). It's a flavorful beef patty topped with tomato sauce and served with rice, a baked red potato, and salad. I tried a different dish once - tofu, cheese, beef - which was bland. The curries are good as well as the fried chicken. I recently discovered their spicy tofu salad which was delicious. It's actually quite mild and I have a low tolerance to spicy food so take my word for it. Some possible cons about Cafe Mami: 1. Cash-only 2. First come first serve seating 3. 8:45pm closing time 4. Their long winter vacation and their one day a week closing which can be random 5. No liquor license 6. When they run out of curry (this happened last night, friends were bummed) The only problems I have are the closing time and seating. It's definitely not ideal for large groups as there are only 2 tables that seat 6 comfortably and 3 by the bar. The stall at the end of the hallway, I forgot the name, serves hamburg as well but was served in a bento box. It was good, but definitely not the same as Cafe Mami's. Their prices have gone up $1 or $2 since then but it's still inexpensive. There are ATMs in the building so you're set if you don't have cash on you.
(5)
Be B.
What happened to the foods? What happened to these Chinese songs???? Why did I had to be treated like a idiot when I am just a customer?? Cafe Mami used to be a really full of taste Japanese restaurant. It was one of my best favorite. The beef sirloin sizzling dish was a god's gift. Not sure since when, their foods got changed, there was no more lines waiting for table. The worst part is, they hired this black eye glasses Chinese waitress with a really bad temper who plays Chinese song at work (Why isn't it Japanese song?). I don't think it's an idea for me to go back there ever again unless I don't have to see that waitress again. I do miss the vegetable curry there, because their curry is much more rich, spicy and delicious than Ittyo.
(2)
Princess M.
This is an institution among students in Boston....well at least among my circle of friends. I think I ate here almost once every week over my four years in Boston. Somehow I can't get sick of their food. My favorites are the boneless fried chicken, fried chicken curry, miso-marinated mackerel, hamburg steak on rice and spicy beef bowl. All super duper yummy. You can always request for an extra fried egg or cheese to be added to anything. I love those extras with my curry (sounds weird with cheese but it's really yummy). Service is always quick and they've gotten their operations here down to an art. It's tiny but you can fit a group of 5 or so if you don't mind waiting a little. The lines get long during peak lunch/dinner hours but I say it's totally worth the wait. You can place your order while in line so that your dish will be ready when you're table is ready. It's located right beside the Porter Exchange T-stop and there's also a parking lot that's free.
(5)
Erin F.
Do not be fooled by its appearance, some things are more than what they seem. What looks like a run of the mill food court joint is so much more. I randomly heard of this porter square cafe and thought it sounded like a fun and different experience in an area of greater Boston that I haven't really given enough of my time. And Japanese food is certainly out of the ordinary Boston pub scene. I was not disappointed. My friend and I decided we were going to have a fun, different, and cheap night. I was a little worried when we first got there and the place looked like a common "japanese" sidebar at the mall. There were two long tables right next to the counter. We got there early, around 6, so there weren't may people there. You are seated where you fit, meaning you may be sitting next to people you don't know. If that's fine with you, which it was for us, continue reading. The menu had a great selection and was fabulously priced. The beef Yaki-Don was excellent. Thinly sliced beef bits with scallions and onions over white rice. (free refills of white rice!!) The beef was seasoned just right and had an excellent flavor. The waitress was great and very attentive. She had no problem bringing me extra rice and extra spoons and the like. Place got crowded when we left shortly before 7. I didn't know this place had such a following! There was an odd selection of music which sounded like a mix of japanese and reggaeton. Wasn't overwhelming and certainly added an element of interesting to the whole experience. The place is very low key and very informal. If you're looking for an easy, cheap, interesting, and quick meal, I would certainly check this place out.
(4)
Robert C.
I don't think you'll find this review very helpful because anyone that asks me about cafe mami will hear me tell them that it's the max rating on whatever scale they use, and that they absolutely have to try the curry. I'd talk about the incredibly diverse and politically correct menu, but I only ever get the pork veggie curry with cheese, and I'm sure that offends quite a few abrahamic religions. Bottom line is go try it, and try to show up at a not-so-peak hour because the wait gets long (but do stay anyway because it's worth it) Perfect aftermath for a daytime/morning drinking session, such as post Tufts Spring Fling (yall know what I'm talking about).
(5)
Andrea B.
If I had a Cafe Mami on my college campus, I probably would have been the size of a house. Because I would've been there every day. Their Japanese food is cheap and tastes good. It makes for great hangover food, great I-should-be-studying-but-I'd-rather-be-eating food, or just a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. One word of advice - don't spend $3.50 on the green tea milkshake unless you're really, really a fan of green tea. I liked it the first few sips, but I ended up barely drinking half of it. You're better off putting that money towards another bowl of Tatsuta Don!
(4)
Jim M.
Delicious! Can't believe this gem was in my neighborhood.
(5)
Stephen H.
Ive always wanted to try here because its the most crowded of all the porter exchange resturants, and seems to attatract a large asian clientele which bodes well for its reputation. Got the salmon yaki don for dinner, came with miso soup. Portion size definitely was more intended for a young asian girl, not a 6'+ man coming after 5 mile run, but for the price it was more than fair. Salmon was very very good. Tasted real fresh, perfectly cooked, and I'm a man who eats a lot of seafood. sauce/seasoning was good, I added a little hot sauce for some extra kick. veggies tasted fresh and the rice was good as well. Miso Soup was tasty, great place for quick cheap eats.
(4)
Piti I.
Still the same. I came here a lot from 1995-2006 when I lived in Boston. Everytime I'm back in town I go and it's still awesome. My only problem is deciding which of my favorites to get. Tokyo style hamburger, chicken curry, spicy beef bowl? All are great.
(5)
Ye P.
One of my all time favorite! Great curry & home made tomato sauce. Very juicy and tender Tatsuta.
(5)
Ed Y.
A real hidden jewel in porter square Cambridge. Located in the porter exchange building it has only 2 tables and 1 small counter. Seating capacity is like 13 the most. There is always a line but you can take out too. All dishes are authentic Japanese fast food. I always order the Japanese chicken, completely different from American chicken it is to die for. Comes with a potato, salad and unlimited rice. With a drink it runs you about $10, a real bargain. Its definitely worth the wait or take out and eat in your car. Its truly unbelievable!!!
(5)
Kara S.
This is another instance where I am willing to overlook less than stellar service because the food is just that good. They have a weird way of seating people, where they need to fill one of the two small tables before they'll seat anyone at the second one. This was a little annoying to me and my friends when we went tonight, but we shook it off. I'm glad we did. I ordered the same dish I had the last time I went---yaki don, thin slices of spicy marinated beef over rice--and it was just as good as I remembered. I will probably never ever eat anything else on the menu, it's just that good. And so perfectly paired with the sweet smoothness of a green tea milkshake. My friend Carrie, who is a vegetarian, had the veggie teriyaki don w/tofu and was very happy with it. My friend Mary had the Oyako Don (chicken and egg over rice) and liked it, but said she would probably order the Yaki Don next time. Yes, IT IS JUST THAT GOOD! See my photo of the dish for a visual clue to the deliciousness of the yaki don!
(5)
Kathleen M.
The yaki-don brought me back for a second date, but the Tokyo hamburg set made me fall in love. I can't speak for its authenticity, but this place serves up some delicious dishes. My fave is the hamburg set, always with egg and cheese--delicious seasoned ground beef with a tomatoey sauce, rice, the egg (over easy), a side salad, and a mini baked potato. Haven't sampled too much more since my love affair with the aforementioned hamburg set, but all looks delicious. Cute, very small place with efficient, no nonsense service. I always take out, but if you eat in, you may make new friends with people at the table next door. Extremely affordable, extremely delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)
Ina C.
$5 for a delicious yaki-don before 2pm on weekdays. Need I say more? There are a handful of options in the $5 lunch menu, and I was a little afraid of the yaki-don because it was described as "spicy." But don't worry - if you've had spicy before and can stomach it, this stuff will be harmless. Thin slices of beef over rice topped with scallions and a delicious sauce? Mmmm... Be prepared to be cozy with your fellow diners - This place has space for no more than 12 people. We sat at a table for 6 with two other parties. There's a tiny free parking lot to the left of the complex. Other than that, there's a cheap lot nearby and metered spots. Cash only. I love this place and I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jeff D.
I love Erin H's review, because she brings up the non-food things that make Cafe Mami the quintessential Japanese restaurant. It's tiny, the seating is very crowded and you'd better bring cash or it's no go. While I like the hamburger sets, I almost always end up getting katsu-kari with a pork cutlet. The cutlet is always juicy and while I tend to like my curries a bit more rich and spicy than they do it here, it's very good and they always serve fukuzinzuke (the red daikon pickles) with their curry. I do wish they offered a curry udon set, I might suggest that to them next time I am there.
(5)
Tracy C.
Mmmmmm... where can I even begin? Cafe mami is the type of Japanese restaurant that I didn't expect from Boston-Cambridge area. Most of the places I have been to in the city are Chinese or Korean owned and serve mainly sushi and some Americanized hot dishes. But cafe mami? well yeah it has amazingly yum hamburger steaks, all kinds of chicken and pork katsu in their dons or dishes, and rice plates that seem so simple to swallow that makes you feel that it's not an "exotic" ethnic food joint that you need a special stomach for. The thing is, the techniques and the flavors in these foods are so authentic (thats why the hamburger is amazingly delicious and you just can't figure out why it's not the same at the UNOs down the street). I find everything priced fairly except for the green tea milk shake...yes the taste is heavenly but $3.50 for a tiny cup is not. The place is small, and there are so few seats, but i find it worth the wait every time.
(5)
Juliana N.
JAPANESE HAMBURG SET =) Teriyaki style. I think the other styles are really great too like the Toko style with the tomato sauce, the Wafu ginger and ponzu sauce, and the chili tomato set. Delicious meat served with rice, a baked potato and a side salad. How can you go wrong. Costs less than $9. I love this place. My friends and I come here often and we always manage to get a seat within 5-10 minutes! We come here for lunch around 12:30pm. The service is quick and accurate. The waitresses are always really nice. If you've never had japanese hamburg, you must try!
(5)
Yoonie C.
Super tiny corner, but with yummy casual Japanese food. Great Tonkatsu, and Udon stir-fry. Fried shumai were super hot from being fresh out of the fryer, and the sauce was so delicious! This reminded me of a "boon shik jum" which is the word in Korean - who knows the equivalent in Japanese? I'm not sure what the equivalent is in English either... only "great casual food" comes to mind.
(4)
Te R.
i tried their yaki don lunch special. it was $5 or something. the serving was the right size. and it was delicious. we also had their frozen green tea. it was very sweet, but it's how it's supposed to be. they don't have much seating, so it might not be great for group. there are other things on the menu that i would like to try next time i'm in town. this place is inexpensive, cute, and quite delicious.
(4)
Andy L.
I come here every couple months because it's one of the best values on food in town, and it's real close to the T-stop where I live. The young asians in the porter exchange mall keep the tiny space (2 tables and a tiny bar!) crowded for dinner, which portends well for its authenticity. I only ever get the same thing for dinner because it works for me: Yaki Don (thin fried beef, onions, bean sprouts over a bed of nice rice). I pay 9 dollars including tip, and I get free miso soup to start off. I eat the whole thing including the garnish. I never get a spoon for my miso soup and have to ask for one. Is that normal? It still tastes top-notch, so I get over it quickly. You'll be able to get a seat quickly if you show up alone and are willing to sit at the bar so that you are staring into the side of a green tea milkshake machine. This doesn't bother me, but it makes it harder to get the attention of the only server - who has to wait tables and handle take-out orders. Just because I only get one dish doesn't mean it's the only good one. I often look around and see that people are digging into very different things than I have like they get it all the time. You'll probably find something like that for yourself if you give this place a few tries.
(4)
Lynn P.
I tried their cutlet curry with rice and all of their hamburg steaks. So~~~ good~~~~. I luv the thick slices of crispy cutlet and the thick flavorful curry sauce. The portion size was pretty big too. Their hamburg steaks are better than expected. Really tasty. I would definitely come back for that. However, the place is so tiny and kinda old. there are only about 14~15 seats total. But, people usually eat fast there so its not that bad. Every time I go there, I have to wait about 15~30 minutes to be seated. Other things in the menu like "~don" not that good. Just order either curry or hamburg steak to be safe~!
(4)
Jay K.
Been here a couple of times. Eat-in, pick up, and take out. Good service. Not the "let-me-be-your-friend" or super attentive kind. Just an appropriate level of service for a busy hole-in-the-wall vibe joint with a table shortage. - Green tea slushie is delicious, but filling. Not recommended if you're going to eat a whole hamburg set on your own. - Hamburg steak - teriyaki's a little too sweet for me, but I know a certain someone who devours it quite happily. I prefer the tomato sauce version. - Donburi - have had a variety. Enjoyed them all. - Curry - good standard fare. - Seaweed salad - the bright green stringy seaweed served with lettuce and such. Refreshing and simple. Good appetizer if you're hungry, good meal if you've been eating a lot of heavy food and need something light.
(5)
Cecil S.
They had a Boston Globe review posted on their wall, but honestly didn't see what all the rave is. Was much more satisfied by Masa's sushi located in the same building. I tried the Pork noodles with a light soup beforehand. Long wait time and crowded seating area (there is literally only 3 tables).
(3)
Stephanie N.
I actually had AUTHENTIC miso soup here! Very impressed. A small menu, but everything tastes about as good as it gets outside of Japan. Highly recommended for a katsu-fix.
(5)
Cindy C.
OH CAFE MAMI. if I could sing, I would sing you a praise, however, with my lack of talent, it'd come out to be more torture than delightful. After living in Boston for 4 years, all the way at BC, which, is at the end of the green line, I've made countless treks to eat at your tiny tiny establishment. Rain or snow, I'll be there to experience the tastes of true culinary goodness. Personally, I love the chicken that is lightly breaded and fried. The tenderness and flavorful chicken never ceases to amaze me. Then there's your famous hamburg with the tomato sauce. I'm salivating even as I type this. To top off all that heavy meat, the side salad is light and refreshing, a perfect compliment to any dish. A meal at cafe mami always leaves me satisfied and happy. and most importantly, always wanting more.
(5)
Jessica M.
Oh god I love the hamburg curry. With an egg and cheese. I made the mistake to get it with the chicken katsu once and the chicken was undercooked and had a stringy texture. Stick with the veggie or hamburg. I love Japanese style curry but every single time it destroys my stomach.
(4)
v y.
Anytime I'm in Porter Square, I have a hard time not stopping by Cafe Mami. Their Japanese Hambagu sets are DELICIOUS. The sauce is killer and their patties are melt in your mouth delicious. All meals come with unlimited rice and a baked potato and salad. Best of all you can get out of there for around $10. There curry is also delicious. Definitely a place to try out.
(5)
Patrick V.
Amazing katsu curry and the miso soup is also good.The katsudon is really good.The sauce is really good and the chicken is nice and moist.You have got to go to this place.
(5)
Karen K.
My love affair with Cafe Mami began in 2001 and, after a facelift in the restaurant interior, it is still going strong. What I loved most about Cafe Mami was, despite the line, they would still try to get you to your meal as quickly and as efficiently as possible by taking your order while you're in line and then having the food essentially ready for you when you sit down. Great prices too. I would chime in with my fellow reviewers to remember the crazy long wait during peak dining hours, cash only (never fear, there's a bank of america ATM right around the corner) and finally IT IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!!! Don't make the heartbreaking mistake and go there on a Tuesday, as I have done before. It's not a pretty scene. My favorites: the Yakidon - spicy beef and bean sprouts served over a bed of rice, this dish is exceptionally good in the winter when you need a bit of fire. The spice does not overpower the flavor of the beef but simply enhances in a divine way. The Ninniku Chicken - Garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate (note: I believe life would be so much better if everything was served on a sizzling hot plate). The sauce has just the right amount of tanginess to spoon over your rice and the baked potato (request said spoon...) and the carrots that come with the dish is impossibly sweet and tasty even for non veggie lovers. (Note: if you have a large appetite and would like the yaki don and the Ninniku chicken, there is a beef salad that will satisfy your yaki beef cravings as well) The Tatsuta Curry - crispy fried chicken in Mami's delectable curry sauce. It is my way to remind myself that even when I'm homesick for good Japanese Curry, Mami will always be there. The Green Tea Milkshake - Once upon a time, Mami used to make their green tea milkshake by taking scoops of vanilla ice cream and blending it with green tea powder. They have now understandably streamlined the process with the automated frozen drink maker and even though I still enjoy my green tea milkshake every now and then, I still miss the good ol' fashioned way of making it. To conclude: One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. If I were in Boston for only a day I would always make my special pilgrimage to Cambridge to Cafe Mami. It is THAT GOOD.
(5)
Dominic Y.
Food is so good but the wait is just too long!
(4)
M J.
yum! this is a super place for a fast, cheap lunch. it's a tiny spot with one server, possibly the owner, who is such a nice guy. tables are communal, sit at the counter or get take out -- the food is fantastic. best miso soup i've ever had, ditto the spicy beef with rice, though really i wish they served brown rice. i'll be craving it all soon and i just ate it yesterday - it's THAT good.
(4)
Barbara B.
Nothing else in Boston beats the Japanese food in Porter Square. And I'm not talking about the sushi kind of Japanese food. Cafe Mami is the reigning gem of the pack when it comes to their curry and the portion of their meals. The pork katsu curry is to die for. Don't miss out on this place.
The boyfriend and I have basically become regulars at this place. Granted, I've only ordered two items from the menu, but they are so good that they keep me coming back for more! We always get the pork katsu with curry and the rock'n chicken. Both come with miso soup and a salad. I'm not a fan of the salad; they drizzle some kind of oil on it. The mains are delicious and the servings are huge. The katsu is nice and crispy. If you get the curry on the side, you can save half for another meal. The chicken is extremely tender... in fact, some of the best chicken I've had, ever. We've also tried the green tea smoothie. Tastes great, but a little pricey at $3.50. Nonetheless, an entire meal for 2 ends up being around $25--a great deal! This is definitely not a first-date kind of place, though. We usually do take out and eat at home. There are never any seats available, the line goes out the door during prime dinner/lunch times, and frankly, not the best ambiance to eat in anyway.
Is it the best restaurant in Boston? It certainly was when they were buying their ingredients from Kotobukiya, before the greedy landlord shuttered it. Today it may be a little harder to determine; I think some ingredients have changed. But it's definitely among the best, and what you get for the price (usually $5 for lunch) is certainly the best value in all New England. Get the green tea milkshake.
(5)
Elizabeth P.
Sometimes the wait is long, but it's totally worth it. I really like their hamburg steak menu. The serving portion is quite big. the only downside: - you sometimes have to sit with strangers since there aren't many seats available.
(5)
Euni L.
I am in Love with Taka-san. Any man that can craft a perfectly juicy tonkatsu (so thick and tender, with this perfect layer of egg between the panko and the pork) and a perfectly crisp Tatsuta (fried chicken) set is entitled to at LEAST a 5-star Yelp review ;) .. oh... I get it...I didn't mean... no, I'm not a whore. But I do love my Japanese street food. Walk down any alley in trendy Shibuya and you'll find many of these classic favorites available for quick consumption. Delicious, rich hambaag steaks topped with an over-easy egg with the yolk popped over rice or a steaming hot bowl of karae can warm up any freezing New England night. I can actually say that as a native San Franciscan surrounded by a plethora of tasty choices in J-town, nothing compares to the savory yumminess of Mami. Even in my 4-year stint in LA, nothing on Olympic/Sawtelle or downtown Japantown compares. Everything else seems to miss a key feeling of authentic Nippon savory hominess... you really have to watch Taka and his boys cook for you to appreciate what goes into his food =) Service is... well... I've seen so many girls come and go, but one particular girl has actually stuck around for a while. She's definitely been eating the food though, as she was near microscopic when she first started working there 9 months ago and now looks healthy and normal. When she's not flustered, she's great- friendly but usually inefficient, but she tries her best. Hey, I'm a service Nazi... you get that way after waiting tables for the cheeky (pompous) elite (assholes) in Beverly Hills/Los Gatos (pretentious) fine dining (overpriced) restaurants for 5 years. You likely won't get a simple water refill, but your check will come as soon as you finish your meal. Ha, what a way to turn tables huh? As for portions... I suppose if you're used to super-sizing everything and storing a layer of fat for the cold winter months, I can see why Mami may be a little unsatisfying. They really do give you an adequate portion that any human should be able to consume without going into food coma afterwards. But for the days when you're famished, ordering three entrees between two people is not a bad idea, and gives you the opportunity to sample the other delicious offerings on the menu. I don't know what the big deal is about the donburi sets- you can get those anywhere and it just seems so... not worth it. Why don't you go to Yoshinoya or something? Taste the more "eccentric" menu items and you won't be disappointed. Every time I go to Boston I have to hit up Cafe Mami at least five times, embarrass Taka-san with my endless compliments ("SUGOKU OISHIKATTA~!") and stuff my face silly with Tatsuta/Hambaag/Tonkatsu goodness. Don't let the communal tables and modest appearance fool you- this place is gold.
(5)
Jackie C.
Every so often I get this craving for hamburg and I just have to go to Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami also has great curry dishes and the food is reasonably priced. I always find myself wanting to finish my plate of food when I come here even when I'm full just because their sauce on their hamburgs are just that good. But watch out if you want to come here as a group as this place is tiny! There are only about three tables and if you are a party of 2, don't be surprised if you have to share the table with other patrons. The place is also cash only... I always seem to forget to get cash and we end up running to the ATM to grab some right before the bill comes.
(4)
Müs B.
Been visiting this place for almost 10+ yrs. Affordable and consistently awesome food!
(5)
Susan S.
I usually really like Cafe Mami's food but my recent visit there was underwhelming with what I particularly ordered. I got the Gyu Don and I really was disappointed with the flavor and quality of the meat. This type of dish was supposed to have delicate slices of beef that was supposed to be ultra flavorful. But I found that the pieces of beef were thicker than usual and that it was bland, tasteless and a little lukewarm. I feel that the beef wasn't fresh and it even looked overcooked judging by the pale grey color it had instead of a golden brown. They even had a huge chunk of beef that was too chewy to further bother to eat. The dish is pricey for what it was, just a few pieces of bland meat over rice. Even though it's considered a relatively cheap place, at the end of the day, it's about the food. And why bother paying for food I can't enjoy? I also noticed that one of the original chefs wasn't there in the kitchen preparing the food and I don't know if that has anything to do with the quality of my dish. I really hope that this isn't a sign that the restaurant is losing its quality and the great flavor that I used to know. I don't know how their other dishes fare as of right now but I would never order that Gyu Don dish again. Did they have an off day? I don't know, but I don't appreciate paying for other people's mistakes. Their green tea shake I like though.
(2)
Mark C.
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in Boston. Cheap, fast, and extremely tasty. Try the chicken cutlet and egg rice bowl or the spicy beef rice bowl. Most of their dishes even come with unlimited rice. The only thing is, they're pretty small. I think the restaurant in total only seats 15 max, but they churn pretty quick. Best non-sushi Japanese food in Boston IMHO.
(5)
Yvonne W.
Cafe Mami is one of those hole-in-the-wall, no-frills type places where you order what you want, eat it fast, and then leave happy. What everyone says here is good -- the hamburg sets and the curries, are really good, just the sort of stick-to-your-ribs type thing that I had in mind when I first came in here. We shared a hamburg set and a curry rice with tonkatsu. There was a LOT of curry on the tonkatsu -- kind of wish that they had the tonkatsu separate from the curry, though. The tonkatsu wouldn't have gotten soggy that way. The prices here are reasonable, and really cheap if you get the lunch special on the weekdays. Also be prepared to wait if you go at peak hours since there's very little seating and this place is crazy popular.
(3)
Anita S.
Oyako don here is great. Seating can be tricky in the evenings. Staple of the area!
(4)
Anthony L.
got the yakidon for $5 lunch, totally good and worth it got the green tea milkshake, $3.50 for the size of a tall drink at starbucks is kinda pricey cash only might be a problem for some, but there are so many atms nearby place is small, realisticaly don't expect to get a spot to sit down unless you get there right when it opens (like me)
(4)
Tracy T.
Probably the best cheap Japanese food you'll get in Boston. I'm not saying it's my all-time favorite, but their donburis are pretty tasty, although a bit strong on the salt/soy sauce. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere and you really can't beat the prices. Don't bother with any of the other restaurants in that row, I've tried them all. I always thought, why didn't I just go to Cafe Mami every time. Their green tea milk shake is also fantastic as a dessert. I usually get one on my way out.
(4)
Eric W.
Used to come here every week when I was still at Newton North High School. Lately with work being so damn busy, I barely get to go once a month... but when I can, I enjoy every minute of it. I'm not going to litter as too many superlatives as there are plenty of great reviews already here but suffice it to say, you won't regret it.
(5)
Alexander H.
What to say about Cafe Mami? Tiny (seating for about 12 people total) Fast (due to the size, the waitresses haven't gotten managing lines, tables, and orders down to the wire) Inexpensive (about $8-$10 for dinner) DELICIOUS (the hamburg sets are pretty much all I crave every time I hear the words "Cafe Mami") In essence, this tiny Japanese "restaraunt" is a must stop for anyone looking for good Japanese food in the Cambridge/Boston area. Go to Porter Square and check it out!
(4)
Jenn Y.
Tiny space, but friendly staff and quick service. My friends and I all got various rice bowls, I ordered the veggie don, which was done very well. The egg was tender, the sauce was not overpowering, and the portions were just right, definitely satisfying. Very reasonable prices, so it was a great value. The green tea smoothie was fantastic, it's drinkable green tea ice cream, highly recommend!
(4)
Jane L.
Cafe Mami is amazing, truly. I moved to Cambridge in June, and I've already been at least five times. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The quality is incredible for the price, as are the portions. Favorite dishes: yaki don, plain curry rice, kaisou (mixed seaweed), miso soup. Other tips: if you don't have the patience to wait for a table, they offer extremely fast take-out service. Either stop by or give them a call, and you'll have mouth-watering food in ten minutes or fewer.
(5)
Orly M.
I love you Cafe Mami! LOVE. The line is always ridiculous but there is a reason. The food is yummy and affordable and amazing. On Saturdays I have a particularly hard workout day and once i'm done with my afternoon session, i haul ass to Mami and get there right when they open. I get chicken yaki don over salad instead of rice. Add some sriracha and it's so delicious. I walk home sipping my miso and then devour my Japanese goodness. I usually end up drinking the sauce, which I probably shouldn't admit. For $7.50 there are few more perfect meals in the world.
(5)
Cara P.
ORLY GOT ME ADDICTED TO CHICKEN YAKI DON Girl, didn't steer me wrong. They only take cash, and for some reason I suck at ordering there....I just say.."What she's having".....Sure, my hair frizzes up while waiting in the walkway and it is crowded and I feel like I am invading people's personal boxes of space. I just don't care. Perfect, after workout food. Now, I just have to remember to workout See you Friday.
(5)
Amanda L.
I'd just like to point out, that you are more likely to win the lottery than get a seat at Cafe Mami. That being said, Cafe Mami is my new favorite at the Porter Sq Exchange. I first heard of Cafe Mami through Phantom Gourmet (When I could still stand it). It was their burger episode, and they mentioned how Cafe Mami had "Steak Sets" which were similar to a burger except without the bun, and about 1000x better. Holy crap, I have never agreed with the Phantom more. I got the Terriaki Steak Set. You have the option of adding melted cheese, a fried egg, or both for $1.00 or $2.00. Yes PLEASE. Ok, so I only got the fried egg, that's healthy....right?? I'm just going to say yes for the sake of my wellbeing. Um, it was AMAZING. Your mouth is going to have an orgasm with all the flavors and textures that are going on. FYI, dunk all your rice into the juicy goodness that's left over. Yum. I haven't tried anything else, but they have about 6 different Steak Sets, and needless to say, I'm excited to go back.
(5)
brian w.
Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. If you take away nothing else from yelp today, make sure to remember this one menu item: Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. Cafe Mami is the only place in beantown where you can get curry katsu that rivals what you might find in LA or Hawaii. The curry is worth the trip up to Porter Square, and it's worth the wait for seating (which isn't bad at all off-hour). My buddy likes the Japanese Hamburg, and another friend of mine swears by the Tetsuya Curry. I would comment on other menu items if I could, but I must confess that my knowledge of the Cafe Mami menu is far from exhaustive. That's because I can never bring myself to order anything but the curry katsu.
(5)
Tanya O.
Sooo good!
(5)
Byron M.
A japanese approach to curry. Imagine having something crunchy with curry. That is what they do here. They prepare a katsu with panko bread crumbs and fresh chicken and serve it over rice and curry that has been cooking all day. The result is a flavor and texture profile that is quite satisfying. I am told that this katsu curry dish is what kids in Japan eat. It is marvelous. I also like their toyko hamburger, you can see my previous review for that. This is still a very nice place for cheap eats ala japan. As I have said before in my last review, don't go there if you are in a rush, because it gets awfully busy, and there is often a wait. They only have a few tables, and you will probably need to share a table. Mangia!
(4)
Insun M.
Service: The hostess tries her best to accommodate everyone despite the long lines and is very very efficient. My meal came out just seconds after i finished my miso soup =) Food: Every time I go here I get the chicken or pork katsu with curry. SOOOOO GOOD. Good portion size too.
(4)
Aretha B.
I had a damn good meal tonight at Cafe Mami. I had the fried pork cutlet on white rice with red pickled cabbage and a ladle full of japanese curry. It was very filling and flavorful. The curry was INTENSE in flavor, but not too spicy. Sriracha on the table for those who like it hotter. It was a tender pork cutlet. Nice crunchy breading, even under the sauce. OMG OMG so good. Me wanty more. Too bad this place is so busy and not more convenient to me. But I will def come back.
(4)
Leeta W.
Some of the chefs there attend my Taekwondo school in Porter Square so I finally gave in and tried it. I I am absolutely addicted to their Japanese Curry. To a gravy and carb lovin-American, it's the closest thing to food heaven. Throw in some friend chicken (Tatsuta Curry) and it's borderline sinful. I have heard that their Hamburge Sets and Donburi ("rice bowls) are amazing too but I can't NOT get the yummy, creamy, slightly spicy goodness that is curry.
(5)
G Y.
My husband and I come here at least once a week for their wafu hamburg set. Great value for money. There is not much seating, however, so timing is everything. We even go get takeout every so often.
(5)
Heather P.
I finally tried Cafe Mami's green tea shake on a warm summer day; it was delicious and hit the spot! The drink reminded me of the matcha soft serve ice cream that you find in Japan. I am also a big fan of Mami's mackerel entree (saba shioyaki).
(5)
Jang David K.
I forgot to talk about their tofu....oh....please get it!!! I didn't like tofu until I ate their tofu salad. Actually, get their fish dish as well. YOu know what, forget it....get everything there....i love every single dish in this restaurant...not kidding. See, Cafe Mami has a WoW factor....you are a 5 star forever.
(5)
Jackie Y.
Cafe mami is a MUST whenever I head back to Boston. Delicious homestyle Japanese food is harder to come by in NY... Dishes I HAVE to get: Tokyo Style Hamburg Set with Cheese and a Fried Egg served with homemade tomato sauce, rice, potato, and simple side salad: the texture of this beef patty is amazing, extremely tender. I would love to learn how to make this so I don't have to go all the way to Boston to get this... Ninniku Chicken Set: this garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate with carrots and a small potato is HOT (tempurature-wise) which I love and I highly recommend dipping the potato in the garlic-lemon sauce on the hot plate! Dishes I will get if I am with more than one person: Any and all Curry dishes! Items I'll PASS on: Fried Shrimp Shumai: Nothing special here, almost tastes like lightly fried shrimp paste.
(4)
Anne M.
Good food!!! Udon noodles were excellent!
(5)
Tom E.
About 4 bites into my meal here was when I, the Emperor, looked down on the new clothes I'd been given and suddenly realised that it had all gone wrong. Was this some kind of joke? What was I doing here? Why had a waited in line to be seated next to a slush machine for this food? Was I back in '97 on my student budget with no culinary clue? I was! I was eating a small jacket potato with a burger drowned in ketchup and a fried egg on top. My partner was having breaded chicken cutlet with English mustard and brown (HP) sauce. It was uncanny - this is exactly the cheap mess I used to cook up myself from the Tesco's Value frozen range back in the gastronomic wasteland that was my late-nineties life in England. They didn't even forget the soggy token side-salad. I was even drinking a can of coke! And yet all these people in line, and all these glowing reviews from trusted friends espousing the wonders of Japanese canteen cuisine. It's strange - the miso was great but apart from that I obviously don't get it, or maybe I ordered the wrong things. But then I also for once want to support that little part of my brain that shouts out every time I try some new ethnic cuisine - "It's probably all a con - they're all laughing in the kitchen - they're joking about you back in their home country!" I may come back and see if they have any of my other staples from 1997 - battered fish sticks in a white bread sandwich, baked beans served in a mug with a frankfurter to stir it with, pot noodle with squeeze cheese...
(2)
Justin G.
I have been coming to Cafe Mami for about 5 years now and have never been let down. Everyone that I have ever taken here has left feeling as enthusiastic about the place as I was after eating here the first time. My favorite selections on the menu are: Yaki Don, Seaweed Salad, BBQ Hamburger Set and their Chicken Katsu are all wonderful. The staff is always very friendly and will work hard to accommodate you and your party. The only drawbacks are that they are located in a tiny storefront so you may be seated at a joint table with people you don't know and they also don't accept credit cards (only reason for 4/5 stars). All in all, Cafe Mami is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area and I highly recommend that anyone in search of hearty Japanese fare check it out!
(4)
Kenny L.
The lively hustle and bustle of this place reminds me of Osaka, Japan! I've been to Porter Exchange many times now for my authentic Japanese fixes after moving to Boston and this places always seems to be the busiest out of all the eateries there. There is a counter for up to three people, as well as three tables for groups. And the open kitchen is a welcoming sight to watch during eating and all the Japanese talk between the chiefs and waitresses made me miss Japan all over again! Be prepared to wait to dine in but they have menus displayed outside and are ready to take your order before you are seated. I also noticed many orders for the go! As for me, I enjoyed a nice dine-in experience and had the curry pork cutlet tonkatsu ($8.50) and it was oishii (delicious)! The katsu was very comparable to what I had in Kyoto and not greasy at all, while there was plenty of rice to keep you full. Miso and salad with Japanese dressing came before it and that was very enjoyable as well! I missed out on the green tea milk shake but will have to try it next time ($3.50). Cash only please and they're closed on Tues (thanks Yi-Hwa H.). Sorry Ittyo, but Cafe Mami will be my food geisha from now on! "Gochisoosama," says the wise Lin san. 11/11 Update: Came back today to try their Tokyo Hamburg Set. It has miso soup, salad with Japanese dressing, small potato, rice, and meatloaf like hamburg with Japanese tomato sauce that not too tangy and a bit sweet. Not bad at all! To the pretty Japanese waitress: pass me your number next time I get the check?
(5)
J L.
The service there has been deteriorating..My friend ordered a chicken curry and received a chicken cutlet with some sour sauce that tasted like A1 instead. We voiced the mistake and yet the waitress said he pointed to the picture of the chicken cutlet. If she had listened instead of looking we wouldn't have the wrong order..We just ask for the waitress to give us the curry sauce instead of having the entire order replaced and she said she MUST charge us $5 for the freaking sauce ONLY! How fair is that??!! Geez, we just asked for sauce and they have to be so damn cheap about it. The waitress sounded like the business will close down if they don't charge us the 5 bucks. This place has officially lost two customers. If you don't do it right someone else will..
(1)
John P.
Three words: Green Tea Milkshakes. If not for a lack of vegetarian options, this would easily be 5 stars.
(4)
John P.
Okay maybe not super cheap... basically anything is 8.99$, but @$*&# delicious. Had steak, egg, cheese with tomato sauce... it was delicious. Gf's Teriyaki was a little too salty. Delicious! Cash only = lame.
(4)
Nors P.
My go-to for comfort food. Nothing like some donburi to make you feel loved!
(5)
Ellice S.
This is our never-fail place when we lived in Boston. Even now that we're in California, I still dream of this place and I haven't found a replacement yet. Fried Chicken marinated in ginger, Fried Shumai, Spicy Beef bowl and Oyako Don --- yummm, I also love their sweet carrot side which I have tried to replicate without success. Also have to mention how fun it is to sit at the bar area just because you can see japanese efficiencies at it's best. From the really fast compact dish washer to the prepared meats ready to be cooked.
(5)
Andrew M.
This place is SO GOOD. It's the ber-ZOMB! Very small, you have to wait and then share a table. "Real food, real cheap." (Maybe it is Yelp reincarnated as a restaurant.) And a super vibe. We are both miso enthusiasts and we found the miso to be delectable. My gf was not that into her dish, but admitted that it was because she just didn't really know what it was going to be (and neither did I). She totally gives it "gobishi" (or whatever 5 stars is) and we can't wait to go back.
(5)
Huan z.
Never thought I would try this place but you always see a long waiting line when you pass-by. Until a friend told me in ski trip this is his favorite cheap place, I decided to give a shot. The place is very small but food come quickly. I wasn't sure if the food would be good cause I thought why a Japanese restaurant would have a dish called some thing Hamburger. Out of my surprise, foods tastes OK. Every dish came with a miso soup. Cheap and tasty! Oh, plus the waiter is very friendly.
(3)
Raymond W.
Cafe Mami, located in the Lesley University Student Center, serves home style Japanese fare at a small humble outpost along with other various food court style restaurants. A friend from college recommended the hamburg set while my sister order a $5 lunch special of a bulgogi like beef dish over a bowl of rice. Both were satisfying and inexpensive with the meal coming out to under $20 with a tofu appetizer before tax and tip. A great place to get some cheap food with out feeling guilty about price or unhealthier alternatives. Please remember to bring cash and know that there are under 10 seats available.
(4)
Tiffany D.
I have bad luck when it comes to wanting to try this place. The only one time that I saw it not packed with a line was when I went to Porter Sq. to try octopus balls from Tampopo (haha) anyways. I didn't eat THERE (I got takeout - which is why I didn't get the hamburg plate that I've heard good things about) so I got the spicy beef bowl (the other thing that I've heard about from there) and it was phenomenal. It wasn't spicy tho :( I like how it comes with a little cup of free miso soup hehe just wish there was more seaweed and tofu in it. I also didn't get to try their green tea milkshakes (waa!) but there's always a next time... This place is TINY you have to go during a non-rush hour to get a seat. And it's horrible for groups larger than 2 or 3 cuz you probably can't really sit together. Also, (looking at the survey below as I write this) who said this place was good for breakfast???
(4)
Julia H.
Extremely small place. Did not find the food to be as great as everyone says it is. It is very basic and cheap. I got sick afterwards. Enough said!
(1)
linda c.
This place is always packed~ espeically during weekend dinner time. expect at least 15min wait, and make sure you know what you want before you go. The food is amazing, its simple and affordable. love love~ love their hamburger set and boneless chicken.
(5)
David S.
I have a deep and abiding love for a good Teri Don, and I'm always searching for a more convenient option than my favorite vendor, Shogun out in West Newton. I checked out Cafe Mami to see if they could teri a don, and I have to say I'm still searching. Presentation was pretty much nonexistent, but that's par for the course at this particular food court. The food was decent, if a little short for the price (although rice refills are free- cheapskates take note!). I did have to wait about fifteen minutes for it (Salmon Teriyaki takes fifteen minutes? What?) and it was a long time to sit there and smell everyone else's dinner. All in all I guess I was satisfied but not overwhelmed, but for value I'd have to give the edge to the Ten Don at Ittyo a little further up the hall. Sorry, Mami, but that's how it go.
(3)
Po L.
CURRY! The curry is great here. This place is very authentic and similar restaurants in Japan. They only take cash and it can be a tad on the high side. The line for this place is similar to the DMV, but that's apart of the Cafe Mami experience. The service is good. I've been coming here for a long time now. You should give it a shot. Gambade!
(3)
Josh K.
Japan 1, USA 0. Burgers can get boring after a while. You have a burger, you have bun, and then you are done. Why not drench a burger patty in homemade teriyaki sauce, put it on a plate, and serve it with some rice and salad? Cafe Mami makes a delicious teriyaki burger patty served with rice and salad for a reasonable $7.99. I'd recommend this place as a quick place to stop to eat after work as it's a small place, so there could be a wait during peak times for groups of more than two.
(4)
D H.
Tasty hamburg. Tried the one with the special tomato sauce, as recommended by the staff there, but the oroshi ponzu one was very tempting I have to say. This is the place to go if you need a break from all the sushi and fusion crap (not saying that it's always bad) and want some good old homestyle Japanese food. I'll be back for more.
(4)
bozohazard H.
Chefs specials are excellent and not the average-asian-fusion. A bit pricey for everyday lunch ($9) but worth it!
(4)
Mark H.
I ordered the tatsuta chicken curry with an egg (over easy) and it was awesome. The curry had a perfect amount of spice and the chicken was tasty though I wish it were a bit crispier. Miso soup and a salad come with your order and you also get free refills on rice (if you're Asian or if you just love carbs, this should be enough of a reason to love this place). I also had a taste of the hamburg steak but I'm not sure which one it specifically was. I liked that a lot too and that's probably what I will order the next time I go
(5)
Lei L.
boston doesn't have a thriving japanese town like ny, but porter square is not bad! cafe mami is the place to go. the guys always want to go because they think the waitresses are cute...i get suckered to go, because i just craving eating asian food or seeing asian people sometimes. food here is good and inexpensive, A-rating for boston.
(5)
Andre C.
During lunch or dinner hours, you'll always find this establishment to be packed. Part of this can be attributed to the seating area, which is tiny. The food is simple, mostly consisting of Japanese rice bowls. They have some of the better teriyaki in Boston, although their curry is average and I've found the Katsu-Don to be a tad too "saucy" at times. The portions of the rice bowl is a little small to me, but then again I'm a big eater. Their sizzling plates are also quite good, and I especially like their Japanese hamburger meal. Nothing much in terms of appetizers or dessert, and avoid their Green Tea slush at all costs - I found it terribly bad. Lunch specials are great, $5 for a rice bowl and a miso soup. Service can be bad at times, I've had the experience of waiting for 20 minutes in line and sitting down at 2 minutes past 2pm only to have them refuse to serve lunch specials. Overall, good food at low prices, with service to match the price. If you can, call-in your takeout and save yourself the agony of standing in line for 30 minutes.
(4)
Hieu N.
This TEENY place is truly a hidden jewel. My brother and I stopped by with our mom in lieu of eating at a restaurant for Restaurant Week because we werent really hungry. Luckily we did so because we left happy. We had gyu-don, curry rice,tokyo hamburg set, and yaki-don. I wasnt really a fan of the gyu-don but it was good on another occasion, I thought it was a little under seasoned at the time but later on it was not bad. My favorite was the yaki-don, Im not really a fan of curry but the curry was pretty good I have to admit. The hamburg was soooo good, especially with the egg. It was my moms...but i couldnt help myself haha. On another occasion i tried the oyako don....dont try it. It was a weird watery half cooked chicken egg soup with rice. I did not like it at all. But that was my choice I suppose. The green tea smoothie was good too, its got more of a deeper green tea flavor than Im used to and it was great. Cheap deals, if you cant tell i got everything off the lunch special. Best 5 dollars (each dish) I've spent in a while. The waitress there is also suuuuppppperrrr cuuuute. Running around everywhere and talking to the chef in her little voice. We gave her a good tip because she definitely worked hard running around. The seating is small and you'll most likely have to share a table but make the best of it and chat it up. Great place, great food,
(5)
Hana C.
tokyo hamburg steak, chicken katsu curry, tatsuta age, yaki-don... with saracha sauce and green tea smoothie. omg so yummy! I love this place. I always get takeout too. A tiny place, and there is usually a line but so worth waiting. love this place. love!
(5)
Carlos D.
This is hands down the best Japanese curry I have had since I lived in Okinawa. Very reminiscent of Coco's curry. The service was quick and friendly, portions were large, and the price was very reasonable. I recommend the chicken cutlet curry and green tea milkshake. I can not wait to go back!
(4)
Chin C.
Great place to go for Japanese food. I love chicken curry, it's the best. The place is often crowded during lunch time or dinner, so you may like to drop by other time than that. You will get a good meal here and yeah it won't rip you out.
(4)
Bernice S.
To die for green tea ice cream milk shakes (that's a mouthful, literally) that'll clean out your wallet ($4!) if you're not careful; however, otherwise cheap eats ($5-$9) that are gastronomical treats, and I swear that Boneless Fried Chicken has something addictive in it; line-up if you arrive, like, 10 minutes after they open can suck big balls, 'specially if you have rugrats with you--oh, and only one high chair. (Ok, so I cheated in that review by misusing the semi-colon. Eats Shoots and Leaves, man.)
(4)
B C.
We have going to this place on weekends now for 10 year and I always wondered if this an authentic corner eatery that you would find on the streets of Tokyo. Since a number of my son's classmates were Japanese over the years, I had the opportunity to ask their parents (these parents, who are all recent arrivals, are usually here for 1-3 years sent either by their Company or here doing medical research). I am please to report this place is the real deal. I can never pass on the spicy beef and rice.
(4)
B. B.
This is a tiny restaurant in an array of tiny Asian restaurants located in the Porter Exchange shopping center. I always have the beef bowl (sliced beef, red pickled ginger, rice), though others I dine with usually have the spicy beef bowl (not really spicy), and the vegetable teryaki bowl. In general, the service is very friendly, though they get swamped pretty easily. And I used to love the green tea milkshakes, but now they have a milkshake machine, and they're not nearly as good.
(3)
Julie T.
I would say that for a period in my life, my friend and I would come here once or twice a week. Now that I've cut down and am only coming here about twice a month, I still love it. It's pretty apparent that I only order one thing off the menu cuz the waitress knows my order exactly how I like it: Chili Tomato Hamburg Set, extra spicy, extra sauce. A few changes here and there and it always tastes amazing, even if you eat it twice a week. It's cheap and awesome and it's so good that I just don't even know what to say about it. I guess if you gave this place under four stars...shame shame on you.
(5)
トモ T.
A nice small Japanese restaurant in the row of similar restaurants in Porter Exchange. They serve good western style Japanese food which you can get in Family Restaurants in Japan. I give only 3 stars because it's so hard to get seats at this place. It's also not a comfortable place to eat a meal. Points for it's price.
(3)
CeeCee R.
Good food for very good price. Been going there for years. Went there for lunch with my sister recently. I had Salmon Veggie Teriyaki bowl, which was a bit too much sauce but overall was good. She had a Beef bowl which she loved. Most of my friends and family love the Hamburg or the Chicken hot plate dish. My personal favorite was the Saba Teriyaki, which is discontinued a while back =(. Since it is a small place, you just have to be willing to share a table with strangers, but the speedy service, good food and friendly staff would make up for it.
(4)
natalie c.
for any cheap authentic japanese food, where do i go? one answer: Cafe Mami. lunch specials have yaki-dons, gyu-dons for $5 (original price is $7). pretty good deal b/c it also comes with a piping hot delicious miso soup! gyu-don is pretty good. thin slices of marinated beef and onions over rice. only con is that sometimes the beef can be a little tough. every time i go i either get the tokyo hamburg with sunnyside up egg and cheese or the ninniku chicken. tokyo hamburg set is delicious! it tastes like a hamburger, but asian-fied and with rice! it also comes with a salad and small potato, but i can't even get to the extras because the hamburg is so filling and big. the outside of the hamburg is crispy, but inside its steaming hot and soft! yum! (i actually burned the roof of my mouth eating this yesterday ) ninniku chicken is for the times where i feel like i've had the hamburg too many times. its made with garlic and a ginger sauce. it comes sizzling out and is served with a potato as well. i think the best part is the carrot they give you with it, its really sweet and tasty! also comes with a miso soup people here are friendly and you are seated cafeteria style. i would only come here if you have a group of less than 4. you can also order sushi from kotobukiya sushi (right across) and they usually bring it over to your table so you can eat it with cafe mami's food! (cafe mami is okay with this too!) cash only! but there's a citibank and bank of america inside the square so its not so bad.
(5)
Susan D.
This place supported me during college. The best wholesome food offered in this itty Japanese mall. This place feels like home because you get bottomless white rice, sriracha sauce, and rice seasoning conveniently on your table. MUST: chicken curry, pork cutlet, beef patty with homemade red sauce and fried egg on top. CHEAP: dinner entrees -$7, lunch specials $5
Since this place revamped their menu I really miss the other fish dishes--the saba shioyaki and teriyaki. They were SO delicious and unlike you could get anywhere else or reproduce at home. I really wish they would bring them back. In spite of this, I still love Cafe Mami and will keep going back for the saba miso and green tea milkshakes.
(3)
Anino X.
I'll rate this closer to 3.5 stars. The portions were pretty big and the service was friendly and fast. I just thought the curry rice was not as good as Tampopo's next door. As far as I've seen, they're the only restaurant in the Porter Exchange that offers hamburg sets, which I'll probably give a try the next time I visit.
(3)
Jennifer H.
Best Japanese curry I've had since leaving Japan. Tasted exactly like the stuff I got used to there and was the perfect portion. Go for the $5 lunch special!
(5)
Erin H.
I've only gotten the various hamburg sets... and can't get enough! The flavors are amazing and I'll even put up with the tiny space, sharing intimate tables with strangers and having enough cash on hand. The food is just so good.
(5)
S. C.
I'm giving it a 4 star instead of a 5 star. It wasn't an easy decision. They changed owners about a year ago. It is not the same as it used to be. With the original owner, I would have easily given it a 6 out of 5 - it was perfect each and every time. But, for the price, it is still the best around.
(4)
Ben L.
Cafe Mami is quite simply spectacular. Just thinking about it makes my eyes turn into gigantic hearts and if I have just eaten there you will know because my mouth will keep moving nonstop about the virtues of this petite little establishment. It is good to know that you are going to be getting real Japanese food if you go here. That means that you are going to be getting a lot of options that have very base flavors. You aren't going to get any super spicy thai dishes or odd asian fusion options. Also you are going to have a line. What ever your schedule is I would tack a half and hour, at least, before you plan to sit down. When you do sit down everything is flawless. if you are prepared you can even order your meal while you are waiting for your seat. With my meal I was started with a miso that was perhaps the best that I have ever had. next was a small little salad with just the right amount of dressing. Then I was KOed by the supreme curry pork. A perfect cutlet of pork prepared immaculately with plenty of amazing curry sauce. The sauce was utterly ideal with just enough spice without being hot and flavor that almost couldn't fit in your mouth. To add to their ideal food the staff keeps up every inch of the way. Each dish is perfectly timed and they are very friendly. I wouldn't recommend Mami everyday because the waiting might be enough to give you a heart attack. I would say that if you are feeling patient it is more than wort the wait. "You rock Cafe Mami" (pounds fist against heart and points finger towards Cafe Mami)
(5)
S T.
Great place to go if you want some Japanese comfort food. I ordered the pork katsu curry on rice. It was good, tasted exactly like home cooking. They also have a delicious green tea shake which is like a desert! Service was fast, efficient, and friendly. The lady asked if I wanted more water like 3 times. The only con about the place is the tight seating. Get there early!
(4)
Terry C.
This place is fantastic. The food is excellent, the service is great, and the prices are très reasonable. Because it's so tiny, you may have to wait for a seat, but the turnover is pretty quick and you probably won't end up waiting too long at all. My partner loves the chicken curry, but being a veg-head, I go for the veggie don. Delicious!
(5)
Jaime N.
I love the Teriyaki Hamburg set so much I can't bring myself to order anything else.. The waitresses are always so sweet and wonderful and the cooks behind the counter are always super friendly! The wait is no big deal- if you can't handle it you can always jump over to Tampopo or Ittyo, but if it's Hamburg you want, stick with Mami! Don't forget to try the green tea shake- my gf loves it!
(5)
Sean C.
I went there couple times. It is AWESOME Japanese Food and very original Japanese style. I have visited Japan couple times and taste quite the same here. I have no doubts that Cafe Mami is the best on in Boston - in terms of the quality and the price. The only thing can be criticized is some time I have to wait - the seat number are limited by the space and building regulation. The food is so good that It is wroth to wait, and I recommend to go some non-rush hour if possible.
(5)
A. T.
The Rock'n Chicken Set is oh so tasty but oh so, so salty -- definitely take advantage of the 'unlimited rice refills' for this one. You will also be satisfied with any of the Tatsuta or Cutlet dishes. Oh my Lord, I can't believe this was the first time I have ever been.
(5)
Andy S.
Katsu curry is great, I get it every time. It is quick and service is nice. Would be nicer if they expanded to a bigger place, so crowded always. Btw, try the green tea smoothie they have. That might be pricey, but its amazing!!
(4)
Amanda M.
Good food good prices! Just have to be careful you don't go looking for you yaki don fix during that 2 hour period between lunch and dinner they close for (3-5 I think).
(5)
Yuki Z.
Where Japanese people go to get homestyle food. Cafe Mami isn't glamorous. The space is tiny, shoved in the back of a dinky mall. The food is simple and not what most Americans expect of Japanese food - all classy and, ahem, minimalist. They just serve up real good food. It's pretty cheap, and the portions are just right. The Oyako Donburi and the curry are my favorites. The super quick service also makes up for the fact that they only have seating for...maybe 10 people at a time.
(5)
Ligaya T.
When I feel nostalgic for Asia I go to Cafe Mami. I dig the counter and communal tables and in-and-out manner of eating during a busy day. Most importantly, the food rocks! If you know what's up, you'll order a green tea milkshake, all gritty with matcha, CURRY (which comes with miso and rice, which they weigh, just like the spots in Nihon) or a yaki don. You know when you crave something and nothing else can quell it? Something about that particular combination of tastes, maybe the experience? Uh huh. Hankerings for this place strike me at the oddest of times, walking in the rain, chatting with a friend, typing on the keyboard... like right now and I just had lunch. And the Latino guys in the kitchen (Mexican?) speak Japanese, how novel is that?
(4)
Amy L.
love love love! best katsu ever!
(5)
Leigh I.
This place is typically known as 'teishoku' style food. Essentially a Japanese cafeteria food. They have the basics, and the kitchen staff is yapping in Japanese. Sort of nice as it reminds me of Japanese restaurants run by part timers. Last time I looked, comics weren't updated, but you can grab a 'recent' Japanese newspaper instead. It's not your typical chicken teriyaki and california roll joint. If this is what you want, skip Mami. The 'hype' is mainly due to people looking for Japanese eatery type food, which is very difficult to find in US. The two best places in the states is Little Tokyo in NYC, and Japan Town in San Francisco. Since we can't driver there this is the place for teishoku food. So, what's good? Well, the sea-weed salad is pretty decent. Miso soup isn't that bad. (Not the best, but it's better then over priced miso soup made from packet and hot water). I like their katsu-curry. (Ask for 'ton' (pork) or 'tori' (chicken)' and you are good to go. But do try their tatsuta-age. Basically chicken nuggets. Dip it in Japanese Mayo and you are good to go. Also, 'hamburger steaks' are what is very typical in Japanese. (If you are Eureka 7 fan, watch the very first and last episode and you'll see them eat 'big-bagu'. Short for 'big-burger'). Get the one with egg on top. If you are daring, do try the cheese as they stick it inside the burger. Back then, they gave me as much rice (except for curry orders) as I wanted. It's great if you are super hungry and you can wolf down couple of bowls of rice. They didn't have any soft drinks,so you had to bring you own. Go to the grocery store and grab yourself a drink or walk across the hall to the sushi restaurant and they used to have a vending machine there as well. (At least they used to) Overall, I like this place, but I had to knock 1 star off because it's always packed as there are only 3 tables. There are creative ways around that if you happen to be friends who don't want to eat at Mami and you can talk to the wait staffs in Japanese nicely. (hint hint!!!) Food is less expensive then a formal Japanese restaurant but not cheap by any definition. If you are broke, hungry, and you just want to fill yourself up, you can get more for your money elsewhere. Expect to spend roughly $10 after tip for 1 course meal. I recommend people to try this place. Be warned that it can be packed and line can get long (15+ mins wait) during lunch and dinner, and you will be surrounded by tons of young Asian students. While most American would detest that, for some, that just adds more authenticity to this place.
(4)
Irving L.
I spent many lunch hours in line just to get a taste of their lunch specials....basically everything is spectacular... and now that I don't work in the city, I miss the place... Heck I would even order extra for dinner.. Great place in Porter Sq, and although the lines can be ridiculous, it is for a reason.....so check it out when you get a chance... you'll be surprised at its Japanese goodness.. tiny place, with huge flavor..
(5)
Daisuke F.
I miss Cafe Mami so much! This was the place for me to go with friends when I was in Boston for college. Even now, I make sure to have a meal there when I visit Boston. Curry dishes, hamburg set, donburi, you name it and they are all good! Being away from Japan, this is my number 1 place to get "youshoku" - Western style Japanese food - in U.S.
(5)
Tina B.
Tried the Vegetable Curry with Tofu. Felt it was too bland in taste, & I could of made it better at home ? Very limited seating. Inexpensive.
(2)
Nick A.
I'm from LA and I love the Japanese curry franchise there. This place was just as amazing! The food was excellent and it met my high expectations completely.
(5)
Mara K.
Cafe Mami's curry is still the one that I use as the basis for all my comparisons when getting Japanese-style curry. I even had what is supposed to be one of the finest curries in the LA area (Curry House) but really, this one's my favorite. I have tried duplicating it at home, and I've come up with some tasty curries, but nothing like theirs. It's magnificent with whatever protein you choose to get it with and isn't even entirely necessary. Aside from that, I like their spicy beef bowl, the Tokyo-style hamburger, and they make a good green tea shake (though I liked their old ones from a few years ago better: made with actual ice cream). It's cramped, and you have to wait and share your eating space with people who you may not wish to share your dining experience with (pasty white anime fans that you, as another pasty white anime fan, try to avoid the best you can in other venues), but it's still one of my favorite places to go for a consistent and tasty meal.
(5)
Tiffany W.
hurry. curry. the small corner stand shop in porter exchange, cafe mami is one of my most fave places to go for the non-sushi side of japanese! absolutely luv the curry cutlet dishes and the green tea smoothies there's always a long line around dinner time but service has a pretty quick turnover rate and the waitress is always very friendly and uppity just a heads up, it's closed on tuesdays... Ittyo (two stores down) is also a good alternative if the wait is unbearable
(5)
Dave C.
This place gets my vote whenever I'm in the mood for good, simple Japanese food. There is usually a wait when you go near dinner time hours, but if its not too long (over 20 minutes,) then its worth the wait. The spicy tofu salad is always a good starter. I always get the Saba in miso gravy, and its always delicious. Its a cheap date, because 2 people can dine for less than $30.00. Works for me.
(4)
Raymond Y.
I have been going here for the pass 8 years. Loved it every time. They have the best Japanese curry in town if you ask me. One of the favorite dish would be "Boneless Fried Chicken". Simply one of the best dish around Boston.
(5)
Anonymous P.
I thought the teryiaki chicken was decidedly lackluster, though the hiyayakko and miso soup were good. Mami wasn't really bad, but my criterion for three stars is that I would go there again. I would definitely go to Ittyo every time over Mami.
(2)
Lucy S.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch, ugh! I came with my friend after she kept sayin' how good this place was and all, lemme tell you, i will never eat here again...the hambuger on rice was gross...so was the orange ketchup on it, the buger was using some mystery meat which tasted totally freezer-burned
(1)
Stephen Y.
Oh, yes.... Cafe Mami.... Just be there 5 minutes before opening so you can score a table- space and a seat. Cheap Japanese fast food but so much better than McD ! Choose wisely, however. The green tea milkshake is addictive !
(3)
Victor C.
Hands down the best place for japanese boneless chicken! (aka Tatsuda Chicken or Karaage) Served with miso soup, small salad and rice(unlimited refills on the rice). Portions are moderate. I could probably eat two dishes if I were extremely hungry. Cost: under $9. Be prepared to wait. The place, located in the heart of porter square in cambridge seats 12 people and more likely than not, you will be sharing a table. There is always a line. They open at 12 -3 and again from 5-8:30. They are closed on Tuesdays. This is another place that only takes cash.
(4)
Frank N.
I love Cafe Mami. Sure, they take your order when you haven't been seated, you can't be seated until everybody in the party is present, and you gotta sit with rando people sometimes, but I attribute it to Japanese efficiency. The food is amazing. I first ate here during the first week of freshman year of college, and I've been going back ever since, constantly craving tokyo style hamburg set, rice bowls, fried chicken, and the curry! I pretty much rotate between these dishes. It's terrible though-- every time I come I end up getting the same things over and over because they're so freakin good and can't really bring myself to try other dishes. Maybe I should just go everyday for a week...then I'll get sick of everything and finally try something new. Actually, now that I think of it, I've tried the spicy beef bowl, and the fried chicken with mami's tomato sauce (on the back of the menu), which were ok, but I prefer the aforementioned dishes. The miso soup is great too. There's a parking lot in the back that's $1 if you eat at porter exchange (where Cafe Mami is). I would also recommend that you come with no more than 6 people--the less the better because then you don't have to wait as long. The biggest table will seat 6 people, but I believe they have an extra seat so you could squeeze in 7. They sometimes have odd hours, and close on Tuesdays, so if you're not sure, give them a call before you go. Oh, and apparently there's nothing as good as Cafe Mami in NYC. Take that, "everything is better in NYC" bastards! ha! I also vote that they open a Cafe Mami at Super 88 :DDDDDDDDD
(5)
Timothy L.
This is one of my favorite places to eat at Porter Square. I'm a big fan their Ninniku Chicken Set, garlic/lemon chicken with ginger sauce on a sizzling hot plate. When I'm not feeling like eating chicken, I'll get the Tokyo Hamburg Set (Hamburger without the bun) or Yaki Don (shaved steak stir fried with onions/beansprouts in a spicy sauce). Most of their sets are about $9. Only problem is this place is tiny and wait time are a bit long. So I would recommend not going during lunch/dinner times.
(4)
Moomin T.
Words to the wise: what is served here as "hamburger" is more like what we in America would call meatloaf (i.e., the meat has been cut with breadcrumbs). It is more like a meatloaf in the shape of a hamburger to be precise. I do not deny that it is fairly tasty, but if you are looking for a real burger I'd stick with Mr. B's (especially if you are local and can go on a weeknight in winter to avoid the touristy crowd). As for the "hamburger" (a.k.a. meatloaf) our Japanese friends are serving: it is a nice variation on a theme. I got the one with tomato sauce and my dining partner got the teriyaki version. The waitress was really the high point of the meal: such a friendly and helpful person! There are only two tables in this 'restaurant' so you better come at an off-time or expect to stay in line for a while waiting for somewhere to sit.
(3)
masa s.
Er. Maybe I'm spoiled, but this place was just okay. Service was nice, food was decent, atmosphere was so so. I had the veggie donburi, which was what I expected. I liked it, but it was nothing special. They only had one server who was rushing around, barely keeping things together. She seemed a bit frazzled, but I guess 2 people would have been overkill? Dunno. The prices were okay, though.
(3)
Mimi X.
I came in with high expectations from reading the other yelp reviews, but was disappointed. It was just ok. We shared a table with some strangers in the cramped restaurant, which was about the size of my bedroom. I hoped the food would live up to the hype.... but sadly it was forgettable: although inexpensive, (dinner for 2 was about $20), the Hamburg steak was basically meatloaf with tomato sauce, and my thinly shredded beef was a little too sweet. I kept thinking it needed a spicy kick to be satisfying. I could be convinced to go back and give it a second try, perhaps going for one of the curries- but I would not go out of my way to return.
(3)
Brian W.
This place is really good, especially for Boston. The food is cheap and delicious. The service is quick, courteous, and accurate. Yeah it's small and cheek-to-jowl, but I kind of enjoy that atmosphere at times. It's something between a sit-down cafe and a streetside vendor, complete with all the bustle 2 feet away from you (although the street here is the inside of a mall). It's also fun to watch the staff work and take care of business. I haven't tried all the dishes yet, but they have pictures in the menu for all us non-initiates. The green tea milkshake is delicious!
(5)
David L.
Mmm...Tokyo Hamburger Set and Tatsuta Curry!!! Eating on the cheap at Cafe Mami was one of my weekly experiences when I used to live in the area. Now that I've moved out, I still make it over to Porter Exchange (and Cafe Mami) on occasion. I always get either the Tatsuta Curry or the Tokyo Hamburger set. Lately, I've been getting the curry more since it's something I've really never found anywhere else. But the same can be said about the Tokyo Hamburger set...hard choices indeed! There are only two tables and some counterspace available, maybe sitting 12-15 people at the most in the tight little area, but that just adds to the mystique of the small crowded lunchtime food vendor that can both serve great food and turn over tables quickly!
(5)
peggy c.
Simple. Fast. Delicious. As others have mentioned, the space is small, the food delicious and the staff friendly. It's a great casual place to grab some yummy Japanese food when the craving hits. I heart donburi!
(4)
Shuo S.
Cafe Mami is interesting Japanese food. Interesting in the sense that you've probably never seen any of the food on the menu advertised as Japanese. From "Hamburg Steak sets" to Japanese curry, the creations at this bistro have a unique sense of character. If you're going to Cafe Mami for dinner, expect to pay around $10-12. The portions are not exactly the biggest, but will satisfy. Do expect to wait in line if you want to be seated (there are only 2 tables, and 3 seats at a "bar"), and don't bring parties of more than 5 or 6 because you won't be seated together. Each "set" of food comes with an entree, miso soup, and as much rice as you can eat. The soup is done nicely here; it tastes really fresh, although some might say it's a little salty. Each entree also comes with a salad of lettuce, carrots, and japanese dressing, as well as a small roasted potato. The food here is definitely interesting, but my main gripe is that for $8.50, there's not enough food on the plate. Try a teriyaki hamburg steak set if you're going for the first time, or if you're into something spicier, try a curry dish or one of the chef's specials on the back of the menu. The green tea milkshake is really good as well; a 16-ounce cup of it will run you $3.50. Overall, Cafe Mami combines traditional Japanese flavors with bold, innovative creations to form new and interesting fare. Definitely try it at least once!
(4)
Alex B.
Really good. I'm not exactly sure what I just ate... but I read other yelp reviews and ended up with a burger type thing on a plate. The yaki-don was amazing, you're going to want to go ahead and order that.
(4)
Edward P.
wow, was gonna try Fugakyu but found out about this place. Their curry rice is the truth. this is how authentic japanese cuisine should taste like. Fugakyu costs 2x as much and cant be as good. ill still try them later so i can review them 2. but as far as authentic, economically priced japanese food, can't go wrong with Mami.
(5)
Steve M.
Ok, I must be honest. I posted a harsh review of Mami last summer when the curry left me dry. About 15,000 donburi bowls later, I'm a changed man. Their yaki-don is incredibly delicious and only $5 on weekdays. The hanbaga is really tender and the sauce is well flavored. The appetizers are tasty and the people that work there are the nicest. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Melissa B.
Solid little place in Porter Exchange. Great deal on rice plates. Love the fried chicken. You can eat well here for $7-$9.
(3)
Atrebor B.
I went to Cafe Mami today after watching the Phantom Gourmet feature it as a "hidden gem" last week. I was sorely disappointed. I ordered the "hamburg plate with the special homemade tomato sauce" with the addition of a fried egg. It came with miso soup, rice, a fingerling baked potato and raw lettuce on the side. First, the "hamburg" patty had a really strange and funny taste to it (like meat gone bad), I can only assume that more than ground beef was used as an ingredient; and not necessarily in a good way. The tomato sauce had a tangy twang to it but was completely forgettable. The potato was a potato and the "salad" had a sesame oil drizzle on it which did nothing for the lettuce, resulting in a bland and somewhat watery mess. The best part of the meal was the bold and flavourful miso soup and the nicely done fried egg. But for $9.98 I expected more! Suffice it to say, I won't be returning and I won't be trusting Phantom Gourmet anymore.
(2)
Ebrahim B.
Next to perfect. The Terikyaki steak is fabulous but if you need rice in your life then go for the spicy beef bowl. The Shumai appetizer is also good but the main course quantities are a perfect size so I would stay with just one of those and not a appetizer. Place is pretty cramped, only space for 10-12 to sit and sometimes there a wait but you should try thr place out atleast once.
(5)
Celicia C.
Cafe Mami supported me throughout college. I went to nearby Brandeis University for a whopping 5 year long program so I definitely frequented it alot! We were about a 15 minute car ride away and lo and behold I was the only one who had a car. Whenever someone in our group would utter the words "I'm hungry" we'd all look at eachother in hopes of someone suggesting Cafe Mami. I probably came here once a week with dreams of having the chicken katsu (panko breaded chicken cutlet) all sliced up with the katsu on the side. And the never ending rice. And the little baked potatoes wrapped in foil. Soooo good. The spicy beef salad is also one of my favorites. Just the right amount of spicy thinly sliced beef spread over a crunchy iceberg lettuce mesclun. I tried to make it in my dorm room but I could never make it right. The curries are also amazing. Cafe Mami is always a hit and one of my all time favorites. I miss it so! When you're done, go to the mini-mart/ice cream stand that sells green tea, red bean, and lychee ice creams. So good!
(5)
Andrew L.
A great little Japanese place in Porter Exchange. portions are a good size tha it's cheap. There is always a line during the lunch and dinner rush, but people move quickly. I green tea milk shake is a hit on a hot day.
(5)
Jud P.
I had to check out Cafe Mami in Porter Square after hearing several of my friends rave about it. The place is tiny, less then 15 seats total, but they take your order before seating you so people move in and out efficiently. I tried the curry pork cutlet. The pork was cooked very well, and the curry was good, but a little on the bland side. The value is high with dishes ranging from $7-$9. I also enjoyed the green tea milkshake, although my friend did not. Cafe Mami is a good dining experience, but not a great one.
(3)
Michael T.
Tufts University apparently has one of the Top Five Dining Hall foods in the country, but after a semester of eating dining hall food, one must diversify. I lived off of Cafe Mami for 4 four years. During exams, papers, finals, break-ups and hook-ups, this place served some of the best japanese comfort foods outside of Tokyo or Osaka. I highly recommend the hamburger and/or the boneless fried chicken sets. Also try their green-tea shakes; they made them before anything green-tea was cool in America, so yeah, it's really good.
(5)
Amy W.
Absolutely delicious hamburger sets and green tea milkshakes. Waiting for a seat can be tough while watching everyone else eat but you can check out all the action in the tiny kitchen. Can't get this type of food anywhere else in Boston. Delish!!!!
(4)
Ed Konagaya K.
this is one of the few places where you can taste real Japanese food that we have in Japan!! (trust me! i'm from Tokyo!!) most of Japanese restaurants in Boston change the taste&style of Japanese food to be Americanized (like california rolls), and sometimes chefs at these place are not Japanese.... Actually, they do not have SUSHI, but taste of their food is reeeeeal Japanese food!! You should try that before going pseudo Japanese food!! the restaurant is not very expensive. $10~$15
(4)
Farah W.
Cafe Mami is BUSY, and I'm wondering why it's so much busier than the other restaurants at Porter Exchange. Food is average, but I am thinking it's the prices that keep patrons coming back. We had two hamburg sets. Hamburg itself was decent; however, someone has to teach them to learn to make rice. Rice was SUPER STICKY. I understand Japanese rice is sticky, but this was a little too much.
(3)
Stephen J.
A good, small little restaurant tucked away in the Porter Exchange serving Japanese comfort dishes in good portions. The price is what you'd expect (slightly cheaper than average, $8 for curry, $8-$10 for steak sets, $2-$5 for appetizers) and the taste is pleasant but nothing to write home about. It seems like it can get rather busy making for a wait, and the seating is limited and not too comfortable.
(3)
So S.
Best JAPANESE CURRY you will find in Boston!! If you have never had it, you should try it---mix between Indian and Asian.....just a delicate flavor and not too heavy like the Indian ones. Love the crispy pork curry. Dishes comes w/ miso soup and salad! Cheap! Very small popular place in Porter Exchange. Get's very crowded!! Must try!
(5)
MingPey L.
cafe mami is hands down the best reasonable price japanese food you can find around boston area... i have been coming here since '99 a lot have changed, but the food is still great, i always have a hard time wut to order here, cause i want a bit of everything, the hamburgers, the curry, the lemon chicken... this place do tend to crowd up during lunch times especially on the weekends. the menu has shrunk over the years but i guess other items just werent as popular as the ones they kept. although i did noticed the serving portion of the dishes has became smaller over the years, but i guess this is how the kept the price the same. all and all i love this place. if you havent tried cafe mami, next time you are in porter sq. stop by and check it out for yourself...
(5)
Melody V.
I'm craving some Cafe Mami as I write this review. It's real simple Japanese food... for cheap... good speed of service... good portion... good location... flavorful, no matter what plate you get... and a delicious green tea milk shake to top it all off. We ordered our food while waiting for a table and got the food not long after when we get seated. Yum!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Chris C.
Café Mami is a small restaurant with seating for less than 15 located in the Shops at Porter. It serves up some great Curry and Yaki Don, some great Japanese favorites. For lunch, they have a special where pretty much their entire menu is $5. Yes, $5! Amazing. The food turned out great when we went, and so was the service. We only ended up waiting for 10 minutes since we took 3 seats at the bar. People generally wait in line, eat, and leave quickly so I wouldn't be worried too much about the wait unless there's a big group in front of you. Overall, a great place to try if you're looking for authentic Japanese food in the Boston Area. -- Check out my other reviews at nextstopdc.blogspot.com
(5)Caitlin F.
The food is pretty decent, and is reasonably priced, especially if you order the lunch set. I'd have appreciated more fish or vegetarian options on the menu, however. I had a salmon and vegetable rice bowl which was alright- the food was pretty good, just not particularly great or special or anything. I ate here at around 2 on a Saturday. The restaurant was empty and service was prompt.
(4)Ken S.
Great tastes! The veggie don is so-so, tofu was bland and sauce did not help too much. The chicken cutlet set tastes delicious though, especially with the spicy mayos. Only four stars because the baked potato was rotting :\
(4)Jay S.
Cafe Mami used to be one of my favorite places to eat in Boston until the new management took over. Ever since the takeover by the non-Japanese (I'm not Japanese btw) owners the food has never been the same; they lost the subtle Japanese style of flavors that had made their food so great. The salad became too salty and oily, the miso soup too salty, the tomato sauce for the Tokyo hamburg too sweet, and the list goes on. I've been disappointed with every single visit to Cafe Mami recently and sometimes I even felt sick afterwards. And that is why I won't go there anymore nor recommend this restaurant to anyone I know.
(1)Michele J.
The food is good if you're into this specific type of curry dish but I pretty much come here for the green tea milkshakes. 3-4 stars for the food, 10 stars for the decadent, matcha green tea deliciousness!
(4)Jennifer L.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time, and to keep it short, it was great. The waitress was really nice, food was DELICIOUS and definitely worth the price. I would try to come back more, definitely worth the troop.
(5)Eunice E.
Hearty Japanese meal -- sounds oxymoronic, but it's true. I've had the classic, Teriyaki, and Hot Chili hamburg sets (not all at once!!!) and they've all been fantastic. I like to add some of that spicy red powder in my miso soup to get my taste buds a-kickin' before my main meal. And then, and THEN... the hamburg. YummMmmmmMMmmm. I had the hot chili hamburg set last time, and I think I've found my staple go-to. It's got a little bit of spice and a whole lotta flavor. I liked taking bites of the hamburger with the veggies and a tiny bit of rice, making for a perfect mouthful of texture and tastes. What else can I say besides I left stuffed, happy, and still with lots of cash in my wallet? (This is cash only, btw, so come prepared!) I guess nothing except... I'll be back!
(4)Heidi L.
Cafe Mami always hits the spot, especially on a cold day. Def my favorite place in Porter Exchange - I get there right at opening, am always surprised to see a line, and even more surprised that that line is at Sapporo (shh!). Service is friendly, and sometimes you have to share a table with random people so I apologize to them in advance for our totes interesting conversations (just kidding). Love the pickles. Love the subtle spiciness. And love fried chicken (I always get the tatsuta). Definitely deserves the Yelp love!
(4)Sarah R.
I am a katsu curry fiend - I would honestly eat it every day. It's so comforting and delicious - even bad curry makes me happy. Good curry, therefore, makes me VERY happy, and I don't think it gets much better than Cafe Mami. The sauce is so rich and delicious, and the chicken is really nicely cooked. (i've only had chicken so far, not pork). The portions are huge, and it's just all yum yum yum. I've now had take-out and eat in and loved both. It'sm amrv tiny place so like every where in The Shops you should expect a wait if you're sitting in. However, they do a good job of managing the line and the wait is not usually too long. Service is pretty good.
(5)Lisa W.
I always wanted to come eat here when I'm in the building, but this place is always so full! We finally got a table during off-peak hours. This is a solid place to grab some yummy, cheap food quickly. The husband had the sizzling udon (I love sizzling anything!! I think the black plate automatically make things taste better), and I had the yaki don. Both were yummy and cheap (less than $10 ea), and the waitress was very attentive.
(4)Linda L.
Split an Oyakodon and Yakidon. Both were really good. The Oyakodon (essentially chicken and egg), was really flavorful. The chicken was really moist and the egg had a really nice texture and flavor to it. The beef in the Yakidon was nice and thin sliced, but not dry. The rice in both bowls were really sweet and cooked just right: not too sticky, not too raw. They also give you a miso soup at the beginning of the meal, which is nice because while Cafe Mami is a "fast food" place, you still need to wait for the chef to cook the food. Just be aware that there are tons of students there around lunch time so you might not get a seat and you may not want to bring all your buddies at the same time. Overall, it's a good place to get good food for a good price. Try out their lunch specials!
(4)Allison C.
What a great find! Café Mami is part of a small collection of Japanese food stalls inside The Porter Exchange (same building as City Sports). It is a small place with a very few bar seats on the side and enough tables for about 2 or 3 small groups. I took my parents here for a quick, early dinner. We'd been traveling around Boston/Cambridge, and craved good rice dishes, so we were happy to end up at Mami. Our server was very attentive and helpful. As soon as we sat, she gave us menus and poured us waters (which she refilled promptly whenever necessary). It's a simple menu with both plate and bowl options... everything is paired with endless rice and a bowl of miso soup. SABA-MISO SET ($8.99): Nicely cooked and very large piece of mackerel. With the special miso sauce, it becomes almost like a stew over rice. Included on the side are half a baked potato and a Japanese green salad with cucumber, tomato, and carrot. CHICKEN CUTLET SET ($8.99): Evenly breaded and fried chicken slices. I think you get about 6 slices, and each of them are half dipped and sitting in the tonkatsu sauce. This way, none of the pieces are drowning in sauce, so the slices keep their crisped nature. Very generous portion. It comes with the same sides as the saba-miso set. SALMON VEGGIE YAKI DON ($7.50): This is a rice bowl dish with a balanced mixture of salmon pieces and veggies. You can request the spicy sauce on the side, and use it as a dip if you are worried about the spice level. And oh yea, I observed that of all the food stands, Mami seems to be the most popular. I think 1) the food and service are outstanding, but also 2) it has the ideal location, as one of the first stalls you see. Both these conditions make Mami a perfect Yelp find!
(4)Peter K.
This is my go-to spot for japanese food. I always get their yaki-don, gyu-don, or oyako-don. I always order in advance and they come out with food within 15 minutes everytime. Great food with a great price.
(5)Wonyoung J.
Delicious food, good service, basically everything it needs. But what keeps it from being a flawless five? It's very small. Like, tiny. Soooo tiny, that you usually have to sit at the same table as others. Other people you don't know. I don't know about you guys, but I think it's kinda awkward. Kinda detracts from the overall experience. Food itself is fantastic. I recommend the hamburger steak set.
(4)Diane H.
The first time I came here, I was actually eating next door, but while waiting for seats, I decided to grab a green tea milk shake from here because of all the great reviews, and my friend got one---and it was DELICOUS!!! So I hopped over, and there were two guys behind the register, the one that is the main cashier was too busy on his phone, blocking the other guy who was telling him to take my order---no respond *stares into phone* REALLY?!!?! so he took my drink order instead. When i came around for dinner on Friday, the line was real quick, it was about 730. Our server was very attentive, really nice guy. I got the chicken katsu curry thing everyone was raving about and added a sunny side up egg...MMMM can i say that BEST DAMN CURRY THERE IS?!!?! I think it might just be the top curry place for me!! $10 for a plate, whatever it's pure deliciousness! Sometimes the chicken can be a little over cooked though. My friends yaki udon (not sure what it was) but it was delicious as well... they sure do know how to make food here! Even though none of them were japanese. Just hope you guys are comfortable being seated right next to someone you don't know... ** the teriyaki hamburg ~$8.99 it's like angus beef quality so it was delicious!!! The sauce was sweet but very good. ***they are open on tuesdays now! ignore those reviews from 07-08 :)
(5)Khoa N.
2 tables and 3 bar seats. That's all the seating available at this little store. But once you get to sit, you'll focus not on the close proximity of strangers who can easily join in with your conversations, but instead to the dishes in front of you. Really, I rarely notice the ppl at the same table and hear what they're talking about when I'm there. Even when we're bumping elbows. (Don't take my word for it though, I have a reputation of having bad listening skills.) Cafe Mami was where I fell in love with Japanese curry. And I started making them myself once every [other] week for a period of time when mommy wasn't there to cook for me. The yaki don is another delicious choice you can make, or the soba. The green tea milkshake is a new addition and I gladly welcome it. Tastes like ice cream! Quite a hike for me, but I manage to make it here once in a while.
(4)David K.
Best Japanese comfort food in the area!
(5)Sung K.
Used to eat lunch here everyday while working in Boston close to 10 yrs ago and the food is still so tasty. Hamburg steak and Tatsuta chicken is my favorite!
(5)Cecilia W.
So good! Saba miso set and oyako don is my favorite but they have lunch specials for 5 dollars EVERYDAY!!:) u might have to wait during diner time though !
(5)Kamille W.
When my homegirl told me she wanted to come eat piping hot donburi when it was 96 degrees outside, I thought she was experiencing heatstroke-induced confusion. I humored her because (1) I love her and (2) I am a fatty at heart that will eat basically anything, anytime. It was awesome. We started off by splitting a refreshing green tea milkshake. It was perfect: thick and creamy, with plenty of sweet matcha goodness. I was sort of bummed to have to split it, honestly. It was for the best though -- I had to leave room for my tatsuta set. Boneless fried chicken (all dark meat, I think) served with mayo and chili sauce, and some crisp lettuce on the side. Alllll the noms. It was a little too heavy for me to finish in one sitting on that balmy afternoon, but I can see that super-flavorful, slightly greasy chicken being perfect when the weather is cooler. I felt so spoiled when I had the leftover chicken on my lunch salad the next day. Delicioso. I had a couple of bites of her yaki don (spicy beef and rice), and immediately coveted it. Again, a little too heavy for that particular summer afternoon, but would be magnificent on a fall or winter day. Cheap, fast, and so so good. I'm all about it.
(4)Jolene S.
Great value even if you go off the $5 lunch specials. I know that's a counterintuitive thing to do when you're there in time for a huge $5 meal. But I really like the $10 yaki udon here. It comes with miso soup on the side and it's packed with chicken and vegetables. If you're a girl who doesn't eat a lot, you'll get two meals out of the yaki udon. That's what I recommend at Cafe Mami, but I know a lot of people are not going to take my advice on this one. You can get a comparable value with the cha han (~$10) and a more posh/spacious atmosphere at wagamama in Harv Sq. If you have a choice of location (and/or want to pay by credit card) go to wagamama. But if you're going to be in Porter and have cash, Cafe Mami is a one of the better options.
(4)Ana B.
Absolutely love this place! Very small, informal, and food is simple but always good- home-food feeling. Service is very nice and attentive. Food takes a while but comes very hot, made on the spot. Comforting food, warm place.
(4)Christine J.
gone down hill since the japanese owner left and sold it to non-japanese owners. just not the same. servers are non japanese also. no longer authentic! stopped going.
(3)Jeremy W.
Place is surprisingly good! I had a salmon and rice dish that was good, but I think they are more known for their curry dishes which I will have to try next time I come. My friend loved their green tea milkshake as well. It's a small area, so a group of 6+ people might be hard to fit together.
(4)SJ I.
Last time I was eating here there was a cocroach on my table. The food was ok, but I'm not coming back to this place.
(2)Kari C.
I hardly give out 5 stars but this one was worth it! It is a very small place located inside of a Lesley University labeled building. I think it is also called the Porter Exchange. It is the entrance next to Bourbon Cafe and it is in a relatively smaller corner/hall full of other small (mostly Japanese) restaurants. Now when we say small, we mean that the kitchen is not even the size of the ones inside mall food courts and that their seating area contains max 12-15 seats. But don't underestimate it! The food is cheap and delicious here and the service (usually only one waiter) is great. They do the best they can with the huge flocks of people that come around 7PM. While we waited in line, we were given menus to order beforehand. My boyfriend ordered a curry plate while I ordered the yaki beef with tofu and they were both exceptional. Best curry he has ever had. And we both had the option of unlimited rice which really came in handy after about the third refill. We both really like a lot of rice with each bite of curry or beef and it worked out well. They really know what some customers are looking for. The beef was well marinated and although I couldn't taste too much of the spicyness on the tofu, it was still very good. The small baked potato that came with it was also very nice. The portion of my dish was really big for someone like me with a small appetite so definitely worth the money as I brought it home for lunch the next day. I will definitely come back here in the future and make sure to try the green tea smoothie.
(5)Eunice K.
Came here for lunch with a friend after a former Bostonian's recommendation... tiny little place... but a popular joint with a constant line of people waiting. Both me and my friend were sold on the $5 lunch special! I ordered the Yaki Don and my friend ordered the Gyu Don. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Both the dishes came with Miso Soup and the various meats on top of the big bowl of rice. Unfortunately I was in the mood for something with a little more variety. And my Yaki Don was a little too sweet... had to eat all the white rice to get it down... Truthfully, I was a little disappointed, but with the constant line and the variety of other menu items, I probably need to come back to make a fair assessment! Tips: 1) Located in Porter Square 2) Limited seating - take it to go, or prepare to wait! (only 2 tables and 2 seats at the bar) 3) Cash only
(3)Jenn T.
This is a tiny little restaurant in porter square....very tiny, like 2 tables and a counter for 2 people tiny. They have basic japanese food, like curry, donburis, and the basics. No sushi or anything fancy or any noodle dishes. I went for the pork katsu curry, which was decent and tasted pretty good as a japanese curry, however the curry wasn't spicy at all. They give pretty good sized portions, a whole katsu and curry and you can get free rice refills. I also got the green tea milk shake, which was delicious and seems to be the thing to get at this place. If you want to eat here, go early as the line forms fast and slow considering there are only 2 tables to sit down. Take out might be a good option as well! Service was decent, slow with water, but ok.
(3)Ashley B.
Believe this hype! If you can snag a seat you're in for a treat
(5)Michelle J.
I've always seen Cafe Mami but never tried them. Usually this place is just as full as the ramen shop adjacent to it. However, one day I wanted some ramen and just refuse to wait behind the dozen or so folks who were in front of me. Cafe Mami was full but there was still some counter space so I got seated fairly quickly. They have a lunch menu which I wanted to try out the Gyu Don for $5. Only later did I realize that the lunch menu wasn't valid for holidays. It was my mistake I didn't read the fine print. No worries though as my meal was still cheaper than the bowl of ramen I would have waited over an hour to eat. All dishes come with a bowl of miso soup. The soup was luke warm at best. Of course being fairly warm out I didn't mind. The beef and rice bowl was delicious, flavorful and filling. But it paled in comparison to the Yaki Beef Tofu the people next to me ordered. It came out sizzling on an iron pan. I had to ask them what it was and made a mental note to try it myself when next I'm in the area. Although small this place serves up some really nice Japanese food for cheap. The ingredients are fresh, the food is hot and I didn't have to wait an hour to eat.
(4)Francisca W.
chanced to be here again on a weeknight around 8:45pm, still had to wait a bit for a table for 4, and we were told that we had to put in the order before 9 as they were closing. picked our food, sat down, and our food rolled in. among us we had the wafu chicken, curry chicken, curry porkchop, a don (chicken?), and a hamburg set to go. all the food (including the soup/salad and the takeout) were cooked right and flavorful. friend ordered a green tea milkshake (i had a sip), it was the real deal -- a bit sweet for me but got tons of green tea flavor. service...yeah we were missing utensils here and there that made us get up to get it on our own (the guy seems very busy), but the same young man who stood there for at least 3 minutes straight patiently explaining the differences between dishes for my friend made the later mishap negligible. food is cheap for about $10/dish, with that quantity and quality, it is totally worth coming back. now i understand the hype, but that line, oh that line, is still very discouraging at times. cash only. p.s. a sign indicates that they have incorporated Ittyo under their management.
(4)Chong C.
Love this placeeeee!!! Great food. Everything worths trying. And you will be shocked with reasonable prices they have :):):) Be aware, it is small cozy restaurant so you may not be able to find a seat at lunch time or in the evening! Go there lil bit early so that you can enjoy the food without problem :)
(5)Simon L.
I've only had the pork katsu don because it is so excellent. One of the bigger cutlets served in the food court. Onions are sweet. Pork is steaming hot. Rice is sticky and plentiful, egg coats the pork. Served with miso soup. You can not go wrong here.
(4)Karina L.
A wonderful reminder how wonderful Japanese food is beyond ramen and sushi. Since they only seat around 10 people (a couple of small tables and some counter space), the line will get pretty long by 6pm. The line is usually shorter than it's neighbor Sapporo. It is also cash only, so make sure you pick up cash at the BofA ATM in the mall or outside of the mall. We got the pork cutlet curry, which was *enormous*. The pork is crisp on the outside and moist. And fresh! Since we got seated at the counter, we got to see everybody's order go from the stovetop/fryer straight to the plate. Make sure to add a fried egg to the top. This curry was born to be mixed with some runny yolk. We also got the Tatsuta Don, which is a bowl full of boneless fried chicken cutlet, their special "mami" sauce, and egg. I'm a sucker for complete meals that come in one bowl. The egg is opened up into the bowl, mixed with the sauce, and steamed in with the rice. Overall, a wonderful homey meal for two for under $25 after tip. A ton of people got the green tea milkshake, which I'll be sure to get next time. The only thing to be worried about is the wait, so come early!
(4)Will S.
Rocking chicken is a must try. Sweet, salty, spicy, and tender. Reminds me of the Korean chickens. Better yet comes with free refill of white rice. Makes me wanna go back for more the next day. Another must try is the green tea shake. More like slush, perfect for a hot summer day. Good quality ingredients, and you can actually taste the matcha. As for environment, it has a small area for sitting. It's a lucky day if you don't have to wait to be seated. It's almost always the case when you have to sit with strangers
(4)Parissa S.
This Japanese place is tucked in a Lesley University building in Porter Square. I ordered the yaki don, the spicy sliced beef rice bowl, which was filling and tasty. All their dishes also come with Miso Soup, which was excellent. I'm curious about how their other dishes taste and will definitely be back there. FYI, this place is cash only and has limited seating. I went for lunch with one person on a Thursday and didn't have to wait for a spot but it quickly filled up. Despite this, the service was quick.
(4)Wonho H.
Been coming here for over 10 years. Their food is great and cheap. There's very little room to sit....a party of 6 max, and for that you'll have to wait a long time most days. For a while I used to get Yako Don and liked that, until some friends said "what is wrong with you? Get the Tokyo Hamburg Set." I've never gone back. Tokyo Hamburg Set EVERY TIME with sunny side up egg. Unlimited refills of rice. The Green Tea milkshake is also tasty as well. The lunch specials are great too. Overall, you can't go wrong. I've gone many many times, and have never been disappointed.
(5)Ara M.
I just had a late lunch here with a friend. I often come here for good and cheap food. As always, I got the veggie don. The oyako don and veggie don are delicious. Its so consistant every time. The price is surprisingly reasonable for the amount and quality of food. Its not fancy, and yet its perfect as it is. For the veggie and oyako don, I give this place five stars.
(5)Henry Z.
Great for a quick and causal lunch or dinner. Food is excellent as well.
(5)Han F.
Everything I've ever gotten here is freaking fantastic. This place is always busy, but people are aware and polite and tend to eat and go. Even as busy as they are, staff will never make you feel rushed and will replenish your free rice as much as you want. My favorite dishes: Tokyo Hamburg Set Ninniku Chicken Set - I almost ALWAYS get this. I ask them for EXTRA sauce, and with the free extra rice you get, I'm in ninniku heaven. It's a simple garlic soy chicken, and it's so freaking good. Comes with a boiled potato and carrots. I like to break the carrots and potatos up and let it soak in the sauce on hot, sizzling plate that the dish comes on. It's clear this is my favorite. ;p Dishes I've Tried, Good---but I always end up ordering my above favorites: Oyako Don Fried Spicy Chicken Rice set (forget name) Spicy beef & tofu dish (forget name)
(5)Katie C.
What makes Mami magical: 1. Yaki Don lunch special. When I worked in the area, my coworkers and I would order this almost every week. It's a generous amount of food and flavor for only $5.25, and it even comes with miso soup. If you want to avoid the long lines, pick-up orders are ready within 10 minutes. 2. Curry! After a year of ordering the lunch specials, I finally decided to try the curry for dinner. Why did I wait so long?! The Katsu Curry brought me right back to Japan. If you prefer your chicken/pork to stay crispy, ask for it on the side. And what's even better? Free refills of rice mean leftovers / lunch the next day! Two meals for the (low) price of one.
(5)S T.
Decent little place - not good for large parties The curry by far is probably the best deal but all of their selections are good. I had the yaki don which was delicious! Their dishes all come with miso soup, so pretty good deal! I would pass on the green tea smoothie/milkshake. More like an icee than a smoothie/milkshake. It wasn't creamy at all.
(4)Nicholas S.
The fried chicken dishes are fantastic; they're so good that it's hard to pick a favorite. But there's virtually no seating, and the sides they serve leave much to be desired. First, the seating. They have two tables and three seats at the bar. The bar should actually seat only two people, so if every stool is taken, it's very tight. They seat anyone at the tables, so you might be bumping elbows with a stranger. The entrees are served with a sad iceberg salad, a plate of white race, and half of a baked potato. Also, most of the chicken dishes come with a big spoonful of mayonnaise on the side. In short, a decent place for a quick lunch, but I'd go to ChoCho's (ten feet down) instead.
(3)Nancy H.
I finally visited Cafe Mami after eating at all the places in the Lesley university building. My b and I went got there around 8 after going to Cupcake Camp Boston and the wait was still 15-20 minutes. Then again it seated 14 people max. We had to share a table with two other guys. Anyways, the waitress was very nice she took our order 10 minutes into the wait and so by the time we sat down, 5 minutes later the food came to our table piping hot! I had the Salmon & veggie yaki don and my b had the yaki don. The salmon yaki don was drenched in their spicy sauce, which wasn't too spicy but I enjoyed it very much with the rice. The salmon was pretty good but I was more into the veggies and rice. xD Haha. That's what happens when you eat wayy too many sweets beforehand. Anyways, the yaki don was pretty good, lots of shredded beef and bean sprouts, a tad sweet, so it goes well when mixed in the rice. The bill came out to be about 17-18 bucks including tip and tax. Oh, and both our dishes came with a miso soup. Not bad, nothing special, but perhaps if I'm ever in the area again I'll try the other entrees other reviewers have said to be "oh so good".
(3)Karen W.
Such a small place, but such yummy food! It's a great place for a small amount of people. Since Cafe Mami is small, my friends and I planned to come here 15 minutes early before it opens, so we wouldn't have to wait in line for a long time. Although it opened 10 minutes later than expected, the service was pretty good. The orders came relatively fast and the dishes were amazing! The curry sauce wasn't too spicy or salty-it was just right and just what we expected. I would definitely recommend Cafe Mami to college students around Cambridge (especially Lesley University since it's right there). Delicious, filling Japanese food as well as a very affordable price.
(4)Heather K.
When I first moved to Boston, I was so excited to find out about this place! I've been to Japan twice and I always loved getting curry from this little stand in Chiba. Cafe Mami's pork cutlet curry tastes just like the stuff I got in Japan! I am also a huge fan of their salad dressing and miso soup that comes along with your order. Also, if you like green tea icecream, you should try a green tea milkshake here. They are delicious!
(5)Michelle R.
Cheap (less than $10) and huge portions! All the curries are amazing -- thick and flavorful with plenty of juicy meat. I personally like the chicken tatsuta curry. Entrees come with soup/salad. Beware as the place is tiny and there might be long lines on weekends/evenings. You'll also probably end up in a food coma upon finishing your meal...
(5)Dan M.
Awesome! That is the easiest way for me to start this review. Who would have known that you could find Japanese comfort food tucked away in the back of Lesley's mall? I was told about this place a few years ago by an international exchange student, who told me they found the best Japanese comfort food in Boston to which I promptly stated...." No way... you MUST take me there..!!" Now I am no Japanese food snob but I know solid Japanese food when I find it. I have gone to Japan multiple times and have had all types of food from all over Japan (and not just major cities). The portions are enormous here and for a cheap price! I still remember my first bite here as if it were yesterday. For a curry dish, they gave me a salad which was simple but came with this dressing which is awesome. The miso soup that came out was a nice way to cleanse the palate but nothing to write home about. Now I ordered the Tatsuta Curry with Cheese, but was still skeptical after having had tons of Japanese curry from all over the world. When the curry came out and it looked like the real deal..... the curry was the right texture with the right thickness with my favorite Japanese pickles on the side. Now to the real test! I took a spoon and picked up the perfectly proportioned spoonful of rice, curry, and tatsuta. As soon as I took my first bite, I was brought back to my first memory of eating curry in Japan. It was so bomb. Now as a fair disclaimer, there are a lot of curries floating around within the US especially in the San Francisco and Los Angeles area, but this is your legit home-style curry that I have had in places such as Miyazaki Japan. It was so good that I even took my dad to Café Mami within weeks who had lived in Japan for years when he was younger and is also a Japanese Curry fanatic. To this day, any time he comes to Boston, he still asks if I am craving some of that curry... to which I always respond yes. This is an awesome Japanese joint that gives the hearty meals and for the price, it is just an awesome deal. One of my biggest regrets from moving away from Boston, is that I will not be able to eat this delicious curry every Sunday! **A friendly reminder that this place is cash only!**
(5)Kathy M.
Cash only but worth it! Went here for lunch with 2 co-workers. Seating can be tight as it's a popular place so be prepared for a wait and to sit closely with strangers. I had the cheese beef tofu (that's what its called..really) lunch special and shared the shrimp shumai. Both were served really hot so watch out for that. The meal was just under $9 and came with a miso soup so it was a great deal and everything was delicious. I regret not getting the green tea milkshake but I was so full-next time for sure.
(4)Kristen S.
Cafe Mami has one of the best curries that I have ever tasted. I'm a huge fan of Japanese curry and this was just an amazing place to eat at! I was on route to another restaurant and just could not resist going in here as well. I had the Tatsuta curry, which is boneless deep-fried chicken curry, which tasted like kaarage. Amazing - the chicken wasn't overly greasy and was lightly fried and perfectly tender. The curry sauce was super delicious and the rice was perfectly fluffy. The best part - rice refills are unlimited!!! This was perfect because I was only able to eat about half of the dish so right before I packed it up to go, I asked for a refill of rice and it was like I had a second meal for free! If I lived in the area, there would be no question that I would be here all the time. Until my next research trip, I'll be dreaming about the curry here.
(5)starrynight c.
Still solid food from back when I used to come during college more than 5 years ago. The owners changed during that time, but the recipes seemed to have been passed along pretty well. The boneless fried chicken curry is still delicious. The sizzling plate with the lemon garlic chicken wasn't quite as good as it used to be, but still yummy. The salad's dressing was a bit different, too. But, not bad. I get nostalgic for it, and plus, it's solid curry. I say this with conviction now having had curry in Tokyo and on the west coast!
(4)Tsungming H.
Recently they increase the price for everything on their menu. A little disappointed. The food is great but i won't be visiting as frequently due to the price raise.
(4)Rebecca Y.
Café Mami, a restaurant nestled inside the Asian food hub at Shops at Porter, offers unpretentious Japanese comfort food at very reasonable prices. The slightly dry fried shrimp Shumai ($4.50) was forgettable, but the robust flavor of the Yaki Don ($7.00) was delightful. This simple dish featured thin juicy slices of marinated beef simmered with fresh onions over perfect fluffy white rice, topped with crisp bean sprouts and thinly sliced scallions. I could not taste the heat that was advertised in this dish, but if you would like more, I recommend adding a squirt of sriracha sauce to add both flavor and heat. The restaurant's specialty is the Tokyo Hamburg Steak Set ($8.99), marinated slabs of ground beef slathered in a special homemade thick, rich tomato and pork-based ragu simmered to perfection for an entire day. From what I observed at the tables around me, it was a popular choice among diners as well. The Tatsuta Curry ($8.99), juicy and tender ginger-infused boneless fried chicken served with a flavorful beef broth curry, was at once tangy and rich. The restaurant also offers vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian options. I recommend the Salmon Veggie Yaki Don ($7.50), Fried Tofu Veggie Don ($7.49), and the Kaisou ($3.00), a mix of seaweed, lettuce, and tomato slices tossed with homemade soy sauce and sesame oil. The Curry Rice Sets and the Hamburg Steak Sets are all served with a side salad and miso soup, and all dishes are served with free refills of rice. The popular Green Tea Milkshake ($3.50) was the perfect way to cool off my palate at the end of the meal. Although the seating is limited (15 seats), the restaurant offers quick service. Due to the high turnover, this place is best for a quick lunch or dinner for you and a friend or two. At $5.00 + tax, the lunch specials offer incredible value. Café Mami allows you to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank; it is truly a culinary gem in the heart of Porter Square.
(4)Karen G.
Got one of the rice dish things with teriyaki sweet something or other? It wasn't very memorable... But the green tea milkshake was yummy!
(4)Henry C.
The Chicken curry was absolutely delicious. Did I mention that I love Japanese curry? I tried several bites of what my friends had ordered, and they were well executed as well. It is a very small place, seating for no more than 2-3 small parties. But the waitress is unbelievably efficient and still maintains a pleasant demeanor while taking care of the entire floor and balancing out seating arrangements with getting your food out on time. If I was in the area, I would definitely come back and try a few other things. The green tea milkshake looked interesting, but decided it wasn't worth trying at the time.
(5)Hilario C.
Let me just start off by saying I love Cafe Mami. Its so good, in fact, that I often joke with my friends that their food must have crack. Its a tiny little place (be prepared to wait if its anywhere near rush hour), but so worth it. I used to live close by and went once a week. Then I moved away (all the way to Davis) and I was sad. But I still go at least once every couple months. My usual order? Miso soup, shumai appetizer, and the wonderfully amazing tatsuta set (chicken). If you are extra hungry, get a green tea milkshake too. Yum.
(5)Nelson L.
Whenever I am in Cambridge, I make sure to visit this place. I highly recommend the Yaki Don or the Tokyo Hamburg set, paired with a green tea milkshake (the first i've tasted, and its great). When I went, they were actually about to close, but the waitress kindly allowed me to eat there, and was extremely hospitable the whole time. The service was great, and the food was arguably even better!
(5)Sandy M.
I used to love this place- been going there for 10 years or so. It's always busy, inexpensive, friendly. But in the last year or so, the quality has gone down. We usually get one of the yaki-don bowls: chicken or salmon or veggies over rice. but the chicken is smaller less appealing bits than it used to be, the salmon is smaller and fattier, even the veggies seem skimpy. I know they've taken over another stall in this marketplace, and might have changed ownership? Not sure what's up, but they are cutting corners and it just isn't worth raving about anymore. so sad....
(3)Theresa S.
Oh man, Japanese curry. This was my first requested meal when I arrived to visit a friend in Cambridge. Pork cutlet curry, mm mm mm. Huge portion, great price and good service. Also, the matcha smoothie is a good balance to the curry. Heat up the leftovers with a fried egg and you're set.
(5)Nina B.
AWESOME food. I really think it is worth the wait. Cheap, flavorful and just perfect for a comfort-food style meal.
(5)Marc S.
Arriving in Cambridge and going to live and work there for a few months, I was so worried not to find some authentic Japanese hot cuisine. Don't ask me why, It's fear, it has no explanation... And yes I'm that dramatic when It comes to food, especially Japanese one. I was wrong. Café Mami was here for me. And this place, which is so tiny this is almost a joke, is actually better than the ones I go in Paris in the Opera District. Their Katsu Curry is just D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S (I put this word in capital because it's THAT good) with a lot of flavor and spice. the quantity is great, you get a lot of it for $9,62. I just go there almost every 2 days for diner, ordering my food and then enjoying it at home. The service is OK, it's just very busy and crowded all the time but the waiters are friendly and polite and if you show patience and good attitude your meal might come faster. Priceless. Of course I recommend the Katsu Curry with pork, the Katsu Don too. They're my favorites. You have to be aware that, as I said previously, this place is really small so if you want to eat there with a lot of people be sure to come early. You won't regret it, authentic Japanese cuisine right there !
(5)Amir K.
The best Japanese I have ever had. Small seating area and smaller bar. If you can find a seat, no matter what you order you will enjoy it.
(5)Candice B.
The Chicken Katsu Curry with egg over rice is my FAVORITE thing from Cafe Mami. Japanese curry is my favorite type of curry. Indian curry (Vindaloo!) is my second favorite, and my least favorite is Thai curry. I just love the creamy, sweet flavor that covers the panko crusted chicken katsu and white rice. I'm drooling just thinking about this! As many have said before, the down side to Cafe Mami is the lack of seating. There are 4 spots on the counter, maybe 4 tables that can fit about 8-12 people at a time. This is pretty much a "chew-and-screw" type "fast" food, not a place to have dinner if you are trying to catch up with a friend.
(5)Myha N.
I absolutely love this place. I should probably try more items on the menu but when I show up, I always crave the one dish.. chicken tatsuda set. Their hamburg is a must try too. They only have seats for about 15 people so expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Usually it is one waitress and they're always fast. If the wait is long, they'll ask you to order while in line so you don't have to wait too long when you sit down. I love that!
(5)Ellie W.
Pour some green tea shakes on me, oooooooh in the name of love. Soundtrack of my food life. Cafe Mami is one of the few restaurants I dream about. No, scratch that. Fantasize about. Cafe Mami is the Megan Fox/Robert Pattinson of my food world. The yaki don and hamburg sets are filling and perfectly drenched in all the right sauces. Fantastic food, yes, but my real love--no, soul mate--would be their GREEN TEA SHAKES. Oh my, if only I could swim in an ocean of green tea shakes, my life would be ever so complete. Don't judge. A girl can dream.
(5)tegen d.
Very nice. Affordable and tasty food. Quick and friendly service.
(4)Jeff M.
Best spot in the Lesley basement/mall. Best pork cutlet by far.
(5)Michael W.
+Amazing food, especially enjoy the curry and egg dishes +Cheap Prices, usually around $10 - $15 for two -Very limited seating but it isn't usually so busy that I can't get a seat. I would definitely recommend trying this Japanese place. It's located with
(5)Wendy L.
Best japanese curry joint in Boston/Cambridge area. They only have a few tables here so I would avoid peak hours because there will be a wait. You can always choose to get take out too. The service is good and efficient even though there are only 3-4 people working. My favorite is the Hamburg Curry Set - it is kind of like a grilled hamburger patty. I think it goes perfectly well with sweet and a little spicy curry over it. My friends always get fried breaded chicken cutlet with curry so I'm sure thats good too. If you like green tea, make sure you try their Green Tea Milkshake! It's a little overpriced ($3.50) for what they give you but it's delicious. The only thing I will say is that their miso soup and salad is nothing special but it comes with the meal anyway. I think that Japanese curry is the least exotic choice if it is your first time having curry dishes. Thai and Indian have way more spices and complex flavors. Give Cafe Mami a shot and you won't regret it. It's under $10 too!
(5)Guillermo M.
The Yaki Don was amazing!! Excellent flavor and loved the combination of the finely chopped beef with the rice, the sauce and the vegetables. You get a miso as an appetizer. We also got the seaweed salad that was really good too. The green tea milkshake was a great complement to the meal. The price/value of this place is as good as it gets.
(4)Raymond P.
Really good food.. I like the spicy beef bowl, the fried chicken garlic and hamburg steak is also one of the best...
(5)LC P.
I used to live in Boston for school and have since moved back to southern California, but I still cannot find a suitable substitute for their hamburg. The patty is juicy and sauces are great. We usually get the Wafu hamburg. I love the salad dressing they use too. And don't forget the green tea shake! I'm not sure if they changed their ingredients recently, but I feel like it's not as good as it used to be around 2006-2008. But it still beats out anything I can find in southern California. So we always make time to eat here every time we're back visiting in Boston. The only setback is the limited seating. There are only 2 tables that seat a total of 8-10 people, plus 2-3 counter seats. And if you're a party of 2, expect to share the table with another party of 2-3. You might have to wait a little if you're there during peak lunch times, but people tend to eat pretty quickly so the wait is not unbearable.
(5)Leila L.
My all-time favourite Japanese eatery in Boston. Love anything with curry there, especially Tatsuta (fried chicken) curry. Their curry is so thick and flavourful - though a bit too salty - and the tatsuta is so well marinated and juicy - absolutely worth every calorie! In pretty much the same vein, Rock n Chicken is also my go-to item - love its spicy-sweet flavour. All the hamburg sets are awesome. My personal recommendation would be Wafu (Japanese-style) Hamburg. It's soft and juicy, but not too greasy at all.
(5)Sarah A.
Omg! This place is on par with what used to be my favorite Hamburg steak place in Torrance. We got takeout and I had the wafu hamburg which was a very dense hamburger patty topped with this luscious soy glaze, daikon oroshi and some extra ponzu sauce. Wow. Reminded me of the hambagu bentos from Japan! The hamburg was super flavorful and the meat seemed like it was of higher quality. So freaking delicious! My SO had tatsuta age set which is boneless Japanese fried chicken. Also freaking good. Soooooo yummy and I really liked the texture of the rice. The miso soup was also delicious. For that set, it cost us about $9.50 each, such a steal! And more than enough food. I can't believe this was my first time having Cafe Mami!! I must come back :)
(5)Jeffrey N.
The portion is pretty good for the price and the curry is quite rich. The setting is very cozy so its only good to go there with one other friend.
(4)Harvard P.
Cafe Mami is one of those destination restaurants that will make me drag my lazy butt over to Porter Square. While the location is quite small and has very limited seating, everything about the restaurant is worth the trip. What they serve is not what you normally expect from a Japanese restaurant. You won't find sushi or ramen here (for that, you can go next door). Instead, you'll find deliciously cooked rice, curry, fried chicken, and appetizers. It feels more like eating a home-cooked meal than going out. What do I get when I'm here? It's a no brainer. Cafe Mami has hands down the best fried chicken (Tatsuta) curry rice plate! Their Ninniku chicken is also pretty good, and the fried egg with their curried burger sets look absolutely delectable. Once you order a meal, you also get free refills on rice. With all that yummy curry, you may just want to take some extra rice home with you! While the Green Tea Milk Shake is a bit on the pricey side, I very much enjoyed it. Like others have said, it's more of a freeze than a milk shake. oh, one last thing. It's Cash Only!
(5)Hursuong V.
The place to fulfill Japanese food cravings! This restaurant may be hard to find as it is tucked away in the relatively non-busy Porter Square Mall that has a very big Lesley University sign on it - that could be confusing for those trying to find it. There are a couple other Japanese restaurants around it, such as for ramen, but I chose this place for the more diverse menu offerings. The food is tasty and portions are large and filling - my sister and I actually shared a chicken cutlet curry and kaisou salad and each got a green tea milkshake. I enjoyed the salad, as the lettuce was still crisp and I liked the seaweed too. The rice was a little dry/hard. The green tea milkshake is a classic there - it's like drinking green tea ice cream blended with ice! Each entree also comes with a bowl of miso soup, which tasted just right. The downsides are that it's cash only and the place has little seating (10-15 seats). I've been here multiple times and at times, I have had to wait for a seat but other times, it's empty and I get seated quickly. Service is pretty fast.
(4)Veronica C.
Hidden gem! My favorite place to get Japanese comfort food in Cambridge. I used to come here almost every other weekend when I was still living in Boston :) Pros: * Curry rice are all excellent. I usually get their chicken katsu. * Japanese hamburg set is another bomb dish. Loved the tender beef served with rice and baked potato on the side. Additional cost for a fried egg. * Best green tea smoothie ever. A little pricey at $3.95 for a small cup, but thick, creamy and oh-so-sweet. * Free rice refill! * Special lunch deals on Tuesday for $5. Cons: * Teeny tiny space (only enough to sit 10 people at a time, max). Usually you will have to share tables with others. * Service can be slow (with only 1 waitress and 2 cooks) but very friendly waitress. * Take out orders can take 20 minutes to prepare...best to phone ahead. A wonderful spot!!
(5)Yuka Y.
While Cafe Mami's closing time was purportedly 9pm, staff were still accepting take out orders by late customers. Those who were still eating were not pressured out. Last order calls, however, were made at 9 and those wanted to dine in were politely shunned out understandably past closing. Original plans was to dine at Sapporo, but with the line present at 8:30, we were ambivalent we could get seated by 9. Cafe Mami next door it is. FREE refills of rice! Not that it was ever necessary with the good proportions they gave out but there's always the option. Beautiful picture menus and a large variety of dishes. Their Tokyo Hamburg set is great- salad with light vinergrette dressing, an aluminum wrapped steamed potato, miso soup, and most importantly the hamburg. Hamburg is NOT your typical, American hamburger slab of meat. Hamburg is the Japanese version of Salisbury steak where the steak is not really a steak but a mix of minced beef, onions, etc. Doused with the hamburg is Cafe Mami's homemade tomato sauce which was delightfully excellent- tasted like a mix of tonkatsu sauce and ketchup. It's not a common dish to be found in Boston's Japanese restaurants so I highly recommend it. The boyfriend's Tatsuta curry was also great- curry was runny and not too thick, the fried chicken didn't feel like it was fried but the meat itself was moist and juicy. The salad that came for both was not fresh, but acceptable. He felt the dressing was too oily and after combining our salads into 1 convenient bowl, the bottom half of the salad greens were swimming in a soup of dressing. Dressing overkill. Seating can be slightly annoying when big parties appear. We were asked to migrate from table seats to the counter because a larger party showed up, but the waitress was appreciative and polite about it.
(4)Vicky W.
One of my all-time favorite places to eat in the cambridge/porter area. All their curries taste great, portions are huge, and free refills of rice (only if you plan to eat the rice while there), the cutlet is awesome (breaded fried chicken patty). The tasuda, though, is my favorite since it's real cuts of chicken that's fried. I would also recommend the veggie curry which comes with your choice of chicken, pork, or beef for a more balanced meal. Also you have to try the green tea shake, it is to die for though. The perfect combo of creamy and icy, with a strong flavor of matcha. Seating is very limited, and doesn't normally have crazy long lines like Sapporo. Also don't forget to bring cash since it is cash only.
(5)Jae J.
Oh, Cafe Mami, I wish I could give you a higher review after giving you so many chances, but you've disappointed me each time. The yaki beef tofu set was only just okay, nothing to scream about. I've had the pork cutlet curry rice set, which was dry and flavorless. The chicken cutlet curry rice set was definitely better...until I reached the raw parts of the cutlet, which were all the pieces minus one or two at the edges. Imagine my elation of biting into the chicken cutlet, thrilled at its moistness and juicy-ness, exceeding all of my expectations of the place..and then discovering pink, raw chicken meat in my next bite. Very sad day, indeed. The green tea shake was...meh. It's got too much ice and leaves a strong after-taste/coating of matcha powder on your tongue. For its small size and sub-par taste, you'd be wiser to spend your money on other things. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar the last time we went, so we got to watch the food being prepared. Everything was done by gloveless hands, which is fine if the cooks bothered to wash their hands between handling raw meats and then throwing together salads. This, coupled with the raw chicken I've experienced, makes me wary to return for another try.
(2)Hsin-yi L.
Large portion. Very tasty and authentic. As the first meal when we arrived at Boston, it is warm and welcome, as long as you don't mind to share a table with other customers. Btw, the green tea milk shake is must-have.
(5)Sonya M.
Review is solely on their green tea shake drink as I have not had food there yet. Their green tea shake is soooo good! A strong matcha taste that is just right and the balance between the shake content was great not too creamy and not too icy. If you are a fan of green tea drinks you gotta try their green tea shake! -1 star due to the volume. for $3.75/cup the size is fairly small, i hope they will increase the size or decrease the price in the future.
(4)Sophie P.
I have tried yaki-don and gyu-don. Both are very delicious. The hamburger set here is a okie for me. Green tea milk shake tastes great.
(4)Sally K.
Really really good food. I had the pork yaki don that was perfectly cooked, really tastey, and my partner got sizzling beef plate also fantastic. All in all we, ended up paying 21 dollars - how can you beat that price. Thumbs up!
(4)Josephine L.
There always appears to be a huge crowd waiting outside Cafe Mami, which is due to their having very little seating, but is still an ingeniously simple way to make them look like the hottest, most desirable restaurant in Porter Sq's little J-town. I finally convinced the boyfriend to forgo the ramen next door and try a new place for lunch, so we snagged seats at Cafe Mami before the nightclub line (as I call it) appeared. I got the Udon and the boyfriend got the Chicken with Garlic, Ginger and Lemons. The udon was delicious--all thick and chewy and tasty in its sizzling platter, surrounded by sliced cabbage and chicken groupies in a savory soy-based sauce. The boyfriend's chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful. Service was slow as heck and we were literally seated next to another couple in what could have been a fun double date sitch if it weren't for the fact that they were total strangers. But Cafe Mami provides a pretty raw, authentic Japanese food experience. No upscale sushi, no pricey kaiseki, no show-offy teppanyaki. Japanese cuisine has so many different styles. With Cafe Mami, you're getting the quick, almost fast food-like, street food-ish, college student on a budget, East meets West in a spectacular way-style of dining.
(4)Deanna W.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago. So good! I missed lunch by an hour (ends at 3pm, I think...), so I got the Yaki beef tofu for about ten bucks. $5 lunch is a pretty good deal though. Okay, so now to be picky. The miso soup was pretty watered down, the beef was poorly shredded and not the greatest and my dining experience overall wasn't the best due to an annoying neighbor and an uninterested waiter.... BUT I'd totally eat here again. I'd do take-out and make sure to make it for lunch.
(4)Nanci C.
This place got the best lemon grilled chicken. My favorite! Free refills on white rice. The place is just too small. Too little seats and tables. Makes it really awkward to eat with strangers.
(4)Nancy Z.
Curry that is... Japanese? Japanese curry is different than other curries. Thai curries are rich and creamy from coconut milk, while Indian curries are created through a delicious blend of diverse spices. Japanese curry, on the other hand, is mild, thick, creamy and has a subtle hint of sweetness that comes from apples. One restaurant that makes extremely luscious and delectable Japanese curry is Cafe Mami. Accompanied with chewy sushi-style rice and pickled ginger, it is a hearty dish for lunch or dinner. You can also add thinly sliced pieces of crispy chicken or a tender hamburger patty as well. If you want to add even more, an egg over easy on top will make it perfect. The restaurant itself is very small. It has only a handful of tables so patrons usually experience a wait. Remember, it's cash only and prices are very fair where you can leave satisfied for $10.
(5)Jennifer L.
The green tea tasted really good but a little overpriced.
(4)Michael B.
Price is great for the amount of food you get. Usually, i get the $5 lunch special with is either Oyaku Don or the curry rice plate. The amount of food you get is great and very filling. If i dont get those, i usually get the rice plate or the fried chicken curry plate. They give a lot of curry sauce when i order from them and they give unlimited refills on rice which is a great plus!! The curry is so flavorful that you jsut need a little bit with your rice so you can order more rice and get your fill :]
(5)Maggie N.
Came for lunch with a friend on a Saturday. I had the chili tomato hamburg set, and my friend had some curry dish (I think). Location-wise: the place is pretty small, only 5-6 tables or so, so during peak hours expect a wait. We were lucky and only had to wait about 5 mins. Super casual - kind of like a food court in a mall. Food: The portion was very good I must say. I was completely full and my friend couldn't even finish her dish. The flavoring is okay, not a super wow factor, but was beyond acceptable. The meat was tender, the sauce was good. I liked. I heard raves about the green tea shake, but since I'm not into thick creamy drinks, I was afraid it would be too much for me to handle. Price: Very reasonable, I think it came out to less than $20 for both of us, pre-tip.
(4)Andrew C.
Pretty good place to get Japanese style curry, cutlets, comfort food. Limited amount of seating but they'll do their best to accommodate. Green tea milk shake was good, but it's more of a icee more than a "milk shake". The 3.50 price tag was a little more than what I would want to pay for though. I'd get it again if it were 2.50ish.
(3)Jeannie D.
We started coming to this gem in Porter Square during our high school years. I am really a fan of small shops like this and asian night markets. Please be aware that the seating is very limited at this place (like 4 tables and the bar). The food is delicious and not too expensive!
(5)Chris H.
Liked the yaki udon and miso soup a lot but thought the donburi was just OK. Not a lot of choices for vegetarians.
(3)R S.
Superb authenitc Japanese food. Great deals at lunch. Always fresh and fast with little or no wait. a Cambridge gem!
(5)Semyon D.
Came here for a quick weekday lunch. The place is really tiny, and for some inexplicable reason the main entrance was blocked so everyone coming in had to squeeze right past my chair. The food itself was quite good, no complaints there. What was not good however is having to wait 25 minutes for my lunch - there were not so many customers to justify this and the waiter could not even remember if he brought me miso soup already. The five strangers with whom I had to sit at the same table were waiting a long time for food, too, so when my lunch finally arrived, some of them decided that my eating said lunch is free entertainment - a truly unique experience.
(3)Huong N.
I had the green tea shake and salmon & veg donburi. Was pleasantly delighted; the price was decent for the location and service it offered. The place is small, but thankfully I came in on a rainy day so there wasn't a line like some reviews mentioned. I got a little confused when trying to find the place (it was located inside Wellesley U building). But all in all I'd return for more in the future!
(4)R C.
This place is so fantastic - 5 stars all the way. And to make it better - they've extended their hours! How awesome. The Place In the porter exchange mall food court - about 12 seats total. The Food Everything is good - but I'm not a huge japanese curry fan so I usually go with one of the following Yaki Don - salty, oniony, beefy deliciousness Yaki Udon - As above but with Udon instead of rice (you can do chicken or beef) Rockin Chicken - Fried chicken covered in spicy sauce with rice Garlic Chicken - Garlic'y goodness (also with rice) Most meals come with a miso soup side. How perfect. Service Quick and friendly
(5)Madeleine Q.
Our favorite quick, cheap-rat Japanese eatery in Cambridge/Boston! Unlimited rice if you dine on the premise and service is always efficient and excellent! Their rice bowls ate great but what they do best are variations of Japanese curry. Their house curry is far superior to that of Go Go Curry at H-Mart (Japan-based chain restaurant). Try their iced green tea drink too--very creamy, semisweet and flavorful. The lines get long on weeknight and weekends so be prepared for a half hour wait on average!
(5)Jane Z.
The yaki-don is quite gooooood! I've been going here for a long time and I'm always impressed and happy with my choices. You can't go wrong with anything that you try here!
(4)martin m.
Prefer the sushi next door.
(3)Lisa I.
Yum yum yum! A friend of mine found this place through yelp so we decided to check it out. It is unusual to find delicious Japanese food in a mall, but this place is seriously legit. We all had miso soup to start and ordered several dishes to share including seaweed salad, a tofu dish with ginger sauce(melts in your mouth!), Yaki Beef and Yakiniku Salad. Everything was GREAT and we only payed $12 each. I would absolutely go back.
(4)Ann S.
MMH-MMMHH! My friend took me here one day for a lunch date and I fell in love with their curry and rice. It was SOOO good! I ordered the hamburger curry with rice but I really didn't like the hamburger. I thought it tasted weird so I mainly focused on the curry, and my god, it was so good. Definitely a little hidden gem! I wasn't really used to sitting in the same table as strangers, but when this place gets busy, be prepared! But just for the curry, I definitely wouldn't mind.
(5)Orphée R.
Food: The food at Café Mami is exceptionally good. It's the best Asian food I had in Boston I live in Copley and go all the way there to eat once a month (yes that's how good it is). The food is tasty and come in good portion. Prices are not high especially for the quality and quantity so: good deal. Staff: Very cool and engaging staff however only one waitress most of the time so can be slow sometime. Tips: watch the cooks as the cook; very coool! Location: The place is not big at all, it can seat only 15 people at most. It's in a corner or a hall way. Not the best environment to eat (even for a fast food). I do not recommend for a first romantic date. Extra: - All dishes comes with Miso Soup - They serve you fresh but very cold water with no ice in it (I don't like ice) - usually a long line during lunch and dinner - now open from 11:45Am to 9Pm 24/7 - Toilet are really dirty Tips: After eating have a desert at a bakery call Japonaise in that same 'food cort' they have very good patisserie... but no seating.
(5)Wei W.
I've never been to Cafe Mami without having to wait for a seat. But of course, that's expected at most of the restaurants at the Porter Exchange. I'm a big fan of their Tokyo hamburg sets and wafu hamburg sets; love the homemade sauces and choice of egg and cheese on top of the hamburg with hand-tossed salad. The portions are perfect and their green tea milkshakes are delectable. Perfect lunch place for the weekends (and weekdays, if you're in the area - they're not open Tuesdays, though). Always affordable and delicious.
(5)Bailey M.
I came here for a quick lunch (unfortunately I came after 2pm so the official lunch hour was over) and ordered the tatsuta don bowl. It came with fried chicken, rice, eggs, and green onions. The portion could have easily fed two people, and I felt bad that I didn't eat even half the $7 bowl. The waitress kindly brought me a to-go box. When I gracefully managed to use my chopsticks to flip the to-go box onto myself and leave rice all over me, the waitress helpfully brought me paper towels and helped spot the rice bits stuck in my hair. haha. This place NOT good for groups. Super tiny.
(3)Idy T.
This is located at Porter Square inside a mall with many other Japanese restaurants. This is like little tokyo of Boston. It is literally really little. There are several restaurants but I chose to dine here because this was one of the busiest restaurants. I thought if everyone likes it, then I should be safe with my choice! The restaurant is really small with limited seating and I came with a party of 8 or 9 people so everyone was cramped and had to squeeze in to fit at the table. I tried the Rock n' Chicken, the Yaki Beef with Tofu and the Oyako Don. These dishes were pretty good. The portion size is really huge for a reasonable price. For the Rock n' Chicken and the Yaki Beef with Tofu, they give you a big plate of rice with your meal and it is unlimited refill. But I couldn't even finish what I had. The meal also comes with miso soup. The Rock n' Chicken was really soft and marinated well. This is definitely one of those dishes that goes well with a bowl of rice. It was supposed to be spicy but I did not find it spicy at all. The Yaki Beef with Tofu was also delicious. The tofu was soft and the beef was also seasoned well. The Oyako Don is also really good. It is a mixture of eggs, chicken, and this sweet and savory soy sauce. The egg was super fluffy and mixed with the rice and the chicken turned into this amazing bowl! Make sure you stop by the ATM before dining here because it is cash only! Each dish ranges from $7-$11 depending on what you order.
(4)C W.
Value for money is very good! Is it the best sushi I've ever eaten, no, but it's consistently fresh and high quality with good service, nice ambience and is across the street from my house so I can't complain. This is my wife and my go to for neighborhood sushi.
(4)Matthew B.
Yes yes yes. Listen to no one less than 5 stars. Food is inexpensive, includes a miso soup at a communal table with who the hell knows who else. Within 2-10 minutes, you get a mouthwatering bowl or flavorful, wonderful and perfectly cooked don. All for $7 on a weekday lunchtime. I hadn't heard of Japanese soul food before Mami, but I now know it's on my short list for last meals.
(5)tammy l.
Track here from Yelp. It was a nice little place in the University center building. Really not much space (three tables at most), but the food is decent for the price. I feel very warm & comfi after lunch there. There were also other Japanese food stores and a Japanese shop across the corner. Got a pair of crane origami earing, so lovely!
(5)Henry L.
Super cheap! Super good! Super authentic! Cafe Mami is one of the few Japanese restaurants to serve Japanese food made by real Japanese recipes and chefs. Lunch and Dinner usually requires about a 15 minute wait, and the seating arrangements may be a bit cramped at times, but it is well worth it. You can get away with spending about $8 on a meal pre-tip, and depending on the dish, you can get unlimited rice refills (usually one refill is enough). Cafe Mami makes the best Chicken Katsu dish in all of Boston. This is a great measure to see how the quality of a dish stacks up. Try to order Chicken Katsu at other restaurants. It is a simple dish, but many restaurants get it wrong. The green tea smoothie is delicious, but it can get a bit heavy if you are not used to it, since it is so filling. Instead, order it to go after your meal as a dessert!
(5)Vivian L.
nothing except love the food there. I have been there many times. Almost every dish is good, cheap and fast. Watch out long line during weekend dinner time.
(5)Yuki S.
Cheap and good! They have curry, hamburg, Oyako-don...Just like a school cafeteria in Japan! Many of my Japanese friends are also big fan of them! I often go there to have quick lunch or dinner under $10! My favorite is Yakidon (stir fried beef over rice). It is really good! For dessert, you should try Green Tea Milkshake! This place is really small, they have only 2 or 3 tables and few seats at counter. You could wait in short line at dinner time.
(5)David C.
What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Cafe Mami serves up some of the best, most affordable Japanese food around, and it does so in the smallest restaurant space possible. I wish Cafe Mami could swap spaces with one of the larger shops in University Hall that does about half its business. It would probably benefit everyone involved.
(4)Ava R.
Tiny, tiny, teensy place with hardly any seaitng space but the Tatsuta and the curry are off the hook. Order take out and love your life.
(4)A C.
Everything here is awesome! I haven't had anything I don't like. I'm less fan of the curry, but that's not to say they made it bad at all, it's very yummy. My husband LOVES their burger, those are some really nice yummy juicy tender burgers. I love their chicken, if you like dark meat, they know how to make it like the first class. Everything is tasty, fresh, made to order. It's one of our stables. Japanese for less than $10 at this quality? it's a no-brainer, did I mention their $5 lunch special? this place should not be missed out if you are in the area!
(5)Jonny I.
You won't find the store front from the street, its located inside a mall area/City Sports where Lesley University is located. But once inside, there is this small hallway that has around 3 other Japanese restaurants selling sushi, ramen, donburi bowls and mochi ice cream. I had high hopes of this place after reading all the yelp reviews, then those hopes sort of dipped once I saw how dingy the place was, then it rose again once I got my food. Don't take the same emotional roller coaster I took. Just stay high on this place! The Yaki Don was awesome. Beef over rice never tasted so good. I liked putting the orange house sauce over the meat and rice to give it some added flavor. Oh, and DO NOT FORGET to order the green tea milk shake. I could have sworn it was so rich that there was ice cream added to it, but the waitress said that there wasn't. If not, then they must have used a lot of crack to thicken it because it was the best green tea milkshake I had ever tried! There is only one waitress/hostess and she does her best to take orders and names of the people in line. She also has to bring the food out, but there are only about 4 tables. We waited about 10 minutes on a Friday at 8pm. Entree was about $8 and don't forget that its cash only. Overall a great place in general to fulfill a Japanese food craving because of all the choices in such a small area.
(4)S T.
I enjoy coming to this place when it isn't full. The wait is long if you decide to eat at Cafe Mami during peak hours. But the food is delicious. I always order the curry rice, sukiyaki, and the hot plates are the BEST. The only thing I miss are about Cafe Mami was the previous way they always play Japanese music/top charts. Nowadays...its meh..the atmosphere is not how it was back then. Doesn't feel like the true Japanese dive-y place it once was. But the food is still great! Prices went up a bit.
(4)Sora C.
It does taste good...so what else can I ask for? I've been a regular customers at Mami since three years ago. I usually get a curry katsu and tokyo hamburger set and a cup of green tea slush! It is not super authentic Japanese cuisine perhaps good is good. The reason I left four instead of five stars is it would be much better if they can make a FRESH green tea slush instead using a pre-mixed slush for all day long..
(4)Derrick C.
How does Cafe Mami's yaki don taste 9000x better than my yaki don? It's such a seemingly simple dish but I was in awe w/ every bite. I'd eat here every day if I could.
(5)Matt Q.
Cafe Mami is one of those places that you can count on. Despite a poor day at work, a long grueling work out, or indecisive friends when trying to meet up for dinner, this simple Japanese restaurant turns that frown upside down. My go to dishes are usually the Chicken Tatsuta Set or the Pork Cutlet Curry. The Tatsuta Set is fried chicken pieces with a spicy mayo sauce on the side. The Cutlet Curry dish is a breaded and fried piece of chicken smothered in yummy curry sauce. Other things that have not disappointed have been the Teriyaki Hamburger set, which is exactly as it describes...odd but tasty; and the Cutlet Donburi, which is a fried pieces of meat mixed with egg on top of rice. Take note that the place is really small, with about three tables and a few stools, so there is often a line. If you're in a rush or very hungry, just order ahead and take out. They only take cash as well.
(5)Shuang C.
Curry is really good, favorite being tatsuda curry. Oyokodon is decent for $7. Hamburger sets I don't really care for. The teriyaki chicken came on a sizzling plate but was only meh. The Miso soup they have is good, so is their salad. Sometimes there's a cute waitress wearing timberlands. She makes my day :D
(4)Eugenia L.
This is where I go to satisfy my Japanese curry and hamburger cravings. There's very limited seating so be ready to get cozy with other diners. Service is no nonsense since it's always busy but never rude. FYI the hamburger is more of a meatloaf than an actual burger. Don't worry though, it's not the sad ketchup laden kind doled out at school cafeterias. The curries are all satisfying and comes with unlimited rice if you want to be a super glutton! Also a fan of the green tea smoothie. Be prepared for a strong dose of matcha flavor as it's not diluted with sugar or cream. It's great to take on the go as an after meal dessert.
(4)V N.
Cafe Mami makes me cry for mommy (in a good way) If I was on death row, their yaki-don would be my last meal. I'm waiting for the day that they expand to a bigger location which is inevitable. Currently, they can only seat a handful at a time which will fill up immediately during lunchtime, but takeout is always available. Hidden gem
(5)Irene C.
Most people may think of Japanese food as sushi or ramen, but instead of heading to Blue Fin or Sapporo in the same plaza as Cafe Mami, do your tastebuds and wallet a favor and check out these Japanese comfort food stand. FOOD - Tatsuta Don ($7), a rice bowl topped with fried chicken cutlet, egg, onions, and the most delicious sauce, the - Yaki Beef Tofu ($9), sizzling plate of juicy sliced beef, onions, tofu, and unlimited rice - Hambug Curry ($9), no description is given on the menu, which is just as well because this super filling meal consists of hamburger patty, rice, and Japanese curry. Japanese curry is a little milder than Indian or Thai curry, and I find that I prefer it. Order if you're super hungry! DECOR The location is literally in the food court, and there are only 3 tables. Not a lot of fanciness in this restaurant as the staff are more concerned with feeding people quickly. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, maybe even literally bumping elbows or sharing a table. If you're looking for a relaxed, low-key dinner to savor some good food and the company of a close friend, check out Cafe Mami sometime. Very solid restaurant, and the S
(4)Mitch Q.
I love their hamburg. Yaki dons are also my favorites. Meal would not be complete with their green milkshake either :)
(5)Matthew Y.
The chicken tatsuta offers a fillingly large portion, but the deconstructed nature of it all was just weird. The chicken was flavorful but the potato on the side, the white rice, and the raw vegetables just didn't really jive with the chicken. The green tea milk shake -- over-priced. But flavorful. I would probably pay $0.50 extra and just get a green tea frap, which is 3x better-tasting.
(3)Basil S.
Good food, great prices. - cash only - no brown rice
(4)May N.
Cafe mami maybe a small place, but the food is mouth watering. You will crave for it during mid-night and will regret not finishing up your meal. The waitress is super nice. The price is very cheap, you won't regret going
(5)Corona W.
I am obsessed with this place!!! Their curry is silky and sooo delicious. Forcing yourself to stop halfway through is a necessity or you will eat the entire plate and be unable to get up from your seat. However, strict vegetarians beware. I believe the curry is made out of chicken/beef broth and, even though I always order the curry with just tofu, I always find bits and pieces of chicken or beef....Nevertheless, super delicious and affordable. :D
(4)Adeline X.
My favorite place in Cambridge/Boston for Japanese curry. Very flavorful and portions are large. I find the prices very reasonable too. Seating is limited during peak hours though. Also, the green tea shake is also pretty good if you are a matcha fan.
(5)Christina K.
We came to Porter Exchange one night and we walked around trying to figure out which restaurant to go to. We'd already gone to Bluefin and I wasn't too impressed so I pressed us to go somewhere else. Figured Cafe Mami might be good because of all the yelp reviews. My friend had the chicken katsu don and I had the vegetarian don. Both were ooookaaay. The katsu don was tasty, but something about it wasn't exactly right. Not enough sugar? Not enough soy? I'm not quite sure. The vegetarian one was a lil lacking, but probably because it's vegetarian. Plus for giving miso soup, as much rice as you want (though I felt we had enough), and for excellent service. The place is small and we shared our table with other folks which is fine. :)
(3)Stephanie S.
The curry there is delicious!! I always get their veggie curry with chicken!! Worth of trying!
(4)Nhi H.
5 star for Cafe Mami's curry and Don bowls. Nom noms. 3 star for their Hamburg set. I usually have the chicken curry at Cafe Mami, but today I felt adventurous. After reading through many Yelp reviews, I decided to try the Tokyo Hamburg set with egg and cheese. Might as well go all out right? But it was totally not worth it. The Hamburg tastes like a glorified meatloaf. The cheese makes the hamburger even harder to swallow. The egg was the saving grace of the meal. Also the sauce was not "special" in any way. It's just a tomato-based sauce. Go to Shaws and get a microwaveable meatloaf instead of paying $12 for this.
(4)Anna Q.
I absolutely love this place! The only thing is that it is small and you may have to share a table with someone else. However, the food though is amazing! If you love curry like I do this is definitely a place you should try! They even give you free refills on rice.
(5)Dave M.
the place is one of those small corner shops amongst all the japanese restaurants there. it's CASH ONLY like many of the places there so make sure you have cash (there's a BoA atm inside the building). i sat down with my wife while we were waiting for another couple to join us. he quickly asked me to stand up b/c some other customer might come. i said uhh, ok. i understand space is limited there but that's didn't make me too happy. so i stood up and sat down when everyone arrived. i ordered the Tokyo Hamburg Set ($8.99) plus an egg (extra $1). it was pretty good. it comes with a small steamed potato, iceberg lettuce salad, and rice. it was pretty good but a little greasier than i'm used to. i much prefer the Yaki Beef Tofu ($8.99) which was a little cleaner and also good. we also got the Teriyaki Hamburg Steak ($8.99). the plates came with a miso soup. the guy serving us was decent but he was more busy pacing than serving us but the overall experience gives this place 4 stars. i would recommend this place.
(4)Monika-Bianca T.
The embodiment of bang for your buck. Food: 5/5 - We started off the meal with deep fried shu mai (shrimp dumplings) and they were delicious. Not too oily, not too salty like the frozen stuff, and came fresh from fryer. For the mains, I had the tetsuna set (marinated deep fried chicken). And holy cow, imagine 4 huge slices of boneless chicken pieces with a crisp outside and a superbly juicy inside that will last you throughout the meal. Served with a side of baked potato, mayo, hot sauce, and salad dressed with some kind of sesame dressing. All was amazing and I truly can't believe the portion size and better yet how amazingly good it was... :) My boyfriend had the Tokyo Hamburg, I only had a taste but their hamburg had a soft pleasing texture and went well with their homemade sauce :) My boyfriend and i shared the matcha milkshake which was much stronger than I expected. It's more slushy than milky? But nonetheless a good finish to a well made meal! Cost: 5/5 - ~$6 for 6 pcs for deep fried shu mai, $10 for a hefty serving of main course and then $3.50 for the matcha milkshake as our dessert, I really can't complain. I haven't been this satisfied in ages not only for the food but for the cost. It almost feels criminal to eat so much great tasting food at such a low cost.... Service: 4/5 - ok, we came around 7:30pm and got seated close to 8pm. Jeez, with that food at that price I'm surprised we didn't wait longer, but its worth the wait. There was only one waitress too who stood as front of house, did the serving, and the cleaning as well. It makes me feel tired watching her do all that work but she was attentive and efficient. Btw for people who never have cash, take some out before getting here... it's cash only. Ambience: 3/5 - so this is a terribly small place. Seats around 12ppl since they crammed us onto every space of their 4 small tables in their incredibly small space. So you'll find pairs sitting on a corner while another pair sits on the another corner. You will be seated, but don't expect any kind private dining. May ward off some, but you get over it when you see your gigantic plate come to the table and then take a bite out of it :) lastly this isn't a restaurant, it's located in the shops of porter square so again, small space! Even with the cons, value for my money outshines it all so I can't give anything lower than a perfect rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who doesnt mind the wait and the cafeteria like ambience :P
(5)Monica H.
This place is a truly hidden gem in every sense of the word. The food is SO tasty and the price is unbeatable. We ordered the seafood udon and yaki don. I mostly had the udon but also tried the yaki don. The two dishes perfectly complemented each other--the udon was simple while the yaki don was more flavorful. I also got the green tea milkshake which was AMAZING. It had just the right amount of green tea flavors for the milkshake. I would gladly order that over a frappuccino or bubble tea any day! One downside is when I say hidden, I really mean hidden. We had actually made a half-hearted attempt to find this restaurant once before, but couldn't find it as it is located in an unmarked building (it's the same one that has Bally Fitness, FYI). Another thing is that Cafe Mami is essentially located in a food court, so there are only two clusters of tables. We were lucky to be the first customers there, but as we were finishing the meal the waitress sat another couple next to us. Thankfully my boyfriend talked them up and got more recommendations of other restaurants in Boston so it wasn't awkward at all. Despite the fact that Cafe Mami is located in a student center, I still felt like I was being fed in the home of a Japanese family. Will definitely come again!
(5)Ice T.
My friend introduce me to Cafe Mami because she loved it after she had the Yaki Udon. So my friend's and I decided to give it a try. When we arrived we got seated in less than 5 minutes which I am surprise because my friend said she had waited at least 10 mins before she got seated last time. The restaurant is very space limited. It has about three- four tables and about 2-3 side high bar chairs where you can face the cooks while you are eating. I had about 7 people with me so the waitress were very nice and asked a couple that were sitting at one of the larger tables to move to a smaller table so we can sit at the larger table. They were very nice about it. I notice many people join tables and sit each other. I personally wouldn't be comfortable sitting with people whom I do not know. I ordered the Ninniku Chicken Set and a green tea smoothie. I thought my dish was very delicious along with the green tea smoothie that everyone raves about. My friends ordered the the Chicken Cutlet and a few other sets that I do not remember. However, they said their dish were also very delicious. Overall, Cafe Mami is a very cute place to sit down where people could chat with their friends. I also saw many other restaurants in the plaza, which I will definitely try next time. But Cafe Mami is definitely a must try restaurant because I absolutely recommend trying the green tea smoothie. The smoothie has a strong authentic green tea flavor. A side from all the food, remember to bring cash with you, if you have an account with Bank Of America there's an ATM in the plaza near the Lesley University Police Office. And lastly, when you finish with your meal remember to ask the waitress to validate your parking ticket so you do not have to pay full price. Definitely recommend Cafe Mami and I will most likely come back for a second try. =)
(4)J. Lynn T.
I've been here too many times to list what I've eaten, basically anything on the menu is great, the curry and hamburgs are especially delicious! Prices are more than affordable, but make sure you have cash. Great for a quick bite, but don't be too alarmed if you have to share your table, because this place is small. Good and cheap food, what's there more to ask for?
(4)Rob W.
Tucked into a tiny shopping area and school, surrounded by other Asian restaurants is Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami is perfect for a good quick cheap meal. I absolutely love the Yaki Don and Pork Cutlet Don. The bowls are delicious and cheap at ~$8 and they come with endless white rice (as if you'd ever need that much). During lunch, bowls are only $5 and come with miso soup, which is an absolute steal. Just a few quick notes, they have a giant parking lot in the back that when validated is only $1 for a couple hours or so. If you're not fond on driving in Cambridge, it's literally a minute walk from the Porter Red Line stop. Seating is a bit scarce here, there's all of 10 seats at two tables and maybe 3 or 4 bar type seats. You're gonna have to get used to sitting next to strangers eating here, but you're usually in and out pretty quick so it's not that big a deal. And finally, Cafe Mami is cash only, but there is a Bank of America ATM and a citibank in the complex.
(4)Stephanie Y.
Great Japanese comfort food ... we ordered from here for girls' movie and mani night. We order 6, YES 6, onakyu don (chicken WITH EGG over white rice). However, she misheard me and we got this beef dish with scallions over rice. Even though we were a little disappointed about the wrong order, it tasted amazing!!! Add a little siracha sauce and it's the perfect comfort food. We were all so satisfied afterwards.
(4)John X.
This place is great, you would never know it's there unless you've heard about the Japanese food court at Porter Square. It's only big enough for a few people, and the kitchen barely allows room for more than one person, but the decorations are tasteful and well-done. I got the lunch special curry, and it was decent. I've never been that big a fan of Japanese curry (I prefer Indian and Thai curry) but theirs was good. Flavorful and hot, and after adding some spice, was a decent meal. Best part was the lunch price was cheap for the amount of food i got, so definitely no complaint there. They had some other interesting entrees that I'll be sure to try next time.
(4)Gregory A.
One of my all-time favorites! When I was in school in Boston, I would constantly find excuses to come here. The food is super cheap, and extremely delicious, and you won't find anything more authentically Japanese in town. The lunch specials are beyond awesome. My personal favorite is the Yaki Don. It is Yakiniku (grilled meat, in this case beef) over a bowl of rice. It is a little sweet and a tiny bit spicy with some onions sauteed and a lot of yummy. Also, a sufficiently filling portion, especially for around $5. Other lunch specials include similar donburi (rice-bowls) with chicken, or beef with a different sauce, or another fave of mine, curry. It's just Japanese curry sauce and rice, and if sauce and rice sounds weird to you, you're missing out. If you're not into the lunch specials, or if you stop by for dinner, there's more faves to choose from. Everyone else has mentioned the hamburg set, so I won't elaborate, but they're all delicious; I like the chili tomato. Also, their tatsuta age (basically battered fried chicken) is amazing and cooked just right. You really can't go wrong no matter what you choose. And to top it all off, almost every dish that comes with rice, comes with rice UNLIMITED. To me, this is heaven. Also, a few last notes: - the people that work there are always awesome. They are friendly and attentive. -if you come in the evening and there is a wait, don't worry, it's never very long, and even if it is, it's totally worth it. However, a lot of the other restaurants in the strip are also delicious. -bring cash. If you live in the Boston area, I'm sure you're used to the occasional cash-only joint. This is one of them, but you don't need that much (read: cheap food!). Also there's a Bank of America ATM in the building. -if you're driving, the parking lot in the back of the building is $1 for one hour.
(5)Carol W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the Porter Exchange. When I come here with my husband, he gets either the chicken or pork cutlet curry and I get the Tokyo hamburg set with the fried egg on top. We end up sharing with each other, and it's quite an amazing meal. You get a salad and miso soup with the meals, and the price is as good as it gets! We've also gotten the fried shumai and agedashi tofu before. If you like green tea, I highly recommend trying the green tea milkshake. It's very filling though, so you might want to save your stomach for the entree and get the shake as a dessert or to go.
(5)Jade N.
I mentioned in my review for Paris Creperie that that is one of the two places I have to visit every time I see my a parents in Brookline (I live in NY now). Cafe Mami is the other half of my must-visit list. This is Japanese home-cooking perfection. I've had Japanese food all over NY and never have I found a place like this. I'm the type that tries a new entre each time until I settle on my favorite and that is what I order every time afterward. Teriyaki hambagu here I come! I've tried making it myself and I can never get it right. The chicken they have that you dip in kewpie mayo is also great but I've achieved a fairly competent imitation at home. Curry, pork cutlet, or sizzling steak platter... it's all a party for these tastebuds! There's always a line for Cafe Mami and you're almost guaranteed to have to cozy up to some strangers at your table. Don't let this deter you though~ once you're going primal on the food you won't notice anything around you. Don't forget to leave without a green tea shake. Perfect treat to top off your meal!
(5)Flora R.
For some reason I've visited just about every other restaurant in Porter Exchange until now. What a mistake to have been missing out on Cafe Mami all this time! Just by walking by, you know the seating area is packed - so it's a smart idea to come on off hours, order takeout, or know you'll be waiting a bit to sit down. Their prices are super affordable, the portions are good, and the curry is delicious. They have udon and curry and some other combos that you can try which all look and smell super yum. I will be back for more curry in the future. Definitely.
(4)Stephen H.
Ive always wanted to try here because its the most crowded of all the porter exchange resturants, and seems to attatract a large asian clientele which bodes well for its reputation. Got the salmon yaki don for dinner, came with miso soup. Portion size definitely was more intended for a young asian girl, not a 6'+ man coming after 5 mile run, but for the price it was more than fair. Salmon was very very good. Tasted real fresh, perfectly cooked, and I'm a man who eats a lot of seafood. sauce/seasoning was good, I added a little hot sauce for some extra kick. veggies tasted fresh and the rice was good as well. Miso Soup was tasty, great place for quick cheap eats.
(4)Piti I.
Still the same. I came here a lot from 1995-2006 when I lived in Boston. Everytime I'm back in town I go and it's still awesome. My only problem is deciding which of my favorites to get. Tokyo style hamburger, chicken curry, spicy beef bowl? All are great.
(5)Ye P.
One of my all time favorite! Great curry & home made tomato sauce. Very juicy and tender Tatsuta.
(5)Albert L.
I'll be honest: I haven't been here in years. After living in Cambridge for 5 years, I moved in 2007. Now, I live in California, allegedly home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in America. Yet with every bite of mediocre Japanese curry I've had here, my mind -- and my heart -- returns to Cafe Mami time and again. I don't know if much has changed since I left. Judging by the pictures, no, but maybe there's since been a new menu or owner, in which case it'd be nice for you if there were an "Un-useful" button you could click. What I remember best though were the buttery-smooth and generous curries, the option to top a rice plate with a fried egg (do NOT take this for granted, since the only way to get a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled one here in Norcal is to put a gun to someone's calorie-counting head), and the green tea shakes. Conveniently, I've forgotten about how long the wait was and how uneven the service could be. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose. Personally, I'm a katsu curry fan, and Cafe Mami never once let me down. I had the hamburg dishes a few times which were great in their own right; just not my taste. And make sure you arrive early! Not just to avoid a wait, but also to avoid having the curry run out on you. It happened more than a couple times when my friends and I tried to sneak in a late dinner (after 7:30 pm). 5 stars always! You guys out there in Boston are lucky.
(5)Sushmita M.
I've been dying to try Café Mami given the hundreds of rave reviews and the fact that it's always full whenever I go to the Japanese food court. My verdict was 3 stars for the following reasons: 1) We were given a wait time of 15 minutes which ended up being at least an hour. 2) Ordering the green tea gets you a green tea shake which is $2.50 more than the green tea (which is no longer offered but still on the menu) -- don't get me wrong, the shake was great but not so great for the student budget. 3) My three friends and I agreed that the food was good but not worth the hour wait. 4) It's always full because there are only three tables. Granted, I only ordered the curry and not the hamburg set that the other yelpers rave about, but next time, I'll head over to Saporro ramen next door (great ramen AND Japanese curry). * Remember to bring cash if you make your way out.
(3)Yoo S.
Very good food! Really really good. And prices are SO CHEAP, this place is amazing. Unfortunately, there's only two tables. You can sit at the counter too, though. But my friends and I had to wait around 30 minutes to get a table (although that might be because the people who were eating who a group of girls who didn't seem to notice the line of people waiting for food). I had the yakidon which was very delicious and filling. Next time I go there I'm definitely trying the tonkatsu. The only other negative thing besides the small sitting space is that the waiter speaks minimal English. Not really a problem though.
(4)Huong P.
Hey there Cafe Mami, This is the first time I came by Porter Square and you had no long line. I had always wanted to try you out but you were too busy with everyone else to try to get to know me. It's okay, I get it. At least you made it up this time by not cramping me up but instead giving me good physical space to breath. Moreover, your friend was really nice. I like how she was patient with us while we were deciding from your delectable list of food items though I must say, there is not too much variety. I gave your special yakidon on a sizzling plate a try ($8.99) while my friend tried your curry with katsu and egg ($9.99). I was not expecting the big servings you had for the price we were paying. I could barely eat half before being stuffed, yet kept on eating to get my money's worth. I must say that the food was all tasty, but I take off a star from you because you were a little greasy. When I have Japanese food, I expect to eat foods that taste and feel light. Your katsudon was a bit dense, your yakidon soaked in too much flavor to eat by itself. Yeah, I had to eat white rice with your yakidon--starch on starch, yum. Nevertheless, that is some good food that definitely hits the spot and even more. Thank you server, you were awesome and gracious with us.
(4)Sunny C.
Been going here since college days. Two faves: chicken cutlet curry, spicy beef bowl. Unbelievably good!!! Living in NYC now, cafe mami still beats all the japanese curry houses here. hands down. yum yum yum!
(5)Tammy L.
Always packed, but that's how you know they're good. I love their Teriyaki Hamburg Set. I'm craving for it right now. Their homeade tomato sauce is wonderful and the rice is soft. Yay for free rice refills! I also love their Chicken Teriyaki Set and their green tea milkshake. Sometimes I wish they would just move to somewhere bigger...
(5)Lai X.
Most important thing about a eating out? Food. Second most important thing about eating out? Fits in my budget. Yakidon - Rice bowl with fried beef and onions. $5 on the lunch menu. Do it. Curry - I've gotten the fried chicken and the fried pork, both delicious, ate until I was uncomfortably full. Seriously. Free rice refills will be the death of me. Teriyaki Hamburg set - Soft beef patty, delicious sauce, also comes with free rice refills. One thing you might not know about me as a reviewer is that I only give 5 stars to places that are so good I come back more than once. Service was always friendly and efficient. One time I caught the waitress playing with a customer's baby. Waitresses that are baby-approved and mother-approved? Gold star. Only con about this place is it has very limited seating. You're going to have to be okay to be seated at the same small table as strangers, if need be. Coming from past experiences of cramped buses and subways during peak hours, I don't have a problem with this. Plus I'm kind of too into the food and the person I'm there with to really care anyway.
(5)Keiko K.
I love Cafe Mami! There is no Japanese food like this anywhere else in Boston. I almost always get the chicken tatsuta set. So delicious! The servings are huge and there's free refills on rice. I've never needed it but it's nice to know. :) If I'm really hungry I can eat my whole meal but I often take leftovers home. I've gotten the tatsuta set for take out a few times to eat at the airport while I wait for my flight. I just skip the miso soup, although they will give it to you if you want it. One of my friends always gets chicken katsu curry and loves it. The green tea milk shake is yummy. Food is served very quickly. Seating is their biggest problem (I think their maximum capacity is 12 - 2 tables and 2 bar seats), so I try to go when the line isn't too long. You have to share your table if your party is smaller than 4, so it's not a good place for intimate conversation. If there are lots of people waiting, I feel pressure to eat quickly and leave, not because the staff are rushing me, just because I feel guilty looking at all those hungry people. :) Their hours are a little odd - they're only open for lunch and dinner and closed for a few hours in between. They're also closed on Tuesdays.
(5)Bryce K.
Have you ever had traditional Japanese hamburg? No? Well have I got the place for YOU sir(or miss). Cafe Mami is a TINY but DELIGHTFUL spot where you can indulge yourself in a savory and scumptious meal that will make your cheeks sore(from all the smiling you'll be doing). It's simple food executed well. I went with my girlfriend and we had the Tokyo Hamburg and the Tonkatsu Curry. The curry was a pretty standard fare but it was struck a great balance in the sauce that was both sweet & salty and all delicious. The Hamburg was smothered in a pork based ragu which was exquisite and topped with an (optional) fried egg. This is my virgin experience with hamburg and I had always wondered what could possibly make a regular old hamburger patty gourmet. My curiosity has been quenched. Speaking of quenching, they have a green tea milkshake which is also quite good(but not great). Get it if you love green tea, otherwise, it's merely average.
(5)Tan E.
I guess you can say that the 'HAMBURGER" is back; the Cafe Mami way. The tokyo hamburg entree is by far the best "hamburger" I tasted or had. Its the new of eating a hamburger without the hamburger. The chili tomato hamburg is by far my favorite hamburg set. Its sweetness and sourness of the tomato paste, hint of spice sends unimagable thoughts to my mouth. The beef patty itself is moist and soft in each bite & the sunnyside egg with cheese just tops it off, making it a complete meal. But believe me, its the sauce that makes keeps my mojo running back for more. Can't get enough of the sauce! If your not daring to try the any of the hamburg sets, you can also get the cheese and curry chicken/pork w/ rice which also one of my favorites. Even though its small and the wait is usual long on the weekend for dinner, the wait is worth it! It just goes to show how popular the hamburg really is and that everyone is willing to wait it.
(5)Lauren L.
Cafe Mami serves the best 'homestyle' Japanese comfort food I've found in Boston so far. Their curries (with and without chicken/pork cutlets) are perfect, not too starchy, not too thin/gooey or too sweet. Their rice bowls (yakidon, pork cutlet with egg, chicken with egg) are all very good and really remind me of small restaurants back in Asia. My favorite however, is the Tokyo Hamburg Set with the house sauce. The hamburger patty is so tender, so flavorful, and the sauce is just the cherry on top. I've tried to recreate the sauce at home, but to no avail. Downsides, the place is TINY, seating maybe no more than 15 people and they take no reservations so be prepared to wait if you come at peak hours. This is not the place to go with a group of more than 4 as it'll take you forever to get seated, and if you're less than 4 then more often than not you'll be seated at the same table as other parties. They are cash only (last time I checked) so bring cash. Other than that, the prices are cheap around $10 normally per entree, and $5 for lunch. The food comes out pretty quick, and for the curry, hotplate, and hamburg dishes, rice is unlimited. Mami is definitely worth a try if you're in the area (and even if you're not).
(5)Hannah K.
Cafe mami is my jam! Get the tatsuta set!
(5)Richard J.
+ 1 star for unlimited rice! + 2 stars for curry sauce! + 2 stars for perfect boneless fried chicken (tatsuta) and hamburg! -1 star for tiny, cramped place..wish they were a bigger place! final: 4 stars
(4)Kate C.
The food here EASILY beats out the food from Boston's Chinatown and Allston-Brighton areas. The curry here is light and sweet -- with a slightly more distinct taste of ginger. It's a great alternative for those who find Indian curry too overpowering/nauseating. Overall, the food just felt much cleaner than Chinatown's and although the food from Allston/Brighton is not necessarily bad, I have not found anything that is remotely similar to Cafe Mami's. Although many have mentioned that there is limited seating here, I did not find that to be a drawback when I came here with a group of 10 famished college students on a Sunday afternoon. The staff here was really accommodating and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated (although we could have just timed our visit perfectly). For affordable, tasty, and generous servings of food, I would not hesitate to come back -- even if the wait were up to an hour.
(5)Jim L.
I wrote a poem about how much I love Cafe Mami: Mami, Oh Mami What else can I say? Maybe the fact the you are really the size of a cafe So what? you lack in size? you definetly don't lack taste Mami oh Mami, come back in my life without haste. Really though, don't hesitate! go there now. Turn off the computer, get ready to receive the best meal of your life. The Hamburger Set with egg is a new realm of food eating.
(5)Doris W.
The place to go for Tokyo Hamburg! I've been going here for years and it's the only thing I order (I've gotten the spicy version twice, topped with an egg every now and then, topped with cheese once.). It's a flavorful beef patty topped with tomato sauce and served with rice, a baked red potato, and salad. I tried a different dish once - tofu, cheese, beef - which was bland. The curries are good as well as the fried chicken. I recently discovered their spicy tofu salad which was delicious. It's actually quite mild and I have a low tolerance to spicy food so take my word for it. Some possible cons about Cafe Mami: 1. Cash-only 2. First come first serve seating 3. 8:45pm closing time 4. Their long winter vacation and their one day a week closing which can be random 5. No liquor license 6. When they run out of curry (this happened last night, friends were bummed) The only problems I have are the closing time and seating. It's definitely not ideal for large groups as there are only 2 tables that seat 6 comfortably and 3 by the bar. The stall at the end of the hallway, I forgot the name, serves hamburg as well but was served in a bento box. It was good, but definitely not the same as Cafe Mami's. Their prices have gone up $1 or $2 since then but it's still inexpensive. There are ATMs in the building so you're set if you don't have cash on you.
(5)Be B.
What happened to the foods? What happened to these Chinese songs???? Why did I had to be treated like a idiot when I am just a customer?? Cafe Mami used to be a really full of taste Japanese restaurant. It was one of my best favorite. The beef sirloin sizzling dish was a god's gift. Not sure since when, their foods got changed, there was no more lines waiting for table. The worst part is, they hired this black eye glasses Chinese waitress with a really bad temper who plays Chinese song at work (Why isn't it Japanese song?). I don't think it's an idea for me to go back there ever again unless I don't have to see that waitress again. I do miss the vegetable curry there, because their curry is much more rich, spicy and delicious than Ittyo.
(2)Princess M.
This is an institution among students in Boston....well at least among my circle of friends. I think I ate here almost once every week over my four years in Boston. Somehow I can't get sick of their food. My favorites are the boneless fried chicken, fried chicken curry, miso-marinated mackerel, hamburg steak on rice and spicy beef bowl. All super duper yummy. You can always request for an extra fried egg or cheese to be added to anything. I love those extras with my curry (sounds weird with cheese but it's really yummy). Service is always quick and they've gotten their operations here down to an art. It's tiny but you can fit a group of 5 or so if you don't mind waiting a little. The lines get long during peak lunch/dinner hours but I say it's totally worth the wait. You can place your order while in line so that your dish will be ready when you're table is ready. It's located right beside the Porter Exchange T-stop and there's also a parking lot that's free.
(5)Erin F.
Do not be fooled by its appearance, some things are more than what they seem. What looks like a run of the mill food court joint is so much more. I randomly heard of this porter square cafe and thought it sounded like a fun and different experience in an area of greater Boston that I haven't really given enough of my time. And Japanese food is certainly out of the ordinary Boston pub scene. I was not disappointed. My friend and I decided we were going to have a fun, different, and cheap night. I was a little worried when we first got there and the place looked like a common "japanese" sidebar at the mall. There were two long tables right next to the counter. We got there early, around 6, so there weren't may people there. You are seated where you fit, meaning you may be sitting next to people you don't know. If that's fine with you, which it was for us, continue reading. The menu had a great selection and was fabulously priced. The beef Yaki-Don was excellent. Thinly sliced beef bits with scallions and onions over white rice. (free refills of white rice!!) The beef was seasoned just right and had an excellent flavor. The waitress was great and very attentive. She had no problem bringing me extra rice and extra spoons and the like. Place got crowded when we left shortly before 7. I didn't know this place had such a following! There was an odd selection of music which sounded like a mix of japanese and reggaeton. Wasn't overwhelming and certainly added an element of interesting to the whole experience. The place is very low key and very informal. If you're looking for an easy, cheap, interesting, and quick meal, I would certainly check this place out.
(4)Robert C.
I don't think you'll find this review very helpful because anyone that asks me about cafe mami will hear me tell them that it's the max rating on whatever scale they use, and that they absolutely have to try the curry. I'd talk about the incredibly diverse and politically correct menu, but I only ever get the pork veggie curry with cheese, and I'm sure that offends quite a few abrahamic religions. Bottom line is go try it, and try to show up at a not-so-peak hour because the wait gets long (but do stay anyway because it's worth it) Perfect aftermath for a daytime/morning drinking session, such as post Tufts Spring Fling (yall know what I'm talking about).
(5)Andrea B.
If I had a Cafe Mami on my college campus, I probably would have been the size of a house. Because I would've been there every day. Their Japanese food is cheap and tastes good. It makes for great hangover food, great I-should-be-studying-but-I'd-rather-be-eating food, or just a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. One word of advice - don't spend $3.50 on the green tea milkshake unless you're really, really a fan of green tea. I liked it the first few sips, but I ended up barely drinking half of it. You're better off putting that money towards another bowl of Tatsuta Don!
(4)Jim M.
Delicious! Can't believe this gem was in my neighborhood.
(5)Ed Y.
A real hidden jewel in porter square Cambridge. Located in the porter exchange building it has only 2 tables and 1 small counter. Seating capacity is like 13 the most. There is always a line but you can take out too. All dishes are authentic Japanese fast food. I always order the Japanese chicken, completely different from American chicken it is to die for. Comes with a potato, salad and unlimited rice. With a drink it runs you about $10, a real bargain. Its definitely worth the wait or take out and eat in your car. Its truly unbelievable!!!
(5)Kara S.
This is another instance where I am willing to overlook less than stellar service because the food is just that good. They have a weird way of seating people, where they need to fill one of the two small tables before they'll seat anyone at the second one. This was a little annoying to me and my friends when we went tonight, but we shook it off. I'm glad we did. I ordered the same dish I had the last time I went---yaki don, thin slices of spicy marinated beef over rice--and it was just as good as I remembered. I will probably never ever eat anything else on the menu, it's just that good. And so perfectly paired with the sweet smoothness of a green tea milkshake. My friend Carrie, who is a vegetarian, had the veggie teriyaki don w/tofu and was very happy with it. My friend Mary had the Oyako Don (chicken and egg over rice) and liked it, but said she would probably order the Yaki Don next time. Yes, IT IS JUST THAT GOOD! See my photo of the dish for a visual clue to the deliciousness of the yaki don!
(5)Kathleen M.
The yaki-don brought me back for a second date, but the Tokyo hamburg set made me fall in love. I can't speak for its authenticity, but this place serves up some delicious dishes. My fave is the hamburg set, always with egg and cheese--delicious seasoned ground beef with a tomatoey sauce, rice, the egg (over easy), a side salad, and a mini baked potato. Haven't sampled too much more since my love affair with the aforementioned hamburg set, but all looks delicious. Cute, very small place with efficient, no nonsense service. I always take out, but if you eat in, you may make new friends with people at the table next door. Extremely affordable, extremely delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)Ina C.
$5 for a delicious yaki-don before 2pm on weekdays. Need I say more? There are a handful of options in the $5 lunch menu, and I was a little afraid of the yaki-don because it was described as "spicy." But don't worry - if you've had spicy before and can stomach it, this stuff will be harmless. Thin slices of beef over rice topped with scallions and a delicious sauce? Mmmm... Be prepared to be cozy with your fellow diners - This place has space for no more than 12 people. We sat at a table for 6 with two other parties. There's a tiny free parking lot to the left of the complex. Other than that, there's a cheap lot nearby and metered spots. Cash only. I love this place and I'll definitely be back!
(4)Jeff D.
I love Erin H's review, because she brings up the non-food things that make Cafe Mami the quintessential Japanese restaurant. It's tiny, the seating is very crowded and you'd better bring cash or it's no go. While I like the hamburger sets, I almost always end up getting katsu-kari with a pork cutlet. The cutlet is always juicy and while I tend to like my curries a bit more rich and spicy than they do it here, it's very good and they always serve fukuzinzuke (the red daikon pickles) with their curry. I do wish they offered a curry udon set, I might suggest that to them next time I am there.
(5)Tracy C.
Mmmmmm... where can I even begin? Cafe mami is the type of Japanese restaurant that I didn't expect from Boston-Cambridge area. Most of the places I have been to in the city are Chinese or Korean owned and serve mainly sushi and some Americanized hot dishes. But cafe mami? well yeah it has amazingly yum hamburger steaks, all kinds of chicken and pork katsu in their dons or dishes, and rice plates that seem so simple to swallow that makes you feel that it's not an "exotic" ethnic food joint that you need a special stomach for. The thing is, the techniques and the flavors in these foods are so authentic (thats why the hamburger is amazingly delicious and you just can't figure out why it's not the same at the UNOs down the street). I find everything priced fairly except for the green tea milk shake...yes the taste is heavenly but $3.50 for a tiny cup is not. The place is small, and there are so few seats, but i find it worth the wait every time.
(5)Juliana N.
JAPANESE HAMBURG SET =) Teriyaki style. I think the other styles are really great too like the Toko style with the tomato sauce, the Wafu ginger and ponzu sauce, and the chili tomato set. Delicious meat served with rice, a baked potato and a side salad. How can you go wrong. Costs less than $9. I love this place. My friends and I come here often and we always manage to get a seat within 5-10 minutes! We come here for lunch around 12:30pm. The service is quick and accurate. The waitresses are always really nice. If you've never had japanese hamburg, you must try!
(5)Yoonie C.
Super tiny corner, but with yummy casual Japanese food. Great Tonkatsu, and Udon stir-fry. Fried shumai were super hot from being fresh out of the fryer, and the sauce was so delicious! This reminded me of a "boon shik jum" which is the word in Korean - who knows the equivalent in Japanese? I'm not sure what the equivalent is in English either... only "great casual food" comes to mind.
(4)Te R.
i tried their yaki don lunch special. it was $5 or something. the serving was the right size. and it was delicious. we also had their frozen green tea. it was very sweet, but it's how it's supposed to be. they don't have much seating, so it might not be great for group. there are other things on the menu that i would like to try next time i'm in town. this place is inexpensive, cute, and quite delicious.
(4)Andy L.
I come here every couple months because it's one of the best values on food in town, and it's real close to the T-stop where I live. The young asians in the porter exchange mall keep the tiny space (2 tables and a tiny bar!) crowded for dinner, which portends well for its authenticity. I only ever get the same thing for dinner because it works for me: Yaki Don (thin fried beef, onions, bean sprouts over a bed of nice rice). I pay 9 dollars including tip, and I get free miso soup to start off. I eat the whole thing including the garnish. I never get a spoon for my miso soup and have to ask for one. Is that normal? It still tastes top-notch, so I get over it quickly. You'll be able to get a seat quickly if you show up alone and are willing to sit at the bar so that you are staring into the side of a green tea milkshake machine. This doesn't bother me, but it makes it harder to get the attention of the only server - who has to wait tables and handle take-out orders. Just because I only get one dish doesn't mean it's the only good one. I often look around and see that people are digging into very different things than I have like they get it all the time. You'll probably find something like that for yourself if you give this place a few tries.
(4)piggy c.
It hard to find "good" cheap eats in boston...other than usual trips to Chinatown or a stop by a pizza or burrito joint...there is not much else. this would be considered Boston's little tokyo...located in porter square there is a range of jap/korean restaurants lined along each other in an unassuming building...after eating at each place i would have to say hands down this is my favorite joint... I love cafe mami!!!...its good food on the cheap fast and easy. when i go there always seems to be a line...you share tables with patrons...you go about your way and eat pay and be done...this place is CASH ONLY! i love their salad...its something about the dressing that really does it for me...plates that i would recommend are the hamburg set topped with a sunny side egg....the hamburg is tender and slighty sweet from the sauce...its a match made in heaven paired with rice....my 2nd dish would be the chicken piccata....its pieces of dark meat fried it comes with a dollop of japanese mayo....UGH sooooooo good!
(4)Orly M.
I love you Cafe Mami! LOVE. The line is always ridiculous but there is a reason. The food is yummy and affordable and amazing. On Saturdays I have a particularly hard workout day and once i'm done with my afternoon session, i haul ass to Mami and get there right when they open. I get chicken yaki don over salad instead of rice. Add some sriracha and it's so delicious. I walk home sipping my miso and then devour my Japanese goodness. I usually end up drinking the sauce, which I probably shouldn't admit. For $7.50 there are few more perfect meals in the world.
(5)Alex C.
Simply put it, cheap eats that is good. When I were in college, I use to come here all the time because of its simply goodness. On those Thursday nights when I don't feel cooking, cafe mami would pop up like nothing else. Good thing cafe mami pop up because on a college budget, it would hurt my wallet if anything else I would crave came up. My favorite dish is the veggie curry but with the beef. Like many user said before, it small and can get crowded. You wouldn't be surprise if some random people join your table to savor the cafe mami food. Well worth the wait, and well worth the price. An all-star in my book
(5)Cara P.
ORLY GOT ME ADDICTED TO CHICKEN YAKI DON Girl, didn't steer me wrong. They only take cash, and for some reason I suck at ordering there....I just say.."What she's having".....Sure, my hair frizzes up while waiting in the walkway and it is crowded and I feel like I am invading people's personal boxes of space. I just don't care. Perfect, after workout food. Now, I just have to remember to workout See you Friday.
(5)Amanda L.
I'd just like to point out, that you are more likely to win the lottery than get a seat at Cafe Mami. That being said, Cafe Mami is my new favorite at the Porter Sq Exchange. I first heard of Cafe Mami through Phantom Gourmet (When I could still stand it). It was their burger episode, and they mentioned how Cafe Mami had "Steak Sets" which were similar to a burger except without the bun, and about 1000x better. Holy crap, I have never agreed with the Phantom more. I got the Terriaki Steak Set. You have the option of adding melted cheese, a fried egg, or both for $1.00 or $2.00. Yes PLEASE. Ok, so I only got the fried egg, that's healthy....right?? I'm just going to say yes for the sake of my wellbeing. Um, it was AMAZING. Your mouth is going to have an orgasm with all the flavors and textures that are going on. FYI, dunk all your rice into the juicy goodness that's left over. Yum. I haven't tried anything else, but they have about 6 different Steak Sets, and needless to say, I'm excited to go back.
(5)brian w.
Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. If you take away nothing else from yelp today, make sure to remember this one menu item: Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. Cafe Mami is the only place in beantown where you can get curry katsu that rivals what you might find in LA or Hawaii. The curry is worth the trip up to Porter Square, and it's worth the wait for seating (which isn't bad at all off-hour). My buddy likes the Japanese Hamburg, and another friend of mine swears by the Tetsuya Curry. I would comment on other menu items if I could, but I must confess that my knowledge of the Cafe Mami menu is far from exhaustive. That's because I can never bring myself to order anything but the curry katsu.
(5)Tanya O.
Sooo good!
(5)Byron M.
A japanese approach to curry. Imagine having something crunchy with curry. That is what they do here. They prepare a katsu with panko bread crumbs and fresh chicken and serve it over rice and curry that has been cooking all day. The result is a flavor and texture profile that is quite satisfying. I am told that this katsu curry dish is what kids in Japan eat. It is marvelous. I also like their toyko hamburger, you can see my previous review for that. This is still a very nice place for cheap eats ala japan. As I have said before in my last review, don't go there if you are in a rush, because it gets awfully busy, and there is often a wait. They only have a few tables, and you will probably need to share a table. Mangia!
(4)Insun M.
Service: The hostess tries her best to accommodate everyone despite the long lines and is very very efficient. My meal came out just seconds after i finished my miso soup =) Food: Every time I go here I get the chicken or pork katsu with curry. SOOOOO GOOD. Good portion size too.
(4)Aretha B.
I had a damn good meal tonight at Cafe Mami. I had the fried pork cutlet on white rice with red pickled cabbage and a ladle full of japanese curry. It was very filling and flavorful. The curry was INTENSE in flavor, but not too spicy. Sriracha on the table for those who like it hotter. It was a tender pork cutlet. Nice crunchy breading, even under the sauce. OMG OMG so good. Me wanty more. Too bad this place is so busy and not more convenient to me. But I will def come back.
(4)Leeta W.
Some of the chefs there attend my Taekwondo school in Porter Square so I finally gave in and tried it. I I am absolutely addicted to their Japanese Curry. To a gravy and carb lovin-American, it's the closest thing to food heaven. Throw in some friend chicken (Tatsuta Curry) and it's borderline sinful. I have heard that their Hamburge Sets and Donburi ("rice bowls) are amazing too but I can't NOT get the yummy, creamy, slightly spicy goodness that is curry.
(5)G Y.
My husband and I come here at least once a week for their wafu hamburg set. Great value for money. There is not much seating, however, so timing is everything. We even go get takeout every so often.
(5)Heather P.
I finally tried Cafe Mami's green tea shake on a warm summer day; it was delicious and hit the spot! The drink reminded me of the matcha soft serve ice cream that you find in Japan. I am also a big fan of Mami's mackerel entree (saba shioyaki).
(5)Jackie Y.
Cafe mami is a MUST whenever I head back to Boston. Delicious homestyle Japanese food is harder to come by in NY... Dishes I HAVE to get: Tokyo Style Hamburg Set with Cheese and a Fried Egg served with homemade tomato sauce, rice, potato, and simple side salad: the texture of this beef patty is amazing, extremely tender. I would love to learn how to make this so I don't have to go all the way to Boston to get this... Ninniku Chicken Set: this garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate with carrots and a small potato is HOT (tempurature-wise) which I love and I highly recommend dipping the potato in the garlic-lemon sauce on the hot plate! Dishes I will get if I am with more than one person: Any and all Curry dishes! Items I'll PASS on: Fried Shrimp Shumai: Nothing special here, almost tastes like lightly fried shrimp paste.
(4)Anne M.
Good food!!! Udon noodles were excellent!
(5)Jang David K.
I forgot to talk about their tofu....oh....please get it!!! I didn't like tofu until I ate their tofu salad. Actually, get their fish dish as well. YOu know what, forget it....get everything there....i love every single dish in this restaurant...not kidding. See, Cafe Mami has a WoW factor....you are a 5 star forever.
(5)Tom E.
About 4 bites into my meal here was when I, the Emperor, looked down on the new clothes I'd been given and suddenly realised that it had all gone wrong. Was this some kind of joke? What was I doing here? Why had a waited in line to be seated next to a slush machine for this food? Was I back in '97 on my student budget with no culinary clue? I was! I was eating a small jacket potato with a burger drowned in ketchup and a fried egg on top. My partner was having breaded chicken cutlet with English mustard and brown (HP) sauce. It was uncanny - this is exactly the cheap mess I used to cook up myself from the Tesco's Value frozen range back in the gastronomic wasteland that was my late-nineties life in England. They didn't even forget the soggy token side-salad. I was even drinking a can of coke! And yet all these people in line, and all these glowing reviews from trusted friends espousing the wonders of Japanese canteen cuisine. It's strange - the miso was great but apart from that I obviously don't get it, or maybe I ordered the wrong things. But then I also for once want to support that little part of my brain that shouts out every time I try some new ethnic cuisine - "It's probably all a con - they're all laughing in the kitchen - they're joking about you back in their home country!" I may come back and see if they have any of my other staples from 1997 - battered fish sticks in a white bread sandwich, baked beans served in a mug with a frankfurter to stir it with, pot noodle with squeeze cheese...
(2)Justin G.
I have been coming to Cafe Mami for about 5 years now and have never been let down. Everyone that I have ever taken here has left feeling as enthusiastic about the place as I was after eating here the first time. My favorite selections on the menu are: Yaki Don, Seaweed Salad, BBQ Hamburger Set and their Chicken Katsu are all wonderful. The staff is always very friendly and will work hard to accommodate you and your party. The only drawbacks are that they are located in a tiny storefront so you may be seated at a joint table with people you don't know and they also don't accept credit cards (only reason for 4/5 stars). All in all, Cafe Mami is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area and I highly recommend that anyone in search of hearty Japanese fare check it out!
(4)Andrew M.
This place is SO GOOD. It's the ber-ZOMB! Very small, you have to wait and then share a table. "Real food, real cheap." (Maybe it is Yelp reincarnated as a restaurant.) And a super vibe. We are both miso enthusiasts and we found the miso to be delectable. My gf was not that into her dish, but admitted that it was because she just didn't really know what it was going to be (and neither did I). She totally gives it "gobishi" (or whatever 5 stars is) and we can't wait to go back.
(5)Huan z.
Never thought I would try this place but you always see a long waiting line when you pass-by. Until a friend told me in ski trip this is his favorite cheap place, I decided to give a shot. The place is very small but food come quickly. I wasn't sure if the food would be good cause I thought why a Japanese restaurant would have a dish called some thing Hamburger. Out of my surprise, foods tastes OK. Every dish came with a miso soup. Cheap and tasty! Oh, plus the waiter is very friendly.
(3)Kenny L.
The lively hustle and bustle of this place reminds me of Osaka, Japan! I've been to Porter Exchange many times now for my authentic Japanese fixes after moving to Boston and this places always seems to be the busiest out of all the eateries there. There is a counter for up to three people, as well as three tables for groups. And the open kitchen is a welcoming sight to watch during eating and all the Japanese talk between the chiefs and waitresses made me miss Japan all over again! Be prepared to wait to dine in but they have menus displayed outside and are ready to take your order before you are seated. I also noticed many orders for the go! As for me, I enjoyed a nice dine-in experience and had the curry pork cutlet tonkatsu ($8.50) and it was oishii (delicious)! The katsu was very comparable to what I had in Kyoto and not greasy at all, while there was plenty of rice to keep you full. Miso and salad with Japanese dressing came before it and that was very enjoyable as well! I missed out on the green tea milk shake but will have to try it next time ($3.50). Cash only please and they're closed on Tues (thanks Yi-Hwa H.). Sorry Ittyo, but Cafe Mami will be my food geisha from now on! "Gochisoosama," says the wise Lin san. 11/11 Update: Came back today to try their Tokyo Hamburg Set. It has miso soup, salad with Japanese dressing, small potato, rice, and meatloaf like hamburg with Japanese tomato sauce that not too tangy and a bit sweet. Not bad at all! To the pretty Japanese waitress: pass me your number next time I get the check?
(5)J L.
The service there has been deteriorating..My friend ordered a chicken curry and received a chicken cutlet with some sour sauce that tasted like A1 instead. We voiced the mistake and yet the waitress said he pointed to the picture of the chicken cutlet. If she had listened instead of looking we wouldn't have the wrong order..We just ask for the waitress to give us the curry sauce instead of having the entire order replaced and she said she MUST charge us $5 for the freaking sauce ONLY! How fair is that??!! Geez, we just asked for sauce and they have to be so damn cheap about it. The waitress sounded like the business will close down if they don't charge us the 5 bucks. This place has officially lost two customers. If you don't do it right someone else will..
(1)John P.
Three words: Green Tea Milkshakes. If not for a lack of vegetarian options, this would easily be 5 stars.
(4)Di Yin L.
The Tetsua set (fried chicken, rice, mayonnaise, salad and miso soup) is the best of its kind I've had on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The chicken is well brined, juicy, and not greasy. The miso soup acts as a great palate clenser. The waiters are very kind, particularly when there's a rush. They take your order before you sit, to speed up the process. The place is small - about three tables and a bar - and the wait can be long.
(5)Carl G.
Like a previous reviewer said...Tokyo Hamburg Set...Everytime, this is a remarkable and unique offering I only see here...and I love it! Ambiance is good, only two tables so you'll be seated with a couple strangers, my group of cohorts are usually a loud obnoxious type, but it's all in appreciation of the good food and good company. I highly recommend their food
(5)Emily H.
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. After a disappointing visit to Sapporo Ramen, I was about to write off all the shops in this mini-mall as just "bleh". Glad we tried this place as well. Bf and I got a katsu-don and katsu-curry. What can I say? It was super cold and damp out today and I just wanted some Japanese comfort food to warm up my bones. The curry came with salad and both meals came with miso soup. Very generous portions, we boxed up the last 1/3 of our meal to eat later! Meal came out to be a whooping $17. FANTASTIC. Cafe Mami is a great balance of affordability, quantity and quality. Will go again. Protip: $5 Dons (or curry rice) for lunch! They open at 11:45am and the specials go until 2pm on Mondays-Fridays. Extra fantastic :)
(4)Julissa P.
Great authentic Japanese curry, love the salmon yaki don and that salad dressing that they use is delicious. I come here often, it's cheap and the staff is friendly. Just kind of awkward facing the cooks when eating. I definitely recommend this place!
(5)Daniel H.
Traditional Japanese Comfort food. Authentic and incredible. I've been coming here for years and NEVER been disappointed. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is to die for. Typically I get donburi--basically, a ridiculously tasty rice bowl concoction. My favorite would have to be Yaki Don (spicy shredded beef, various vegetables, some picked radishes, perfectly cooked rice) though Oyaki Don is probably the most classic and one of their most popular. I've also had a number of their sizzling plates--Yaki Udon, Wafu Tatsu Set, a spicy chicken dish I cannot recall the name of--and a number of cutlet and curry plates, and it is ALL good. If you can, try going for lunch. You get basically the same menu as dinner but several dollars cheaper (like, $6 for Miso and Yaki Don!). Also, the green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I don't get it often but it's high quality. Seating is tight and you may have to wait...but it's worth it...wayyyy worth it. Cashish Only.
(5)Jessica C.
What's the big deal??! There is NOT enough seating here... and the wait is forever! The food is not bad, but its not that great either! Everything is pretty salty! But i guess everyone likes this place for the economical prices?!?! Hmmmmm.. The green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I always get one whenever I'm at porter exchange. I like to grab a green tea milkshake while waiting in line for Sapporo Ramen!!!
(3)DD T.
My favorite dishes, being an Asian myself are: -Chicken tatsuta -Rock'n chicken -Hamburg set And guess what, unlimited refill of Japanese rice! In case you have not known this, the restaurants here work together like a food court. If someone in your party feels like having noodle instead of rice, you can still sit here and order from the restaurant next door.
(5)Alan S.
As someone with a Japanese background, I am thankful that there is a place like this in Greater Boston. Nothing fancy, but for $7-8, I can get a delicious Japanese meal that is filling. I got there at 11:30 (15 minutes before opening) on a Sunday morning and got in no problem but there was a line 10 people deep by the time I left. The restaurant is small (fits maybe 15 people). I got the katsudon (chicken cutlet with egg and rice) and my dad got the oyakodon (chicken, egg, rice). Both were delicious.
(4)Roxanne B.
After all the positive yelp reviews, had to try this "hole in the wall" in the "Shops at Porter" on MA Ave. All 3 of us tried Mami's special Yaki Udon. Got noodles? Oh yeah - but that's all it had - I counted 3 dime-size pieces of thigh meat chicken and a trace of broccoli - for $8.99 each. It was like eating an Italian spaghetti dinner without the meat! And their is a sign on their wall that says prices are going up as of May 1st. Sorry Mami - won't be visiting again anytime soon.
(1)Linda H.
This place is legit. I've been craving some good authentic Japanese food since I've moved to Boston from New York City. I was accustomed to my little Japanese joints which served good, cheap food. After perusing through yelp, I found Cafe Mami, and thank heavens I did. I ordered the tofu with bonito (called Yakko?) and the chicken cutlet curry. SO GOOD. I gobbled it down like an unashamed fat child. My boyfriend got some sort of beef Don, which tasted a bit like korean bbq with beansprouts over rice. Also good. My boyfriend LOVED it. I also got the greentea milkshake, also good, but was too full to finish it. Portions are large, service is sweet, and the prices are just right. Seating is limited (4 tables for 2 and 3 bar stools) to it's best to come at a random time. My boyfriend can't stop talking about this place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Lola O.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. This place has a very limited seating (three seats at the bar, two tables of four) so my friend and I had to share a table with other people, and honestly they were loud and annoying. This place is cash only which is annoying, and they close at like 9. The food is okay, but nothing special. I had the Oyaki Don, it was okay, kind of bland. I forget what my friend had, but same story, good but I've had better. The price is reasonable and the service is fast and friendly, I'll give them that. I just expected a lot more after reading a couple of yelp reviews.
(2)Kat T.
Cheap, authentic, Japanese food? Yes please! After living in Japan for a few months I was sick and tired of Miso soup with every meal and some form or other of soba, udon, or donburi. However, never EVER did I get sick of curry. If you want curry like I need curry, go here. You can never go wrong with a katsu curry. Especially with an egg & cheese. The price is cheap (I'm a student, so I know cheap), the food is delicious, service is nice and fast. My only qualm is that it's cash only, but even that is remedied by the existence of an atm a few yards away. Now if only they would move this place to Harvard square instead of Porter... time to fill up the Charlie card.
(5)Paul C.
If you've read any of my other reviews, the ratings are pretty high. WHY?! because I only eat at amazing places! This place is completely hidden (if you don't have yelp to help you out). I'm tired of Japanese restaurants that are only Japanese because they have sushi. Sushi-less Japanese restaurants are so rare, that it adds an even more greatness to this eating establishment. Just as a side note, I heard that people around the New England area come to Porter Square because Cafe Mami is THAT GOOD. Cafe Mami is really small, so if you don't mind taking out, then you'll have no problem. If you want to stay, then you might have to wait a little bit, but trust me... it's worth the wait. I've been here a couple of times, but during my more recent visit, I decided to get the WAFU HAMBURG STEAK. It's kind of like a thick hamburger patty, covered with different sauces, along with a steaming potato, salad, and rice (unlimited refills). It's a lot of food, so bring those stretchy pants that you would wear to a buffet. I would also recommend the WAFU TATSUTA SET. Basically like ginger infused fried chicken strips. freaking NOM-O-LICIOUS finish it all off with a GREEN TEA MILKSHAKE!!! CASH ONLY!
(5)Ashley D.
so pleasantly surprised to find such good japanese food in this little complex! there are a number of little places to eat at in here, but from what my friend tells me this is the best. there are only a few tables so the wait can get pretty long but luckily there were still a few seats left at the bar when we got there. first ordered a green tea milkshake which was really good. creamy and refreshing and sort of tastes like a green tea version of a creamsicle. don't wait until the end of the meal to finish it though because when it's sitting out for a while it gets warm and kinda foamy and just doesn't taste that great anymore. i ordered the chili tomato hamburg set and was very satisfied. my friend likewise enjoyed the yaki chicken tofu plate (you can substitute the beef for chicken if you'd like). the hamburg sets come with rice, potato, salad, and miso soup and i finished every last bite of it. the hamburg is pretty much like a meatloaf soaked with tomato sauce and while it doesn't sound like much, i love this simple classic combo with rice. i definitely want to come back and try some of the other stuff next time i'm in need of some good comfort food. don't forget cash only! but there is a bank of america ATM in the plaza if you need it.
(4)Judy L.
There are only 3 tables and 3 bar seats!!! So wait time may take quite awhile. It's not a particularly authentic Japanese cafe, with the Cantonese and Mandarin songs blaring in the background, but it was good nontheless. We ordered yaki soba, which I highly recommend. It was seasoned with black pepper that added a kick to it while it was not overly-drenched in soy sauce like most other non-authentic Japanese places would do. We also ordered pork cutlet donkatsu which was good as well, though I'd much prefer the yakisoba. Will return!
(3)Joanna F.
My Chinese friend raved about this place, so my boyfriend and I finally went with him this weekend. We sat down immediately on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere won't blow you away but the food will. I ignored my friend's suggestions and tried the Yaki Don. I liked it, but one taste of my boyfriend's curry made me realize what I was missing. The curry was like no other curry I've had before. It was a little heavier than Indian or Thai curries and much richer. It was fabulous. The group seating could be a little awkward, but I didn't mind too much when two random people sat right next to us. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Dan B.
Went here for dinner today and got the Yaki Beef Tofu (Hot Sizzling Plate) main dish. It had thinly sliced beef with scallions, tofu in Mami's spicy sauce, carrots and a boiled potato. To start, it comes with a miso soup. If you need more rice with the entree, its free. I got a hot tea as well which came in a plastic cup (not a fan of that). That little ding didn't matter much as I was having a very delicious Japanese comfort food meal on a cool fall night. As most places in Shops at Porter, cash only.
(4)Anne W.
When you don't feel like sushi.. it is good to get some traditional Japanese fare. Be sure to bring some cash.. this place is a no frills where you sit at the counter or share tables with some strangers. Best things on the menu.. lemon chicken and miso fish. I need to learn how to make this. About $9 per dish.. and always a line. Best value for the money for restaurants in Porter Square.
(5)John P.
Okay maybe not super cheap... basically anything is 8.99$, but @$*&# delicious. Had steak, egg, cheese with tomato sauce... it was delicious. Gf's Teriyaki was a little too salty. Delicious! Cash only = lame.
(4)Nors P.
My go-to for comfort food. Nothing like some donburi to make you feel loved!
(5)Ellice S.
This is our never-fail place when we lived in Boston. Even now that we're in California, I still dream of this place and I haven't found a replacement yet. Fried Chicken marinated in ginger, Fried Shumai, Spicy Beef bowl and Oyako Don --- yummm, I also love their sweet carrot side which I have tried to replicate without success. Also have to mention how fun it is to sit at the bar area just because you can see japanese efficiencies at it's best. From the really fast compact dish washer to the prepared meats ready to be cooked.
(5)Raymond W.
Cafe Mami, located in the Lesley University Student Center, serves home style Japanese fare at a small humble outpost along with other various food court style restaurants. A friend from college recommended the hamburg set while my sister order a $5 lunch special of a bulgogi like beef dish over a bowl of rice. Both were satisfying and inexpensive with the meal coming out to under $20 with a tofu appetizer before tax and tip. A great place to get some cheap food with out feeling guilty about price or unhealthier alternatives. Please remember to bring cash and know that there are under 10 seats available.
(4)Tiffany D.
I have bad luck when it comes to wanting to try this place. The only one time that I saw it not packed with a line was when I went to Porter Sq. to try octopus balls from Tampopo (haha) anyways. I didn't eat THERE (I got takeout - which is why I didn't get the hamburg plate that I've heard good things about) so I got the spicy beef bowl (the other thing that I've heard about from there) and it was phenomenal. It wasn't spicy tho :( I like how it comes with a little cup of free miso soup hehe just wish there was more seaweed and tofu in it. I also didn't get to try their green tea milkshakes (waa!) but there's always a next time... This place is TINY you have to go during a non-rush hour to get a seat. And it's horrible for groups larger than 2 or 3 cuz you probably can't really sit together. Also, (looking at the survey below as I write this) who said this place was good for breakfast???
(4)Julia H.
Extremely small place. Did not find the food to be as great as everyone says it is. It is very basic and cheap. I got sick afterwards. Enough said!
(1)linda c.
This place is always packed~ espeically during weekend dinner time. expect at least 15min wait, and make sure you know what you want before you go. The food is amazing, its simple and affordable. love love~ love their hamburger set and boneless chicken.
(5)Timothy L.
This is one of my favorite places to eat at Porter Square. I'm a big fan their Ninniku Chicken Set, garlic/lemon chicken with ginger sauce on a sizzling hot plate. When I'm not feeling like eating chicken, I'll get the Tokyo Hamburg Set (Hamburger without the bun) or Yaki Don (shaved steak stir fried with onions/beansprouts in a spicy sauce). Most of their sets are about $9. Only problem is this place is tiny and wait time are a bit long. So I would recommend not going during lunch/dinner times.
(4)peggy c.
Simple. Fast. Delicious. As others have mentioned, the space is small, the food delicious and the staff friendly. It's a great casual place to grab some yummy Japanese food when the craving hits. I heart donburi!
(4)Moomin T.
Words to the wise: what is served here as "hamburger" is more like what we in America would call meatloaf (i.e., the meat has been cut with breadcrumbs). It is more like a meatloaf in the shape of a hamburger to be precise. I do not deny that it is fairly tasty, but if you are looking for a real burger I'd stick with Mr. B's (especially if you are local and can go on a weeknight in winter to avoid the touristy crowd). As for the "hamburger" (a.k.a. meatloaf) our Japanese friends are serving: it is a nice variation on a theme. I got the one with tomato sauce and my dining partner got the teriyaki version. The waitress was really the high point of the meal: such a friendly and helpful person! There are only two tables in this 'restaurant' so you better come at an off-time or expect to stay in line for a while waiting for somewhere to sit.
(3)masa s.
Er. Maybe I'm spoiled, but this place was just okay. Service was nice, food was decent, atmosphere was so so. I had the veggie donburi, which was what I expected. I liked it, but it was nothing special. They only had one server who was rushing around, barely keeping things together. She seemed a bit frazzled, but I guess 2 people would have been overkill? Dunno. The prices were okay, though.
(3)Mimi X.
I came in with high expectations from reading the other yelp reviews, but was disappointed. It was just ok. We shared a table with some strangers in the cramped restaurant, which was about the size of my bedroom. I hoped the food would live up to the hype.... but sadly it was forgettable: although inexpensive, (dinner for 2 was about $20), the Hamburg steak was basically meatloaf with tomato sauce, and my thinly shredded beef was a little too sweet. I kept thinking it needed a spicy kick to be satisfying. I could be convinced to go back and give it a second try, perhaps going for one of the curries- but I would not go out of my way to return.
(3)Brian W.
This place is really good, especially for Boston. The food is cheap and delicious. The service is quick, courteous, and accurate. Yeah it's small and cheek-to-jowl, but I kind of enjoy that atmosphere at times. It's something between a sit-down cafe and a streetside vendor, complete with all the bustle 2 feet away from you (although the street here is the inside of a mall). It's also fun to watch the staff work and take care of business. I haven't tried all the dishes yet, but they have pictures in the menu for all us non-initiates. The green tea milkshake is delicious!
(5)David L.
Mmm...Tokyo Hamburger Set and Tatsuta Curry!!! Eating on the cheap at Cafe Mami was one of my weekly experiences when I used to live in the area. Now that I've moved out, I still make it over to Porter Exchange (and Cafe Mami) on occasion. I always get either the Tatsuta Curry or the Tokyo Hamburger set. Lately, I've been getting the curry more since it's something I've really never found anywhere else. But the same can be said about the Tokyo Hamburger set...hard choices indeed! There are only two tables and some counterspace available, maybe sitting 12-15 people at the most in the tight little area, but that just adds to the mystique of the small crowded lunchtime food vendor that can both serve great food and turn over tables quickly!
(5)Shuo S.
Cafe Mami is interesting Japanese food. Interesting in the sense that you've probably never seen any of the food on the menu advertised as Japanese. From "Hamburg Steak sets" to Japanese curry, the creations at this bistro have a unique sense of character. If you're going to Cafe Mami for dinner, expect to pay around $10-12. The portions are not exactly the biggest, but will satisfy. Do expect to wait in line if you want to be seated (there are only 2 tables, and 3 seats at a "bar"), and don't bring parties of more than 5 or 6 because you won't be seated together. Each "set" of food comes with an entree, miso soup, and as much rice as you can eat. The soup is done nicely here; it tastes really fresh, although some might say it's a little salty. Each entree also comes with a salad of lettuce, carrots, and japanese dressing, as well as a small roasted potato. The food here is definitely interesting, but my main gripe is that for $8.50, there's not enough food on the plate. Try a teriyaki hamburg steak set if you're going for the first time, or if you're into something spicier, try a curry dish or one of the chef's specials on the back of the menu. The green tea milkshake is really good as well; a 16-ounce cup of it will run you $3.50. Overall, Cafe Mami combines traditional Japanese flavors with bold, innovative creations to form new and interesting fare. Definitely try it at least once!
(4)Alex B.
Really good. I'm not exactly sure what I just ate... but I read other yelp reviews and ended up with a burger type thing on a plate. The yaki-don was amazing, you're going to want to go ahead and order that.
(4)Edward P.
wow, was gonna try Fugakyu but found out about this place. Their curry rice is the truth. this is how authentic japanese cuisine should taste like. Fugakyu costs 2x as much and cant be as good. ill still try them later so i can review them 2. but as far as authentic, economically priced japanese food, can't go wrong with Mami.
(5)Po L.
CURRY! The curry is great here. This place is very authentic and similar restaurants in Japan. They only take cash and it can be a tad on the high side. The line for this place is similar to the DMV, but that's apart of the Cafe Mami experience. The service is good. I've been coming here for a long time now. You should give it a shot. Gambade!
(3)Josh K.
Japan 1, USA 0. Burgers can get boring after a while. You have a burger, you have bun, and then you are done. Why not drench a burger patty in homemade teriyaki sauce, put it on a plate, and serve it with some rice and salad? Cafe Mami makes a delicious teriyaki burger patty served with rice and salad for a reasonable $7.99. I'd recommend this place as a quick place to stop to eat after work as it's a small place, so there could be a wait during peak times for groups of more than two.
(4)D H.
Tasty hamburg. Tried the one with the special tomato sauce, as recommended by the staff there, but the oroshi ponzu one was very tempting I have to say. This is the place to go if you need a break from all the sushi and fusion crap (not saying that it's always bad) and want some good old homestyle Japanese food. I'll be back for more.
(4)bozohazard H.
Chefs specials are excellent and not the average-asian-fusion. A bit pricey for everyday lunch ($9) but worth it!
(4)Mark H.
I ordered the tatsuta chicken curry with an egg (over easy) and it was awesome. The curry had a perfect amount of spice and the chicken was tasty though I wish it were a bit crispier. Miso soup and a salad come with your order and you also get free refills on rice (if you're Asian or if you just love carbs, this should be enough of a reason to love this place). I also had a taste of the hamburg steak but I'm not sure which one it specifically was. I liked that a lot too and that's probably what I will order the next time I go
(5)Lei L.
boston doesn't have a thriving japanese town like ny, but porter square is not bad! cafe mami is the place to go. the guys always want to go because they think the waitresses are cute...i get suckered to go, because i just craving eating asian food or seeing asian people sometimes. food here is good and inexpensive, A-rating for boston.
(5)Andre C.
During lunch or dinner hours, you'll always find this establishment to be packed. Part of this can be attributed to the seating area, which is tiny. The food is simple, mostly consisting of Japanese rice bowls. They have some of the better teriyaki in Boston, although their curry is average and I've found the Katsu-Don to be a tad too "saucy" at times. The portions of the rice bowl is a little small to me, but then again I'm a big eater. Their sizzling plates are also quite good, and I especially like their Japanese hamburger meal. Nothing much in terms of appetizers or dessert, and avoid their Green Tea slush at all costs - I found it terribly bad. Lunch specials are great, $5 for a rice bowl and a miso soup. Service can be bad at times, I've had the experience of waiting for 20 minutes in line and sitting down at 2 minutes past 2pm only to have them refuse to serve lunch specials. Overall, good food at low prices, with service to match the price. If you can, call-in your takeout and save yourself the agony of standing in line for 30 minutes.
(4)B. B.
This is a tiny restaurant in an array of tiny Asian restaurants located in the Porter Exchange shopping center. I always have the beef bowl (sliced beef, red pickled ginger, rice), though others I dine with usually have the spicy beef bowl (not really spicy), and the vegetable teryaki bowl. In general, the service is very friendly, though they get swamped pretty easily. And I used to love the green tea milkshakes, but now they have a milkshake machine, and they're not nearly as good.
(3)Julie T.
I would say that for a period in my life, my friend and I would come here once or twice a week. Now that I've cut down and am only coming here about twice a month, I still love it. It's pretty apparent that I only order one thing off the menu cuz the waitress knows my order exactly how I like it: Chili Tomato Hamburg Set, extra spicy, extra sauce. A few changes here and there and it always tastes amazing, even if you eat it twice a week. It's cheap and awesome and it's so good that I just don't even know what to say about it. I guess if you gave this place under four stars...shame shame on you.
(5)Hieu N.
This TEENY place is truly a hidden jewel. My brother and I stopped by with our mom in lieu of eating at a restaurant for Restaurant Week because we werent really hungry. Luckily we did so because we left happy. We had gyu-don, curry rice,tokyo hamburg set, and yaki-don. I wasnt really a fan of the gyu-don but it was good on another occasion, I thought it was a little under seasoned at the time but later on it was not bad. My favorite was the yaki-don, Im not really a fan of curry but the curry was pretty good I have to admit. The hamburg was soooo good, especially with the egg. It was my moms...but i couldnt help myself haha. On another occasion i tried the oyako don....dont try it. It was a weird watery half cooked chicken egg soup with rice. I did not like it at all. But that was my choice I suppose. The green tea smoothie was good too, its got more of a deeper green tea flavor than Im used to and it was great. Cheap deals, if you cant tell i got everything off the lunch special. Best 5 dollars (each dish) I've spent in a while. The waitress there is also suuuuppppperrrr cuuuute. Running around everywhere and talking to the chef in her little voice. We gave her a good tip because she definitely worked hard running around. The seating is small and you'll most likely have to share a table but make the best of it and chat it up. Great place, great food,
(5)Hana C.
tokyo hamburg steak, chicken katsu curry, tatsuta age, yaki-don... with saracha sauce and green tea smoothie. omg so yummy! I love this place. I always get takeout too. A tiny place, and there is usually a line but so worth waiting. love this place. love!
(5)Carlos D.
This is hands down the best Japanese curry I have had since I lived in Okinawa. Very reminiscent of Coco's curry. The service was quick and friendly, portions were large, and the price was very reasonable. I recommend the chicken cutlet curry and green tea milkshake. I can not wait to go back!
(4)Chin C.
Great place to go for Japanese food. I love chicken curry, it's the best. The place is often crowded during lunch time or dinner, so you may like to drop by other time than that. You will get a good meal here and yeah it won't rip you out.
(4)Bernice S.
To die for green tea ice cream milk shakes (that's a mouthful, literally) that'll clean out your wallet ($4!) if you're not careful; however, otherwise cheap eats ($5-$9) that are gastronomical treats, and I swear that Boneless Fried Chicken has something addictive in it; line-up if you arrive, like, 10 minutes after they open can suck big balls, 'specially if you have rugrats with you--oh, and only one high chair. (Ok, so I cheated in that review by misusing the semi-colon. Eats Shoots and Leaves, man.)
(4)B C.
We have going to this place on weekends now for 10 year and I always wondered if this an authentic corner eatery that you would find on the streets of Tokyo. Since a number of my son's classmates were Japanese over the years, I had the opportunity to ask their parents (these parents, who are all recent arrivals, are usually here for 1-3 years sent either by their Company or here doing medical research). I am please to report this place is the real deal. I can never pass on the spicy beef and rice.
(4)natalie c.
for any cheap authentic japanese food, where do i go? one answer: Cafe Mami. lunch specials have yaki-dons, gyu-dons for $5 (original price is $7). pretty good deal b/c it also comes with a piping hot delicious miso soup! gyu-don is pretty good. thin slices of marinated beef and onions over rice. only con is that sometimes the beef can be a little tough. every time i go i either get the tokyo hamburg with sunnyside up egg and cheese or the ninniku chicken. tokyo hamburg set is delicious! it tastes like a hamburger, but asian-fied and with rice! it also comes with a salad and small potato, but i can't even get to the extras because the hamburg is so filling and big. the outside of the hamburg is crispy, but inside its steaming hot and soft! yum! (i actually burned the roof of my mouth eating this yesterday ) ninniku chicken is for the times where i feel like i've had the hamburg too many times. its made with garlic and a ginger sauce. it comes sizzling out and is served with a potato as well. i think the best part is the carrot they give you with it, its really sweet and tasty! also comes with a miso soup people here are friendly and you are seated cafeteria style. i would only come here if you have a group of less than 4. you can also order sushi from kotobukiya sushi (right across) and they usually bring it over to your table so you can eat it with cafe mami's food! (cafe mami is okay with this too!) cash only! but there's a citibank and bank of america inside the square so its not so bad.
(5)Susan D.
This place supported me during college. The best wholesome food offered in this itty Japanese mall. This place feels like home because you get bottomless white rice, sriracha sauce, and rice seasoning conveniently on your table. MUST: chicken curry, pork cutlet, beef patty with homemade red sauce and fried egg on top. CHEAP: dinner entrees -$7, lunch specials $5
(5)Yb W.
Café Mami is tucked away in the small but bustling Japanese food court within Porter Square. The tiny restaurant, which seats no more than 12 people, dishes up fast and affordable Japanese-style comfort food. There is invariably a wait, but the efficient waitstaff will take your order in line so that it will be ready by the time you're seated. Donburi's and curries are the mainstays here. The food is not gourmet, but fun and flavorful. And don't miss their signature green tea milk shake!
(4)Amanda M.
Since this place revamped their menu I really miss the other fish dishes--the saba shioyaki and teriyaki. They were SO delicious and unlike you could get anywhere else or reproduce at home. I really wish they would bring them back. In spite of this, I still love Cafe Mami and will keep going back for the saba miso and green tea milkshakes.
(3)Anino X.
I'll rate this closer to 3.5 stars. The portions were pretty big and the service was friendly and fast. I just thought the curry rice was not as good as Tampopo's next door. As far as I've seen, they're the only restaurant in the Porter Exchange that offers hamburg sets, which I'll probably give a try the next time I visit.
(3)トモ T.
A nice small Japanese restaurant in the row of similar restaurants in Porter Exchange. They serve good western style Japanese food which you can get in Family Restaurants in Japan. I give only 3 stars because it's so hard to get seats at this place. It's also not a comfortable place to eat a meal. Points for it's price.
(3)CeeCee R.
Good food for very good price. Been going there for years. Went there for lunch with my sister recently. I had Salmon Veggie Teriyaki bowl, which was a bit too much sauce but overall was good. She had a Beef bowl which she loved. Most of my friends and family love the Hamburg or the Chicken hot plate dish. My personal favorite was the Saba Teriyaki, which is discontinued a while back =(. Since it is a small place, you just have to be willing to share a table with strangers, but the speedy service, good food and friendly staff would make up for it.
(4)Jennifer H.
Best Japanese curry I've had since leaving Japan. Tasted exactly like the stuff I got used to there and was the perfect portion. Go for the $5 lunch special!
(5)Erin H.
I've only gotten the various hamburg sets... and can't get enough! The flavors are amazing and I'll even put up with the tiny space, sharing intimate tables with strangers and having enough cash on hand. The food is just so good.
(5)S. C.
I'm giving it a 4 star instead of a 5 star. It wasn't an easy decision. They changed owners about a year ago. It is not the same as it used to be. With the original owner, I would have easily given it a 6 out of 5 - it was perfect each and every time. But, for the price, it is still the best around.
(4)Ben L.
Cafe Mami is quite simply spectacular. Just thinking about it makes my eyes turn into gigantic hearts and if I have just eaten there you will know because my mouth will keep moving nonstop about the virtues of this petite little establishment. It is good to know that you are going to be getting real Japanese food if you go here. That means that you are going to be getting a lot of options that have very base flavors. You aren't going to get any super spicy thai dishes or odd asian fusion options. Also you are going to have a line. What ever your schedule is I would tack a half and hour, at least, before you plan to sit down. When you do sit down everything is flawless. if you are prepared you can even order your meal while you are waiting for your seat. With my meal I was started with a miso that was perhaps the best that I have ever had. next was a small little salad with just the right amount of dressing. Then I was KOed by the supreme curry pork. A perfect cutlet of pork prepared immaculately with plenty of amazing curry sauce. The sauce was utterly ideal with just enough spice without being hot and flavor that almost couldn't fit in your mouth. To add to their ideal food the staff keeps up every inch of the way. Each dish is perfectly timed and they are very friendly. I wouldn't recommend Mami everyday because the waiting might be enough to give you a heart attack. I would say that if you are feeling patient it is more than wort the wait. "You rock Cafe Mami" (pounds fist against heart and points finger towards Cafe Mami)
(5)S T.
Great place to go if you want some Japanese comfort food. I ordered the pork katsu curry on rice. It was good, tasted exactly like home cooking. They also have a delicious green tea shake which is like a desert! Service was fast, efficient, and friendly. The lady asked if I wanted more water like 3 times. The only con about the place is the tight seating. Get there early!
(4)Terry C.
This place is fantastic. The food is excellent, the service is great, and the prices are très reasonable. Because it's so tiny, you may have to wait for a seat, but the turnover is pretty quick and you probably won't end up waiting too long at all. My partner loves the chicken curry, but being a veg-head, I go for the veggie don. Delicious!
(5)Jaime N.
I love the Teriyaki Hamburg set so much I can't bring myself to order anything else.. The waitresses are always so sweet and wonderful and the cooks behind the counter are always super friendly! The wait is no big deal- if you can't handle it you can always jump over to Tampopo or Ittyo, but if it's Hamburg you want, stick with Mami! Don't forget to try the green tea shake- my gf loves it!
(5)Sean C.
I went there couple times. It is AWESOME Japanese Food and very original Japanese style. I have visited Japan couple times and taste quite the same here. I have no doubts that Cafe Mami is the best on in Boston - in terms of the quality and the price. The only thing can be criticized is some time I have to wait - the seat number are limited by the space and building regulation. The food is so good that It is wroth to wait, and I recommend to go some non-rush hour if possible.
(5)A. T.
The Rock'n Chicken Set is oh so tasty but oh so, so salty -- definitely take advantage of the 'unlimited rice refills' for this one. You will also be satisfied with any of the Tatsuta or Cutlet dishes. Oh my Lord, I can't believe this was the first time I have ever been.
(5)Andy S.
Katsu curry is great, I get it every time. It is quick and service is nice. Would be nicer if they expanded to a bigger place, so crowded always. Btw, try the green tea smoothie they have. That might be pricey, but its amazing!!
(4)Amanda M.
Good food good prices! Just have to be careful you don't go looking for you yaki don fix during that 2 hour period between lunch and dinner they close for (3-5 I think).
(5)Yuki Z.
Where Japanese people go to get homestyle food. Cafe Mami isn't glamorous. The space is tiny, shoved in the back of a dinky mall. The food is simple and not what most Americans expect of Japanese food - all classy and, ahem, minimalist. They just serve up real good food. It's pretty cheap, and the portions are just right. The Oyako Donburi and the curry are my favorites. The super quick service also makes up for the fact that they only have seating for...maybe 10 people at a time.
(5)Leigh I.
This place is typically known as 'teishoku' style food. Essentially a Japanese cafeteria food. They have the basics, and the kitchen staff is yapping in Japanese. Sort of nice as it reminds me of Japanese restaurants run by part timers. Last time I looked, comics weren't updated, but you can grab a 'recent' Japanese newspaper instead. It's not your typical chicken teriyaki and california roll joint. If this is what you want, skip Mami. The 'hype' is mainly due to people looking for Japanese eatery type food, which is very difficult to find in US. The two best places in the states is Little Tokyo in NYC, and Japan Town in San Francisco. Since we can't driver there this is the place for teishoku food. So, what's good? Well, the sea-weed salad is pretty decent. Miso soup isn't that bad. (Not the best, but it's better then over priced miso soup made from packet and hot water). I like their katsu-curry. (Ask for 'ton' (pork) or 'tori' (chicken)' and you are good to go. But do try their tatsuta-age. Basically chicken nuggets. Dip it in Japanese Mayo and you are good to go. Also, 'hamburger steaks' are what is very typical in Japanese. (If you are Eureka 7 fan, watch the very first and last episode and you'll see them eat 'big-bagu'. Short for 'big-burger'). Get the one with egg on top. If you are daring, do try the cheese as they stick it inside the burger. Back then, they gave me as much rice (except for curry orders) as I wanted. It's great if you are super hungry and you can wolf down couple of bowls of rice. They didn't have any soft drinks,so you had to bring you own. Go to the grocery store and grab yourself a drink or walk across the hall to the sushi restaurant and they used to have a vending machine there as well. (At least they used to) Overall, I like this place, but I had to knock 1 star off because it's always packed as there are only 3 tables. There are creative ways around that if you happen to be friends who don't want to eat at Mami and you can talk to the wait staffs in Japanese nicely. (hint hint!!!) Food is less expensive then a formal Japanese restaurant but not cheap by any definition. If you are broke, hungry, and you just want to fill yourself up, you can get more for your money elsewhere. Expect to spend roughly $10 after tip for 1 course meal. I recommend people to try this place. Be warned that it can be packed and line can get long (15+ mins wait) during lunch and dinner, and you will be surrounded by tons of young Asian students. While most American would detest that, for some, that just adds more authenticity to this place.
(4)Irving L.
I spent many lunch hours in line just to get a taste of their lunch specials....basically everything is spectacular... and now that I don't work in the city, I miss the place... Heck I would even order extra for dinner.. Great place in Porter Sq, and although the lines can be ridiculous, it is for a reason.....so check it out when you get a chance... you'll be surprised at its Japanese goodness.. tiny place, with huge flavor..
(5)Daisuke F.
I miss Cafe Mami so much! This was the place for me to go with friends when I was in Boston for college. Even now, I make sure to have a meal there when I visit Boston. Curry dishes, hamburg set, donburi, you name it and they are all good! Being away from Japan, this is my number 1 place to get "youshoku" - Western style Japanese food - in U.S.
(5)Ligaya T.
When I feel nostalgic for Asia I go to Cafe Mami. I dig the counter and communal tables and in-and-out manner of eating during a busy day. Most importantly, the food rocks! If you know what's up, you'll order a green tea milkshake, all gritty with matcha, CURRY (which comes with miso and rice, which they weigh, just like the spots in Nihon) or a yaki don. You know when you crave something and nothing else can quell it? Something about that particular combination of tastes, maybe the experience? Uh huh. Hankerings for this place strike me at the oddest of times, walking in the rain, chatting with a friend, typing on the keyboard... like right now and I just had lunch. And the Latino guys in the kitchen (Mexican?) speak Japanese, how novel is that?
(4)Amy L.
love love love! best katsu ever!
(5)Tina B.
Tried the Vegetable Curry with Tofu. Felt it was too bland in taste, & I could of made it better at home ? Very limited seating. Inexpensive.
(2)Nick A.
I'm from LA and I love the Japanese curry franchise there. This place was just as amazing! The food was excellent and it met my high expectations completely.
(5)Mara K.
Cafe Mami's curry is still the one that I use as the basis for all my comparisons when getting Japanese-style curry. I even had what is supposed to be one of the finest curries in the LA area (Curry House) but really, this one's my favorite. I have tried duplicating it at home, and I've come up with some tasty curries, but nothing like theirs. It's magnificent with whatever protein you choose to get it with and isn't even entirely necessary. Aside from that, I like their spicy beef bowl, the Tokyo-style hamburger, and they make a good green tea shake (though I liked their old ones from a few years ago better: made with actual ice cream). It's cramped, and you have to wait and share your eating space with people who you may not wish to share your dining experience with (pasty white anime fans that you, as another pasty white anime fan, try to avoid the best you can in other venues), but it's still one of my favorite places to go for a consistent and tasty meal.
(5)Tiffany W.
hurry. curry. the small corner stand shop in porter exchange, cafe mami is one of my most fave places to go for the non-sushi side of japanese! absolutely luv the curry cutlet dishes and the green tea smoothies there's always a long line around dinner time but service has a pretty quick turnover rate and the waitress is always very friendly and uppity just a heads up, it's closed on tuesdays... Ittyo (two stores down) is also a good alternative if the wait is unbearable
(5)Dave C.
This place gets my vote whenever I'm in the mood for good, simple Japanese food. There is usually a wait when you go near dinner time hours, but if its not too long (over 20 minutes,) then its worth the wait. The spicy tofu salad is always a good starter. I always get the Saba in miso gravy, and its always delicious. Its a cheap date, because 2 people can dine for less than $30.00. Works for me.
(4)Raymond Y.
I have been going here for the pass 8 years. Loved it every time. They have the best Japanese curry in town if you ask me. One of the favorite dish would be "Boneless Fried Chicken". Simply one of the best dish around Boston.
(5)Celin W.
Nice place though small seating and cash only so do go at an off peak time (ie not lunch or dinner time) if you don't want to wait too long for a table. Service was efficient, with a keen focus probably to turn tables as quickly as possible. Green tea milk shake was excellent. Beef bowl - beef tender, well seasoned, tasty. Also tried the chicken teriyaki (on a hot plate) which was good and came with sides like a baked potato. One thing I wish I tried was the katsu curry as the portions on the other table looked very substantial. Solid food overall!
(4)Dedania M.
Very compact and small spot to grab food in the porter square mall. Only about 2 big tables and CASH ONLY. Tried their vegetable don, shared some chicken curry, and had a green tea milkshake. -Vegetable don was pretty light and simple. 3/5 -Chicken Curry packed A LOT of flavor and they gave us a free refill on rice! 4.5/5 -Green tea milkshake, I heard so many good things about you AND you were kinda average. I probably looked like a little nerd/foodie when the green tea milkshake came out, but it was so average to me! Maybe my expectations were just sky-rocket because I love matcha. 3/5 Didn't have a problem with service and everyone seemed nice!
(4)Will C.
Whenever I am craving a katsu curry, this is where I go. Well made, flavorful and I will never get sick of it. Oddly, this used to be the place that had the massive line to get in for, now it's the ramen place next door that used to get no love. Anyhow, more katsu for me!
(5)Mary L.
I suppose if you are in the mood for quantity over quality, this is a five star spot. Cafe Mami is one of 3/4 eateries in what is otherwise an empty Porter Square Mall. There are two 6 top tables and a bar counter that seats two so prepare to share elbow room with strangers sharing your table. We had the tofu salad to start and it was essentially store bought tofu with bonito flakes, lettuce, and a diluted soy dressing. We had to pour soy and spicy sauce on it to make it edible. They were out of the salmon veggie yaki don so we ended up with the yaki don and special yaki udon. Rice was dry on the yaki don and it was perhaps the best decision of the night. The special yaki udon wasn't so special and the "sizzling plate" it came on had zero sizzle. Dishes come with unlimited white rice and piping hot miso soup. Green tea milkshake was meh, I might even prefer the overly sweet green tea frappe from Starbucks. Overall, cheap eat but definately not worth the 25 minute drive from the south shore.
(3)Hurnan V.
The wait is usually a hit or miss -- several times (esp at dinner time on weekends) the wait can be up to 20 min, but the most recent time I went our party of 4 was seated immediately. The space is very small, and the shop itself is hidden in Porter Square in a mall. The portions are enormous, and at very reasonable prices. Menu has diverse choices for the curry dishes, donburi, but nothing fancy. I personally like the chicken cutlet curry-- the rice was moist and the chicken breaded and cooked well. Each entree comes with a soup and salad. My personal favorite is the green tea milkshake- strong sense of matcha blended nicely with ice cream. :) Yum! Tip: cash only and no reservations.
(4)Christina P.
Cafe Mami is hands down the best little restaurant in the Lesley Univ Japanese food court area. This place is tiny tiny tiny, maybe 4-5 tables, and is packed with a line of people waiting during lunch and dinner times. Go at an off time like post-lunch on a weekday. Anyway, the food here is so comforting. The hamburg plates are delicious--perfect rounds of meat with amazing sauces. The yaki udon is a delicious stir-fry of thick, chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables. So tasty. The curries...omg the curries...the rice and sauce just bring you happy, carb-y warm feelings. Everything is good, so go a bunch of times and try it all! The green tea milkshake they have is the perfect drink to have with or after your meal too!
(5)Angela L.
If only Cafe Mami were closer to where I lived.... I would probably come here more often. There's always a line because it's so popular and its a tiny little restaurant in Porter Square, but I just went last night before it closed and got a table right away! They only seat you if your whole group is there, which is annoying, but it is a tiny place. The whole seating area probably sits max 10-15 people total. I've been here a few times and I've tried a few of the different sets. The Wafu Hamburg set, cutlet don, and the Tatsuta curry. I've also tried the Tatsuta set before as well. All the sets come with salad and miso soup. The Tatsuta is so crispy and delish. If you love eggs, get one of the donburi sets. The wafu Hamburg is super juicy. I think my favorite is the Tatsuta chicken because who can say no to fried chicken. People love the green tea milkshake. It's super creamy so if you want a sweet treat, get it! Maybe I'm a little anti-salt. Only thing I would say is that everything is just a tad bit on the saltier side... But it doesn't stop me from loving this place since everything is so flavorful and YUM.
(4)Susanna L.
Good green tea milk shakes for $3.50 :) I tried to go today for lunch. They usually open at 11:30 but didn't open until 1:30 because they received a lot of take out orders... Casually delaying opening for two hours like that seems pretty unprofessional.
(3)Bryan N.
Cool little Japanese pop up restaurant in the string of restaurants in the Porter Exchange building. Lunch specials are really reasons and they are very generous with their portions. I highly recommend ordering the Japanese beef bowl with an egg, topped with a little spicy mayo and wash it all down w a green tea smoothie. Your taste buds will thank me later!
(4)Kevin J.
Food: 4 / 5 Stars Service: 3.5 / 4 Stars This is a cute little shop in the porter square mall basement. I love the prices and the simplicity yet delicious-ness of their dishes. One in particular I would recommend is their donburi - the egg and chicken katsu are both fantastic, large portions, fresh and finely cooked rice all at a very affordable price. Seating and waiting may be an issue though if you're in somewhat of a hurry. The shops at the bottom of the university mall are usually quite packed and some have super long lines, like the ramen cafe nearby.
(4)David T.
Nice Japanese curry. Other dishes were pretty average. Very small eating area. Part of a tiny japan town in the porter exchange building.
(3)Lisa R.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday. Low key place with quick service. Overall though I wasn't too impressed. I got the Hamburg Tokyo and it tasted like meatloaf with some Asian sauce on top. The portions are sizable though and it's affordable. My friends got other dishes and they were much better so I'd give the place another shot but I'd try something else.
(3)Albert W.
The curry is probably the best curry I have tasted ever. Totally worth it and the pricing is not that bad as well. It is a cash only restaurant but there is an ATM nearby. If you are near the area, definitely try this place. I would eat here everyday if I could.
(5)Ziyan C.
We came in to make a to go order around 11:50am on Sunday. There was a line to get to the hostess, but it moved quickly as it seemed to be the first rush of the lunch wave. We made our order and she said it would be a 20 minute wait, but I think they were ready on 10-15. This was overall solid food and pretty good value, I just wasn't awestruck or anything! * Green Tea Shake ($3.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… Really nice flavor! Good balance of that slight bitterness of green tea with a hint of sweetness. Thick consistency yet not too hard to slurp up in the straw, not too icy, just right! * Yaki Don (Spicy Sliced Beef Rice Bowl. $7.99)- 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… The thin slices of meat were very tasty, tons of flavor. This was good! * Hamburg ($9.99) - 2.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… I tried a bit of this--not sure which Hamburg set it was, likely the Tokyo. The Hamburg generally seems like an odd dish for a Japanese restaurant, like they did their own take on a Western dish. The sweet sauce on the patty was a off-putting and to me didn't go well wit the beef. The meat was also packed very hard so that the center was really dry. The potato was also kind of bland, a little undercooked as it was still a bit hard. * Yaki Beef Tofu ($9.99) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… The meat was the same cut as my Yaki Don. The tofu came in big pieces and were very soft; I didn't think the texture went very well with the harder thin slices of beef. The sauce was spicy for sure, but was pretty thickened and didn't taste very authentic. Menu: yelp.com/biz_photos/café…
(3)Varun N.
I have tried a couple of chicken dishes and they were mouth watering. I don't miss a chance to go back there.
(5)Diana F.
There is a reason why Cafe Mami is the go-to place in Porter Square for Japanese food, especially curry! Huge portion sizes and delicious food, where can you go wrong? I highly recommend trying their curries since that's what I used to go to Mami for and they never disappointed me. Their green tea smoothies are also fantastic! Whatever matcha powder they use must be fairly expensive. It's not watered down or artificially sweetened. Instead, you get the full, grassy, refreshing green-tea taste. I recently went back to Boston to visit a friend who had recently moved to the city, and Cafe Mami was on my list of must-show gems. My friend ordered their Tatsuta Don and wolfed it down in seconds cause it was that good. Then, a week later, she took some Harvard friends to Mami cause she was craving Japanese food. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that they fill up really quickly since the seating area is small. The wait is usually 20-30 min and gets longer during peak times. I'd suggest going during off-peak times (ie. take an early/late meal) or go right when they open. Also, remember, they're cash only like most stalls in Porter Square. Food: 5/5 -- I'm salivating just thinking about their curries and green tea smoothies! Service: 5/5 -- They're always super nice and accommodating. When my friend and I had forgotten to bring cash, they let me wait by the restaurant for my friend to run back to her dorm and come back, a trip that took 40 min. Not once, did the waitress give me trouble about the long wait to close our tab. Very nice of them! Atmosphere: 4/5 -- A bit crowded and loud, but well-maintained and clean. Crowds and volume just comes with the territory; Porter sq is always bustling with college kids. Overall: 5/5 -- Exceptional!
(5)Tiffany J.
Cafe Mami is an extremely good buy for your money. It's cheap and yet extremely generous with portions (unlimited free refills of white rice for most dishes, which seems to attract hungry guys with bottomless pits for stomachs). The food is also incredibly tasty and always well done. Cafe Mami is best known for its "hamburg" sets - literally fat, juicy hamburger patties covered in various kinds of sauces, with white rice, a baked potato, and a side salad. As someone who no longer eats meat, I've never tasted the patty itself but I've sampled the tomato and teriyaki sauces and they are always delicious. I typically get the salmon yaki don or salmon teriyaki don. These are almost identical dishes, except the yaki sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce that tastes a lot like teriyaki. You get many chunks of salmon, white cabbage, and broccoli over rice, all soaked in sauce. I'm always amazed at how much salmon comes with it and how well done it is for just $8.50. Other than how much sauce they use, it's a very healthy and tasty meal that I can finish without guilt. And did I mention, a bowl of miso soup with most orders? The one down side is the wait time. Cafe Mami is a small, hole-in-the-wall eatery inside a Lesley University building, so if you visit at peak hours you'll have to wait for seats. It's also not good for groups for the same reason. However, I'd rather they stay there and keep their prices low than move someone with higher rent.
(5)Jaclyn P.
The Salmon Teriyaki Don was delicious and the portion was very generous. Be sure to load up on the spicy mayo condiment, yum! The Miso soup was very flavorful but I wish I had known our tofu appetizer would be served cold. Still tasty though with PLENTY of bonito! Prices are decent, the decor is basic and seating can be limited. Overall, definitely worth checking out. And the green tea milkshake really is THAT good. CASH ONLY!
(4)Ellie L.
This place is amazing. The food is SO GOOD. Came here with a friend on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm, so there weren't many people and we were able to find a seat easily. I ordered a cheese tofu and beef on sizzling hot plate set with miso soup and rice. My friend got some chicken plate set (extra large). The portion is huge. I got the normal size, which is filling enough for me. And his extra large plate is just enormous - let to a food coma two hours after we finished. If you are hungry or just want to challenge yourself, definitely go for the extra. We also ordered the famous green tea milk shake. It's creamy, smooth, and has a strong green tea flavor. Love it!
(4)Jini H.
I don't know if they have special Friday operating hours, but I got there at around 4:30pm for an early dinner, and they weren't open. I asked if they were closed and they said they open at 5:00pm. So I had to drop by into a cafe nearby to kill some time before they opened. Besides that, the food I ordered was absolutely delicious, and the service was very quick and friendly. Their portions are pretty big for their prices, so don't underestimate! And don't forget to try their green tea milkshake. If you've come a long way to this place like I did, it would be such a waste to make it all the way here and not order it! Anyway, my experience here met above and beyond my expectations, and I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes!
(4)Jay K.
Been here a couple of times. Eat-in, pick up, and take out. Good service. Not the "let-me-be-your-friend" or super attentive kind. Just an appropriate level of service for a busy hole-in-the-wall vibe joint with a table shortage. - Green tea slushie is delicious, but filling. Not recommended if you're going to eat a whole hamburg set on your own. - Hamburg steak - teriyaki's a little too sweet for me, but I know a certain someone who devours it quite happily. I prefer the tomato sauce version. - Donburi - have had a variety. Enjoyed them all. - Curry - good standard fare. - Seaweed salad - the bright green stringy seaweed served with lettuce and such. Refreshing and simple. Good appetizer if you're hungry, good meal if you've been eating a lot of heavy food and need something light.
(5)Cecil S.
They had a Boston Globe review posted on their wall, but honestly didn't see what all the rave is. Was much more satisfied by Masa's sushi located in the same building. I tried the Pork noodles with a light soup beforehand. Long wait time and crowded seating area (there is literally only 3 tables).
(3)Stephanie N.
I actually had AUTHENTIC miso soup here! Very impressed. A small menu, but everything tastes about as good as it gets outside of Japan. Highly recommended for a katsu-fix.
(5)Cindy C.
OH CAFE MAMI. if I could sing, I would sing you a praise, however, with my lack of talent, it'd come out to be more torture than delightful. After living in Boston for 4 years, all the way at BC, which, is at the end of the green line, I've made countless treks to eat at your tiny tiny establishment. Rain or snow, I'll be there to experience the tastes of true culinary goodness. Personally, I love the chicken that is lightly breaded and fried. The tenderness and flavorful chicken never ceases to amaze me. Then there's your famous hamburg with the tomato sauce. I'm salivating even as I type this. To top off all that heavy meat, the side salad is light and refreshing, a perfect compliment to any dish. A meal at cafe mami always leaves me satisfied and happy. and most importantly, always wanting more.
(5)Jessica M.
Oh god I love the hamburg curry. With an egg and cheese. I made the mistake to get it with the chicken katsu once and the chicken was undercooked and had a stringy texture. Stick with the veggie or hamburg. I love Japanese style curry but every single time it destroys my stomach.
(4)Jackie C.
Every so often I get this craving for hamburg and I just have to go to Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami also has great curry dishes and the food is reasonably priced. I always find myself wanting to finish my plate of food when I come here even when I'm full just because their sauce on their hamburgs are just that good. But watch out if you want to come here as a group as this place is tiny! There are only about three tables and if you are a party of 2, don't be surprised if you have to share the table with other patrons. The place is also cash only... I always seem to forget to get cash and we end up running to the ATM to grab some right before the bill comes.
(4)Müs B.
Been visiting this place for almost 10+ yrs. Affordable and consistently awesome food!
(5)v y.
Anytime I'm in Porter Square, I have a hard time not stopping by Cafe Mami. Their Japanese Hambagu sets are DELICIOUS. The sauce is killer and their patties are melt in your mouth delicious. All meals come with unlimited rice and a baked potato and salad. Best of all you can get out of there for around $10. There curry is also delicious. Definitely a place to try out.
(5)Patrick V.
Amazing katsu curry and the miso soup is also good.The katsudon is really good.The sauce is really good and the chicken is nice and moist.You have got to go to this place.
(5)Karen K.
My love affair with Cafe Mami began in 2001 and, after a facelift in the restaurant interior, it is still going strong. What I loved most about Cafe Mami was, despite the line, they would still try to get you to your meal as quickly and as efficiently as possible by taking your order while you're in line and then having the food essentially ready for you when you sit down. Great prices too. I would chime in with my fellow reviewers to remember the crazy long wait during peak dining hours, cash only (never fear, there's a bank of america ATM right around the corner) and finally IT IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!!! Don't make the heartbreaking mistake and go there on a Tuesday, as I have done before. It's not a pretty scene. My favorites: the Yakidon - spicy beef and bean sprouts served over a bed of rice, this dish is exceptionally good in the winter when you need a bit of fire. The spice does not overpower the flavor of the beef but simply enhances in a divine way. The Ninniku Chicken - Garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate (note: I believe life would be so much better if everything was served on a sizzling hot plate). The sauce has just the right amount of tanginess to spoon over your rice and the baked potato (request said spoon...) and the carrots that come with the dish is impossibly sweet and tasty even for non veggie lovers. (Note: if you have a large appetite and would like the yaki don and the Ninniku chicken, there is a beef salad that will satisfy your yaki beef cravings as well) The Tatsuta Curry - crispy fried chicken in Mami's delectable curry sauce. It is my way to remind myself that even when I'm homesick for good Japanese Curry, Mami will always be there. The Green Tea Milkshake - Once upon a time, Mami used to make their green tea milkshake by taking scoops of vanilla ice cream and blending it with green tea powder. They have now understandably streamlined the process with the automated frozen drink maker and even though I still enjoy my green tea milkshake every now and then, I still miss the good ol' fashioned way of making it. To conclude: One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. If I were in Boston for only a day I would always make my special pilgrimage to Cambridge to Cafe Mami. It is THAT GOOD.
(5)Dominic Y.
Food is so good but the wait is just too long!
(4)M J.
yum! this is a super place for a fast, cheap lunch. it's a tiny spot with one server, possibly the owner, who is such a nice guy. tables are communal, sit at the counter or get take out -- the food is fantastic. best miso soup i've ever had, ditto the spicy beef with rice, though really i wish they served brown rice. i'll be craving it all soon and i just ate it yesterday - it's THAT good.
(4)Barbara B.
Nothing else in Boston beats the Japanese food in Porter Square. And I'm not talking about the sushi kind of Japanese food. Cafe Mami is the reigning gem of the pack when it comes to their curry and the portion of their meals. The pork katsu curry is to die for. Don't miss out on this place.
(5)Derek T.
Café Mami is simple, fast, and tasty. I got the curry over fried chicken. The meal comes with miso soup and salad. That's right...it's salad and soup!! Miso is tasty. Salad is nothing worth writing about. The curry is delicious. It's thick and full of flavor. I wished they used white meat for their chicken though. I'm from L.A., where I'm surrounded by the Hurry Curry, Curry House and the other hundreds of imitation places, so trust me when I say that Café Mami is just as good if not better. If you're in the Porter Square area or even near Hazard, go give Café Mami a try. This place remains on my must visit every time I'm back in Boston. Service is very friendly. Price is super reasonable.
(4)Kathy W.
The boyfriend and I have basically become regulars at this place. Granted, I've only ordered two items from the menu, but they are so good that they keep me coming back for more! We always get the pork katsu with curry and the rock'n chicken. Both come with miso soup and a salad. I'm not a fan of the salad; they drizzle some kind of oil on it. The mains are delicious and the servings are huge. The katsu is nice and crispy. If you get the curry on the side, you can save half for another meal. The chicken is extremely tender... in fact, some of the best chicken I've had, ever. We've also tried the green tea smoothie. Tastes great, but a little pricey at $3.50. Nonetheless, an entire meal for 2 ends up being around $25--a great deal! This is definitely not a first-date kind of place, though. We usually do take out and eat at home. There are never any seats available, the line goes out the door during prime dinner/lunch times, and frankly, not the best ambiance to eat in anyway.
(5)D K.
Not a lot of places to go for Japanese style Hambagu (Hamburg) Steak, but Café Mami seems authentic enough, and it satisfies my craving. FOOD - Satisfactory. You don't have a lot of choices for Japanese cuisine around Boston, so Café Mami definitely deserves a star for that. SERVICE - It's a casual restaurant, so they're polite enough. ATMOSPHERE - It's a tiny restaurant, and you might get seated with strangers, but you're there for the food, right? I like Café Mami because I love Japanese food, and they do it pretty well. ^_^
(4)Avery M.
Is it the best restaurant in Boston? It certainly was when they were buying their ingredients from Kotobukiya, before the greedy landlord shuttered it. Today it may be a little harder to determine; I think some ingredients have changed. But it's definitely among the best, and what you get for the price (usually $5 for lunch) is certainly the best value in all New England. Get the green tea milkshake.
(5)Elizabeth P.
Sometimes the wait is long, but it's totally worth it. I really like their hamburg steak menu. The serving portion is quite big. the only downside: - you sometimes have to sit with strangers since there aren't many seats available.
(5)David S.
I have a deep and abiding love for a good Teri Don, and I'm always searching for a more convenient option than my favorite vendor, Shogun out in West Newton. I checked out Cafe Mami to see if they could teri a don, and I have to say I'm still searching. Presentation was pretty much nonexistent, but that's par for the course at this particular food court. The food was decent, if a little short for the price (although rice refills are free- cheapskates take note!). I did have to wait about fifteen minutes for it (Salmon Teriyaki takes fifteen minutes? What?) and it was a long time to sit there and smell everyone else's dinner. All in all I guess I was satisfied but not overwhelmed, but for value I'd have to give the edge to the Ten Don at Ittyo a little further up the hall. Sorry, Mami, but that's how it go.
(3)Euni L.
I am in Love with Taka-san. Any man that can craft a perfectly juicy tonkatsu (so thick and tender, with this perfect layer of egg between the panko and the pork) and a perfectly crisp Tatsuta (fried chicken) set is entitled to at LEAST a 5-star Yelp review ;) .. oh... I get it...I didn't mean... no, I'm not a whore. But I do love my Japanese street food. Walk down any alley in trendy Shibuya and you'll find many of these classic favorites available for quick consumption. Delicious, rich hambaag steaks topped with an over-easy egg with the yolk popped over rice or a steaming hot bowl of karae can warm up any freezing New England night. I can actually say that as a native San Franciscan surrounded by a plethora of tasty choices in J-town, nothing compares to the savory yumminess of Mami. Even in my 4-year stint in LA, nothing on Olympic/Sawtelle or downtown Japantown compares. Everything else seems to miss a key feeling of authentic Nippon savory hominess... you really have to watch Taka and his boys cook for you to appreciate what goes into his food =) Service is... well... I've seen so many girls come and go, but one particular girl has actually stuck around for a while. She's definitely been eating the food though, as she was near microscopic when she first started working there 9 months ago and now looks healthy and normal. When she's not flustered, she's great- friendly but usually inefficient, but she tries her best. Hey, I'm a service Nazi... you get that way after waiting tables for the cheeky (pompous) elite (assholes) in Beverly Hills/Los Gatos (pretentious) fine dining (overpriced) restaurants for 5 years. You likely won't get a simple water refill, but your check will come as soon as you finish your meal. Ha, what a way to turn tables huh? As for portions... I suppose if you're used to super-sizing everything and storing a layer of fat for the cold winter months, I can see why Mami may be a little unsatisfying. They really do give you an adequate portion that any human should be able to consume without going into food coma afterwards. But for the days when you're famished, ordering three entrees between two people is not a bad idea, and gives you the opportunity to sample the other delicious offerings on the menu. I don't know what the big deal is about the donburi sets- you can get those anywhere and it just seems so... not worth it. Why don't you go to Yoshinoya or something? Taste the more "eccentric" menu items and you won't be disappointed. Every time I go to Boston I have to hit up Cafe Mami at least five times, embarrass Taka-san with my endless compliments ("SUGOKU OISHIKATTA~!") and stuff my face silly with Tatsuta/Hambaag/Tonkatsu goodness. Don't let the communal tables and modest appearance fool you- this place is gold.
(5)Lynn P.
I tried their cutlet curry with rice and all of their hamburg steaks. So~~~ good~~~~. I luv the thick slices of crispy cutlet and the thick flavorful curry sauce. The portion size was pretty big too. Their hamburg steaks are better than expected. Really tasty. I would definitely come back for that. However, the place is so tiny and kinda old. there are only about 14~15 seats total. But, people usually eat fast there so its not that bad. Every time I go there, I have to wait about 15~30 minutes to be seated. Other things in the menu like "~don" not that good. Just order either curry or hamburg steak to be safe~!
(4)Susan S.
I usually really like Cafe Mami's food but my recent visit there was underwhelming with what I particularly ordered. I got the Gyu Don and I really was disappointed with the flavor and quality of the meat. This type of dish was supposed to have delicate slices of beef that was supposed to be ultra flavorful. But I found that the pieces of beef were thicker than usual and that it was bland, tasteless and a little lukewarm. I feel that the beef wasn't fresh and it even looked overcooked judging by the pale grey color it had instead of a golden brown. They even had a huge chunk of beef that was too chewy to further bother to eat. The dish is pricey for what it was, just a few pieces of bland meat over rice. Even though it's considered a relatively cheap place, at the end of the day, it's about the food. And why bother paying for food I can't enjoy? I also noticed that one of the original chefs wasn't there in the kitchen preparing the food and I don't know if that has anything to do with the quality of my dish. I really hope that this isn't a sign that the restaurant is losing its quality and the great flavor that I used to know. I don't know how their other dishes fare as of right now but I would never order that Gyu Don dish again. Did they have an off day? I don't know, but I don't appreciate paying for other people's mistakes. Their green tea shake I like though.
(2)Mark C.
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in Boston. Cheap, fast, and extremely tasty. Try the chicken cutlet and egg rice bowl or the spicy beef rice bowl. Most of their dishes even come with unlimited rice. The only thing is, they're pretty small. I think the restaurant in total only seats 15 max, but they churn pretty quick. Best non-sushi Japanese food in Boston IMHO.
(5)Yvonne W.
Cafe Mami is one of those hole-in-the-wall, no-frills type places where you order what you want, eat it fast, and then leave happy. What everyone says here is good -- the hamburg sets and the curries, are really good, just the sort of stick-to-your-ribs type thing that I had in mind when I first came in here. We shared a hamburg set and a curry rice with tonkatsu. There was a LOT of curry on the tonkatsu -- kind of wish that they had the tonkatsu separate from the curry, though. The tonkatsu wouldn't have gotten soggy that way. The prices here are reasonable, and really cheap if you get the lunch special on the weekdays. Also be prepared to wait if you go at peak hours since there's very little seating and this place is crazy popular.
(3)Anita S.
Oyako don here is great. Seating can be tricky in the evenings. Staple of the area!
(4)Anthony L.
got the yakidon for $5 lunch, totally good and worth it got the green tea milkshake, $3.50 for the size of a tall drink at starbucks is kinda pricey cash only might be a problem for some, but there are so many atms nearby place is small, realisticaly don't expect to get a spot to sit down unless you get there right when it opens (like me)
(4)Tracy T.
Probably the best cheap Japanese food you'll get in Boston. I'm not saying it's my all-time favorite, but their donburis are pretty tasty, although a bit strong on the salt/soy sauce. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere and you really can't beat the prices. Don't bother with any of the other restaurants in that row, I've tried them all. I always thought, why didn't I just go to Cafe Mami every time. Their green tea milk shake is also fantastic as a dessert. I usually get one on my way out.
(4)Eric W.
Used to come here every week when I was still at Newton North High School. Lately with work being so damn busy, I barely get to go once a month... but when I can, I enjoy every minute of it. I'm not going to litter as too many superlatives as there are plenty of great reviews already here but suffice it to say, you won't regret it.
(5)Alexander H.
What to say about Cafe Mami? Tiny (seating for about 12 people total) Fast (due to the size, the waitresses haven't gotten managing lines, tables, and orders down to the wire) Inexpensive (about $8-$10 for dinner) DELICIOUS (the hamburg sets are pretty much all I crave every time I hear the words "Cafe Mami") In essence, this tiny Japanese "restaraunt" is a must stop for anyone looking for good Japanese food in the Cambridge/Boston area. Go to Porter Square and check it out!
(4)Jenn Y.
Tiny space, but friendly staff and quick service. My friends and I all got various rice bowls, I ordered the veggie don, which was done very well. The egg was tender, the sauce was not overpowering, and the portions were just right, definitely satisfying. Very reasonable prices, so it was a great value. The green tea smoothie was fantastic, it's drinkable green tea ice cream, highly recommend!
(4)Jane L.
Cafe Mami is amazing, truly. I moved to Cambridge in June, and I've already been at least five times. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The quality is incredible for the price, as are the portions. Favorite dishes: yaki don, plain curry rice, kaisou (mixed seaweed), miso soup. Other tips: if you don't have the patience to wait for a table, they offer extremely fast take-out service. Either stop by or give them a call, and you'll have mouth-watering food in ten minutes or fewer.
(5)Chanpon N.
Yum! Craving yoshoku after returning from Japan? This place will help. This little stall not only recreates the experience of busy, lunch-time food counters in Tokyo where you're sitting elbow to elbow with another diner not in your party, but it also very ably recreates a number of Western-inspired foods found throughout Japan. Most people know katsu and curry (and it's combination) which appears on many Japanese restaurant menus, but few dive into hamburg territory. This cafe serves a flavorful and authentic tasting hamburg that'll put you right back in Tokyo. Served simply with salad, potato, rice and miso soup, the hamburg is not quite a hamburger patty (it has other ingredients usually mixed in for flavor). The texture is smoother, the patty more flavorful and it's usually paired with a sauce (tomato-based being very common - not ketchup!). Meal sets are very reasonably priced. I would try more than the katsu and the hamburg, but the portions are more than enough to keep me filled so I don't have room for other items ( *sad*). Prices are reasonable for the amount of food. A word of caution - this place is SMALL. Be prepared for a line, though turnover can be quick at times. I would not recommend this place for a big party (i.e., more than 3 or 4).
(4)Min Y.
Pure Awesomeness. My favorite is the wa-fu - ham-ba-ga su-te-ki..
(5)RM S.
They have great comfort food. I usually order the spicy beef or beef donburi. My friends usually order curry and they told me that it tastes much better than the curry blocks you can buy at the supermarket. I go there about once a month.
(4)Tracy K.
I spent the first few months of college missing home-cooked Japanese food. Not sushi or teriyaki or other typical things that Japanese restaurants have, but the subtler things, like yakizakana (broiled fish) and hiyayakko (cold tofu). Then I found Cafe Mami, and I was happy. My friend got curry, and it was pretty good too. I liked my fish better, though. We sat at the tiny bar on the side of the kitchen, so we got to watch them make everything. I was impressed at how they utilize their minimal space, but their iced green tea machine probably doesn't make as much money as the bar space that it takes up. Most definitely don't come here with a group (if you want to be seated quickly, that is), and most definitely do come here looking for authentic Japanese meals.
(4)Anonymous P.
I thought the teryiaki chicken was decidedly lackluster, though the hiyayakko and miso soup were good. Mami wasn't really bad, but my criterion for three stars is that I would go there again. I would definitely go to Ittyo every time over Mami.
(2)Lucy S.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch, ugh! I came with my friend after she kept sayin' how good this place was and all, lemme tell you, i will never eat here again...the hambuger on rice was gross...so was the orange ketchup on it, the buger was using some mystery meat which tasted totally freezer-burned
(1)Stephen Y.
Oh, yes.... Cafe Mami.... Just be there 5 minutes before opening so you can score a table- space and a seat. Cheap Japanese fast food but so much better than McD ! Choose wisely, however. The green tea milkshake is addictive !
(3)Victor C.
Hands down the best place for japanese boneless chicken! (aka Tatsuda Chicken or Karaage) Served with miso soup, small salad and rice(unlimited refills on the rice). Portions are moderate. I could probably eat two dishes if I were extremely hungry. Cost: under $9. Be prepared to wait. The place, located in the heart of porter square in cambridge seats 12 people and more likely than not, you will be sharing a table. There is always a line. They open at 12 -3 and again from 5-8:30. They are closed on Tuesdays. This is another place that only takes cash.
(4)Frank N.
I love Cafe Mami. Sure, they take your order when you haven't been seated, you can't be seated until everybody in the party is present, and you gotta sit with rando people sometimes, but I attribute it to Japanese efficiency. The food is amazing. I first ate here during the first week of freshman year of college, and I've been going back ever since, constantly craving tokyo style hamburg set, rice bowls, fried chicken, and the curry! I pretty much rotate between these dishes. It's terrible though-- every time I come I end up getting the same things over and over because they're so freakin good and can't really bring myself to try other dishes. Maybe I should just go everyday for a week...then I'll get sick of everything and finally try something new. Actually, now that I think of it, I've tried the spicy beef bowl, and the fried chicken with mami's tomato sauce (on the back of the menu), which were ok, but I prefer the aforementioned dishes. The miso soup is great too. There's a parking lot in the back that's $1 if you eat at porter exchange (where Cafe Mami is). I would also recommend that you come with no more than 6 people--the less the better because then you don't have to wait as long. The biggest table will seat 6 people, but I believe they have an extra seat so you could squeeze in 7. They sometimes have odd hours, and close on Tuesdays, so if you're not sure, give them a call before you go. Oh, and apparently there's nothing as good as Cafe Mami in NYC. Take that, "everything is better in NYC" bastards! ha! I also vote that they open a Cafe Mami at Super 88 :DDDDDDDDD
(5)Jud P.
I had to check out Cafe Mami in Porter Square after hearing several of my friends rave about it. The place is tiny, less then 15 seats total, but they take your order before seating you so people move in and out efficiently. I tried the curry pork cutlet. The pork was cooked very well, and the curry was good, but a little on the bland side. The value is high with dishes ranging from $7-$9. I also enjoyed the green tea milkshake, although my friend did not. Cafe Mami is a good dining experience, but not a great one.
(3)Michael T.
Tufts University apparently has one of the Top Five Dining Hall foods in the country, but after a semester of eating dining hall food, one must diversify. I lived off of Cafe Mami for 4 four years. During exams, papers, finals, break-ups and hook-ups, this place served some of the best japanese comfort foods outside of Tokyo or Osaka. I highly recommend the hamburger and/or the boneless fried chicken sets. Also try their green-tea shakes; they made them before anything green-tea was cool in America, so yeah, it's really good.
(5)Amy W.
Absolutely delicious hamburger sets and green tea milkshakes. Waiting for a seat can be tough while watching everyone else eat but you can check out all the action in the tiny kitchen. Can't get this type of food anywhere else in Boston. Delish!!!!
(4)Ed Konagaya K.
this is one of the few places where you can taste real Japanese food that we have in Japan!! (trust me! i'm from Tokyo!!) most of Japanese restaurants in Boston change the taste&style of Japanese food to be Americanized (like california rolls), and sometimes chefs at these place are not Japanese.... Actually, they do not have SUSHI, but taste of their food is reeeeeal Japanese food!! You should try that before going pseudo Japanese food!! the restaurant is not very expensive. $10~$15
(4)Farah W.
Cafe Mami is BUSY, and I'm wondering why it's so much busier than the other restaurants at Porter Exchange. Food is average, but I am thinking it's the prices that keep patrons coming back. We had two hamburg sets. Hamburg itself was decent; however, someone has to teach them to learn to make rice. Rice was SUPER STICKY. I understand Japanese rice is sticky, but this was a little too much.
(3)Stephen J.
A good, small little restaurant tucked away in the Porter Exchange serving Japanese comfort dishes in good portions. The price is what you'd expect (slightly cheaper than average, $8 for curry, $8-$10 for steak sets, $2-$5 for appetizers) and the taste is pleasant but nothing to write home about. It seems like it can get rather busy making for a wait, and the seating is limited and not too comfortable.
(3)So S.
Best JAPANESE CURRY you will find in Boston!! If you have never had it, you should try it---mix between Indian and Asian.....just a delicate flavor and not too heavy like the Indian ones. Love the crispy pork curry. Dishes comes w/ miso soup and salad! Cheap! Very small popular place in Porter Exchange. Get's very crowded!! Must try!
(5)MingPey L.
cafe mami is hands down the best reasonable price japanese food you can find around boston area... i have been coming here since '99 a lot have changed, but the food is still great, i always have a hard time wut to order here, cause i want a bit of everything, the hamburgers, the curry, the lemon chicken... this place do tend to crowd up during lunch times especially on the weekends. the menu has shrunk over the years but i guess other items just werent as popular as the ones they kept. although i did noticed the serving portion of the dishes has became smaller over the years, but i guess this is how the kept the price the same. all and all i love this place. if you havent tried cafe mami, next time you are in porter sq. stop by and check it out for yourself...
(5)Melody V.
I'm craving some Cafe Mami as I write this review. It's real simple Japanese food... for cheap... good speed of service... good portion... good location... flavorful, no matter what plate you get... and a delicious green tea milk shake to top it all off. We ordered our food while waiting for a table and got the food not long after when we get seated. Yum!
(4)Steve M.
Ok, I must be honest. I posted a harsh review of Mami last summer when the curry left me dry. About 15,000 donburi bowls later, I'm a changed man. Their yaki-don is incredibly delicious and only $5 on weekdays. The hanbaga is really tender and the sauce is well flavored. The appetizers are tasty and the people that work there are the nicest. I highly recommend it.
(5)Melissa B.
Solid little place in Porter Exchange. Great deal on rice plates. Love the fried chicken. You can eat well here for $7-$9.
(3)Atrebor B.
I went to Cafe Mami today after watching the Phantom Gourmet feature it as a "hidden gem" last week. I was sorely disappointed. I ordered the "hamburg plate with the special homemade tomato sauce" with the addition of a fried egg. It came with miso soup, rice, a fingerling baked potato and raw lettuce on the side. First, the "hamburg" patty had a really strange and funny taste to it (like meat gone bad), I can only assume that more than ground beef was used as an ingredient; and not necessarily in a good way. The tomato sauce had a tangy twang to it but was completely forgettable. The potato was a potato and the "salad" had a sesame oil drizzle on it which did nothing for the lettuce, resulting in a bland and somewhat watery mess. The best part of the meal was the bold and flavourful miso soup and the nicely done fried egg. But for $9.98 I expected more! Suffice it to say, I won't be returning and I won't be trusting Phantom Gourmet anymore.
(2)Ebrahim B.
Next to perfect. The Terikyaki steak is fabulous but if you need rice in your life then go for the spicy beef bowl. The Shumai appetizer is also good but the main course quantities are a perfect size so I would stay with just one of those and not a appetizer. Place is pretty cramped, only space for 10-12 to sit and sometimes there a wait but you should try thr place out atleast once.
(5)Celicia C.
Cafe Mami supported me throughout college. I went to nearby Brandeis University for a whopping 5 year long program so I definitely frequented it alot! We were about a 15 minute car ride away and lo and behold I was the only one who had a car. Whenever someone in our group would utter the words "I'm hungry" we'd all look at eachother in hopes of someone suggesting Cafe Mami. I probably came here once a week with dreams of having the chicken katsu (panko breaded chicken cutlet) all sliced up with the katsu on the side. And the never ending rice. And the little baked potatoes wrapped in foil. Soooo good. The spicy beef salad is also one of my favorites. Just the right amount of spicy thinly sliced beef spread over a crunchy iceberg lettuce mesclun. I tried to make it in my dorm room but I could never make it right. The curries are also amazing. Cafe Mami is always a hit and one of my all time favorites. I miss it so! When you're done, go to the mini-mart/ice cream stand that sells green tea, red bean, and lychee ice creams. So good!
(5)Andrew L.
A great little Japanese place in Porter Exchange. portions are a good size tha it's cheap. There is always a line during the lunch and dinner rush, but people move quickly. I green tea milk shake is a hit on a hot day.
(5)yy l.
I went there after seeing the good reviews here. Very disappointed!!!!!
(1)Samantha B.
Within The Shops at Porter in Cambridge, there is a courtyard of several small Japanese restaurants. Cafe Mami has two large tables and a few seats at the counter. There may be a wait so come early and bring cash. Cafe Mami serves classic Japanese cuisine including curry and hamburg steak. The dishes are made to order and the taste shows. The curry and steak both come with miso soup and salad. The Veggie Curry blends a very generous portion of either chicken, pork, beef, or tofu (chose pork) with a plethora of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. The curry is strict to form and is thick and creamy prepared with chicken and beef broth with the ideal level of spice and served with white rice. Also the option to add fried egg and/or cheese for a little extra. The Wafu Hamburg Set combines a hearty ground beef steak with a flavorful ginger/ponzu sauce and a shredded ginger "compote." The hamburg is served with a small red potato and rice. Can add fried egg and/or cheese to the hamburg sets. Recommend the fried egg with this juicy and tender steak. Combine the hamburg, egg, and ginger compote for the perfect bite. The Donburi are also great deals with a lot of flavor in a small bowl and a side of miso soup. The Salmon Veggie Yaki Don is cooked to proper tenderness and is served over rice and vegetables with a spicy sauce.
(4)Teddy B.
Don't eat here!! Food was going to be good until cockroaches came crawling out of the Kitchen. I told the waitress and got up and left. Honesty I felt bad and rude for leaving, but I lost my appetite immediately. Where they store the food has mice, and they store veggies and meat essentially in the same place, which makes sense that they have a bug problem. Worst food preparation, don't let the curry fool you.
(1)Darwin G.
Inside a mall and part of a small food court, this place squeezes in about 10 people. The portions are incredible and the plates are about $10 or less. Delicious comfort food from beef on top of rice, to Japanese curry, to chicken covered in sauce. A great place to get stuffed on Japanese food at a low price.
(5)Hillary C.
2/5 doesn't mean bad.. It means Meh, I've experienced better, And i have. I haven't had the chance to try much of the curry yet but the Tokyo hamburg steak with an egg on top and it was sad. It was a recommendation from the server. It has a tomato based sauce and white waiting for the food I CLEARLY SAW A CAN OF HEINZ KETCHUP. And it tasted like ketchup. I've had more authentic food in The Japanese Supermarket food court in Jersey. Now that place's hamburgs were unforgettable. Maybe I will go back... and give this place another chance. I just don't understand the hype.
(2)Chanpon N.
Yum! Craving yoshoku after returning from Japan? This place will help. This little stall not only recreates the experience of busy, lunch-time food counters in Tokyo where you're sitting elbow to elbow with another diner not in your party, but it also very ably recreates a number of Western-inspired foods found throughout Japan. Most people know katsu and curry (and it's combination) which appears on many Japanese restaurant menus, but few dive into hamburg territory. This cafe serves a flavorful and authentic tasting hamburg that'll put you right back in Tokyo. Served simply with salad, potato, rice and miso soup, the hamburg is not quite a hamburger patty (it has other ingredients usually mixed in for flavor). The texture is smoother, the patty more flavorful and it's usually paired with a sauce (tomato-based being very common - not ketchup!). Meal sets are very reasonably priced. I would try more than the katsu and the hamburg, but the portions are more than enough to keep me filled so I don't have room for other items ( *sad*). Prices are reasonable for the amount of food. A word of caution - this place is SMALL. Be prepared for a line, though turnover can be quick at times. I would not recommend this place for a big party (i.e., more than 3 or 4).
(4)Min Y.
Pure Awesomeness. My favorite is the wa-fu - ham-ba-ga su-te-ki..
(5)RM S.
They have great comfort food. I usually order the spicy beef or beef donburi. My friends usually order curry and they told me that it tastes much better than the curry blocks you can buy at the supermarket. I go there about once a month.
(4)Tracy K.
I spent the first few months of college missing home-cooked Japanese food. Not sushi or teriyaki or other typical things that Japanese restaurants have, but the subtler things, like yakizakana (broiled fish) and hiyayakko (cold tofu). Then I found Cafe Mami, and I was happy. My friend got curry, and it was pretty good too. I liked my fish better, though. We sat at the tiny bar on the side of the kitchen, so we got to watch them make everything. I was impressed at how they utilize their minimal space, but their iced green tea machine probably doesn't make as much money as the bar space that it takes up. Most definitely don't come here with a group (if you want to be seated quickly, that is), and most definitely do come here looking for authentic Japanese meals.
(4)piggy c.
It hard to find "good" cheap eats in boston...other than usual trips to Chinatown or a stop by a pizza or burrito joint...there is not much else. this would be considered Boston's little tokyo...located in porter square there is a range of jap/korean restaurants lined along each other in an unassuming building...after eating at each place i would have to say hands down this is my favorite joint... I love cafe mami!!!...its good food on the cheap fast and easy. when i go there always seems to be a line...you share tables with patrons...you go about your way and eat pay and be done...this place is CASH ONLY! i love their salad...its something about the dressing that really does it for me...plates that i would recommend are the hamburg set topped with a sunny side egg....the hamburg is tender and slighty sweet from the sauce...its a match made in heaven paired with rice....my 2nd dish would be the chicken piccata....its pieces of dark meat fried it comes with a dollop of japanese mayo....UGH sooooooo good!
(4)Alex C.
Simply put it, cheap eats that is good. When I were in college, I use to come here all the time because of its simply goodness. On those Thursday nights when I don't feel cooking, cafe mami would pop up like nothing else. Good thing cafe mami pop up because on a college budget, it would hurt my wallet if anything else I would crave came up. My favorite dish is the veggie curry but with the beef. Like many user said before, it small and can get crowded. You wouldn't be surprise if some random people join your table to savor the cafe mami food. Well worth the wait, and well worth the price. An all-star in my book
(5)Will C.
Whenever I am craving a katsu curry, this is where I go. Well made, flavorful and I will never get sick of it. Oddly, this used to be the place that had the massive line to get in for, now it's the ramen place next door that used to get no love. Anyhow, more katsu for me!
(5)Dedania M.
Very compact and small spot to grab food in the porter square mall. Only about 2 big tables and CASH ONLY. Tried their vegetable don, shared some chicken curry, and had a green tea milkshake. -Vegetable don was pretty light and simple. 3/5 -Chicken Curry packed A LOT of flavor and they gave us a free refill on rice! 4.5/5 -Green tea milkshake, I heard so many good things about you AND you were kinda average. I probably looked like a little nerd/foodie when the green tea milkshake came out, but it was so average to me! Maybe my expectations were just sky-rocket because I love matcha. 3/5 Didn't have a problem with service and everyone seemed nice!
(4)Celin W.
Nice place though small seating and cash only so do go at an off peak time (ie not lunch or dinner time) if you don't want to wait too long for a table. Service was efficient, with a keen focus probably to turn tables as quickly as possible. Green tea milk shake was excellent. Beef bowl - beef tender, well seasoned, tasty. Also tried the chicken teriyaki (on a hot plate) which was good and came with sides like a baked potato. One thing I wish I tried was the katsu curry as the portions on the other table looked very substantial. Solid food overall!
(4)Mary L.
I suppose if you are in the mood for quantity over quality, this is a five star spot. Cafe Mami is one of 3/4 eateries in what is otherwise an empty Porter Square Mall. There are two 6 top tables and a bar counter that seats two so prepare to share elbow room with strangers sharing your table. We had the tofu salad to start and it was essentially store bought tofu with bonito flakes, lettuce, and a diluted soy dressing. We had to pour soy and spicy sauce on it to make it edible. They were out of the salmon veggie yaki don so we ended up with the yaki don and special yaki udon. Rice was dry on the yaki don and it was perhaps the best decision of the night. The special yaki udon wasn't so special and the "sizzling plate" it came on had zero sizzle. Dishes come with unlimited white rice and piping hot miso soup. Green tea milkshake was meh, I might even prefer the overly sweet green tea frappe from Starbucks. Overall, cheap eat but definately not worth the 25 minute drive from the south shore.
(3)Hurnan V.
The wait is usually a hit or miss -- several times (esp at dinner time on weekends) the wait can be up to 20 min, but the most recent time I went our party of 4 was seated immediately. The space is very small, and the shop itself is hidden in Porter Square in a mall. The portions are enormous, and at very reasonable prices. Menu has diverse choices for the curry dishes, donburi, but nothing fancy. I personally like the chicken cutlet curry-- the rice was moist and the chicken breaded and cooked well. Each entree comes with a soup and salad. My personal favorite is the green tea milkshake- strong sense of matcha blended nicely with ice cream. :) Yum! Tip: cash only and no reservations.
(4)Christina P.
Cafe Mami is hands down the best little restaurant in the Lesley Univ Japanese food court area. This place is tiny tiny tiny, maybe 4-5 tables, and is packed with a line of people waiting during lunch and dinner times. Go at an off time like post-lunch on a weekday. Anyway, the food here is so comforting. The hamburg plates are delicious--perfect rounds of meat with amazing sauces. The yaki udon is a delicious stir-fry of thick, chewy noodles and crunchy vegetables. So tasty. The curries...omg the curries...the rice and sauce just bring you happy, carb-y warm feelings. Everything is good, so go a bunch of times and try it all! The green tea milkshake they have is the perfect drink to have with or after your meal too!
(5)Angela L.
If only Cafe Mami were closer to where I lived.... I would probably come here more often. There's always a line because it's so popular and its a tiny little restaurant in Porter Square, but I just went last night before it closed and got a table right away! They only seat you if your whole group is there, which is annoying, but it is a tiny place. The whole seating area probably sits max 10-15 people total. I've been here a few times and I've tried a few of the different sets. The Wafu Hamburg set, cutlet don, and the Tatsuta curry. I've also tried the Tatsuta set before as well. All the sets come with salad and miso soup. The Tatsuta is so crispy and delish. If you love eggs, get one of the donburi sets. The wafu Hamburg is super juicy. I think my favorite is the Tatsuta chicken because who can say no to fried chicken. People love the green tea milkshake. It's super creamy so if you want a sweet treat, get it! Maybe I'm a little anti-salt. Only thing I would say is that everything is just a tad bit on the saltier side... But it doesn't stop me from loving this place since everything is so flavorful and YUM.
(4)Susanna L.
Good green tea milk shakes for $3.50 :) I tried to go today for lunch. They usually open at 11:30 but didn't open until 1:30 because they received a lot of take out orders... Casually delaying opening for two hours like that seems pretty unprofessional.
(3)Bryan N.
Cool little Japanese pop up restaurant in the string of restaurants in the Porter Exchange building. Lunch specials are really reasons and they are very generous with their portions. I highly recommend ordering the Japanese beef bowl with an egg, topped with a little spicy mayo and wash it all down w a green tea smoothie. Your taste buds will thank me later!
(4)Kevin J.
Food: 4 / 5 Stars Service: 3.5 / 4 Stars This is a cute little shop in the porter square mall basement. I love the prices and the simplicity yet delicious-ness of their dishes. One in particular I would recommend is their donburi - the egg and chicken katsu are both fantastic, large portions, fresh and finely cooked rice all at a very affordable price. Seating and waiting may be an issue though if you're in somewhat of a hurry. The shops at the bottom of the university mall are usually quite packed and some have super long lines, like the ramen cafe nearby.
(4)Ziyan C.
We came in to make a to go order around 11:50am on Sunday. There was a line to get to the hostess, but it moved quickly as it seemed to be the first rush of the lunch wave. We made our order and she said it would be a 20 minute wait, but I think they were ready on 10-15. This was overall solid food and pretty good value, I just wasn't awestruck or anything! * Green Tea Shake ($3.50) - 4 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… Really nice flavor! Good balance of that slight bitterness of green tea with a hint of sweetness. Thick consistency yet not too hard to slurp up in the straw, not too icy, just right! * Yaki Don (Spicy Sliced Beef Rice Bowl. $7.99)- 3.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… The thin slices of meat were very tasty, tons of flavor. This was good! * Hamburg ($9.99) - 2.5 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… I tried a bit of this--not sure which Hamburg set it was, likely the Tokyo. The Hamburg generally seems like an odd dish for a Japanese restaurant, like they did their own take on a Western dish. The sweet sauce on the patty was a off-putting and to me didn't go well wit the beef. The meat was also packed very hard so that the center was really dry. The potato was also kind of bland, a little undercooked as it was still a bit hard. * Yaki Beef Tofu ($9.99) - 3 stars pic: yelp.com/biz_photos/café… The meat was the same cut as my Yaki Don. The tofu came in big pieces and were very soft; I didn't think the texture went very well with the harder thin slices of beef. The sauce was spicy for sure, but was pretty thickened and didn't taste very authentic. Menu: yelp.com/biz_photos/café…
(3)Varun N.
I have tried a couple of chicken dishes and they were mouth watering. I don't miss a chance to go back there.
(5)Jaclyn P.
The Salmon Teriyaki Don was delicious and the portion was very generous. Be sure to load up on the spicy mayo condiment, yum! The Miso soup was very flavorful but I wish I had known our tofu appetizer would be served cold. Still tasty though with PLENTY of bonito! Prices are decent, the decor is basic and seating can be limited. Overall, definitely worth checking out. And the green tea milkshake really is THAT good. CASH ONLY!
(4)Diana F.
There is a reason why Cafe Mami is the go-to place in Porter Square for Japanese food, especially curry! Huge portion sizes and delicious food, where can you go wrong? I highly recommend trying their curries since that's what I used to go to Mami for and they never disappointed me. Their green tea smoothies are also fantastic! Whatever matcha powder they use must be fairly expensive. It's not watered down or artificially sweetened. Instead, you get the full, grassy, refreshing green-tea taste. I recently went back to Boston to visit a friend who had recently moved to the city, and Cafe Mami was on my list of must-show gems. My friend ordered their Tatsuta Don and wolfed it down in seconds cause it was that good. Then, a week later, she took some Harvard friends to Mami cause she was craving Japanese food. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that they fill up really quickly since the seating area is small. The wait is usually 20-30 min and gets longer during peak times. I'd suggest going during off-peak times (ie. take an early/late meal) or go right when they open. Also, remember, they're cash only like most stalls in Porter Square. Food: 5/5 -- I'm salivating just thinking about their curries and green tea smoothies! Service: 5/5 -- They're always super nice and accommodating. When my friend and I had forgotten to bring cash, they let me wait by the restaurant for my friend to run back to her dorm and come back, a trip that took 40 min. Not once, did the waitress give me trouble about the long wait to close our tab. Very nice of them! Atmosphere: 4/5 -- A bit crowded and loud, but well-maintained and clean. Crowds and volume just comes with the territory; Porter sq is always bustling with college kids. Overall: 5/5 -- Exceptional!
(5)Tiffany J.
Cafe Mami is an extremely good buy for your money. It's cheap and yet extremely generous with portions (unlimited free refills of white rice for most dishes, which seems to attract hungry guys with bottomless pits for stomachs). The food is also incredibly tasty and always well done. Cafe Mami is best known for its "hamburg" sets - literally fat, juicy hamburger patties covered in various kinds of sauces, with white rice, a baked potato, and a side salad. As someone who no longer eats meat, I've never tasted the patty itself but I've sampled the tomato and teriyaki sauces and they are always delicious. I typically get the salmon yaki don or salmon teriyaki don. These are almost identical dishes, except the yaki sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce that tastes a lot like teriyaki. You get many chunks of salmon, white cabbage, and broccoli over rice, all soaked in sauce. I'm always amazed at how much salmon comes with it and how well done it is for just $8.50. Other than how much sauce they use, it's a very healthy and tasty meal that I can finish without guilt. And did I mention, a bowl of miso soup with most orders? The one down side is the wait time. Cafe Mami is a small, hole-in-the-wall eatery inside a Lesley University building, so if you visit at peak hours you'll have to wait for seats. It's also not good for groups for the same reason. However, I'd rather they stay there and keep their prices low than move someone with higher rent.
(5)Ellie L.
This place is amazing. The food is SO GOOD. Came here with a friend on a Tuesday afternoon around 5pm, so there weren't many people and we were able to find a seat easily. I ordered a cheese tofu and beef on sizzling hot plate set with miso soup and rice. My friend got some chicken plate set (extra large). The portion is huge. I got the normal size, which is filling enough for me. And his extra large plate is just enormous - let to a food coma two hours after we finished. If you are hungry or just want to challenge yourself, definitely go for the extra. We also ordered the famous green tea milk shake. It's creamy, smooth, and has a strong green tea flavor. Love it!
(4)Jini H.
I don't know if they have special Friday operating hours, but I got there at around 4:30pm for an early dinner, and they weren't open. I asked if they were closed and they said they open at 5:00pm. So I had to drop by into a cafe nearby to kill some time before they opened. Besides that, the food I ordered was absolutely delicious, and the service was very quick and friendly. Their portions are pretty big for their prices, so don't underestimate! And don't forget to try their green tea milkshake. If you've come a long way to this place like I did, it would be such a waste to make it all the way here and not order it! Anyway, my experience here met above and beyond my expectations, and I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes!
(4)Samantha B.
Within The Shops at Porter in Cambridge, there is a courtyard of several small Japanese restaurants. Cafe Mami has two large tables and a few seats at the counter. There may be a wait so come early and bring cash. Cafe Mami serves classic Japanese cuisine including curry and hamburg steak. The dishes are made to order and the taste shows. The curry and steak both come with miso soup and salad. The Veggie Curry blends a very generous portion of either chicken, pork, beef, or tofu (chose pork) with a plethora of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and cabbage. The curry is strict to form and is thick and creamy prepared with chicken and beef broth with the ideal level of spice and served with white rice. Also the option to add fried egg and/or cheese for a little extra. The Wafu Hamburg Set combines a hearty ground beef steak with a flavorful ginger/ponzu sauce and a shredded ginger "compote." The hamburg is served with a small red potato and rice. Can add fried egg and/or cheese to the hamburg sets. Recommend the fried egg with this juicy and tender steak. Combine the hamburg, egg, and ginger compote for the perfect bite. The Donburi are also great deals with a lot of flavor in a small bowl and a side of miso soup. The Salmon Veggie Yaki Don is cooked to proper tenderness and is served over rice and vegetables with a spicy sauce.
(4)Teddy B.
Don't eat here!! Food was going to be good until cockroaches came crawling out of the Kitchen. I told the waitress and got up and left. Honesty I felt bad and rude for leaving, but I lost my appetite immediately. Where they store the food has mice, and they store veggies and meat essentially in the same place, which makes sense that they have a bug problem. Worst food preparation, don't let the curry fool you.
(1)Darwin G.
Inside a mall and part of a small food court, this place squeezes in about 10 people. The portions are incredible and the plates are about $10 or less. Delicious comfort food from beef on top of rice, to Japanese curry, to chicken covered in sauce. A great place to get stuffed on Japanese food at a low price.
(5)Hillary C.
2/5 doesn't mean bad.. It means Meh, I've experienced better, And i have. I haven't had the chance to try much of the curry yet but the Tokyo hamburg steak with an egg on top and it was sad. It was a recommendation from the server. It has a tomato based sauce and white waiting for the food I CLEARLY SAW A CAN OF HEINZ KETCHUP. And it tasted like ketchup. I've had more authentic food in The Japanese Supermarket food court in Jersey. Now that place's hamburgs were unforgettable. Maybe I will go back... and give this place another chance. I just don't understand the hype.
(2)Karina L.
A wonderful reminder how wonderful Japanese food is beyond ramen and sushi. Since they only seat around 10 people (a couple of small tables and some counter space), the line will get pretty long by 6pm. The line is usually shorter than it's neighbor Sapporo. It is also cash only, so make sure you pick up cash at the BofA ATM in the mall or outside of the mall. We got the pork cutlet curry, which was *enormous*. The pork is crisp on the outside and moist. And fresh! Since we got seated at the counter, we got to see everybody's order go from the stovetop/fryer straight to the plate. Make sure to add a fried egg to the top. This curry was born to be mixed with some runny yolk. We also got the Tatsuta Don, which is a bowl full of boneless fried chicken cutlet, their special "mami" sauce, and egg. I'm a sucker for complete meals that come in one bowl. The egg is opened up into the bowl, mixed with the sauce, and steamed in with the rice. Overall, a wonderful homey meal for two for under $25 after tip. A ton of people got the green tea milkshake, which I'll be sure to get next time. The only thing to be worried about is the wait, so come early!
(4)Will S.
Rocking chicken is a must try. Sweet, salty, spicy, and tender. Reminds me of the Korean chickens. Better yet comes with free refill of white rice. Makes me wanna go back for more the next day. Another must try is the green tea shake. More like slush, perfect for a hot summer day. Good quality ingredients, and you can actually taste the matcha. As for environment, it has a small area for sitting. It's a lucky day if you don't have to wait to be seated. It's almost always the case when you have to sit with strangers
(4)Raymond P.
Really good food.. I like the spicy beef bowl, the fried chicken garlic and hamburg steak is also one of the best...
(5)LC P.
I used to live in Boston for school and have since moved back to southern California, but I still cannot find a suitable substitute for their hamburg. The patty is juicy and sauces are great. We usually get the Wafu hamburg. I love the salad dressing they use too. And don't forget the green tea shake! I'm not sure if they changed their ingredients recently, but I feel like it's not as good as it used to be around 2006-2008. But it still beats out anything I can find in southern California. So we always make time to eat here every time we're back visiting in Boston. The only setback is the limited seating. There are only 2 tables that seat a total of 8-10 people, plus 2-3 counter seats. And if you're a party of 2, expect to share the table with another party of 2-3. You might have to wait a little if you're there during peak lunch times, but people tend to eat pretty quickly so the wait is not unbearable.
(5)Sarah A.
Omg! This place is on par with what used to be my favorite Hamburg steak place in Torrance. We got takeout and I had the wafu hamburg which was a very dense hamburger patty topped with this luscious soy glaze, daikon oroshi and some extra ponzu sauce. Wow. Reminded me of the hambagu bentos from Japan! The hamburg was super flavorful and the meat seemed like it was of higher quality. So freaking delicious! My SO had tatsuta age set which is boneless Japanese fried chicken. Also freaking good. Soooooo yummy and I really liked the texture of the rice. The miso soup was also delicious. For that set, it cost us about $9.50 each, such a steal! And more than enough food. I can't believe this was my first time having Cafe Mami!! I must come back :)
(5)Jeffrey N.
The portion is pretty good for the price and the curry is quite rich. The setting is very cozy so its only good to go there with one other friend.
(4)Harvard P.
Cafe Mami is one of those destination restaurants that will make me drag my lazy butt over to Porter Square. While the location is quite small and has very limited seating, everything about the restaurant is worth the trip. What they serve is not what you normally expect from a Japanese restaurant. You won't find sushi or ramen here (for that, you can go next door). Instead, you'll find deliciously cooked rice, curry, fried chicken, and appetizers. It feels more like eating a home-cooked meal than going out. What do I get when I'm here? It's a no brainer. Cafe Mami has hands down the best fried chicken (Tatsuta) curry rice plate! Their Ninniku chicken is also pretty good, and the fried egg with their curried burger sets look absolutely delectable. Once you order a meal, you also get free refills on rice. With all that yummy curry, you may just want to take some extra rice home with you! While the Green Tea Milk Shake is a bit on the pricey side, I very much enjoyed it. Like others have said, it's more of a freeze than a milk shake. oh, one last thing. It's Cash Only!
(5)Hursuong V.
The place to fulfill Japanese food cravings! This restaurant may be hard to find as it is tucked away in the relatively non-busy Porter Square Mall that has a very big Lesley University sign on it - that could be confusing for those trying to find it. There are a couple other Japanese restaurants around it, such as for ramen, but I chose this place for the more diverse menu offerings. The food is tasty and portions are large and filling - my sister and I actually shared a chicken cutlet curry and kaisou salad and each got a green tea milkshake. I enjoyed the salad, as the lettuce was still crisp and I liked the seaweed too. The rice was a little dry/hard. The green tea milkshake is a classic there - it's like drinking green tea ice cream blended with ice! Each entree also comes with a bowl of miso soup, which tasted just right. The downsides are that it's cash only and the place has little seating (10-15 seats). I've been here multiple times and at times, I have had to wait for a seat but other times, it's empty and I get seated quickly. Service is pretty fast.
(4)Leila L.
My all-time favourite Japanese eatery in Boston. Love anything with curry there, especially Tatsuta (fried chicken) curry. Their curry is so thick and flavourful - though a bit too salty - and the tatsuta is so well marinated and juicy - absolutely worth every calorie! In pretty much the same vein, Rock n Chicken is also my go-to item - love its spicy-sweet flavour. All the hamburg sets are awesome. My personal recommendation would be Wafu (Japanese-style) Hamburg. It's soft and juicy, but not too greasy at all.
(5)David T.
Nice Japanese curry. Other dishes were pretty average. Very small eating area. Part of a tiny japan town in the porter exchange building.
(3)Lisa R.
I came here for lunch on a Sunday. Low key place with quick service. Overall though I wasn't too impressed. I got the Hamburg Tokyo and it tasted like meatloaf with some Asian sauce on top. The portions are sizable though and it's affordable. My friends got other dishes and they were much better so I'd give the place another shot but I'd try something else.
(3)Albert W.
The curry is probably the best curry I have tasted ever. Totally worth it and the pricing is not that bad as well. It is a cash only restaurant but there is an ATM nearby. If you are near the area, definitely try this place. I would eat here everyday if I could.
(5)yy l.
I went there after seeing the good reviews here. Very disappointed!!!!!
(1)Veronica C.
Hidden gem! My favorite place to get Japanese comfort food in Cambridge. I used to come here almost every other weekend when I was still living in Boston :) Pros: * Curry rice are all excellent. I usually get their chicken katsu. * Japanese hamburg set is another bomb dish. Loved the tender beef served with rice and baked potato on the side. Additional cost for a fried egg. * Best green tea smoothie ever. A little pricey at $3.95 for a small cup, but thick, creamy and oh-so-sweet. * Free rice refill! * Special lunch deals on Tuesday for $5. Cons: * Teeny tiny space (only enough to sit 10 people at a time, max). Usually you will have to share tables with others. * Service can be slow (with only 1 waitress and 2 cooks) but very friendly waitress. * Take out orders can take 20 minutes to prepare...best to phone ahead. A wonderful spot!!
(5)Yuka Y.
While Cafe Mami's closing time was purportedly 9pm, staff were still accepting take out orders by late customers. Those who were still eating were not pressured out. Last order calls, however, were made at 9 and those wanted to dine in were politely shunned out understandably past closing. Original plans was to dine at Sapporo, but with the line present at 8:30, we were ambivalent we could get seated by 9. Cafe Mami next door it is. FREE refills of rice! Not that it was ever necessary with the good proportions they gave out but there's always the option. Beautiful picture menus and a large variety of dishes. Their Tokyo Hamburg set is great- salad with light vinergrette dressing, an aluminum wrapped steamed potato, miso soup, and most importantly the hamburg. Hamburg is NOT your typical, American hamburger slab of meat. Hamburg is the Japanese version of Salisbury steak where the steak is not really a steak but a mix of minced beef, onions, etc. Doused with the hamburg is Cafe Mami's homemade tomato sauce which was delightfully excellent- tasted like a mix of tonkatsu sauce and ketchup. It's not a common dish to be found in Boston's Japanese restaurants so I highly recommend it. The boyfriend's Tatsuta curry was also great- curry was runny and not too thick, the fried chicken didn't feel like it was fried but the meat itself was moist and juicy. The salad that came for both was not fresh, but acceptable. He felt the dressing was too oily and after combining our salads into 1 convenient bowl, the bottom half of the salad greens were swimming in a soup of dressing. Dressing overkill. Seating can be slightly annoying when big parties appear. We were asked to migrate from table seats to the counter because a larger party showed up, but the waitress was appreciative and polite about it.
(4)Vicky W.
One of my all-time favorite places to eat in the cambridge/porter area. All their curries taste great, portions are huge, and free refills of rice (only if you plan to eat the rice while there), the cutlet is awesome (breaded fried chicken patty). The tasuda, though, is my favorite since it's real cuts of chicken that's fried. I would also recommend the veggie curry which comes with your choice of chicken, pork, or beef for a more balanced meal. Also you have to try the green tea shake, it is to die for though. The perfect combo of creamy and icy, with a strong flavor of matcha. Seating is very limited, and doesn't normally have crazy long lines like Sapporo. Also don't forget to bring cash since it is cash only.
(5)Jeannie D.
We started coming to this gem in Porter Square during our high school years. I am really a fan of small shops like this and asian night markets. Please be aware that the seating is very limited at this place (like 4 tables and the bar). The food is delicious and not too expensive!
(5)R S.
Superb authenitc Japanese food. Great deals at lunch. Always fresh and fast with little or no wait. a Cambridge gem!
(5)Huong N.
I had the green tea shake and salmon & veg donburi. Was pleasantly delighted; the price was decent for the location and service it offered. The place is small, but thankfully I came in on a rainy day so there wasn't a line like some reviews mentioned. I got a little confused when trying to find the place (it was located inside Wellesley U building). But all in all I'd return for more in the future!
(4)Madeleine Q.
Our favorite quick, cheap-rat Japanese eatery in Cambridge/Boston! Unlimited rice if you dine on the premise and service is always efficient and excellent! Their rice bowls ate great but what they do best are variations of Japanese curry. Their house curry is far superior to that of Go Go Curry at H-Mart (Japan-based chain restaurant). Try their iced green tea drink too--very creamy, semisweet and flavorful. The lines get long on weeknight and weekends so be prepared for a half hour wait on average!
(5)Nanci C.
This place got the best lemon grilled chicken. My favorite! Free refills on white rice. The place is just too small. Too little seats and tables. Makes it really awkward to eat with strangers.
(4)Idy T.
This is located at Porter Square inside a mall with many other Japanese restaurants. This is like little tokyo of Boston. It is literally really little. There are several restaurants but I chose to dine here because this was one of the busiest restaurants. I thought if everyone likes it, then I should be safe with my choice! The restaurant is really small with limited seating and I came with a party of 8 or 9 people so everyone was cramped and had to squeeze in to fit at the table. I tried the Rock n' Chicken, the Yaki Beef with Tofu and the Oyako Don. These dishes were pretty good. The portion size is really huge for a reasonable price. For the Rock n' Chicken and the Yaki Beef with Tofu, they give you a big plate of rice with your meal and it is unlimited refill. But I couldn't even finish what I had. The meal also comes with miso soup. The Rock n' Chicken was really soft and marinated well. This is definitely one of those dishes that goes well with a bowl of rice. It was supposed to be spicy but I did not find it spicy at all. The Yaki Beef with Tofu was also delicious. The tofu was soft and the beef was also seasoned well. The Oyako Don is also really good. It is a mixture of eggs, chicken, and this sweet and savory soy sauce. The egg was super fluffy and mixed with the rice and the chicken turned into this amazing bowl! Make sure you stop by the ATM before dining here because it is cash only! Each dish ranges from $7-$11 depending on what you order.
(4)Matthew B.
Yes yes yes. Listen to no one less than 5 stars. Food is inexpensive, includes a miso soup at a communal table with who the hell knows who else. Within 2-10 minutes, you get a mouthwatering bowl or flavorful, wonderful and perfectly cooked don. All for $7 on a weekday lunchtime. I hadn't heard of Japanese soul food before Mami, but I now know it's on my short list for last meals.
(5)Henry L.
Super cheap! Super good! Super authentic! Cafe Mami is one of the few Japanese restaurants to serve Japanese food made by real Japanese recipes and chefs. Lunch and Dinner usually requires about a 15 minute wait, and the seating arrangements may be a bit cramped at times, but it is well worth it. You can get away with spending about $8 on a meal pre-tip, and depending on the dish, you can get unlimited rice refills (usually one refill is enough). Cafe Mami makes the best Chicken Katsu dish in all of Boston. This is a great measure to see how the quality of a dish stacks up. Try to order Chicken Katsu at other restaurants. It is a simple dish, but many restaurants get it wrong. The green tea smoothie is delicious, but it can get a bit heavy if you are not used to it, since it is so filling. Instead, order it to go after your meal as a dessert!
(5)Yuki S.
Cheap and good! They have curry, hamburg, Oyako-don...Just like a school cafeteria in Japan! Many of my Japanese friends are also big fan of them! I often go there to have quick lunch or dinner under $10! My favorite is Yakidon (stir fried beef over rice). It is really good! For dessert, you should try Green Tea Milkshake! This place is really small, they have only 2 or 3 tables and few seats at counter. You could wait in short line at dinner time.
(5)Ava R.
Tiny, tiny, teensy place with hardly any seaitng space but the Tatsuta and the curry are off the hook. Order take out and love your life.
(4)Jonny I.
You won't find the store front from the street, its located inside a mall area/City Sports where Lesley University is located. But once inside, there is this small hallway that has around 3 other Japanese restaurants selling sushi, ramen, donburi bowls and mochi ice cream. I had high hopes of this place after reading all the yelp reviews, then those hopes sort of dipped once I saw how dingy the place was, then it rose again once I got my food. Don't take the same emotional roller coaster I took. Just stay high on this place! The Yaki Don was awesome. Beef over rice never tasted so good. I liked putting the orange house sauce over the meat and rice to give it some added flavor. Oh, and DO NOT FORGET to order the green tea milk shake. I could have sworn it was so rich that there was ice cream added to it, but the waitress said that there wasn't. If not, then they must have used a lot of crack to thicken it because it was the best green tea milkshake I had ever tried! There is only one waitress/hostess and she does her best to take orders and names of the people in line. She also has to bring the food out, but there are only about 4 tables. We waited about 10 minutes on a Friday at 8pm. Entree was about $8 and don't forget that its cash only. Overall a great place in general to fulfill a Japanese food craving because of all the choices in such a small area.
(4)Sora C.
It does taste good...so what else can I ask for? I've been a regular customers at Mami since three years ago. I usually get a curry katsu and tokyo hamburger set and a cup of green tea slush! It is not super authentic Japanese cuisine perhaps good is good. The reason I left four instead of five stars is it would be much better if they can make a FRESH green tea slush instead using a pre-mixed slush for all day long..
(4)Matt Q.
Cafe Mami is one of those places that you can count on. Despite a poor day at work, a long grueling work out, or indecisive friends when trying to meet up for dinner, this simple Japanese restaurant turns that frown upside down. My go to dishes are usually the Chicken Tatsuta Set or the Pork Cutlet Curry. The Tatsuta Set is fried chicken pieces with a spicy mayo sauce on the side. The Cutlet Curry dish is a breaded and fried piece of chicken smothered in yummy curry sauce. Other things that have not disappointed have been the Teriyaki Hamburger set, which is exactly as it describes...odd but tasty; and the Cutlet Donburi, which is a fried pieces of meat mixed with egg on top of rice. Take note that the place is really small, with about three tables and a few stools, so there is often a line. If you're in a rush or very hungry, just order ahead and take out. They only take cash as well.
(5)Eugenia L.
This is where I go to satisfy my Japanese curry and hamburger cravings. There's very limited seating so be ready to get cozy with other diners. Service is no nonsense since it's always busy but never rude. FYI the hamburger is more of a meatloaf than an actual burger. Don't worry though, it's not the sad ketchup laden kind doled out at school cafeterias. The curries are all satisfying and comes with unlimited rice if you want to be a super glutton! Also a fan of the green tea smoothie. Be prepared for a strong dose of matcha flavor as it's not diluted with sugar or cream. It's great to take on the go as an after meal dessert.
(4)Irene C.
Most people may think of Japanese food as sushi or ramen, but instead of heading to Blue Fin or Sapporo in the same plaza as Cafe Mami, do your tastebuds and wallet a favor and check out these Japanese comfort food stand. FOOD - Tatsuta Don ($7), a rice bowl topped with fried chicken cutlet, egg, onions, and the most delicious sauce, the - Yaki Beef Tofu ($9), sizzling plate of juicy sliced beef, onions, tofu, and unlimited rice - Hambug Curry ($9), no description is given on the menu, which is just as well because this super filling meal consists of hamburger patty, rice, and Japanese curry. Japanese curry is a little milder than Indian or Thai curry, and I find that I prefer it. Order if you're super hungry! DECOR The location is literally in the food court, and there are only 3 tables. Not a lot of fanciness in this restaurant as the staff are more concerned with feeding people quickly. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, maybe even literally bumping elbows or sharing a table. If you're looking for a relaxed, low-key dinner to savor some good food and the company of a close friend, check out Cafe Mami sometime. Very solid restaurant, and the S
(4)Matthew Y.
The chicken tatsuta offers a fillingly large portion, but the deconstructed nature of it all was just weird. The chicken was flavorful but the potato on the side, the white rice, and the raw vegetables just didn't really jive with the chicken. The green tea milk shake -- over-priced. But flavorful. I would probably pay $0.50 extra and just get a green tea frap, which is 3x better-tasting.
(3)May N.
Cafe mami maybe a small place, but the food is mouth watering. You will crave for it during mid-night and will regret not finishing up your meal. The waitress is super nice. The price is very cheap, you won't regret going
(5)Adeline X.
My favorite place in Cambridge/Boston for Japanese curry. Very flavorful and portions are large. I find the prices very reasonable too. Seating is limited during peak hours though. Also, the green tea shake is also pretty good if you are a matcha fan.
(5)Stephanie S.
The curry there is delicious!! I always get their veggie curry with chicken!! Worth of trying!
(4)Nhi H.
5 star for Cafe Mami's curry and Don bowls. Nom noms. 3 star for their Hamburg set. I usually have the chicken curry at Cafe Mami, but today I felt adventurous. After reading through many Yelp reviews, I decided to try the Tokyo Hamburg set with egg and cheese. Might as well go all out right? But it was totally not worth it. The Hamburg tastes like a glorified meatloaf. The cheese makes the hamburger even harder to swallow. The egg was the saving grace of the meal. Also the sauce was not "special" in any way. It's just a tomato-based sauce. Go to Shaws and get a microwaveable meatloaf instead of paying $12 for this.
(4)Anna Q.
I absolutely love this place! The only thing is that it is small and you may have to share a table with someone else. However, the food though is amazing! If you love curry like I do this is definitely a place you should try! They even give you free refills on rice.
(5)Dave M.
the place is one of those small corner shops amongst all the japanese restaurants there. it's CASH ONLY like many of the places there so make sure you have cash (there's a BoA atm inside the building). i sat down with my wife while we were waiting for another couple to join us. he quickly asked me to stand up b/c some other customer might come. i said uhh, ok. i understand space is limited there but that's didn't make me too happy. so i stood up and sat down when everyone arrived. i ordered the Tokyo Hamburg Set ($8.99) plus an egg (extra $1). it was pretty good. it comes with a small steamed potato, iceberg lettuce salad, and rice. it was pretty good but a little greasier than i'm used to. i much prefer the Yaki Beef Tofu ($8.99) which was a little cleaner and also good. we also got the Teriyaki Hamburg Steak ($8.99). the plates came with a miso soup. the guy serving us was decent but he was more busy pacing than serving us but the overall experience gives this place 4 stars. i would recommend this place.
(4)Monika-Bianca T.
The embodiment of bang for your buck. Food: 5/5 - We started off the meal with deep fried shu mai (shrimp dumplings) and they were delicious. Not too oily, not too salty like the frozen stuff, and came fresh from fryer. For the mains, I had the tetsuna set (marinated deep fried chicken). And holy cow, imagine 4 huge slices of boneless chicken pieces with a crisp outside and a superbly juicy inside that will last you throughout the meal. Served with a side of baked potato, mayo, hot sauce, and salad dressed with some kind of sesame dressing. All was amazing and I truly can't believe the portion size and better yet how amazingly good it was... :) My boyfriend had the Tokyo Hamburg, I only had a taste but their hamburg had a soft pleasing texture and went well with their homemade sauce :) My boyfriend and i shared the matcha milkshake which was much stronger than I expected. It's more slushy than milky? But nonetheless a good finish to a well made meal! Cost: 5/5 - ~$6 for 6 pcs for deep fried shu mai, $10 for a hefty serving of main course and then $3.50 for the matcha milkshake as our dessert, I really can't complain. I haven't been this satisfied in ages not only for the food but for the cost. It almost feels criminal to eat so much great tasting food at such a low cost.... Service: 4/5 - ok, we came around 7:30pm and got seated close to 8pm. Jeez, with that food at that price I'm surprised we didn't wait longer, but its worth the wait. There was only one waitress too who stood as front of house, did the serving, and the cleaning as well. It makes me feel tired watching her do all that work but she was attentive and efficient. Btw for people who never have cash, take some out before getting here... it's cash only. Ambience: 3/5 - so this is a terribly small place. Seats around 12ppl since they crammed us onto every space of their 4 small tables in their incredibly small space. So you'll find pairs sitting on a corner while another pair sits on the another corner. You will be seated, but don't expect any kind private dining. May ward off some, but you get over it when you see your gigantic plate come to the table and then take a bite out of it :) lastly this isn't a restaurant, it's located in the shops of porter square so again, small space! Even with the cons, value for my money outshines it all so I can't give anything lower than a perfect rating and would highly recommend it to anyone who doesnt mind the wait and the cafeteria like ambience :P
(5)Chris C.
Café Mami is a small restaurant with seating for less than 15 located in the Shops at Porter. It serves up some great Curry and Yaki Don, some great Japanese favorites. For lunch, they have a special where pretty much their entire menu is $5. Yes, $5! Amazing. The food turned out great when we went, and so was the service. We only ended up waiting for 10 minutes since we took 3 seats at the bar. People generally wait in line, eat, and leave quickly so I wouldn't be worried too much about the wait unless there's a big group in front of you. Overall, a great place to try if you're looking for authentic Japanese food in the Boston Area. -- Check out my other reviews at nextstopdc.blogspot.com
(5)Caitlin F.
The food is pretty decent, and is reasonably priced, especially if you order the lunch set. I'd have appreciated more fish or vegetarian options on the menu, however. I had a salmon and vegetable rice bowl which was alright- the food was pretty good, just not particularly great or special or anything. I ate here at around 2 on a Saturday. The restaurant was empty and service was prompt.
(4)Ken S.
Great tastes! The veggie don is so-so, tofu was bland and sauce did not help too much. The chicken cutlet set tastes delicious though, especially with the spicy mayos. Only four stars because the baked potato was rotting :\
(4)Jay S.
Cafe Mami used to be one of my favorite places to eat in Boston until the new management took over. Ever since the takeover by the non-Japanese (I'm not Japanese btw) owners the food has never been the same; they lost the subtle Japanese style of flavors that had made their food so great. The salad became too salty and oily, the miso soup too salty, the tomato sauce for the Tokyo hamburg too sweet, and the list goes on. I've been disappointed with every single visit to Cafe Mami recently and sometimes I even felt sick afterwards. And that is why I won't go there anymore nor recommend this restaurant to anyone I know.
(1)Michele J.
The food is good if you're into this specific type of curry dish but I pretty much come here for the green tea milkshakes. 3-4 stars for the food, 10 stars for the decadent, matcha green tea deliciousness!
(4)Jennifer L.
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time, and to keep it short, it was great. The waitress was really nice, food was DELICIOUS and definitely worth the price. I would try to come back more, definitely worth the troop.
(5)Eunice E.
Hearty Japanese meal -- sounds oxymoronic, but it's true. I've had the classic, Teriyaki, and Hot Chili hamburg sets (not all at once!!!) and they've all been fantastic. I like to add some of that spicy red powder in my miso soup to get my taste buds a-kickin' before my main meal. And then, and THEN... the hamburg. YummMmmmmMMmmm. I had the hot chili hamburg set last time, and I think I've found my staple go-to. It's got a little bit of spice and a whole lotta flavor. I liked taking bites of the hamburger with the veggies and a tiny bit of rice, making for a perfect mouthful of texture and tastes. What else can I say besides I left stuffed, happy, and still with lots of cash in my wallet? (This is cash only, btw, so come prepared!) I guess nothing except... I'll be back!
(4)Heidi L.
Cafe Mami always hits the spot, especially on a cold day. Def my favorite place in Porter Exchange - I get there right at opening, am always surprised to see a line, and even more surprised that that line is at Sapporo (shh!). Service is friendly, and sometimes you have to share a table with random people so I apologize to them in advance for our totes interesting conversations (just kidding). Love the pickles. Love the subtle spiciness. And love fried chicken (I always get the tatsuta). Definitely deserves the Yelp love!
(4)Sarah R.
I am a katsu curry fiend - I would honestly eat it every day. It's so comforting and delicious - even bad curry makes me happy. Good curry, therefore, makes me VERY happy, and I don't think it gets much better than Cafe Mami. The sauce is so rich and delicious, and the chicken is really nicely cooked. (i've only had chicken so far, not pork). The portions are huge, and it's just all yum yum yum. I've now had take-out and eat in and loved both. It'sm amrv tiny place so like every where in The Shops you should expect a wait if you're sitting in. However, they do a good job of managing the line and the wait is not usually too long. Service is pretty good.
(5)Lisa W.
I always wanted to come eat here when I'm in the building, but this place is always so full! We finally got a table during off-peak hours. This is a solid place to grab some yummy, cheap food quickly. The husband had the sizzling udon (I love sizzling anything!! I think the black plate automatically make things taste better), and I had the yaki don. Both were yummy and cheap (less than $10 ea), and the waitress was very attentive.
(4)Linda L.
Split an Oyakodon and Yakidon. Both were really good. The Oyakodon (essentially chicken and egg), was really flavorful. The chicken was really moist and the egg had a really nice texture and flavor to it. The beef in the Yakidon was nice and thin sliced, but not dry. The rice in both bowls were really sweet and cooked just right: not too sticky, not too raw. They also give you a miso soup at the beginning of the meal, which is nice because while Cafe Mami is a "fast food" place, you still need to wait for the chef to cook the food. Just be aware that there are tons of students there around lunch time so you might not get a seat and you may not want to bring all your buddies at the same time. Overall, it's a good place to get good food for a good price. Try out their lunch specials!
(4)Allison C.
What a great find! Café Mami is part of a small collection of Japanese food stalls inside The Porter Exchange (same building as City Sports). It is a small place with a very few bar seats on the side and enough tables for about 2 or 3 small groups. I took my parents here for a quick, early dinner. We'd been traveling around Boston/Cambridge, and craved good rice dishes, so we were happy to end up at Mami. Our server was very attentive and helpful. As soon as we sat, she gave us menus and poured us waters (which she refilled promptly whenever necessary). It's a simple menu with both plate and bowl options... everything is paired with endless rice and a bowl of miso soup. SABA-MISO SET ($8.99): Nicely cooked and very large piece of mackerel. With the special miso sauce, it becomes almost like a stew over rice. Included on the side are half a baked potato and a Japanese green salad with cucumber, tomato, and carrot. CHICKEN CUTLET SET ($8.99): Evenly breaded and fried chicken slices. I think you get about 6 slices, and each of them are half dipped and sitting in the tonkatsu sauce. This way, none of the pieces are drowning in sauce, so the slices keep their crisped nature. Very generous portion. It comes with the same sides as the saba-miso set. SALMON VEGGIE YAKI DON ($7.50): This is a rice bowl dish with a balanced mixture of salmon pieces and veggies. You can request the spicy sauce on the side, and use it as a dip if you are worried about the spice level. And oh yea, I observed that of all the food stands, Mami seems to be the most popular. I think 1) the food and service are outstanding, but also 2) it has the ideal location, as one of the first stalls you see. Both these conditions make Mami a perfect Yelp find!
(4)Peter K.
This is my go-to spot for japanese food. I always get their yaki-don, gyu-don, or oyako-don. I always order in advance and they come out with food within 15 minutes everytime. Great food with a great price.
(5)Wonyoung J.
Delicious food, good service, basically everything it needs. But what keeps it from being a flawless five? It's very small. Like, tiny. Soooo tiny, that you usually have to sit at the same table as others. Other people you don't know. I don't know about you guys, but I think it's kinda awkward. Kinda detracts from the overall experience. Food itself is fantastic. I recommend the hamburger steak set.
(4)Diane H.
The first time I came here, I was actually eating next door, but while waiting for seats, I decided to grab a green tea milk shake from here because of all the great reviews, and my friend got one---and it was DELICOUS!!! So I hopped over, and there were two guys behind the register, the one that is the main cashier was too busy on his phone, blocking the other guy who was telling him to take my order---no respond *stares into phone* REALLY?!!?! so he took my drink order instead. When i came around for dinner on Friday, the line was real quick, it was about 730. Our server was very attentive, really nice guy. I got the chicken katsu curry thing everyone was raving about and added a sunny side up egg...MMMM can i say that BEST DAMN CURRY THERE IS?!!?! I think it might just be the top curry place for me!! $10 for a plate, whatever it's pure deliciousness! Sometimes the chicken can be a little over cooked though. My friends yaki udon (not sure what it was) but it was delicious as well... they sure do know how to make food here! Even though none of them were japanese. Just hope you guys are comfortable being seated right next to someone you don't know... ** the teriyaki hamburg ~$8.99 it's like angus beef quality so it was delicious!!! The sauce was sweet but very good. ***they are open on tuesdays now! ignore those reviews from 07-08 :)
(5)Khoa N.
2 tables and 3 bar seats. That's all the seating available at this little store. But once you get to sit, you'll focus not on the close proximity of strangers who can easily join in with your conversations, but instead to the dishes in front of you. Really, I rarely notice the ppl at the same table and hear what they're talking about when I'm there. Even when we're bumping elbows. (Don't take my word for it though, I have a reputation of having bad listening skills.) Cafe Mami was where I fell in love with Japanese curry. And I started making them myself once every [other] week for a period of time when mommy wasn't there to cook for me. The yaki don is another delicious choice you can make, or the soba. The green tea milkshake is a new addition and I gladly welcome it. Tastes like ice cream! Quite a hike for me, but I manage to make it here once in a while.
(4)David K.
Best Japanese comfort food in the area!
(5)Jae J.
Oh, Cafe Mami, I wish I could give you a higher review after giving you so many chances, but you've disappointed me each time. The yaki beef tofu set was only just okay, nothing to scream about. I've had the pork cutlet curry rice set, which was dry and flavorless. The chicken cutlet curry rice set was definitely better...until I reached the raw parts of the cutlet, which were all the pieces minus one or two at the edges. Imagine my elation of biting into the chicken cutlet, thrilled at its moistness and juicy-ness, exceeding all of my expectations of the place..and then discovering pink, raw chicken meat in my next bite. Very sad day, indeed. The green tea shake was...meh. It's got too much ice and leaves a strong after-taste/coating of matcha powder on your tongue. For its small size and sub-par taste, you'd be wiser to spend your money on other things. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar the last time we went, so we got to watch the food being prepared. Everything was done by gloveless hands, which is fine if the cooks bothered to wash their hands between handling raw meats and then throwing together salads. This, coupled with the raw chicken I've experienced, makes me wary to return for another try.
(2)Hsin-yi L.
Large portion. Very tasty and authentic. As the first meal when we arrived at Boston, it is warm and welcome, as long as you don't mind to share a table with other customers. Btw, the green tea milk shake is must-have.
(5)Sonya M.
Review is solely on their green tea shake drink as I have not had food there yet. Their green tea shake is soooo good! A strong matcha taste that is just right and the balance between the shake content was great not too creamy and not too icy. If you are a fan of green tea drinks you gotta try their green tea shake! -1 star due to the volume. for $3.75/cup the size is fairly small, i hope they will increase the size or decrease the price in the future.
(4)Kamille W.
When my homegirl told me she wanted to come eat piping hot donburi when it was 96 degrees outside, I thought she was experiencing heatstroke-induced confusion. I humored her because (1) I love her and (2) I am a fatty at heart that will eat basically anything, anytime. It was awesome. We started off by splitting a refreshing green tea milkshake. It was perfect: thick and creamy, with plenty of sweet matcha goodness. I was sort of bummed to have to split it, honestly. It was for the best though -- I had to leave room for my tatsuta set. Boneless fried chicken (all dark meat, I think) served with mayo and chili sauce, and some crisp lettuce on the side. Alllll the noms. It was a little too heavy for me to finish in one sitting on that balmy afternoon, but I can see that super-flavorful, slightly greasy chicken being perfect when the weather is cooler. I felt so spoiled when I had the leftover chicken on my lunch salad the next day. Delicioso. I had a couple of bites of her yaki don (spicy beef and rice), and immediately coveted it. Again, a little too heavy for that particular summer afternoon, but would be magnificent on a fall or winter day. Cheap, fast, and so so good. I'm all about it.
(4)Jolene S.
Great value even if you go off the $5 lunch specials. I know that's a counterintuitive thing to do when you're there in time for a huge $5 meal. But I really like the $10 yaki udon here. It comes with miso soup on the side and it's packed with chicken and vegetables. If you're a girl who doesn't eat a lot, you'll get two meals out of the yaki udon. That's what I recommend at Cafe Mami, but I know a lot of people are not going to take my advice on this one. You can get a comparable value with the cha han (~$10) and a more posh/spacious atmosphere at wagamama in Harv Sq. If you have a choice of location (and/or want to pay by credit card) go to wagamama. But if you're going to be in Porter and have cash, Cafe Mami is a one of the better options.
(4)Ana B.
Absolutely love this place! Very small, informal, and food is simple but always good- home-food feeling. Service is very nice and attentive. Food takes a while but comes very hot, made on the spot. Comforting food, warm place.
(4)Christine J.
gone down hill since the japanese owner left and sold it to non-japanese owners. just not the same. servers are non japanese also. no longer authentic! stopped going.
(3)Jeremy W.
Place is surprisingly good! I had a salmon and rice dish that was good, but I think they are more known for their curry dishes which I will have to try next time I come. My friend loved their green tea milkshake as well. It's a small area, so a group of 6+ people might be hard to fit together.
(4)SJ I.
Last time I was eating here there was a cocroach on my table. The food was ok, but I'm not coming back to this place.
(2)Kari C.
I hardly give out 5 stars but this one was worth it! It is a very small place located inside of a Lesley University labeled building. I think it is also called the Porter Exchange. It is the entrance next to Bourbon Cafe and it is in a relatively smaller corner/hall full of other small (mostly Japanese) restaurants. Now when we say small, we mean that the kitchen is not even the size of the ones inside mall food courts and that their seating area contains max 12-15 seats. But don't underestimate it! The food is cheap and delicious here and the service (usually only one waiter) is great. They do the best they can with the huge flocks of people that come around 7PM. While we waited in line, we were given menus to order beforehand. My boyfriend ordered a curry plate while I ordered the yaki beef with tofu and they were both exceptional. Best curry he has ever had. And we both had the option of unlimited rice which really came in handy after about the third refill. We both really like a lot of rice with each bite of curry or beef and it worked out well. They really know what some customers are looking for. The beef was well marinated and although I couldn't taste too much of the spicyness on the tofu, it was still very good. The small baked potato that came with it was also very nice. The portion of my dish was really big for someone like me with a small appetite so definitely worth the money as I brought it home for lunch the next day. I will definitely come back here in the future and make sure to try the green tea smoothie.
(5)Eunice K.
Came here for lunch with a friend after a former Bostonian's recommendation... tiny little place... but a popular joint with a constant line of people waiting. Both me and my friend were sold on the $5 lunch special! I ordered the Yaki Don and my friend ordered the Gyu Don. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Both the dishes came with Miso Soup and the various meats on top of the big bowl of rice. Unfortunately I was in the mood for something with a little more variety. And my Yaki Don was a little too sweet... had to eat all the white rice to get it down... Truthfully, I was a little disappointed, but with the constant line and the variety of other menu items, I probably need to come back to make a fair assessment! Tips: 1) Located in Porter Square 2) Limited seating - take it to go, or prepare to wait! (only 2 tables and 2 seats at the bar) 3) Cash only
(3)Jenn T.
This is a tiny little restaurant in porter square....very tiny, like 2 tables and a counter for 2 people tiny. They have basic japanese food, like curry, donburis, and the basics. No sushi or anything fancy or any noodle dishes. I went for the pork katsu curry, which was decent and tasted pretty good as a japanese curry, however the curry wasn't spicy at all. They give pretty good sized portions, a whole katsu and curry and you can get free rice refills. I also got the green tea milk shake, which was delicious and seems to be the thing to get at this place. If you want to eat here, go early as the line forms fast and slow considering there are only 2 tables to sit down. Take out might be a good option as well! Service was decent, slow with water, but ok.
(3)Ashley B.
Believe this hype! If you can snag a seat you're in for a treat
(5)Michelle J.
I've always seen Cafe Mami but never tried them. Usually this place is just as full as the ramen shop adjacent to it. However, one day I wanted some ramen and just refuse to wait behind the dozen or so folks who were in front of me. Cafe Mami was full but there was still some counter space so I got seated fairly quickly. They have a lunch menu which I wanted to try out the Gyu Don for $5. Only later did I realize that the lunch menu wasn't valid for holidays. It was my mistake I didn't read the fine print. No worries though as my meal was still cheaper than the bowl of ramen I would have waited over an hour to eat. All dishes come with a bowl of miso soup. The soup was luke warm at best. Of course being fairly warm out I didn't mind. The beef and rice bowl was delicious, flavorful and filling. But it paled in comparison to the Yaki Beef Tofu the people next to me ordered. It came out sizzling on an iron pan. I had to ask them what it was and made a mental note to try it myself when next I'm in the area. Although small this place serves up some really nice Japanese food for cheap. The ingredients are fresh, the food is hot and I didn't have to wait an hour to eat.
(4)Francisca W.
chanced to be here again on a weeknight around 8:45pm, still had to wait a bit for a table for 4, and we were told that we had to put in the order before 9 as they were closing. picked our food, sat down, and our food rolled in. among us we had the wafu chicken, curry chicken, curry porkchop, a don (chicken?), and a hamburg set to go. all the food (including the soup/salad and the takeout) were cooked right and flavorful. friend ordered a green tea milkshake (i had a sip), it was the real deal -- a bit sweet for me but got tons of green tea flavor. service...yeah we were missing utensils here and there that made us get up to get it on our own (the guy seems very busy), but the same young man who stood there for at least 3 minutes straight patiently explaining the differences between dishes for my friend made the later mishap negligible. food is cheap for about $10/dish, with that quantity and quality, it is totally worth coming back. now i understand the hype, but that line, oh that line, is still very discouraging at times. cash only. p.s. a sign indicates that they have incorporated Ittyo under their management.
(4)Chong C.
Love this placeeeee!!! Great food. Everything worths trying. And you will be shocked with reasonable prices they have :):):) Be aware, it is small cozy restaurant so you may not be able to find a seat at lunch time or in the evening! Go there lil bit early so that you can enjoy the food without problem :)
(5)Simon L.
I've only had the pork katsu don because it is so excellent. One of the bigger cutlets served in the food court. Onions are sweet. Pork is steaming hot. Rice is sticky and plentiful, egg coats the pork. Served with miso soup. You can not go wrong here.
(4)Parissa S.
This Japanese place is tucked in a Lesley University building in Porter Square. I ordered the yaki don, the spicy sliced beef rice bowl, which was filling and tasty. All their dishes also come with Miso Soup, which was excellent. I'm curious about how their other dishes taste and will definitely be back there. FYI, this place is cash only and has limited seating. I went for lunch with one person on a Thursday and didn't have to wait for a spot but it quickly filled up. Despite this, the service was quick.
(4)Sung K.
Used to eat lunch here everyday while working in Boston close to 10 yrs ago and the food is still so tasty. Hamburg steak and Tatsuta chicken is my favorite!
(5)Cecilia W.
So good! Saba miso set and oyako don is my favorite but they have lunch specials for 5 dollars EVERYDAY!!:) u might have to wait during diner time though !
(5)Wonho H.
Been coming here for over 10 years. Their food is great and cheap. There's very little room to sit....a party of 6 max, and for that you'll have to wait a long time most days. For a while I used to get Yako Don and liked that, until some friends said "what is wrong with you? Get the Tokyo Hamburg Set." I've never gone back. Tokyo Hamburg Set EVERY TIME with sunny side up egg. Unlimited refills of rice. The Green Tea milkshake is also tasty as well. The lunch specials are great too. Overall, you can't go wrong. I've gone many many times, and have never been disappointed.
(5)Ara M.
I just had a late lunch here with a friend. I often come here for good and cheap food. As always, I got the veggie don. The oyako don and veggie don are delicious. Its so consistant every time. The price is surprisingly reasonable for the amount and quality of food. Its not fancy, and yet its perfect as it is. For the veggie and oyako don, I give this place five stars.
(5)Henry Z.
Great for a quick and causal lunch or dinner. Food is excellent as well.
(5)Han F.
Everything I've ever gotten here is freaking fantastic. This place is always busy, but people are aware and polite and tend to eat and go. Even as busy as they are, staff will never make you feel rushed and will replenish your free rice as much as you want. My favorite dishes: Tokyo Hamburg Set Ninniku Chicken Set - I almost ALWAYS get this. I ask them for EXTRA sauce, and with the free extra rice you get, I'm in ninniku heaven. It's a simple garlic soy chicken, and it's so freaking good. Comes with a boiled potato and carrots. I like to break the carrots and potatos up and let it soak in the sauce on hot, sizzling plate that the dish comes on. It's clear this is my favorite. ;p Dishes I've Tried, Good---but I always end up ordering my above favorites: Oyako Don Fried Spicy Chicken Rice set (forget name) Spicy beef & tofu dish (forget name)
(5)Katie C.
What makes Mami magical: 1. Yaki Don lunch special. When I worked in the area, my coworkers and I would order this almost every week. It's a generous amount of food and flavor for only $5.25, and it even comes with miso soup. If you want to avoid the long lines, pick-up orders are ready within 10 minutes. 2. Curry! After a year of ordering the lunch specials, I finally decided to try the curry for dinner. Why did I wait so long?! The Katsu Curry brought me right back to Japan. If you prefer your chicken/pork to stay crispy, ask for it on the side. And what's even better? Free refills of rice mean leftovers / lunch the next day! Two meals for the (low) price of one.
(5)S T.
Decent little place - not good for large parties The curry by far is probably the best deal but all of their selections are good. I had the yaki don which was delicious! Their dishes all come with miso soup, so pretty good deal! I would pass on the green tea smoothie/milkshake. More like an icee than a smoothie/milkshake. It wasn't creamy at all.
(4)Nicholas S.
The fried chicken dishes are fantastic; they're so good that it's hard to pick a favorite. But there's virtually no seating, and the sides they serve leave much to be desired. First, the seating. They have two tables and three seats at the bar. The bar should actually seat only two people, so if every stool is taken, it's very tight. They seat anyone at the tables, so you might be bumping elbows with a stranger. The entrees are served with a sad iceberg salad, a plate of white race, and half of a baked potato. Also, most of the chicken dishes come with a big spoonful of mayonnaise on the side. In short, a decent place for a quick lunch, but I'd go to ChoCho's (ten feet down) instead.
(3)Tsungming H.
Recently they increase the price for everything on their menu. A little disappointed. The food is great but i won't be visiting as frequently due to the price raise.
(4)Nancy H.
I finally visited Cafe Mami after eating at all the places in the Lesley university building. My b and I went got there around 8 after going to Cupcake Camp Boston and the wait was still 15-20 minutes. Then again it seated 14 people max. We had to share a table with two other guys. Anyways, the waitress was very nice she took our order 10 minutes into the wait and so by the time we sat down, 5 minutes later the food came to our table piping hot! I had the Salmon & veggie yaki don and my b had the yaki don. The salmon yaki don was drenched in their spicy sauce, which wasn't too spicy but I enjoyed it very much with the rice. The salmon was pretty good but I was more into the veggies and rice. xD Haha. That's what happens when you eat wayy too many sweets beforehand. Anyways, the yaki don was pretty good, lots of shredded beef and bean sprouts, a tad sweet, so it goes well when mixed in the rice. The bill came out to be about 17-18 bucks including tip and tax. Oh, and both our dishes came with a miso soup. Not bad, nothing special, but perhaps if I'm ever in the area again I'll try the other entrees other reviewers have said to be "oh so good".
(3)Karen W.
Such a small place, but such yummy food! It's a great place for a small amount of people. Since Cafe Mami is small, my friends and I planned to come here 15 minutes early before it opens, so we wouldn't have to wait in line for a long time. Although it opened 10 minutes later than expected, the service was pretty good. The orders came relatively fast and the dishes were amazing! The curry sauce wasn't too spicy or salty-it was just right and just what we expected. I would definitely recommend Cafe Mami to college students around Cambridge (especially Lesley University since it's right there). Delicious, filling Japanese food as well as a very affordable price.
(4)Heather K.
When I first moved to Boston, I was so excited to find out about this place! I've been to Japan twice and I always loved getting curry from this little stand in Chiba. Cafe Mami's pork cutlet curry tastes just like the stuff I got in Japan! I am also a huge fan of their salad dressing and miso soup that comes along with your order. Also, if you like green tea icecream, you should try a green tea milkshake here. They are delicious!
(5)Michelle R.
Cheap (less than $10) and huge portions! All the curries are amazing -- thick and flavorful with plenty of juicy meat. I personally like the chicken tatsuta curry. Entrees come with soup/salad. Beware as the place is tiny and there might be long lines on weekends/evenings. You'll also probably end up in a food coma upon finishing your meal...
(5)starrynight c.
Still solid food from back when I used to come during college more than 5 years ago. The owners changed during that time, but the recipes seemed to have been passed along pretty well. The boneless fried chicken curry is still delicious. The sizzling plate with the lemon garlic chicken wasn't quite as good as it used to be, but still yummy. The salad's dressing was a bit different, too. But, not bad. I get nostalgic for it, and plus, it's solid curry. I say this with conviction now having had curry in Tokyo and on the west coast!
(4)Dan M.
Awesome! That is the easiest way for me to start this review. Who would have known that you could find Japanese comfort food tucked away in the back of Lesley's mall? I was told about this place a few years ago by an international exchange student, who told me they found the best Japanese comfort food in Boston to which I promptly stated...." No way... you MUST take me there..!!" Now I am no Japanese food snob but I know solid Japanese food when I find it. I have gone to Japan multiple times and have had all types of food from all over Japan (and not just major cities). The portions are enormous here and for a cheap price! I still remember my first bite here as if it were yesterday. For a curry dish, they gave me a salad which was simple but came with this dressing which is awesome. The miso soup that came out was a nice way to cleanse the palate but nothing to write home about. Now I ordered the Tatsuta Curry with Cheese, but was still skeptical after having had tons of Japanese curry from all over the world. When the curry came out and it looked like the real deal..... the curry was the right texture with the right thickness with my favorite Japanese pickles on the side. Now to the real test! I took a spoon and picked up the perfectly proportioned spoonful of rice, curry, and tatsuta. As soon as I took my first bite, I was brought back to my first memory of eating curry in Japan. It was so bomb. Now as a fair disclaimer, there are a lot of curries floating around within the US especially in the San Francisco and Los Angeles area, but this is your legit home-style curry that I have had in places such as Miyazaki Japan. It was so good that I even took my dad to Café Mami within weeks who had lived in Japan for years when he was younger and is also a Japanese Curry fanatic. To this day, any time he comes to Boston, he still asks if I am craving some of that curry... to which I always respond yes. This is an awesome Japanese joint that gives the hearty meals and for the price, it is just an awesome deal. One of my biggest regrets from moving away from Boston, is that I will not be able to eat this delicious curry every Sunday! **A friendly reminder that this place is cash only!**
(5)Kathy M.
Cash only but worth it! Went here for lunch with 2 co-workers. Seating can be tight as it's a popular place so be prepared for a wait and to sit closely with strangers. I had the cheese beef tofu (that's what its called..really) lunch special and shared the shrimp shumai. Both were served really hot so watch out for that. The meal was just under $9 and came with a miso soup so it was a great deal and everything was delicious. I regret not getting the green tea milkshake but I was so full-next time for sure.
(4)Kristen S.
Cafe Mami has one of the best curries that I have ever tasted. I'm a huge fan of Japanese curry and this was just an amazing place to eat at! I was on route to another restaurant and just could not resist going in here as well. I had the Tatsuta curry, which is boneless deep-fried chicken curry, which tasted like kaarage. Amazing - the chicken wasn't overly greasy and was lightly fried and perfectly tender. The curry sauce was super delicious and the rice was perfectly fluffy. The best part - rice refills are unlimited!!! This was perfect because I was only able to eat about half of the dish so right before I packed it up to go, I asked for a refill of rice and it was like I had a second meal for free! If I lived in the area, there would be no question that I would be here all the time. Until my next research trip, I'll be dreaming about the curry here.
(5)Rebecca Y.
Café Mami, a restaurant nestled inside the Asian food hub at Shops at Porter, offers unpretentious Japanese comfort food at very reasonable prices. The slightly dry fried shrimp Shumai ($4.50) was forgettable, but the robust flavor of the Yaki Don ($7.00) was delightful. This simple dish featured thin juicy slices of marinated beef simmered with fresh onions over perfect fluffy white rice, topped with crisp bean sprouts and thinly sliced scallions. I could not taste the heat that was advertised in this dish, but if you would like more, I recommend adding a squirt of sriracha sauce to add both flavor and heat. The restaurant's specialty is the Tokyo Hamburg Steak Set ($8.99), marinated slabs of ground beef slathered in a special homemade thick, rich tomato and pork-based ragu simmered to perfection for an entire day. From what I observed at the tables around me, it was a popular choice among diners as well. The Tatsuta Curry ($8.99), juicy and tender ginger-infused boneless fried chicken served with a flavorful beef broth curry, was at once tangy and rich. The restaurant also offers vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian options. I recommend the Salmon Veggie Yaki Don ($7.50), Fried Tofu Veggie Don ($7.49), and the Kaisou ($3.00), a mix of seaweed, lettuce, and tomato slices tossed with homemade soy sauce and sesame oil. The Curry Rice Sets and the Hamburg Steak Sets are all served with a side salad and miso soup, and all dishes are served with free refills of rice. The popular Green Tea Milkshake ($3.50) was the perfect way to cool off my palate at the end of the meal. Although the seating is limited (15 seats), the restaurant offers quick service. Due to the high turnover, this place is best for a quick lunch or dinner for you and a friend or two. At $5.00 + tax, the lunch specials offer incredible value. Café Mami allows you to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank; it is truly a culinary gem in the heart of Porter Square.
(4)Karen G.
Got one of the rice dish things with teriyaki sweet something or other? It wasn't very memorable... But the green tea milkshake was yummy!
(4)Henry C.
The Chicken curry was absolutely delicious. Did I mention that I love Japanese curry? I tried several bites of what my friends had ordered, and they were well executed as well. It is a very small place, seating for no more than 2-3 small parties. But the waitress is unbelievably efficient and still maintains a pleasant demeanor while taking care of the entire floor and balancing out seating arrangements with getting your food out on time. If I was in the area, I would definitely come back and try a few other things. The green tea milkshake looked interesting, but decided it wasn't worth trying at the time.
(5)Hilario C.
Let me just start off by saying I love Cafe Mami. Its so good, in fact, that I often joke with my friends that their food must have crack. Its a tiny little place (be prepared to wait if its anywhere near rush hour), but so worth it. I used to live close by and went once a week. Then I moved away (all the way to Davis) and I was sad. But I still go at least once every couple months. My usual order? Miso soup, shumai appetizer, and the wonderfully amazing tatsuta set (chicken). If you are extra hungry, get a green tea milkshake too. Yum.
(5)Nelson L.
Whenever I am in Cambridge, I make sure to visit this place. I highly recommend the Yaki Don or the Tokyo Hamburg set, paired with a green tea milkshake (the first i've tasted, and its great). When I went, they were actually about to close, but the waitress kindly allowed me to eat there, and was extremely hospitable the whole time. The service was great, and the food was arguably even better!
(5)Sandy M.
I used to love this place- been going there for 10 years or so. It's always busy, inexpensive, friendly. But in the last year or so, the quality has gone down. We usually get one of the yaki-don bowls: chicken or salmon or veggies over rice. but the chicken is smaller less appealing bits than it used to be, the salmon is smaller and fattier, even the veggies seem skimpy. I know they've taken over another stall in this marketplace, and might have changed ownership? Not sure what's up, but they are cutting corners and it just isn't worth raving about anymore. so sad....
(3)Theresa S.
Oh man, Japanese curry. This was my first requested meal when I arrived to visit a friend in Cambridge. Pork cutlet curry, mm mm mm. Huge portion, great price and good service. Also, the matcha smoothie is a good balance to the curry. Heat up the leftovers with a fried egg and you're set.
(5)Jeff M.
Best spot in the Lesley basement/mall. Best pork cutlet by far.
(5)Michael W.
+Amazing food, especially enjoy the curry and egg dishes +Cheap Prices, usually around $10 - $15 for two -Very limited seating but it isn't usually so busy that I can't get a seat. I would definitely recommend trying this Japanese place. It's located with
(5)Wendy L.
Best japanese curry joint in Boston/Cambridge area. They only have a few tables here so I would avoid peak hours because there will be a wait. You can always choose to get take out too. The service is good and efficient even though there are only 3-4 people working. My favorite is the Hamburg Curry Set - it is kind of like a grilled hamburger patty. I think it goes perfectly well with sweet and a little spicy curry over it. My friends always get fried breaded chicken cutlet with curry so I'm sure thats good too. If you like green tea, make sure you try their Green Tea Milkshake! It's a little overpriced ($3.50) for what they give you but it's delicious. The only thing I will say is that their miso soup and salad is nothing special but it comes with the meal anyway. I think that Japanese curry is the least exotic choice if it is your first time having curry dishes. Thai and Indian have way more spices and complex flavors. Give Cafe Mami a shot and you won't regret it. It's under $10 too!
(5)Guillermo M.
The Yaki Don was amazing!! Excellent flavor and loved the combination of the finely chopped beef with the rice, the sauce and the vegetables. You get a miso as an appetizer. We also got the seaweed salad that was really good too. The green tea milkshake was a great complement to the meal. The price/value of this place is as good as it gets.
(4)Di Yin L.
The Tetsua set (fried chicken, rice, mayonnaise, salad and miso soup) is the best of its kind I've had on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The chicken is well brined, juicy, and not greasy. The miso soup acts as a great palate clenser. The waiters are very kind, particularly when there's a rush. They take your order before you sit, to speed up the process. The place is small - about three tables and a bar - and the wait can be long.
(5)Carl G.
Like a previous reviewer said...Tokyo Hamburg Set...Everytime, this is a remarkable and unique offering I only see here...and I love it! Ambiance is good, only two tables so you'll be seated with a couple strangers, my group of cohorts are usually a loud obnoxious type, but it's all in appreciation of the good food and good company. I highly recommend their food
(5)Emily H.
Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. After a disappointing visit to Sapporo Ramen, I was about to write off all the shops in this mini-mall as just "bleh". Glad we tried this place as well. Bf and I got a katsu-don and katsu-curry. What can I say? It was super cold and damp out today and I just wanted some Japanese comfort food to warm up my bones. The curry came with salad and both meals came with miso soup. Very generous portions, we boxed up the last 1/3 of our meal to eat later! Meal came out to be a whooping $17. FANTASTIC. Cafe Mami is a great balance of affordability, quantity and quality. Will go again. Protip: $5 Dons (or curry rice) for lunch! They open at 11:45am and the specials go until 2pm on Mondays-Fridays. Extra fantastic :)
(4)Julissa P.
Great authentic Japanese curry, love the salmon yaki don and that salad dressing that they use is delicious. I come here often, it's cheap and the staff is friendly. Just kind of awkward facing the cooks when eating. I definitely recommend this place!
(5)Daniel H.
Traditional Japanese Comfort food. Authentic and incredible. I've been coming here for years and NEVER been disappointed. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is to die for. Typically I get donburi--basically, a ridiculously tasty rice bowl concoction. My favorite would have to be Yaki Don (spicy shredded beef, various vegetables, some picked radishes, perfectly cooked rice) though Oyaki Don is probably the most classic and one of their most popular. I've also had a number of their sizzling plates--Yaki Udon, Wafu Tatsu Set, a spicy chicken dish I cannot recall the name of--and a number of cutlet and curry plates, and it is ALL good. If you can, try going for lunch. You get basically the same menu as dinner but several dollars cheaper (like, $6 for Miso and Yaki Don!). Also, the green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I don't get it often but it's high quality. Seating is tight and you may have to wait...but it's worth it...wayyyy worth it. Cashish Only.
(5)Jessica C.
What's the big deal??! There is NOT enough seating here... and the wait is forever! The food is not bad, but its not that great either! Everything is pretty salty! But i guess everyone likes this place for the economical prices?!?! Hmmmmm.. The green tea milkshake is pretty legit. I always get one whenever I'm at porter exchange. I like to grab a green tea milkshake while waiting in line for Sapporo Ramen!!!
(3)DD T.
My favorite dishes, being an Asian myself are: -Chicken tatsuta -Rock'n chicken -Hamburg set And guess what, unlimited refill of Japanese rice! In case you have not known this, the restaurants here work together like a food court. If someone in your party feels like having noodle instead of rice, you can still sit here and order from the restaurant next door.
(5)Alan S.
As someone with a Japanese background, I am thankful that there is a place like this in Greater Boston. Nothing fancy, but for $7-8, I can get a delicious Japanese meal that is filling. I got there at 11:30 (15 minutes before opening) on a Sunday morning and got in no problem but there was a line 10 people deep by the time I left. The restaurant is small (fits maybe 15 people). I got the katsudon (chicken cutlet with egg and rice) and my dad got the oyakodon (chicken, egg, rice). Both were delicious.
(4)Roxanne B.
After all the positive yelp reviews, had to try this "hole in the wall" in the "Shops at Porter" on MA Ave. All 3 of us tried Mami's special Yaki Udon. Got noodles? Oh yeah - but that's all it had - I counted 3 dime-size pieces of thigh meat chicken and a trace of broccoli - for $8.99 each. It was like eating an Italian spaghetti dinner without the meat! And their is a sign on their wall that says prices are going up as of May 1st. Sorry Mami - won't be visiting again anytime soon.
(1)Linda H.
This place is legit. I've been craving some good authentic Japanese food since I've moved to Boston from New York City. I was accustomed to my little Japanese joints which served good, cheap food. After perusing through yelp, I found Cafe Mami, and thank heavens I did. I ordered the tofu with bonito (called Yakko?) and the chicken cutlet curry. SO GOOD. I gobbled it down like an unashamed fat child. My boyfriend got some sort of beef Don, which tasted a bit like korean bbq with beansprouts over rice. Also good. My boyfriend LOVED it. I also got the greentea milkshake, also good, but was too full to finish it. Portions are large, service is sweet, and the prices are just right. Seating is limited (4 tables for 2 and 3 bar stools) to it's best to come at a random time. My boyfriend can't stop talking about this place and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Lola O.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. This place has a very limited seating (three seats at the bar, two tables of four) so my friend and I had to share a table with other people, and honestly they were loud and annoying. This place is cash only which is annoying, and they close at like 9. The food is okay, but nothing special. I had the Oyaki Don, it was okay, kind of bland. I forget what my friend had, but same story, good but I've had better. The price is reasonable and the service is fast and friendly, I'll give them that. I just expected a lot more after reading a couple of yelp reviews.
(2)Kat T.
Cheap, authentic, Japanese food? Yes please! After living in Japan for a few months I was sick and tired of Miso soup with every meal and some form or other of soba, udon, or donburi. However, never EVER did I get sick of curry. If you want curry like I need curry, go here. You can never go wrong with a katsu curry. Especially with an egg & cheese. The price is cheap (I'm a student, so I know cheap), the food is delicious, service is nice and fast. My only qualm is that it's cash only, but even that is remedied by the existence of an atm a few yards away. Now if only they would move this place to Harvard square instead of Porter... time to fill up the Charlie card.
(5)Paul C.
If you've read any of my other reviews, the ratings are pretty high. WHY?! because I only eat at amazing places! This place is completely hidden (if you don't have yelp to help you out). I'm tired of Japanese restaurants that are only Japanese because they have sushi. Sushi-less Japanese restaurants are so rare, that it adds an even more greatness to this eating establishment. Just as a side note, I heard that people around the New England area come to Porter Square because Cafe Mami is THAT GOOD. Cafe Mami is really small, so if you don't mind taking out, then you'll have no problem. If you want to stay, then you might have to wait a little bit, but trust me... it's worth the wait. I've been here a couple of times, but during my more recent visit, I decided to get the WAFU HAMBURG STEAK. It's kind of like a thick hamburger patty, covered with different sauces, along with a steaming potato, salad, and rice (unlimited refills). It's a lot of food, so bring those stretchy pants that you would wear to a buffet. I would also recommend the WAFU TATSUTA SET. Basically like ginger infused fried chicken strips. freaking NOM-O-LICIOUS finish it all off with a GREEN TEA MILKSHAKE!!! CASH ONLY!
(5)Ashley D.
so pleasantly surprised to find such good japanese food in this little complex! there are a number of little places to eat at in here, but from what my friend tells me this is the best. there are only a few tables so the wait can get pretty long but luckily there were still a few seats left at the bar when we got there. first ordered a green tea milkshake which was really good. creamy and refreshing and sort of tastes like a green tea version of a creamsicle. don't wait until the end of the meal to finish it though because when it's sitting out for a while it gets warm and kinda foamy and just doesn't taste that great anymore. i ordered the chili tomato hamburg set and was very satisfied. my friend likewise enjoyed the yaki chicken tofu plate (you can substitute the beef for chicken if you'd like). the hamburg sets come with rice, potato, salad, and miso soup and i finished every last bite of it. the hamburg is pretty much like a meatloaf soaked with tomato sauce and while it doesn't sound like much, i love this simple classic combo with rice. i definitely want to come back and try some of the other stuff next time i'm in need of some good comfort food. don't forget cash only! but there is a bank of america ATM in the plaza if you need it.
(4)Judy L.
There are only 3 tables and 3 bar seats!!! So wait time may take quite awhile. It's not a particularly authentic Japanese cafe, with the Cantonese and Mandarin songs blaring in the background, but it was good nontheless. We ordered yaki soba, which I highly recommend. It was seasoned with black pepper that added a kick to it while it was not overly-drenched in soy sauce like most other non-authentic Japanese places would do. We also ordered pork cutlet donkatsu which was good as well, though I'd much prefer the yakisoba. Will return!
(3)Joanna F.
My Chinese friend raved about this place, so my boyfriend and I finally went with him this weekend. We sat down immediately on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere won't blow you away but the food will. I ignored my friend's suggestions and tried the Yaki Don. I liked it, but one taste of my boyfriend's curry made me realize what I was missing. The curry was like no other curry I've had before. It was a little heavier than Indian or Thai curries and much richer. It was fabulous. The group seating could be a little awkward, but I didn't mind too much when two random people sat right next to us. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Dan B.
Went here for dinner today and got the Yaki Beef Tofu (Hot Sizzling Plate) main dish. It had thinly sliced beef with scallions, tofu in Mami's spicy sauce, carrots and a boiled potato. To start, it comes with a miso soup. If you need more rice with the entree, its free. I got a hot tea as well which came in a plastic cup (not a fan of that). That little ding didn't matter much as I was having a very delicious Japanese comfort food meal on a cool fall night. As most places in Shops at Porter, cash only.
(4)Anne W.
When you don't feel like sushi.. it is good to get some traditional Japanese fare. Be sure to bring some cash.. this place is a no frills where you sit at the counter or share tables with some strangers. Best things on the menu.. lemon chicken and miso fish. I need to learn how to make this. About $9 per dish.. and always a line. Best value for the money for restaurants in Porter Square.
(5)Sophie P.
I have tried yaki-don and gyu-don. Both are very delicious. The hamburger set here is a okie for me. Green tea milk shake tastes great.
(4)Sally K.
Really really good food. I had the pork yaki don that was perfectly cooked, really tastey, and my partner got sizzling beef plate also fantastic. All in all we, ended up paying 21 dollars - how can you beat that price. Thumbs up!
(4)Josephine L.
There always appears to be a huge crowd waiting outside Cafe Mami, which is due to their having very little seating, but is still an ingeniously simple way to make them look like the hottest, most desirable restaurant in Porter Sq's little J-town. I finally convinced the boyfriend to forgo the ramen next door and try a new place for lunch, so we snagged seats at Cafe Mami before the nightclub line (as I call it) appeared. I got the Udon and the boyfriend got the Chicken with Garlic, Ginger and Lemons. The udon was delicious--all thick and chewy and tasty in its sizzling platter, surrounded by sliced cabbage and chicken groupies in a savory soy-based sauce. The boyfriend's chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful. Service was slow as heck and we were literally seated next to another couple in what could have been a fun double date sitch if it weren't for the fact that they were total strangers. But Cafe Mami provides a pretty raw, authentic Japanese food experience. No upscale sushi, no pricey kaiseki, no show-offy teppanyaki. Japanese cuisine has so many different styles. With Cafe Mami, you're getting the quick, almost fast food-like, street food-ish, college student on a budget, East meets West in a spectacular way-style of dining.
(4)Deanna W.
Went here for lunch a few weeks ago. So good! I missed lunch by an hour (ends at 3pm, I think...), so I got the Yaki beef tofu for about ten bucks. $5 lunch is a pretty good deal though. Okay, so now to be picky. The miso soup was pretty watered down, the beef was poorly shredded and not the greatest and my dining experience overall wasn't the best due to an annoying neighbor and an uninterested waiter.... BUT I'd totally eat here again. I'd do take-out and make sure to make it for lunch.
(4)Nancy Z.
Curry that is... Japanese? Japanese curry is different than other curries. Thai curries are rich and creamy from coconut milk, while Indian curries are created through a delicious blend of diverse spices. Japanese curry, on the other hand, is mild, thick, creamy and has a subtle hint of sweetness that comes from apples. One restaurant that makes extremely luscious and delectable Japanese curry is Cafe Mami. Accompanied with chewy sushi-style rice and pickled ginger, it is a hearty dish for lunch or dinner. You can also add thinly sliced pieces of crispy chicken or a tender hamburger patty as well. If you want to add even more, an egg over easy on top will make it perfect. The restaurant itself is very small. It has only a handful of tables so patrons usually experience a wait. Remember, it's cash only and prices are very fair where you can leave satisfied for $10.
(5)Jennifer L.
The green tea tasted really good but a little overpriced.
(4)Michael B.
Price is great for the amount of food you get. Usually, i get the $5 lunch special with is either Oyaku Don or the curry rice plate. The amount of food you get is great and very filling. If i dont get those, i usually get the rice plate or the fried chicken curry plate. They give a lot of curry sauce when i order from them and they give unlimited refills on rice which is a great plus!! The curry is so flavorful that you jsut need a little bit with your rice so you can order more rice and get your fill :]
(5)Maggie N.
Came for lunch with a friend on a Saturday. I had the chili tomato hamburg set, and my friend had some curry dish (I think). Location-wise: the place is pretty small, only 5-6 tables or so, so during peak hours expect a wait. We were lucky and only had to wait about 5 mins. Super casual - kind of like a food court in a mall. Food: The portion was very good I must say. I was completely full and my friend couldn't even finish her dish. The flavoring is okay, not a super wow factor, but was beyond acceptable. The meat was tender, the sauce was good. I liked. I heard raves about the green tea shake, but since I'm not into thick creamy drinks, I was afraid it would be too much for me to handle. Price: Very reasonable, I think it came out to less than $20 for both of us, pre-tip.
(4)Andrew C.
Pretty good place to get Japanese style curry, cutlets, comfort food. Limited amount of seating but they'll do their best to accommodate. Green tea milk shake was good, but it's more of a icee more than a "milk shake". The 3.50 price tag was a little more than what I would want to pay for though. I'd get it again if it were 2.50ish.
(3)Chris H.
Liked the yaki udon and miso soup a lot but thought the donburi was just OK. Not a lot of choices for vegetarians.
(3)Semyon D.
Came here for a quick weekday lunch. The place is really tiny, and for some inexplicable reason the main entrance was blocked so everyone coming in had to squeeze right past my chair. The food itself was quite good, no complaints there. What was not good however is having to wait 25 minutes for my lunch - there were not so many customers to justify this and the waiter could not even remember if he brought me miso soup already. The five strangers with whom I had to sit at the same table were waiting a long time for food, too, so when my lunch finally arrived, some of them decided that my eating said lunch is free entertainment - a truly unique experience.
(3)R C.
This place is so fantastic - 5 stars all the way. And to make it better - they've extended their hours! How awesome. The Place In the porter exchange mall food court - about 12 seats total. The Food Everything is good - but I'm not a huge japanese curry fan so I usually go with one of the following Yaki Don - salty, oniony, beefy deliciousness Yaki Udon - As above but with Udon instead of rice (you can do chicken or beef) Rockin Chicken - Fried chicken covered in spicy sauce with rice Garlic Chicken - Garlic'y goodness (also with rice) Most meals come with a miso soup side. How perfect. Service Quick and friendly
(5)Jane Z.
The yaki-don is quite gooooood! I've been going here for a long time and I'm always impressed and happy with my choices. You can't go wrong with anything that you try here!
(4)martin m.
Prefer the sushi next door.
(3)Lisa I.
Yum yum yum! A friend of mine found this place through yelp so we decided to check it out. It is unusual to find delicious Japanese food in a mall, but this place is seriously legit. We all had miso soup to start and ordered several dishes to share including seaweed salad, a tofu dish with ginger sauce(melts in your mouth!), Yaki Beef and Yakiniku Salad. Everything was GREAT and we only payed $12 each. I would absolutely go back.
(4)Ann S.
MMH-MMMHH! My friend took me here one day for a lunch date and I fell in love with their curry and rice. It was SOOO good! I ordered the hamburger curry with rice but I really didn't like the hamburger. I thought it tasted weird so I mainly focused on the curry, and my god, it was so good. Definitely a little hidden gem! I wasn't really used to sitting in the same table as strangers, but when this place gets busy, be prepared! But just for the curry, I definitely wouldn't mind.
(5)Orphée R.
Food: The food at Café Mami is exceptionally good. It's the best Asian food I had in Boston I live in Copley and go all the way there to eat once a month (yes that's how good it is). The food is tasty and come in good portion. Prices are not high especially for the quality and quantity so: good deal. Staff: Very cool and engaging staff however only one waitress most of the time so can be slow sometime. Tips: watch the cooks as the cook; very coool! Location: The place is not big at all, it can seat only 15 people at most. It's in a corner or a hall way. Not the best environment to eat (even for a fast food). I do not recommend for a first romantic date. Extra: - All dishes comes with Miso Soup - They serve you fresh but very cold water with no ice in it (I don't like ice) - usually a long line during lunch and dinner - now open from 11:45Am to 9Pm 24/7 - Toilet are really dirty Tips: After eating have a desert at a bakery call Japonaise in that same 'food cort' they have very good patisserie... but no seating.
(5)Wei W.
I've never been to Cafe Mami without having to wait for a seat. But of course, that's expected at most of the restaurants at the Porter Exchange. I'm a big fan of their Tokyo hamburg sets and wafu hamburg sets; love the homemade sauces and choice of egg and cheese on top of the hamburg with hand-tossed salad. The portions are perfect and their green tea milkshakes are delectable. Perfect lunch place for the weekends (and weekdays, if you're in the area - they're not open Tuesdays, though). Always affordable and delicious.
(5)Bailey M.
I came here for a quick lunch (unfortunately I came after 2pm so the official lunch hour was over) and ordered the tatsuta don bowl. It came with fried chicken, rice, eggs, and green onions. The portion could have easily fed two people, and I felt bad that I didn't eat even half the $7 bowl. The waitress kindly brought me a to-go box. When I gracefully managed to use my chopsticks to flip the to-go box onto myself and leave rice all over me, the waitress helpfully brought me paper towels and helped spot the rice bits stuck in my hair. haha. This place NOT good for groups. Super tiny.
(3)C W.
Value for money is very good! Is it the best sushi I've ever eaten, no, but it's consistently fresh and high quality with good service, nice ambience and is across the street from my house so I can't complain. This is my wife and my go to for neighborhood sushi.
(4)tammy l.
Track here from Yelp. It was a nice little place in the University center building. Really not much space (three tables at most), but the food is decent for the price. I feel very warm & comfi after lunch there. There were also other Japanese food stores and a Japanese shop across the corner. Got a pair of crane origami earing, so lovely!
(5)Vivian L.
nothing except love the food there. I have been there many times. Almost every dish is good, cheap and fast. Watch out long line during weekend dinner time.
(5)David C.
What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Cafe Mami serves up some of the best, most affordable Japanese food around, and it does so in the smallest restaurant space possible. I wish Cafe Mami could swap spaces with one of the larger shops in University Hall that does about half its business. It would probably benefit everyone involved.
(4)A C.
Everything here is awesome! I haven't had anything I don't like. I'm less fan of the curry, but that's not to say they made it bad at all, it's very yummy. My husband LOVES their burger, those are some really nice yummy juicy tender burgers. I love their chicken, if you like dark meat, they know how to make it like the first class. Everything is tasty, fresh, made to order. It's one of our stables. Japanese for less than $10 at this quality? it's a no-brainer, did I mention their $5 lunch special? this place should not be missed out if you are in the area!
(5)S T.
I enjoy coming to this place when it isn't full. The wait is long if you decide to eat at Cafe Mami during peak hours. But the food is delicious. I always order the curry rice, sukiyaki, and the hot plates are the BEST. The only thing I miss are about Cafe Mami was the previous way they always play Japanese music/top charts. Nowadays...its meh..the atmosphere is not how it was back then. Doesn't feel like the true Japanese dive-y place it once was. But the food is still great! Prices went up a bit.
(4)Derrick C.
How does Cafe Mami's yaki don taste 9000x better than my yaki don? It's such a seemingly simple dish but I was in awe w/ every bite. I'd eat here every day if I could.
(5)Shuang C.
Curry is really good, favorite being tatsuda curry. Oyokodon is decent for $7. Hamburger sets I don't really care for. The teriyaki chicken came on a sizzling plate but was only meh. The Miso soup they have is good, so is their salad. Sometimes there's a cute waitress wearing timberlands. She makes my day :D
(4)V N.
Cafe Mami makes me cry for mommy (in a good way) If I was on death row, their yaki-don would be my last meal. I'm waiting for the day that they expand to a bigger location which is inevitable. Currently, they can only seat a handful at a time which will fill up immediately during lunchtime, but takeout is always available. Hidden gem
(5)Mitch Q.
I love their hamburg. Yaki dons are also my favorites. Meal would not be complete with their green milkshake either :)
(5)Basil S.
Good food, great prices. - cash only - no brown rice
(4)Corona W.
I am obsessed with this place!!! Their curry is silky and sooo delicious. Forcing yourself to stop halfway through is a necessity or you will eat the entire plate and be unable to get up from your seat. However, strict vegetarians beware. I believe the curry is made out of chicken/beef broth and, even though I always order the curry with just tofu, I always find bits and pieces of chicken or beef....Nevertheless, super delicious and affordable. :D
(4)Christina K.
We came to Porter Exchange one night and we walked around trying to figure out which restaurant to go to. We'd already gone to Bluefin and I wasn't too impressed so I pressed us to go somewhere else. Figured Cafe Mami might be good because of all the yelp reviews. My friend had the chicken katsu don and I had the vegetarian don. Both were ooookaaay. The katsu don was tasty, but something about it wasn't exactly right. Not enough sugar? Not enough soy? I'm not quite sure. The vegetarian one was a lil lacking, but probably because it's vegetarian. Plus for giving miso soup, as much rice as you want (though I felt we had enough), and for excellent service. The place is small and we shared our table with other folks which is fine. :)
(3)Monica H.
This place is a truly hidden gem in every sense of the word. The food is SO tasty and the price is unbeatable. We ordered the seafood udon and yaki don. I mostly had the udon but also tried the yaki don. The two dishes perfectly complemented each other--the udon was simple while the yaki don was more flavorful. I also got the green tea milkshake which was AMAZING. It had just the right amount of green tea flavors for the milkshake. I would gladly order that over a frappuccino or bubble tea any day! One downside is when I say hidden, I really mean hidden. We had actually made a half-hearted attempt to find this restaurant once before, but couldn't find it as it is located in an unmarked building (it's the same one that has Bally Fitness, FYI). Another thing is that Cafe Mami is essentially located in a food court, so there are only two clusters of tables. We were lucky to be the first customers there, but as we were finishing the meal the waitress sat another couple next to us. Thankfully my boyfriend talked them up and got more recommendations of other restaurants in Boston so it wasn't awkward at all. Despite the fact that Cafe Mami is located in a student center, I still felt like I was being fed in the home of a Japanese family. Will definitely come again!
(5)Ice T.
My friend introduce me to Cafe Mami because she loved it after she had the Yaki Udon. So my friend's and I decided to give it a try. When we arrived we got seated in less than 5 minutes which I am surprise because my friend said she had waited at least 10 mins before she got seated last time. The restaurant is very space limited. It has about three- four tables and about 2-3 side high bar chairs where you can face the cooks while you are eating. I had about 7 people with me so the waitress were very nice and asked a couple that were sitting at one of the larger tables to move to a smaller table so we can sit at the larger table. They were very nice about it. I notice many people join tables and sit each other. I personally wouldn't be comfortable sitting with people whom I do not know. I ordered the Ninniku Chicken Set and a green tea smoothie. I thought my dish was very delicious along with the green tea smoothie that everyone raves about. My friends ordered the the Chicken Cutlet and a few other sets that I do not remember. However, they said their dish were also very delicious. Overall, Cafe Mami is a very cute place to sit down where people could chat with their friends. I also saw many other restaurants in the plaza, which I will definitely try next time. But Cafe Mami is definitely a must try restaurant because I absolutely recommend trying the green tea smoothie. The smoothie has a strong authentic green tea flavor. A side from all the food, remember to bring cash with you, if you have an account with Bank Of America there's an ATM in the plaza near the Lesley University Police Office. And lastly, when you finish with your meal remember to ask the waitress to validate your parking ticket so you do not have to pay full price. Definitely recommend Cafe Mami and I will most likely come back for a second try. =)
(4)J. Lynn T.
I've been here too many times to list what I've eaten, basically anything on the menu is great, the curry and hamburgs are especially delicious! Prices are more than affordable, but make sure you have cash. Great for a quick bite, but don't be too alarmed if you have to share your table, because this place is small. Good and cheap food, what's there more to ask for?
(4)Rob W.
Tucked into a tiny shopping area and school, surrounded by other Asian restaurants is Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami is perfect for a good quick cheap meal. I absolutely love the Yaki Don and Pork Cutlet Don. The bowls are delicious and cheap at ~$8 and they come with endless white rice (as if you'd ever need that much). During lunch, bowls are only $5 and come with miso soup, which is an absolute steal. Just a few quick notes, they have a giant parking lot in the back that when validated is only $1 for a couple hours or so. If you're not fond on driving in Cambridge, it's literally a minute walk from the Porter Red Line stop. Seating is a bit scarce here, there's all of 10 seats at two tables and maybe 3 or 4 bar type seats. You're gonna have to get used to sitting next to strangers eating here, but you're usually in and out pretty quick so it's not that big a deal. And finally, Cafe Mami is cash only, but there is a Bank of America ATM and a citibank in the complex.
(4)Stephanie Y.
Great Japanese comfort food ... we ordered from here for girls' movie and mani night. We order 6, YES 6, onakyu don (chicken WITH EGG over white rice). However, she misheard me and we got this beef dish with scallions over rice. Even though we were a little disappointed about the wrong order, it tasted amazing!!! Add a little siracha sauce and it's the perfect comfort food. We were all so satisfied afterwards.
(4)John X.
This place is great, you would never know it's there unless you've heard about the Japanese food court at Porter Square. It's only big enough for a few people, and the kitchen barely allows room for more than one person, but the decorations are tasteful and well-done. I got the lunch special curry, and it was decent. I've never been that big a fan of Japanese curry (I prefer Indian and Thai curry) but theirs was good. Flavorful and hot, and after adding some spice, was a decent meal. Best part was the lunch price was cheap for the amount of food i got, so definitely no complaint there. They had some other interesting entrees that I'll be sure to try next time.
(4)Gregory A.
One of my all-time favorites! When I was in school in Boston, I would constantly find excuses to come here. The food is super cheap, and extremely delicious, and you won't find anything more authentically Japanese in town. The lunch specials are beyond awesome. My personal favorite is the Yaki Don. It is Yakiniku (grilled meat, in this case beef) over a bowl of rice. It is a little sweet and a tiny bit spicy with some onions sauteed and a lot of yummy. Also, a sufficiently filling portion, especially for around $5. Other lunch specials include similar donburi (rice-bowls) with chicken, or beef with a different sauce, or another fave of mine, curry. It's just Japanese curry sauce and rice, and if sauce and rice sounds weird to you, you're missing out. If you're not into the lunch specials, or if you stop by for dinner, there's more faves to choose from. Everyone else has mentioned the hamburg set, so I won't elaborate, but they're all delicious; I like the chili tomato. Also, their tatsuta age (basically battered fried chicken) is amazing and cooked just right. You really can't go wrong no matter what you choose. And to top it all off, almost every dish that comes with rice, comes with rice UNLIMITED. To me, this is heaven. Also, a few last notes: - the people that work there are always awesome. They are friendly and attentive. -if you come in the evening and there is a wait, don't worry, it's never very long, and even if it is, it's totally worth it. However, a lot of the other restaurants in the strip are also delicious. -bring cash. If you live in the Boston area, I'm sure you're used to the occasional cash-only joint. This is one of them, but you don't need that much (read: cheap food!). Also there's a Bank of America ATM in the building. -if you're driving, the parking lot in the back of the building is $1 for one hour.
(5)Carol W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the Porter Exchange. When I come here with my husband, he gets either the chicken or pork cutlet curry and I get the Tokyo hamburg set with the fried egg on top. We end up sharing with each other, and it's quite an amazing meal. You get a salad and miso soup with the meals, and the price is as good as it gets! We've also gotten the fried shumai and agedashi tofu before. If you like green tea, I highly recommend trying the green tea milkshake. It's very filling though, so you might want to save your stomach for the entree and get the shake as a dessert or to go.
(5)Jade N.
I mentioned in my review for Paris Creperie that that is one of the two places I have to visit every time I see my a parents in Brookline (I live in NY now). Cafe Mami is the other half of my must-visit list. This is Japanese home-cooking perfection. I've had Japanese food all over NY and never have I found a place like this. I'm the type that tries a new entre each time until I settle on my favorite and that is what I order every time afterward. Teriyaki hambagu here I come! I've tried making it myself and I can never get it right. The chicken they have that you dip in kewpie mayo is also great but I've achieved a fairly competent imitation at home. Curry, pork cutlet, or sizzling steak platter... it's all a party for these tastebuds! There's always a line for Cafe Mami and you're almost guaranteed to have to cozy up to some strangers at your table. Don't let this deter you though~ once you're going primal on the food you won't notice anything around you. Don't forget to leave without a green tea shake. Perfect treat to top off your meal!
(5)Flora R.
For some reason I've visited just about every other restaurant in Porter Exchange until now. What a mistake to have been missing out on Cafe Mami all this time! Just by walking by, you know the seating area is packed - so it's a smart idea to come on off hours, order takeout, or know you'll be waiting a bit to sit down. Their prices are super affordable, the portions are good, and the curry is delicious. They have udon and curry and some other combos that you can try which all look and smell super yum. I will be back for more curry in the future. Definitely.
(4)Nina B.
AWESOME food. I really think it is worth the wait. Cheap, flavorful and just perfect for a comfort-food style meal.
(5)Albert L.
I'll be honest: I haven't been here in years. After living in Cambridge for 5 years, I moved in 2007. Now, I live in California, allegedly home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in America. Yet with every bite of mediocre Japanese curry I've had here, my mind -- and my heart -- returns to Cafe Mami time and again. I don't know if much has changed since I left. Judging by the pictures, no, but maybe there's since been a new menu or owner, in which case it'd be nice for you if there were an "Un-useful" button you could click. What I remember best though were the buttery-smooth and generous curries, the option to top a rice plate with a fried egg (do NOT take this for granted, since the only way to get a fried egg instead of a hard-boiled one here in Norcal is to put a gun to someone's calorie-counting head), and the green tea shakes. Conveniently, I've forgotten about how long the wait was and how uneven the service could be. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I suppose. Personally, I'm a katsu curry fan, and Cafe Mami never once let me down. I had the hamburg dishes a few times which were great in their own right; just not my taste. And make sure you arrive early! Not just to avoid a wait, but also to avoid having the curry run out on you. It happened more than a couple times when my friends and I tried to sneak in a late dinner (after 7:30 pm). 5 stars always! You guys out there in Boston are lucky.
(5)Sushmita M.
I've been dying to try Café Mami given the hundreds of rave reviews and the fact that it's always full whenever I go to the Japanese food court. My verdict was 3 stars for the following reasons: 1) We were given a wait time of 15 minutes which ended up being at least an hour. 2) Ordering the green tea gets you a green tea shake which is $2.50 more than the green tea (which is no longer offered but still on the menu) -- don't get me wrong, the shake was great but not so great for the student budget. 3) My three friends and I agreed that the food was good but not worth the hour wait. 4) It's always full because there are only three tables. Granted, I only ordered the curry and not the hamburg set that the other yelpers rave about, but next time, I'll head over to Saporro ramen next door (great ramen AND Japanese curry). * Remember to bring cash if you make your way out.
(3)Yoo S.
Very good food! Really really good. And prices are SO CHEAP, this place is amazing. Unfortunately, there's only two tables. You can sit at the counter too, though. But my friends and I had to wait around 30 minutes to get a table (although that might be because the people who were eating who a group of girls who didn't seem to notice the line of people waiting for food). I had the yakidon which was very delicious and filling. Next time I go there I'm definitely trying the tonkatsu. The only other negative thing besides the small sitting space is that the waiter speaks minimal English. Not really a problem though.
(4)Huong P.
Hey there Cafe Mami, This is the first time I came by Porter Square and you had no long line. I had always wanted to try you out but you were too busy with everyone else to try to get to know me. It's okay, I get it. At least you made it up this time by not cramping me up but instead giving me good physical space to breath. Moreover, your friend was really nice. I like how she was patient with us while we were deciding from your delectable list of food items though I must say, there is not too much variety. I gave your special yakidon on a sizzling plate a try ($8.99) while my friend tried your curry with katsu and egg ($9.99). I was not expecting the big servings you had for the price we were paying. I could barely eat half before being stuffed, yet kept on eating to get my money's worth. I must say that the food was all tasty, but I take off a star from you because you were a little greasy. When I have Japanese food, I expect to eat foods that taste and feel light. Your katsudon was a bit dense, your yakidon soaked in too much flavor to eat by itself. Yeah, I had to eat white rice with your yakidon--starch on starch, yum. Nevertheless, that is some good food that definitely hits the spot and even more. Thank you server, you were awesome and gracious with us.
(4)Sunny C.
Been going here since college days. Two faves: chicken cutlet curry, spicy beef bowl. Unbelievably good!!! Living in NYC now, cafe mami still beats all the japanese curry houses here. hands down. yum yum yum!
(5)Tammy L.
Always packed, but that's how you know they're good. I love their Teriyaki Hamburg Set. I'm craving for it right now. Their homeade tomato sauce is wonderful and the rice is soft. Yay for free rice refills! I also love their Chicken Teriyaki Set and their green tea milkshake. Sometimes I wish they would just move to somewhere bigger...
(5)Lai X.
Most important thing about a eating out? Food. Second most important thing about eating out? Fits in my budget. Yakidon - Rice bowl with fried beef and onions. $5 on the lunch menu. Do it. Curry - I've gotten the fried chicken and the fried pork, both delicious, ate until I was uncomfortably full. Seriously. Free rice refills will be the death of me. Teriyaki Hamburg set - Soft beef patty, delicious sauce, also comes with free rice refills. One thing you might not know about me as a reviewer is that I only give 5 stars to places that are so good I come back more than once. Service was always friendly and efficient. One time I caught the waitress playing with a customer's baby. Waitresses that are baby-approved and mother-approved? Gold star. Only con about this place is it has very limited seating. You're going to have to be okay to be seated at the same small table as strangers, if need be. Coming from past experiences of cramped buses and subways during peak hours, I don't have a problem with this. Plus I'm kind of too into the food and the person I'm there with to really care anyway.
(5)Keiko K.
I love Cafe Mami! There is no Japanese food like this anywhere else in Boston. I almost always get the chicken tatsuta set. So delicious! The servings are huge and there's free refills on rice. I've never needed it but it's nice to know. :) If I'm really hungry I can eat my whole meal but I often take leftovers home. I've gotten the tatsuta set for take out a few times to eat at the airport while I wait for my flight. I just skip the miso soup, although they will give it to you if you want it. One of my friends always gets chicken katsu curry and loves it. The green tea milk shake is yummy. Food is served very quickly. Seating is their biggest problem (I think their maximum capacity is 12 - 2 tables and 2 bar seats), so I try to go when the line isn't too long. You have to share your table if your party is smaller than 4, so it's not a good place for intimate conversation. If there are lots of people waiting, I feel pressure to eat quickly and leave, not because the staff are rushing me, just because I feel guilty looking at all those hungry people. :) Their hours are a little odd - they're only open for lunch and dinner and closed for a few hours in between. They're also closed on Tuesdays.
(5)Bryce K.
Have you ever had traditional Japanese hamburg? No? Well have I got the place for YOU sir(or miss). Cafe Mami is a TINY but DELIGHTFUL spot where you can indulge yourself in a savory and scumptious meal that will make your cheeks sore(from all the smiling you'll be doing). It's simple food executed well. I went with my girlfriend and we had the Tokyo Hamburg and the Tonkatsu Curry. The curry was a pretty standard fare but it was struck a great balance in the sauce that was both sweet & salty and all delicious. The Hamburg was smothered in a pork based ragu which was exquisite and topped with an (optional) fried egg. This is my virgin experience with hamburg and I had always wondered what could possibly make a regular old hamburger patty gourmet. My curiosity has been quenched. Speaking of quenching, they have a green tea milkshake which is also quite good(but not great). Get it if you love green tea, otherwise, it's merely average.
(5)Marc S.
Arriving in Cambridge and going to live and work there for a few months, I was so worried not to find some authentic Japanese hot cuisine. Don't ask me why, It's fear, it has no explanation... And yes I'm that dramatic when It comes to food, especially Japanese one. I was wrong. Café Mami was here for me. And this place, which is so tiny this is almost a joke, is actually better than the ones I go in Paris in the Opera District. Their Katsu Curry is just D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S (I put this word in capital because it's THAT good) with a lot of flavor and spice. the quantity is great, you get a lot of it for $9,62. I just go there almost every 2 days for diner, ordering my food and then enjoying it at home. The service is OK, it's just very busy and crowded all the time but the waiters are friendly and polite and if you show patience and good attitude your meal might come faster. Priceless. Of course I recommend the Katsu Curry with pork, the Katsu Don too. They're my favorites. You have to be aware that, as I said previously, this place is really small so if you want to eat there with a lot of people be sure to come early. You won't regret it, authentic Japanese cuisine right there !
(5)Amir K.
The best Japanese I have ever had. Small seating area and smaller bar. If you can find a seat, no matter what you order you will enjoy it.
(5)Candice B.
The Chicken Katsu Curry with egg over rice is my FAVORITE thing from Cafe Mami. Japanese curry is my favorite type of curry. Indian curry (Vindaloo!) is my second favorite, and my least favorite is Thai curry. I just love the creamy, sweet flavor that covers the panko crusted chicken katsu and white rice. I'm drooling just thinking about this! As many have said before, the down side to Cafe Mami is the lack of seating. There are 4 spots on the counter, maybe 4 tables that can fit about 8-12 people at a time. This is pretty much a "chew-and-screw" type "fast" food, not a place to have dinner if you are trying to catch up with a friend.
(5)Myha N.
I absolutely love this place. I should probably try more items on the menu but when I show up, I always crave the one dish.. chicken tatsuda set. Their hamburg is a must try too. They only have seats for about 15 people so expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Usually it is one waitress and they're always fast. If the wait is long, they'll ask you to order while in line so you don't have to wait too long when you sit down. I love that!
(5)Ellie W.
Pour some green tea shakes on me, oooooooh in the name of love. Soundtrack of my food life. Cafe Mami is one of the few restaurants I dream about. No, scratch that. Fantasize about. Cafe Mami is the Megan Fox/Robert Pattinson of my food world. The yaki don and hamburg sets are filling and perfectly drenched in all the right sauces. Fantastic food, yes, but my real love--no, soul mate--would be their GREEN TEA SHAKES. Oh my, if only I could swim in an ocean of green tea shakes, my life would be ever so complete. Don't judge. A girl can dream.
(5)tegen d.
Very nice. Affordable and tasty food. Quick and friendly service.
(4)Tan E.
I guess you can say that the 'HAMBURGER" is back; the Cafe Mami way. The tokyo hamburg entree is by far the best "hamburger" I tasted or had. Its the new of eating a hamburger without the hamburger. The chili tomato hamburg is by far my favorite hamburg set. Its sweetness and sourness of the tomato paste, hint of spice sends unimagable thoughts to my mouth. The beef patty itself is moist and soft in each bite & the sunnyside egg with cheese just tops it off, making it a complete meal. But believe me, its the sauce that makes keeps my mojo running back for more. Can't get enough of the sauce! If your not daring to try the any of the hamburg sets, you can also get the cheese and curry chicken/pork w/ rice which also one of my favorites. Even though its small and the wait is usual long on the weekend for dinner, the wait is worth it! It just goes to show how popular the hamburg really is and that everyone is willing to wait it.
(5)Lauren L.
Cafe Mami serves the best 'homestyle' Japanese comfort food I've found in Boston so far. Their curries (with and without chicken/pork cutlets) are perfect, not too starchy, not too thin/gooey or too sweet. Their rice bowls (yakidon, pork cutlet with egg, chicken with egg) are all very good and really remind me of small restaurants back in Asia. My favorite however, is the Tokyo Hamburg Set with the house sauce. The hamburger patty is so tender, so flavorful, and the sauce is just the cherry on top. I've tried to recreate the sauce at home, but to no avail. Downsides, the place is TINY, seating maybe no more than 15 people and they take no reservations so be prepared to wait if you come at peak hours. This is not the place to go with a group of more than 4 as it'll take you forever to get seated, and if you're less than 4 then more often than not you'll be seated at the same table as other parties. They are cash only (last time I checked) so bring cash. Other than that, the prices are cheap around $10 normally per entree, and $5 for lunch. The food comes out pretty quick, and for the curry, hotplate, and hamburg dishes, rice is unlimited. Mami is definitely worth a try if you're in the area (and even if you're not).
(5)Hannah K.
Cafe mami is my jam! Get the tatsuta set!
(5)Richard J.
+ 1 star for unlimited rice! + 2 stars for curry sauce! + 2 stars for perfect boneless fried chicken (tatsuta) and hamburg! -1 star for tiny, cramped place..wish they were a bigger place! final: 4 stars
(4)Kate C.
The food here EASILY beats out the food from Boston's Chinatown and Allston-Brighton areas. The curry here is light and sweet -- with a slightly more distinct taste of ginger. It's a great alternative for those who find Indian curry too overpowering/nauseating. Overall, the food just felt much cleaner than Chinatown's and although the food from Allston/Brighton is not necessarily bad, I have not found anything that is remotely similar to Cafe Mami's. Although many have mentioned that there is limited seating here, I did not find that to be a drawback when I came here with a group of 10 famished college students on a Sunday afternoon. The staff here was really accommodating and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated (although we could have just timed our visit perfectly). For affordable, tasty, and generous servings of food, I would not hesitate to come back -- even if the wait were up to an hour.
(5)Jim L.
I wrote a poem about how much I love Cafe Mami: Mami, Oh Mami What else can I say? Maybe the fact the you are really the size of a cafe So what? you lack in size? you definetly don't lack taste Mami oh Mami, come back in my life without haste. Really though, don't hesitate! go there now. Turn off the computer, get ready to receive the best meal of your life. The Hamburger Set with egg is a new realm of food eating.
(5)Doris W.
The place to go for Tokyo Hamburg! I've been going here for years and it's the only thing I order (I've gotten the spicy version twice, topped with an egg every now and then, topped with cheese once.). It's a flavorful beef patty topped with tomato sauce and served with rice, a baked red potato, and salad. I tried a different dish once - tofu, cheese, beef - which was bland. The curries are good as well as the fried chicken. I recently discovered their spicy tofu salad which was delicious. It's actually quite mild and I have a low tolerance to spicy food so take my word for it. Some possible cons about Cafe Mami: 1. Cash-only 2. First come first serve seating 3. 8:45pm closing time 4. Their long winter vacation and their one day a week closing which can be random 5. No liquor license 6. When they run out of curry (this happened last night, friends were bummed) The only problems I have are the closing time and seating. It's definitely not ideal for large groups as there are only 2 tables that seat 6 comfortably and 3 by the bar. The stall at the end of the hallway, I forgot the name, serves hamburg as well but was served in a bento box. It was good, but definitely not the same as Cafe Mami's. Their prices have gone up $1 or $2 since then but it's still inexpensive. There are ATMs in the building so you're set if you don't have cash on you.
(5)Be B.
What happened to the foods? What happened to these Chinese songs???? Why did I had to be treated like a idiot when I am just a customer?? Cafe Mami used to be a really full of taste Japanese restaurant. It was one of my best favorite. The beef sirloin sizzling dish was a god's gift. Not sure since when, their foods got changed, there was no more lines waiting for table. The worst part is, they hired this black eye glasses Chinese waitress with a really bad temper who plays Chinese song at work (Why isn't it Japanese song?). I don't think it's an idea for me to go back there ever again unless I don't have to see that waitress again. I do miss the vegetable curry there, because their curry is much more rich, spicy and delicious than Ittyo.
(2)Princess M.
This is an institution among students in Boston....well at least among my circle of friends. I think I ate here almost once every week over my four years in Boston. Somehow I can't get sick of their food. My favorites are the boneless fried chicken, fried chicken curry, miso-marinated mackerel, hamburg steak on rice and spicy beef bowl. All super duper yummy. You can always request for an extra fried egg or cheese to be added to anything. I love those extras with my curry (sounds weird with cheese but it's really yummy). Service is always quick and they've gotten their operations here down to an art. It's tiny but you can fit a group of 5 or so if you don't mind waiting a little. The lines get long during peak lunch/dinner hours but I say it's totally worth the wait. You can place your order while in line so that your dish will be ready when you're table is ready. It's located right beside the Porter Exchange T-stop and there's also a parking lot that's free.
(5)Erin F.
Do not be fooled by its appearance, some things are more than what they seem. What looks like a run of the mill food court joint is so much more. I randomly heard of this porter square cafe and thought it sounded like a fun and different experience in an area of greater Boston that I haven't really given enough of my time. And Japanese food is certainly out of the ordinary Boston pub scene. I was not disappointed. My friend and I decided we were going to have a fun, different, and cheap night. I was a little worried when we first got there and the place looked like a common "japanese" sidebar at the mall. There were two long tables right next to the counter. We got there early, around 6, so there weren't may people there. You are seated where you fit, meaning you may be sitting next to people you don't know. If that's fine with you, which it was for us, continue reading. The menu had a great selection and was fabulously priced. The beef Yaki-Don was excellent. Thinly sliced beef bits with scallions and onions over white rice. (free refills of white rice!!) The beef was seasoned just right and had an excellent flavor. The waitress was great and very attentive. She had no problem bringing me extra rice and extra spoons and the like. Place got crowded when we left shortly before 7. I didn't know this place had such a following! There was an odd selection of music which sounded like a mix of japanese and reggaeton. Wasn't overwhelming and certainly added an element of interesting to the whole experience. The place is very low key and very informal. If you're looking for an easy, cheap, interesting, and quick meal, I would certainly check this place out.
(4)Robert C.
I don't think you'll find this review very helpful because anyone that asks me about cafe mami will hear me tell them that it's the max rating on whatever scale they use, and that they absolutely have to try the curry. I'd talk about the incredibly diverse and politically correct menu, but I only ever get the pork veggie curry with cheese, and I'm sure that offends quite a few abrahamic religions. Bottom line is go try it, and try to show up at a not-so-peak hour because the wait gets long (but do stay anyway because it's worth it) Perfect aftermath for a daytime/morning drinking session, such as post Tufts Spring Fling (yall know what I'm talking about).
(5)Andrea B.
If I had a Cafe Mami on my college campus, I probably would have been the size of a house. Because I would've been there every day. Their Japanese food is cheap and tastes good. It makes for great hangover food, great I-should-be-studying-but-I'd-rather-be-eating food, or just a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. One word of advice - don't spend $3.50 on the green tea milkshake unless you're really, really a fan of green tea. I liked it the first few sips, but I ended up barely drinking half of it. You're better off putting that money towards another bowl of Tatsuta Don!
(4)Jim M.
Delicious! Can't believe this gem was in my neighborhood.
(5)Stephen H.
Ive always wanted to try here because its the most crowded of all the porter exchange resturants, and seems to attatract a large asian clientele which bodes well for its reputation. Got the salmon yaki don for dinner, came with miso soup. Portion size definitely was more intended for a young asian girl, not a 6'+ man coming after 5 mile run, but for the price it was more than fair. Salmon was very very good. Tasted real fresh, perfectly cooked, and I'm a man who eats a lot of seafood. sauce/seasoning was good, I added a little hot sauce for some extra kick. veggies tasted fresh and the rice was good as well. Miso Soup was tasty, great place for quick cheap eats.
(4)Piti I.
Still the same. I came here a lot from 1995-2006 when I lived in Boston. Everytime I'm back in town I go and it's still awesome. My only problem is deciding which of my favorites to get. Tokyo style hamburger, chicken curry, spicy beef bowl? All are great.
(5)Ye P.
One of my all time favorite! Great curry & home made tomato sauce. Very juicy and tender Tatsuta.
(5)Ed Y.
A real hidden jewel in porter square Cambridge. Located in the porter exchange building it has only 2 tables and 1 small counter. Seating capacity is like 13 the most. There is always a line but you can take out too. All dishes are authentic Japanese fast food. I always order the Japanese chicken, completely different from American chicken it is to die for. Comes with a potato, salad and unlimited rice. With a drink it runs you about $10, a real bargain. Its definitely worth the wait or take out and eat in your car. Its truly unbelievable!!!
(5)Kara S.
This is another instance where I am willing to overlook less than stellar service because the food is just that good. They have a weird way of seating people, where they need to fill one of the two small tables before they'll seat anyone at the second one. This was a little annoying to me and my friends when we went tonight, but we shook it off. I'm glad we did. I ordered the same dish I had the last time I went---yaki don, thin slices of spicy marinated beef over rice--and it was just as good as I remembered. I will probably never ever eat anything else on the menu, it's just that good. And so perfectly paired with the sweet smoothness of a green tea milkshake. My friend Carrie, who is a vegetarian, had the veggie teriyaki don w/tofu and was very happy with it. My friend Mary had the Oyako Don (chicken and egg over rice) and liked it, but said she would probably order the Yaki Don next time. Yes, IT IS JUST THAT GOOD! See my photo of the dish for a visual clue to the deliciousness of the yaki don!
(5)Kathleen M.
The yaki-don brought me back for a second date, but the Tokyo hamburg set made me fall in love. I can't speak for its authenticity, but this place serves up some delicious dishes. My fave is the hamburg set, always with egg and cheese--delicious seasoned ground beef with a tomatoey sauce, rice, the egg (over easy), a side salad, and a mini baked potato. Haven't sampled too much more since my love affair with the aforementioned hamburg set, but all looks delicious. Cute, very small place with efficient, no nonsense service. I always take out, but if you eat in, you may make new friends with people at the table next door. Extremely affordable, extremely delicious. I highly recommend!
(4)Ina C.
$5 for a delicious yaki-don before 2pm on weekdays. Need I say more? There are a handful of options in the $5 lunch menu, and I was a little afraid of the yaki-don because it was described as "spicy." But don't worry - if you've had spicy before and can stomach it, this stuff will be harmless. Thin slices of beef over rice topped with scallions and a delicious sauce? Mmmm... Be prepared to be cozy with your fellow diners - This place has space for no more than 12 people. We sat at a table for 6 with two other parties. There's a tiny free parking lot to the left of the complex. Other than that, there's a cheap lot nearby and metered spots. Cash only. I love this place and I'll definitely be back!
(4)Jeff D.
I love Erin H's review, because she brings up the non-food things that make Cafe Mami the quintessential Japanese restaurant. It's tiny, the seating is very crowded and you'd better bring cash or it's no go. While I like the hamburger sets, I almost always end up getting katsu-kari with a pork cutlet. The cutlet is always juicy and while I tend to like my curries a bit more rich and spicy than they do it here, it's very good and they always serve fukuzinzuke (the red daikon pickles) with their curry. I do wish they offered a curry udon set, I might suggest that to them next time I am there.
(5)Tracy C.
Mmmmmm... where can I even begin? Cafe mami is the type of Japanese restaurant that I didn't expect from Boston-Cambridge area. Most of the places I have been to in the city are Chinese or Korean owned and serve mainly sushi and some Americanized hot dishes. But cafe mami? well yeah it has amazingly yum hamburger steaks, all kinds of chicken and pork katsu in their dons or dishes, and rice plates that seem so simple to swallow that makes you feel that it's not an "exotic" ethnic food joint that you need a special stomach for. The thing is, the techniques and the flavors in these foods are so authentic (thats why the hamburger is amazingly delicious and you just can't figure out why it's not the same at the UNOs down the street). I find everything priced fairly except for the green tea milk shake...yes the taste is heavenly but $3.50 for a tiny cup is not. The place is small, and there are so few seats, but i find it worth the wait every time.
(5)Juliana N.
JAPANESE HAMBURG SET =) Teriyaki style. I think the other styles are really great too like the Toko style with the tomato sauce, the Wafu ginger and ponzu sauce, and the chili tomato set. Delicious meat served with rice, a baked potato and a side salad. How can you go wrong. Costs less than $9. I love this place. My friends and I come here often and we always manage to get a seat within 5-10 minutes! We come here for lunch around 12:30pm. The service is quick and accurate. The waitresses are always really nice. If you've never had japanese hamburg, you must try!
(5)Yoonie C.
Super tiny corner, but with yummy casual Japanese food. Great Tonkatsu, and Udon stir-fry. Fried shumai were super hot from being fresh out of the fryer, and the sauce was so delicious! This reminded me of a "boon shik jum" which is the word in Korean - who knows the equivalent in Japanese? I'm not sure what the equivalent is in English either... only "great casual food" comes to mind.
(4)Te R.
i tried their yaki don lunch special. it was $5 or something. the serving was the right size. and it was delicious. we also had their frozen green tea. it was very sweet, but it's how it's supposed to be. they don't have much seating, so it might not be great for group. there are other things on the menu that i would like to try next time i'm in town. this place is inexpensive, cute, and quite delicious.
(4)Andy L.
I come here every couple months because it's one of the best values on food in town, and it's real close to the T-stop where I live. The young asians in the porter exchange mall keep the tiny space (2 tables and a tiny bar!) crowded for dinner, which portends well for its authenticity. I only ever get the same thing for dinner because it works for me: Yaki Don (thin fried beef, onions, bean sprouts over a bed of nice rice). I pay 9 dollars including tip, and I get free miso soup to start off. I eat the whole thing including the garnish. I never get a spoon for my miso soup and have to ask for one. Is that normal? It still tastes top-notch, so I get over it quickly. You'll be able to get a seat quickly if you show up alone and are willing to sit at the bar so that you are staring into the side of a green tea milkshake machine. This doesn't bother me, but it makes it harder to get the attention of the only server - who has to wait tables and handle take-out orders. Just because I only get one dish doesn't mean it's the only good one. I often look around and see that people are digging into very different things than I have like they get it all the time. You'll probably find something like that for yourself if you give this place a few tries.
(4)Lynn P.
I tried their cutlet curry with rice and all of their hamburg steaks. So~~~ good~~~~. I luv the thick slices of crispy cutlet and the thick flavorful curry sauce. The portion size was pretty big too. Their hamburg steaks are better than expected. Really tasty. I would definitely come back for that. However, the place is so tiny and kinda old. there are only about 14~15 seats total. But, people usually eat fast there so its not that bad. Every time I go there, I have to wait about 15~30 minutes to be seated. Other things in the menu like "~don" not that good. Just order either curry or hamburg steak to be safe~!
(4)Jay K.
Been here a couple of times. Eat-in, pick up, and take out. Good service. Not the "let-me-be-your-friend" or super attentive kind. Just an appropriate level of service for a busy hole-in-the-wall vibe joint with a table shortage. - Green tea slushie is delicious, but filling. Not recommended if you're going to eat a whole hamburg set on your own. - Hamburg steak - teriyaki's a little too sweet for me, but I know a certain someone who devours it quite happily. I prefer the tomato sauce version. - Donburi - have had a variety. Enjoyed them all. - Curry - good standard fare. - Seaweed salad - the bright green stringy seaweed served with lettuce and such. Refreshing and simple. Good appetizer if you're hungry, good meal if you've been eating a lot of heavy food and need something light.
(5)Cecil S.
They had a Boston Globe review posted on their wall, but honestly didn't see what all the rave is. Was much more satisfied by Masa's sushi located in the same building. I tried the Pork noodles with a light soup beforehand. Long wait time and crowded seating area (there is literally only 3 tables).
(3)Stephanie N.
I actually had AUTHENTIC miso soup here! Very impressed. A small menu, but everything tastes about as good as it gets outside of Japan. Highly recommended for a katsu-fix.
(5)Cindy C.
OH CAFE MAMI. if I could sing, I would sing you a praise, however, with my lack of talent, it'd come out to be more torture than delightful. After living in Boston for 4 years, all the way at BC, which, is at the end of the green line, I've made countless treks to eat at your tiny tiny establishment. Rain or snow, I'll be there to experience the tastes of true culinary goodness. Personally, I love the chicken that is lightly breaded and fried. The tenderness and flavorful chicken never ceases to amaze me. Then there's your famous hamburg with the tomato sauce. I'm salivating even as I type this. To top off all that heavy meat, the side salad is light and refreshing, a perfect compliment to any dish. A meal at cafe mami always leaves me satisfied and happy. and most importantly, always wanting more.
(5)Jessica M.
Oh god I love the hamburg curry. With an egg and cheese. I made the mistake to get it with the chicken katsu once and the chicken was undercooked and had a stringy texture. Stick with the veggie or hamburg. I love Japanese style curry but every single time it destroys my stomach.
(4)v y.
Anytime I'm in Porter Square, I have a hard time not stopping by Cafe Mami. Their Japanese Hambagu sets are DELICIOUS. The sauce is killer and their patties are melt in your mouth delicious. All meals come with unlimited rice and a baked potato and salad. Best of all you can get out of there for around $10. There curry is also delicious. Definitely a place to try out.
(5)Patrick V.
Amazing katsu curry and the miso soup is also good.The katsudon is really good.The sauce is really good and the chicken is nice and moist.You have got to go to this place.
(5)Karen K.
My love affair with Cafe Mami began in 2001 and, after a facelift in the restaurant interior, it is still going strong. What I loved most about Cafe Mami was, despite the line, they would still try to get you to your meal as quickly and as efficiently as possible by taking your order while you're in line and then having the food essentially ready for you when you sit down. Great prices too. I would chime in with my fellow reviewers to remember the crazy long wait during peak dining hours, cash only (never fear, there's a bank of america ATM right around the corner) and finally IT IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS!!! Don't make the heartbreaking mistake and go there on a Tuesday, as I have done before. It's not a pretty scene. My favorites: the Yakidon - spicy beef and bean sprouts served over a bed of rice, this dish is exceptionally good in the winter when you need a bit of fire. The spice does not overpower the flavor of the beef but simply enhances in a divine way. The Ninniku Chicken - Garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate (note: I believe life would be so much better if everything was served on a sizzling hot plate). The sauce has just the right amount of tanginess to spoon over your rice and the baked potato (request said spoon...) and the carrots that come with the dish is impossibly sweet and tasty even for non veggie lovers. (Note: if you have a large appetite and would like the yaki don and the Ninniku chicken, there is a beef salad that will satisfy your yaki beef cravings as well) The Tatsuta Curry - crispy fried chicken in Mami's delectable curry sauce. It is my way to remind myself that even when I'm homesick for good Japanese Curry, Mami will always be there. The Green Tea Milkshake - Once upon a time, Mami used to make their green tea milkshake by taking scoops of vanilla ice cream and blending it with green tea powder. They have now understandably streamlined the process with the automated frozen drink maker and even though I still enjoy my green tea milkshake every now and then, I still miss the good ol' fashioned way of making it. To conclude: One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. If I were in Boston for only a day I would always make my special pilgrimage to Cambridge to Cafe Mami. It is THAT GOOD.
(5)Dominic Y.
Food is so good but the wait is just too long!
(4)M J.
yum! this is a super place for a fast, cheap lunch. it's a tiny spot with one server, possibly the owner, who is such a nice guy. tables are communal, sit at the counter or get take out -- the food is fantastic. best miso soup i've ever had, ditto the spicy beef with rice, though really i wish they served brown rice. i'll be craving it all soon and i just ate it yesterday - it's THAT good.
(4)Barbara B.
Nothing else in Boston beats the Japanese food in Porter Square. And I'm not talking about the sushi kind of Japanese food. Cafe Mami is the reigning gem of the pack when it comes to their curry and the portion of their meals. The pork katsu curry is to die for. Don't miss out on this place.
(5)Derek T.
Café Mami is simple, fast, and tasty. I got the curry over fried chicken. The meal comes with miso soup and salad. That's right...it's salad and soup!! Miso is tasty. Salad is nothing worth writing about. The curry is delicious. It's thick and full of flavor. I wished they used white meat for their chicken though. I'm from L.A., where I'm surrounded by the Hurry Curry, Curry House and the other hundreds of imitation places, so trust me when I say that Café Mami is just as good if not better. If you're in the Porter Square area or even near Hazard, go give Café Mami a try. This place remains on my must visit every time I'm back in Boston. Service is very friendly. Price is super reasonable.
(4)Kathy W.
The boyfriend and I have basically become regulars at this place. Granted, I've only ordered two items from the menu, but they are so good that they keep me coming back for more! We always get the pork katsu with curry and the rock'n chicken. Both come with miso soup and a salad. I'm not a fan of the salad; they drizzle some kind of oil on it. The mains are delicious and the servings are huge. The katsu is nice and crispy. If you get the curry on the side, you can save half for another meal. The chicken is extremely tender... in fact, some of the best chicken I've had, ever. We've also tried the green tea smoothie. Tastes great, but a little pricey at $3.50. Nonetheless, an entire meal for 2 ends up being around $25--a great deal! This is definitely not a first-date kind of place, though. We usually do take out and eat at home. There are never any seats available, the line goes out the door during prime dinner/lunch times, and frankly, not the best ambiance to eat in anyway.
(5)D K.
Not a lot of places to go for Japanese style Hambagu (Hamburg) Steak, but Café Mami seems authentic enough, and it satisfies my craving. FOOD - Satisfactory. You don't have a lot of choices for Japanese cuisine around Boston, so Café Mami definitely deserves a star for that. SERVICE - It's a casual restaurant, so they're polite enough. ATMOSPHERE - It's a tiny restaurant, and you might get seated with strangers, but you're there for the food, right? I like Café Mami because I love Japanese food, and they do it pretty well. ^_^
(4)Avery M.
Is it the best restaurant in Boston? It certainly was when they were buying their ingredients from Kotobukiya, before the greedy landlord shuttered it. Today it may be a little harder to determine; I think some ingredients have changed. But it's definitely among the best, and what you get for the price (usually $5 for lunch) is certainly the best value in all New England. Get the green tea milkshake.
(5)Elizabeth P.
Sometimes the wait is long, but it's totally worth it. I really like their hamburg steak menu. The serving portion is quite big. the only downside: - you sometimes have to sit with strangers since there aren't many seats available.
(5)Euni L.
I am in Love with Taka-san. Any man that can craft a perfectly juicy tonkatsu (so thick and tender, with this perfect layer of egg between the panko and the pork) and a perfectly crisp Tatsuta (fried chicken) set is entitled to at LEAST a 5-star Yelp review ;) .. oh... I get it...I didn't mean... no, I'm not a whore. But I do love my Japanese street food. Walk down any alley in trendy Shibuya and you'll find many of these classic favorites available for quick consumption. Delicious, rich hambaag steaks topped with an over-easy egg with the yolk popped over rice or a steaming hot bowl of karae can warm up any freezing New England night. I can actually say that as a native San Franciscan surrounded by a plethora of tasty choices in J-town, nothing compares to the savory yumminess of Mami. Even in my 4-year stint in LA, nothing on Olympic/Sawtelle or downtown Japantown compares. Everything else seems to miss a key feeling of authentic Nippon savory hominess... you really have to watch Taka and his boys cook for you to appreciate what goes into his food =) Service is... well... I've seen so many girls come and go, but one particular girl has actually stuck around for a while. She's definitely been eating the food though, as she was near microscopic when she first started working there 9 months ago and now looks healthy and normal. When she's not flustered, she's great- friendly but usually inefficient, but she tries her best. Hey, I'm a service Nazi... you get that way after waiting tables for the cheeky (pompous) elite (assholes) in Beverly Hills/Los Gatos (pretentious) fine dining (overpriced) restaurants for 5 years. You likely won't get a simple water refill, but your check will come as soon as you finish your meal. Ha, what a way to turn tables huh? As for portions... I suppose if you're used to super-sizing everything and storing a layer of fat for the cold winter months, I can see why Mami may be a little unsatisfying. They really do give you an adequate portion that any human should be able to consume without going into food coma afterwards. But for the days when you're famished, ordering three entrees between two people is not a bad idea, and gives you the opportunity to sample the other delicious offerings on the menu. I don't know what the big deal is about the donburi sets- you can get those anywhere and it just seems so... not worth it. Why don't you go to Yoshinoya or something? Taste the more "eccentric" menu items and you won't be disappointed. Every time I go to Boston I have to hit up Cafe Mami at least five times, embarrass Taka-san with my endless compliments ("SUGOKU OISHIKATTA~!") and stuff my face silly with Tatsuta/Hambaag/Tonkatsu goodness. Don't let the communal tables and modest appearance fool you- this place is gold.
(5)Jackie C.
Every so often I get this craving for hamburg and I just have to go to Cafe Mami. Cafe Mami also has great curry dishes and the food is reasonably priced. I always find myself wanting to finish my plate of food when I come here even when I'm full just because their sauce on their hamburgs are just that good. But watch out if you want to come here as a group as this place is tiny! There are only about three tables and if you are a party of 2, don't be surprised if you have to share the table with other patrons. The place is also cash only... I always seem to forget to get cash and we end up running to the ATM to grab some right before the bill comes.
(4)Müs B.
Been visiting this place for almost 10+ yrs. Affordable and consistently awesome food!
(5)Susan S.
I usually really like Cafe Mami's food but my recent visit there was underwhelming with what I particularly ordered. I got the Gyu Don and I really was disappointed with the flavor and quality of the meat. This type of dish was supposed to have delicate slices of beef that was supposed to be ultra flavorful. But I found that the pieces of beef were thicker than usual and that it was bland, tasteless and a little lukewarm. I feel that the beef wasn't fresh and it even looked overcooked judging by the pale grey color it had instead of a golden brown. They even had a huge chunk of beef that was too chewy to further bother to eat. The dish is pricey for what it was, just a few pieces of bland meat over rice. Even though it's considered a relatively cheap place, at the end of the day, it's about the food. And why bother paying for food I can't enjoy? I also noticed that one of the original chefs wasn't there in the kitchen preparing the food and I don't know if that has anything to do with the quality of my dish. I really hope that this isn't a sign that the restaurant is losing its quality and the great flavor that I used to know. I don't know how their other dishes fare as of right now but I would never order that Gyu Don dish again. Did they have an off day? I don't know, but I don't appreciate paying for other people's mistakes. Their green tea shake I like though.
(2)Mark C.
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in Boston. Cheap, fast, and extremely tasty. Try the chicken cutlet and egg rice bowl or the spicy beef rice bowl. Most of their dishes even come with unlimited rice. The only thing is, they're pretty small. I think the restaurant in total only seats 15 max, but they churn pretty quick. Best non-sushi Japanese food in Boston IMHO.
(5)Yvonne W.
Cafe Mami is one of those hole-in-the-wall, no-frills type places where you order what you want, eat it fast, and then leave happy. What everyone says here is good -- the hamburg sets and the curries, are really good, just the sort of stick-to-your-ribs type thing that I had in mind when I first came in here. We shared a hamburg set and a curry rice with tonkatsu. There was a LOT of curry on the tonkatsu -- kind of wish that they had the tonkatsu separate from the curry, though. The tonkatsu wouldn't have gotten soggy that way. The prices here are reasonable, and really cheap if you get the lunch special on the weekdays. Also be prepared to wait if you go at peak hours since there's very little seating and this place is crazy popular.
(3)Anita S.
Oyako don here is great. Seating can be tricky in the evenings. Staple of the area!
(4)Anthony L.
got the yakidon for $5 lunch, totally good and worth it got the green tea milkshake, $3.50 for the size of a tall drink at starbucks is kinda pricey cash only might be a problem for some, but there are so many atms nearby place is small, realisticaly don't expect to get a spot to sit down unless you get there right when it opens (like me)
(4)Tracy T.
Probably the best cheap Japanese food you'll get in Boston. I'm not saying it's my all-time favorite, but their donburis are pretty tasty, although a bit strong on the salt/soy sauce. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere and you really can't beat the prices. Don't bother with any of the other restaurants in that row, I've tried them all. I always thought, why didn't I just go to Cafe Mami every time. Their green tea milk shake is also fantastic as a dessert. I usually get one on my way out.
(4)Eric W.
Used to come here every week when I was still at Newton North High School. Lately with work being so damn busy, I barely get to go once a month... but when I can, I enjoy every minute of it. I'm not going to litter as too many superlatives as there are plenty of great reviews already here but suffice it to say, you won't regret it.
(5)Alexander H.
What to say about Cafe Mami? Tiny (seating for about 12 people total) Fast (due to the size, the waitresses haven't gotten managing lines, tables, and orders down to the wire) Inexpensive (about $8-$10 for dinner) DELICIOUS (the hamburg sets are pretty much all I crave every time I hear the words "Cafe Mami") In essence, this tiny Japanese "restaraunt" is a must stop for anyone looking for good Japanese food in the Cambridge/Boston area. Go to Porter Square and check it out!
(4)Jenn Y.
Tiny space, but friendly staff and quick service. My friends and I all got various rice bowls, I ordered the veggie don, which was done very well. The egg was tender, the sauce was not overpowering, and the portions were just right, definitely satisfying. Very reasonable prices, so it was a great value. The green tea smoothie was fantastic, it's drinkable green tea ice cream, highly recommend!
(4)Jane L.
Cafe Mami is amazing, truly. I moved to Cambridge in June, and I've already been at least five times. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The quality is incredible for the price, as are the portions. Favorite dishes: yaki don, plain curry rice, kaisou (mixed seaweed), miso soup. Other tips: if you don't have the patience to wait for a table, they offer extremely fast take-out service. Either stop by or give them a call, and you'll have mouth-watering food in ten minutes or fewer.
(5)Orly M.
I love you Cafe Mami! LOVE. The line is always ridiculous but there is a reason. The food is yummy and affordable and amazing. On Saturdays I have a particularly hard workout day and once i'm done with my afternoon session, i haul ass to Mami and get there right when they open. I get chicken yaki don over salad instead of rice. Add some sriracha and it's so delicious. I walk home sipping my miso and then devour my Japanese goodness. I usually end up drinking the sauce, which I probably shouldn't admit. For $7.50 there are few more perfect meals in the world.
(5)Cara P.
ORLY GOT ME ADDICTED TO CHICKEN YAKI DON Girl, didn't steer me wrong. They only take cash, and for some reason I suck at ordering there....I just say.."What she's having".....Sure, my hair frizzes up while waiting in the walkway and it is crowded and I feel like I am invading people's personal boxes of space. I just don't care. Perfect, after workout food. Now, I just have to remember to workout See you Friday.
(5)Amanda L.
I'd just like to point out, that you are more likely to win the lottery than get a seat at Cafe Mami. That being said, Cafe Mami is my new favorite at the Porter Sq Exchange. I first heard of Cafe Mami through Phantom Gourmet (When I could still stand it). It was their burger episode, and they mentioned how Cafe Mami had "Steak Sets" which were similar to a burger except without the bun, and about 1000x better. Holy crap, I have never agreed with the Phantom more. I got the Terriaki Steak Set. You have the option of adding melted cheese, a fried egg, or both for $1.00 or $2.00. Yes PLEASE. Ok, so I only got the fried egg, that's healthy....right?? I'm just going to say yes for the sake of my wellbeing. Um, it was AMAZING. Your mouth is going to have an orgasm with all the flavors and textures that are going on. FYI, dunk all your rice into the juicy goodness that's left over. Yum. I haven't tried anything else, but they have about 6 different Steak Sets, and needless to say, I'm excited to go back.
(5)brian w.
Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. If you take away nothing else from yelp today, make sure to remember this one menu item: Chicken Curry Katsu with Egg and Cheese. Cafe Mami is the only place in beantown where you can get curry katsu that rivals what you might find in LA or Hawaii. The curry is worth the trip up to Porter Square, and it's worth the wait for seating (which isn't bad at all off-hour). My buddy likes the Japanese Hamburg, and another friend of mine swears by the Tetsuya Curry. I would comment on other menu items if I could, but I must confess that my knowledge of the Cafe Mami menu is far from exhaustive. That's because I can never bring myself to order anything but the curry katsu.
(5)Tanya O.
Sooo good!
(5)Byron M.
A japanese approach to curry. Imagine having something crunchy with curry. That is what they do here. They prepare a katsu with panko bread crumbs and fresh chicken and serve it over rice and curry that has been cooking all day. The result is a flavor and texture profile that is quite satisfying. I am told that this katsu curry dish is what kids in Japan eat. It is marvelous. I also like their toyko hamburger, you can see my previous review for that. This is still a very nice place for cheap eats ala japan. As I have said before in my last review, don't go there if you are in a rush, because it gets awfully busy, and there is often a wait. They only have a few tables, and you will probably need to share a table. Mangia!
(4)Insun M.
Service: The hostess tries her best to accommodate everyone despite the long lines and is very very efficient. My meal came out just seconds after i finished my miso soup =) Food: Every time I go here I get the chicken or pork katsu with curry. SOOOOO GOOD. Good portion size too.
(4)Aretha B.
I had a damn good meal tonight at Cafe Mami. I had the fried pork cutlet on white rice with red pickled cabbage and a ladle full of japanese curry. It was very filling and flavorful. The curry was INTENSE in flavor, but not too spicy. Sriracha on the table for those who like it hotter. It was a tender pork cutlet. Nice crunchy breading, even under the sauce. OMG OMG so good. Me wanty more. Too bad this place is so busy and not more convenient to me. But I will def come back.
(4)Leeta W.
Some of the chefs there attend my Taekwondo school in Porter Square so I finally gave in and tried it. I I am absolutely addicted to their Japanese Curry. To a gravy and carb lovin-American, it's the closest thing to food heaven. Throw in some friend chicken (Tatsuta Curry) and it's borderline sinful. I have heard that their Hamburge Sets and Donburi ("rice bowls) are amazing too but I can't NOT get the yummy, creamy, slightly spicy goodness that is curry.
(5)G Y.
My husband and I come here at least once a week for their wafu hamburg set. Great value for money. There is not much seating, however, so timing is everything. We even go get takeout every so often.
(5)Heather P.
I finally tried Cafe Mami's green tea shake on a warm summer day; it was delicious and hit the spot! The drink reminded me of the matcha soft serve ice cream that you find in Japan. I am also a big fan of Mami's mackerel entree (saba shioyaki).
(5)Jang David K.
I forgot to talk about their tofu....oh....please get it!!! I didn't like tofu until I ate their tofu salad. Actually, get their fish dish as well. YOu know what, forget it....get everything there....i love every single dish in this restaurant...not kidding. See, Cafe Mami has a WoW factor....you are a 5 star forever.
(5)Jackie Y.
Cafe mami is a MUST whenever I head back to Boston. Delicious homestyle Japanese food is harder to come by in NY... Dishes I HAVE to get: Tokyo Style Hamburg Set with Cheese and a Fried Egg served with homemade tomato sauce, rice, potato, and simple side salad: the texture of this beef patty is amazing, extremely tender. I would love to learn how to make this so I don't have to go all the way to Boston to get this... Ninniku Chicken Set: this garlic lemon chicken served on a sizzling hot plate with carrots and a small potato is HOT (tempurature-wise) which I love and I highly recommend dipping the potato in the garlic-lemon sauce on the hot plate! Dishes I will get if I am with more than one person: Any and all Curry dishes! Items I'll PASS on: Fried Shrimp Shumai: Nothing special here, almost tastes like lightly fried shrimp paste.
(4)Anne M.
Good food!!! Udon noodles were excellent!
(5)Tom E.
About 4 bites into my meal here was when I, the Emperor, looked down on the new clothes I'd been given and suddenly realised that it had all gone wrong. Was this some kind of joke? What was I doing here? Why had a waited in line to be seated next to a slush machine for this food? Was I back in '97 on my student budget with no culinary clue? I was! I was eating a small jacket potato with a burger drowned in ketchup and a fried egg on top. My partner was having breaded chicken cutlet with English mustard and brown (HP) sauce. It was uncanny - this is exactly the cheap mess I used to cook up myself from the Tesco's Value frozen range back in the gastronomic wasteland that was my late-nineties life in England. They didn't even forget the soggy token side-salad. I was even drinking a can of coke! And yet all these people in line, and all these glowing reviews from trusted friends espousing the wonders of Japanese canteen cuisine. It's strange - the miso was great but apart from that I obviously don't get it, or maybe I ordered the wrong things. But then I also for once want to support that little part of my brain that shouts out every time I try some new ethnic cuisine - "It's probably all a con - they're all laughing in the kitchen - they're joking about you back in their home country!" I may come back and see if they have any of my other staples from 1997 - battered fish sticks in a white bread sandwich, baked beans served in a mug with a frankfurter to stir it with, pot noodle with squeeze cheese...
(2)Justin G.
I have been coming to Cafe Mami for about 5 years now and have never been let down. Everyone that I have ever taken here has left feeling as enthusiastic about the place as I was after eating here the first time. My favorite selections on the menu are: Yaki Don, Seaweed Salad, BBQ Hamburger Set and their Chicken Katsu are all wonderful. The staff is always very friendly and will work hard to accommodate you and your party. The only drawbacks are that they are located in a tiny storefront so you may be seated at a joint table with people you don't know and they also don't accept credit cards (only reason for 4/5 stars). All in all, Cafe Mami is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area and I highly recommend that anyone in search of hearty Japanese fare check it out!
(4)Kenny L.
The lively hustle and bustle of this place reminds me of Osaka, Japan! I've been to Porter Exchange many times now for my authentic Japanese fixes after moving to Boston and this places always seems to be the busiest out of all the eateries there. There is a counter for up to three people, as well as three tables for groups. And the open kitchen is a welcoming sight to watch during eating and all the Japanese talk between the chiefs and waitresses made me miss Japan all over again! Be prepared to wait to dine in but they have menus displayed outside and are ready to take your order before you are seated. I also noticed many orders for the go! As for me, I enjoyed a nice dine-in experience and had the curry pork cutlet tonkatsu ($8.50) and it was oishii (delicious)! The katsu was very comparable to what I had in Kyoto and not greasy at all, while there was plenty of rice to keep you full. Miso and salad with Japanese dressing came before it and that was very enjoyable as well! I missed out on the green tea milk shake but will have to try it next time ($3.50). Cash only please and they're closed on Tues (thanks Yi-Hwa H.). Sorry Ittyo, but Cafe Mami will be my food geisha from now on! "Gochisoosama," says the wise Lin san. 11/11 Update: Came back today to try their Tokyo Hamburg Set. It has miso soup, salad with Japanese dressing, small potato, rice, and meatloaf like hamburg with Japanese tomato sauce that not too tangy and a bit sweet. Not bad at all! To the pretty Japanese waitress: pass me your number next time I get the check?
(5)J L.
The service there has been deteriorating..My friend ordered a chicken curry and received a chicken cutlet with some sour sauce that tasted like A1 instead. We voiced the mistake and yet the waitress said he pointed to the picture of the chicken cutlet. If she had listened instead of looking we wouldn't have the wrong order..We just ask for the waitress to give us the curry sauce instead of having the entire order replaced and she said she MUST charge us $5 for the freaking sauce ONLY! How fair is that??!! Geez, we just asked for sauce and they have to be so damn cheap about it. The waitress sounded like the business will close down if they don't charge us the 5 bucks. This place has officially lost two customers. If you don't do it right someone else will..
(1)John P.
Three words: Green Tea Milkshakes. If not for a lack of vegetarian options, this would easily be 5 stars.
(4)John P.
Okay maybe not super cheap... basically anything is 8.99$, but @$*&# delicious. Had steak, egg, cheese with tomato sauce... it was delicious. Gf's Teriyaki was a little too salty. Delicious! Cash only = lame.
(4)Nors P.
My go-to for comfort food. Nothing like some donburi to make you feel loved!
(5)Ellice S.
This is our never-fail place when we lived in Boston. Even now that we're in California, I still dream of this place and I haven't found a replacement yet. Fried Chicken marinated in ginger, Fried Shumai, Spicy Beef bowl and Oyako Don --- yummm, I also love their sweet carrot side which I have tried to replicate without success. Also have to mention how fun it is to sit at the bar area just because you can see japanese efficiencies at it's best. From the really fast compact dish washer to the prepared meats ready to be cooked.
(5)Andrew M.
This place is SO GOOD. It's the ber-ZOMB! Very small, you have to wait and then share a table. "Real food, real cheap." (Maybe it is Yelp reincarnated as a restaurant.) And a super vibe. We are both miso enthusiasts and we found the miso to be delectable. My gf was not that into her dish, but admitted that it was because she just didn't really know what it was going to be (and neither did I). She totally gives it "gobishi" (or whatever 5 stars is) and we can't wait to go back.
(5)Huan z.
Never thought I would try this place but you always see a long waiting line when you pass-by. Until a friend told me in ski trip this is his favorite cheap place, I decided to give a shot. The place is very small but food come quickly. I wasn't sure if the food would be good cause I thought why a Japanese restaurant would have a dish called some thing Hamburger. Out of my surprise, foods tastes OK. Every dish came with a miso soup. Cheap and tasty! Oh, plus the waiter is very friendly.
(3)Raymond W.
Cafe Mami, located in the Lesley University Student Center, serves home style Japanese fare at a small humble outpost along with other various food court style restaurants. A friend from college recommended the hamburg set while my sister order a $5 lunch special of a bulgogi like beef dish over a bowl of rice. Both were satisfying and inexpensive with the meal coming out to under $20 with a tofu appetizer before tax and tip. A great place to get some cheap food with out feeling guilty about price or unhealthier alternatives. Please remember to bring cash and know that there are under 10 seats available.
(4)Tiffany D.
I have bad luck when it comes to wanting to try this place. The only one time that I saw it not packed with a line was when I went to Porter Sq. to try octopus balls from Tampopo (haha) anyways. I didn't eat THERE (I got takeout - which is why I didn't get the hamburg plate that I've heard good things about) so I got the spicy beef bowl (the other thing that I've heard about from there) and it was phenomenal. It wasn't spicy tho :( I like how it comes with a little cup of free miso soup hehe just wish there was more seaweed and tofu in it. I also didn't get to try their green tea milkshakes (waa!) but there's always a next time... This place is TINY you have to go during a non-rush hour to get a seat. And it's horrible for groups larger than 2 or 3 cuz you probably can't really sit together. Also, (looking at the survey below as I write this) who said this place was good for breakfast???
(4)Julia H.
Extremely small place. Did not find the food to be as great as everyone says it is. It is very basic and cheap. I got sick afterwards. Enough said!
(1)linda c.
This place is always packed~ espeically during weekend dinner time. expect at least 15min wait, and make sure you know what you want before you go. The food is amazing, its simple and affordable. love love~ love their hamburger set and boneless chicken.
(5)David S.
I have a deep and abiding love for a good Teri Don, and I'm always searching for a more convenient option than my favorite vendor, Shogun out in West Newton. I checked out Cafe Mami to see if they could teri a don, and I have to say I'm still searching. Presentation was pretty much nonexistent, but that's par for the course at this particular food court. The food was decent, if a little short for the price (although rice refills are free- cheapskates take note!). I did have to wait about fifteen minutes for it (Salmon Teriyaki takes fifteen minutes? What?) and it was a long time to sit there and smell everyone else's dinner. All in all I guess I was satisfied but not overwhelmed, but for value I'd have to give the edge to the Ten Don at Ittyo a little further up the hall. Sorry, Mami, but that's how it go.
(3)Po L.
CURRY! The curry is great here. This place is very authentic and similar restaurants in Japan. They only take cash and it can be a tad on the high side. The line for this place is similar to the DMV, but that's apart of the Cafe Mami experience. The service is good. I've been coming here for a long time now. You should give it a shot. Gambade!
(3)Josh K.
Japan 1, USA 0. Burgers can get boring after a while. You have a burger, you have bun, and then you are done. Why not drench a burger patty in homemade teriyaki sauce, put it on a plate, and serve it with some rice and salad? Cafe Mami makes a delicious teriyaki burger patty served with rice and salad for a reasonable $7.99. I'd recommend this place as a quick place to stop to eat after work as it's a small place, so there could be a wait during peak times for groups of more than two.
(4)D H.
Tasty hamburg. Tried the one with the special tomato sauce, as recommended by the staff there, but the oroshi ponzu one was very tempting I have to say. This is the place to go if you need a break from all the sushi and fusion crap (not saying that it's always bad) and want some good old homestyle Japanese food. I'll be back for more.
(4)bozohazard H.
Chefs specials are excellent and not the average-asian-fusion. A bit pricey for everyday lunch ($9) but worth it!
(4)Mark H.
I ordered the tatsuta chicken curry with an egg (over easy) and it was awesome. The curry had a perfect amount of spice and the chicken was tasty though I wish it were a bit crispier. Miso soup and a salad come with your order and you also get free refills on rice (if you're Asian or if you just love carbs, this should be enough of a reason to love this place). I also had a taste of the hamburg steak but I'm not sure which one it specifically was. I liked that a lot too and that's probably what I will order the next time I go
(5)Lei L.
boston doesn't have a thriving japanese town like ny, but porter square is not bad! cafe mami is the place to go. the guys always want to go because they think the waitresses are cute...i get suckered to go, because i just craving eating asian food or seeing asian people sometimes. food here is good and inexpensive, A-rating for boston.
(5)Andre C.
During lunch or dinner hours, you'll always find this establishment to be packed. Part of this can be attributed to the seating area, which is tiny. The food is simple, mostly consisting of Japanese rice bowls. They have some of the better teriyaki in Boston, although their curry is average and I've found the Katsu-Don to be a tad too "saucy" at times. The portions of the rice bowl is a little small to me, but then again I'm a big eater. Their sizzling plates are also quite good, and I especially like their Japanese hamburger meal. Nothing much in terms of appetizers or dessert, and avoid their Green Tea slush at all costs - I found it terribly bad. Lunch specials are great, $5 for a rice bowl and a miso soup. Service can be bad at times, I've had the experience of waiting for 20 minutes in line and sitting down at 2 minutes past 2pm only to have them refuse to serve lunch specials. Overall, good food at low prices, with service to match the price. If you can, call-in your takeout and save yourself the agony of standing in line for 30 minutes.
(4)Hieu N.
This TEENY place is truly a hidden jewel. My brother and I stopped by with our mom in lieu of eating at a restaurant for Restaurant Week because we werent really hungry. Luckily we did so because we left happy. We had gyu-don, curry rice,tokyo hamburg set, and yaki-don. I wasnt really a fan of the gyu-don but it was good on another occasion, I thought it was a little under seasoned at the time but later on it was not bad. My favorite was the yaki-don, Im not really a fan of curry but the curry was pretty good I have to admit. The hamburg was soooo good, especially with the egg. It was my moms...but i couldnt help myself haha. On another occasion i tried the oyako don....dont try it. It was a weird watery half cooked chicken egg soup with rice. I did not like it at all. But that was my choice I suppose. The green tea smoothie was good too, its got more of a deeper green tea flavor than Im used to and it was great. Cheap deals, if you cant tell i got everything off the lunch special. Best 5 dollars (each dish) I've spent in a while. The waitress there is also suuuuppppperrrr cuuuute. Running around everywhere and talking to the chef in her little voice. We gave her a good tip because she definitely worked hard running around. The seating is small and you'll most likely have to share a table but make the best of it and chat it up. Great place, great food,
(5)Hana C.
tokyo hamburg steak, chicken katsu curry, tatsuta age, yaki-don... with saracha sauce and green tea smoothie. omg so yummy! I love this place. I always get takeout too. A tiny place, and there is usually a line but so worth waiting. love this place. love!
(5)Carlos D.
This is hands down the best Japanese curry I have had since I lived in Okinawa. Very reminiscent of Coco's curry. The service was quick and friendly, portions were large, and the price was very reasonable. I recommend the chicken cutlet curry and green tea milkshake. I can not wait to go back!
(4)Chin C.
Great place to go for Japanese food. I love chicken curry, it's the best. The place is often crowded during lunch time or dinner, so you may like to drop by other time than that. You will get a good meal here and yeah it won't rip you out.
(4)Bernice S.
To die for green tea ice cream milk shakes (that's a mouthful, literally) that'll clean out your wallet ($4!) if you're not careful; however, otherwise cheap eats ($5-$9) that are gastronomical treats, and I swear that Boneless Fried Chicken has something addictive in it; line-up if you arrive, like, 10 minutes after they open can suck big balls, 'specially if you have rugrats with you--oh, and only one high chair. (Ok, so I cheated in that review by misusing the semi-colon. Eats Shoots and Leaves, man.)
(4)B C.
We have going to this place on weekends now for 10 year and I always wondered if this an authentic corner eatery that you would find on the streets of Tokyo. Since a number of my son's classmates were Japanese over the years, I had the opportunity to ask their parents (these parents, who are all recent arrivals, are usually here for 1-3 years sent either by their Company or here doing medical research). I am please to report this place is the real deal. I can never pass on the spicy beef and rice.
(4)B. B.
This is a tiny restaurant in an array of tiny Asian restaurants located in the Porter Exchange shopping center. I always have the beef bowl (sliced beef, red pickled ginger, rice), though others I dine with usually have the spicy beef bowl (not really spicy), and the vegetable teryaki bowl. In general, the service is very friendly, though they get swamped pretty easily. And I used to love the green tea milkshakes, but now they have a milkshake machine, and they're not nearly as good.
(3)Julie T.
I would say that for a period in my life, my friend and I would come here once or twice a week. Now that I've cut down and am only coming here about twice a month, I still love it. It's pretty apparent that I only order one thing off the menu cuz the waitress knows my order exactly how I like it: Chili Tomato Hamburg Set, extra spicy, extra sauce. A few changes here and there and it always tastes amazing, even if you eat it twice a week. It's cheap and awesome and it's so good that I just don't even know what to say about it. I guess if you gave this place under four stars...shame shame on you.
(5)トモ T.
A nice small Japanese restaurant in the row of similar restaurants in Porter Exchange. They serve good western style Japanese food which you can get in Family Restaurants in Japan. I give only 3 stars because it's so hard to get seats at this place. It's also not a comfortable place to eat a meal. Points for it's price.
(3)CeeCee R.
Good food for very good price. Been going there for years. Went there for lunch with my sister recently. I had Salmon Veggie Teriyaki bowl, which was a bit too much sauce but overall was good. She had a Beef bowl which she loved. Most of my friends and family love the Hamburg or the Chicken hot plate dish. My personal favorite was the Saba Teriyaki, which is discontinued a while back =(. Since it is a small place, you just have to be willing to share a table with strangers, but the speedy service, good food and friendly staff would make up for it.
(4)natalie c.
for any cheap authentic japanese food, where do i go? one answer: Cafe Mami. lunch specials have yaki-dons, gyu-dons for $5 (original price is $7). pretty good deal b/c it also comes with a piping hot delicious miso soup! gyu-don is pretty good. thin slices of marinated beef and onions over rice. only con is that sometimes the beef can be a little tough. every time i go i either get the tokyo hamburg with sunnyside up egg and cheese or the ninniku chicken. tokyo hamburg set is delicious! it tastes like a hamburger, but asian-fied and with rice! it also comes with a salad and small potato, but i can't even get to the extras because the hamburg is so filling and big. the outside of the hamburg is crispy, but inside its steaming hot and soft! yum! (i actually burned the roof of my mouth eating this yesterday ) ninniku chicken is for the times where i feel like i've had the hamburg too many times. its made with garlic and a ginger sauce. it comes sizzling out and is served with a potato as well. i think the best part is the carrot they give you with it, its really sweet and tasty! also comes with a miso soup people here are friendly and you are seated cafeteria style. i would only come here if you have a group of less than 4. you can also order sushi from kotobukiya sushi (right across) and they usually bring it over to your table so you can eat it with cafe mami's food! (cafe mami is okay with this too!) cash only! but there's a citibank and bank of america inside the square so its not so bad.
(5)Susan D.
This place supported me during college. The best wholesome food offered in this itty Japanese mall. This place feels like home because you get bottomless white rice, sriracha sauce, and rice seasoning conveniently on your table. MUST: chicken curry, pork cutlet, beef patty with homemade red sauce and fried egg on top. CHEAP: dinner entrees -$7, lunch specials $5
(5)Yb W.
Café Mami is tucked away in the small but bustling Japanese food court within Porter Square. The tiny restaurant, which seats no more than 12 people, dishes up fast and affordable Japanese-style comfort food. There is invariably a wait, but the efficient waitstaff will take your order in line so that it will be ready by the time you're seated. Donburi's and curries are the mainstays here. The food is not gourmet, but fun and flavorful. And don't miss their signature green tea milk shake!
(4)Amanda M.
Since this place revamped their menu I really miss the other fish dishes--the saba shioyaki and teriyaki. They were SO delicious and unlike you could get anywhere else or reproduce at home. I really wish they would bring them back. In spite of this, I still love Cafe Mami and will keep going back for the saba miso and green tea milkshakes.
(3)Anino X.
I'll rate this closer to 3.5 stars. The portions were pretty big and the service was friendly and fast. I just thought the curry rice was not as good as Tampopo's next door. As far as I've seen, they're the only restaurant in the Porter Exchange that offers hamburg sets, which I'll probably give a try the next time I visit.
(3)Jennifer H.
Best Japanese curry I've had since leaving Japan. Tasted exactly like the stuff I got used to there and was the perfect portion. Go for the $5 lunch special!
(5)Erin H.
I've only gotten the various hamburg sets... and can't get enough! The flavors are amazing and I'll even put up with the tiny space, sharing intimate tables with strangers and having enough cash on hand. The food is just so good.
(5)S. C.
I'm giving it a 4 star instead of a 5 star. It wasn't an easy decision. They changed owners about a year ago. It is not the same as it used to be. With the original owner, I would have easily given it a 6 out of 5 - it was perfect each and every time. But, for the price, it is still the best around.
(4)Ben L.
Cafe Mami is quite simply spectacular. Just thinking about it makes my eyes turn into gigantic hearts and if I have just eaten there you will know because my mouth will keep moving nonstop about the virtues of this petite little establishment. It is good to know that you are going to be getting real Japanese food if you go here. That means that you are going to be getting a lot of options that have very base flavors. You aren't going to get any super spicy thai dishes or odd asian fusion options. Also you are going to have a line. What ever your schedule is I would tack a half and hour, at least, before you plan to sit down. When you do sit down everything is flawless. if you are prepared you can even order your meal while you are waiting for your seat. With my meal I was started with a miso that was perhaps the best that I have ever had. next was a small little salad with just the right amount of dressing. Then I was KOed by the supreme curry pork. A perfect cutlet of pork prepared immaculately with plenty of amazing curry sauce. The sauce was utterly ideal with just enough spice without being hot and flavor that almost couldn't fit in your mouth. To add to their ideal food the staff keeps up every inch of the way. Each dish is perfectly timed and they are very friendly. I wouldn't recommend Mami everyday because the waiting might be enough to give you a heart attack. I would say that if you are feeling patient it is more than wort the wait. "You rock Cafe Mami" (pounds fist against heart and points finger towards Cafe Mami)
(5)S T.
Great place to go if you want some Japanese comfort food. I ordered the pork katsu curry on rice. It was good, tasted exactly like home cooking. They also have a delicious green tea shake which is like a desert! Service was fast, efficient, and friendly. The lady asked if I wanted more water like 3 times. The only con about the place is the tight seating. Get there early!
(4)Terry C.
This place is fantastic. The food is excellent, the service is great, and the prices are très reasonable. Because it's so tiny, you may have to wait for a seat, but the turnover is pretty quick and you probably won't end up waiting too long at all. My partner loves the chicken curry, but being a veg-head, I go for the veggie don. Delicious!
(5)Jaime N.
I love the Teriyaki Hamburg set so much I can't bring myself to order anything else.. The waitresses are always so sweet and wonderful and the cooks behind the counter are always super friendly! The wait is no big deal- if you can't handle it you can always jump over to Tampopo or Ittyo, but if it's Hamburg you want, stick with Mami! Don't forget to try the green tea shake- my gf loves it!
(5)Sean C.
I went there couple times. It is AWESOME Japanese Food and very original Japanese style. I have visited Japan couple times and taste quite the same here. I have no doubts that Cafe Mami is the best on in Boston - in terms of the quality and the price. The only thing can be criticized is some time I have to wait - the seat number are limited by the space and building regulation. The food is so good that It is wroth to wait, and I recommend to go some non-rush hour if possible.
(5)A. T.
The Rock'n Chicken Set is oh so tasty but oh so, so salty -- definitely take advantage of the 'unlimited rice refills' for this one. You will also be satisfied with any of the Tatsuta or Cutlet dishes. Oh my Lord, I can't believe this was the first time I have ever been.
(5)Andy S.
Katsu curry is great, I get it every time. It is quick and service is nice. Would be nicer if they expanded to a bigger place, so crowded always. Btw, try the green tea smoothie they have. That might be pricey, but its amazing!!
(4)Amanda M.
Good food good prices! Just have to be careful you don't go looking for you yaki don fix during that 2 hour period between lunch and dinner they close for (3-5 I think).
(5)Yuki Z.
Where Japanese people go to get homestyle food. Cafe Mami isn't glamorous. The space is tiny, shoved in the back of a dinky mall. The food is simple and not what most Americans expect of Japanese food - all classy and, ahem, minimalist. They just serve up real good food. It's pretty cheap, and the portions are just right. The Oyako Donburi and the curry are my favorites. The super quick service also makes up for the fact that they only have seating for...maybe 10 people at a time.
(5)Ligaya T.
When I feel nostalgic for Asia I go to Cafe Mami. I dig the counter and communal tables and in-and-out manner of eating during a busy day. Most importantly, the food rocks! If you know what's up, you'll order a green tea milkshake, all gritty with matcha, CURRY (which comes with miso and rice, which they weigh, just like the spots in Nihon) or a yaki don. You know when you crave something and nothing else can quell it? Something about that particular combination of tastes, maybe the experience? Uh huh. Hankerings for this place strike me at the oddest of times, walking in the rain, chatting with a friend, typing on the keyboard... like right now and I just had lunch. And the Latino guys in the kitchen (Mexican?) speak Japanese, how novel is that?
(4)Amy L.
love love love! best katsu ever!
(5)Leigh I.
This place is typically known as 'teishoku' style food. Essentially a Japanese cafeteria food. They have the basics, and the kitchen staff is yapping in Japanese. Sort of nice as it reminds me of Japanese restaurants run by part timers. Last time I looked, comics weren't updated, but you can grab a 'recent' Japanese newspaper instead. It's not your typical chicken teriyaki and california roll joint. If this is what you want, skip Mami. The 'hype' is mainly due to people looking for Japanese eatery type food, which is very difficult to find in US. The two best places in the states is Little Tokyo in NYC, and Japan Town in San Francisco. Since we can't driver there this is the place for teishoku food. So, what's good? Well, the sea-weed salad is pretty decent. Miso soup isn't that bad. (Not the best, but it's better then over priced miso soup made from packet and hot water). I like their katsu-curry. (Ask for 'ton' (pork) or 'tori' (chicken)' and you are good to go. But do try their tatsuta-age. Basically chicken nuggets. Dip it in Japanese Mayo and you are good to go. Also, 'hamburger steaks' are what is very typical in Japanese. (If you are Eureka 7 fan, watch the very first and last episode and you'll see them eat 'big-bagu'. Short for 'big-burger'). Get the one with egg on top. If you are daring, do try the cheese as they stick it inside the burger. Back then, they gave me as much rice (except for curry orders) as I wanted. It's great if you are super hungry and you can wolf down couple of bowls of rice. They didn't have any soft drinks,so you had to bring you own. Go to the grocery store and grab yourself a drink or walk across the hall to the sushi restaurant and they used to have a vending machine there as well. (At least they used to) Overall, I like this place, but I had to knock 1 star off because it's always packed as there are only 3 tables. There are creative ways around that if you happen to be friends who don't want to eat at Mami and you can talk to the wait staffs in Japanese nicely. (hint hint!!!) Food is less expensive then a formal Japanese restaurant but not cheap by any definition. If you are broke, hungry, and you just want to fill yourself up, you can get more for your money elsewhere. Expect to spend roughly $10 after tip for 1 course meal. I recommend people to try this place. Be warned that it can be packed and line can get long (15+ mins wait) during lunch and dinner, and you will be surrounded by tons of young Asian students. While most American would detest that, for some, that just adds more authenticity to this place.
(4)Irving L.
I spent many lunch hours in line just to get a taste of their lunch specials....basically everything is spectacular... and now that I don't work in the city, I miss the place... Heck I would even order extra for dinner.. Great place in Porter Sq, and although the lines can be ridiculous, it is for a reason.....so check it out when you get a chance... you'll be surprised at its Japanese goodness.. tiny place, with huge flavor..
(5)Daisuke F.
I miss Cafe Mami so much! This was the place for me to go with friends when I was in Boston for college. Even now, I make sure to have a meal there when I visit Boston. Curry dishes, hamburg set, donburi, you name it and they are all good! Being away from Japan, this is my number 1 place to get "youshoku" - Western style Japanese food - in U.S.
(5)Tina B.
Tried the Vegetable Curry with Tofu. Felt it was too bland in taste, & I could of made it better at home ? Very limited seating. Inexpensive.
(2)Nick A.
I'm from LA and I love the Japanese curry franchise there. This place was just as amazing! The food was excellent and it met my high expectations completely.
(5)Mara K.
Cafe Mami's curry is still the one that I use as the basis for all my comparisons when getting Japanese-style curry. I even had what is supposed to be one of the finest curries in the LA area (Curry House) but really, this one's my favorite. I have tried duplicating it at home, and I've come up with some tasty curries, but nothing like theirs. It's magnificent with whatever protein you choose to get it with and isn't even entirely necessary. Aside from that, I like their spicy beef bowl, the Tokyo-style hamburger, and they make a good green tea shake (though I liked their old ones from a few years ago better: made with actual ice cream). It's cramped, and you have to wait and share your eating space with people who you may not wish to share your dining experience with (pasty white anime fans that you, as another pasty white anime fan, try to avoid the best you can in other venues), but it's still one of my favorite places to go for a consistent and tasty meal.
(5)Tiffany W.
hurry. curry. the small corner stand shop in porter exchange, cafe mami is one of my most fave places to go for the non-sushi side of japanese! absolutely luv the curry cutlet dishes and the green tea smoothies there's always a long line around dinner time but service has a pretty quick turnover rate and the waitress is always very friendly and uppity just a heads up, it's closed on tuesdays... Ittyo (two stores down) is also a good alternative if the wait is unbearable
(5)Dave C.
This place gets my vote whenever I'm in the mood for good, simple Japanese food. There is usually a wait when you go near dinner time hours, but if its not too long (over 20 minutes,) then its worth the wait. The spicy tofu salad is always a good starter. I always get the Saba in miso gravy, and its always delicious. Its a cheap date, because 2 people can dine for less than $30.00. Works for me.
(4)Raymond Y.
I have been going here for the pass 8 years. Loved it every time. They have the best Japanese curry in town if you ask me. One of the favorite dish would be "Boneless Fried Chicken". Simply one of the best dish around Boston.
(5)Anonymous P.
I thought the teryiaki chicken was decidedly lackluster, though the hiyayakko and miso soup were good. Mami wasn't really bad, but my criterion for three stars is that I would go there again. I would definitely go to Ittyo every time over Mami.
(2)Lucy S.
reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch, ugh! I came with my friend after she kept sayin' how good this place was and all, lemme tell you, i will never eat here again...the hambuger on rice was gross...so was the orange ketchup on it, the buger was using some mystery meat which tasted totally freezer-burned
(1)Stephen Y.
Oh, yes.... Cafe Mami.... Just be there 5 minutes before opening so you can score a table- space and a seat. Cheap Japanese fast food but so much better than McD ! Choose wisely, however. The green tea milkshake is addictive !
(3)Victor C.
Hands down the best place for japanese boneless chicken! (aka Tatsuda Chicken or Karaage) Served with miso soup, small salad and rice(unlimited refills on the rice). Portions are moderate. I could probably eat two dishes if I were extremely hungry. Cost: under $9. Be prepared to wait. The place, located in the heart of porter square in cambridge seats 12 people and more likely than not, you will be sharing a table. There is always a line. They open at 12 -3 and again from 5-8:30. They are closed on Tuesdays. This is another place that only takes cash.
(4)Frank N.
I love Cafe Mami. Sure, they take your order when you haven't been seated, you can't be seated until everybody in the party is present, and you gotta sit with rando people sometimes, but I attribute it to Japanese efficiency. The food is amazing. I first ate here during the first week of freshman year of college, and I've been going back ever since, constantly craving tokyo style hamburg set, rice bowls, fried chicken, and the curry! I pretty much rotate between these dishes. It's terrible though-- every time I come I end up getting the same things over and over because they're so freakin good and can't really bring myself to try other dishes. Maybe I should just go everyday for a week...then I'll get sick of everything and finally try something new. Actually, now that I think of it, I've tried the spicy beef bowl, and the fried chicken with mami's tomato sauce (on the back of the menu), which were ok, but I prefer the aforementioned dishes. The miso soup is great too. There's a parking lot in the back that's $1 if you eat at porter exchange (where Cafe Mami is). I would also recommend that you come with no more than 6 people--the less the better because then you don't have to wait as long. The biggest table will seat 6 people, but I believe they have an extra seat so you could squeeze in 7. They sometimes have odd hours, and close on Tuesdays, so if you're not sure, give them a call before you go. Oh, and apparently there's nothing as good as Cafe Mami in NYC. Take that, "everything is better in NYC" bastards! ha! I also vote that they open a Cafe Mami at Super 88 :DDDDDDDDD
(5)Timothy L.
This is one of my favorite places to eat at Porter Square. I'm a big fan their Ninniku Chicken Set, garlic/lemon chicken with ginger sauce on a sizzling hot plate. When I'm not feeling like eating chicken, I'll get the Tokyo Hamburg Set (Hamburger without the bun) or Yaki Don (shaved steak stir fried with onions/beansprouts in a spicy sauce). Most of their sets are about $9. Only problem is this place is tiny and wait time are a bit long. So I would recommend not going during lunch/dinner times.
(4)Moomin T.
Words to the wise: what is served here as "hamburger" is more like what we in America would call meatloaf (i.e., the meat has been cut with breadcrumbs). It is more like a meatloaf in the shape of a hamburger to be precise. I do not deny that it is fairly tasty, but if you are looking for a real burger I'd stick with Mr. B's (especially if you are local and can go on a weeknight in winter to avoid the touristy crowd). As for the "hamburger" (a.k.a. meatloaf) our Japanese friends are serving: it is a nice variation on a theme. I got the one with tomato sauce and my dining partner got the teriyaki version. The waitress was really the high point of the meal: such a friendly and helpful person! There are only two tables in this 'restaurant' so you better come at an off-time or expect to stay in line for a while waiting for somewhere to sit.
(3)masa s.
Er. Maybe I'm spoiled, but this place was just okay. Service was nice, food was decent, atmosphere was so so. I had the veggie donburi, which was what I expected. I liked it, but it was nothing special. They only had one server who was rushing around, barely keeping things together. She seemed a bit frazzled, but I guess 2 people would have been overkill? Dunno. The prices were okay, though.
(3)Mimi X.
I came in with high expectations from reading the other yelp reviews, but was disappointed. It was just ok. We shared a table with some strangers in the cramped restaurant, which was about the size of my bedroom. I hoped the food would live up to the hype.... but sadly it was forgettable: although inexpensive, (dinner for 2 was about $20), the Hamburg steak was basically meatloaf with tomato sauce, and my thinly shredded beef was a little too sweet. I kept thinking it needed a spicy kick to be satisfying. I could be convinced to go back and give it a second try, perhaps going for one of the curries- but I would not go out of my way to return.
(3)Brian W.
This place is really good, especially for Boston. The food is cheap and delicious. The service is quick, courteous, and accurate. Yeah it's small and cheek-to-jowl, but I kind of enjoy that atmosphere at times. It's something between a sit-down cafe and a streetside vendor, complete with all the bustle 2 feet away from you (although the street here is the inside of a mall). It's also fun to watch the staff work and take care of business. I haven't tried all the dishes yet, but they have pictures in the menu for all us non-initiates. The green tea milkshake is delicious!
(5)David L.
Mmm...Tokyo Hamburger Set and Tatsuta Curry!!! Eating on the cheap at Cafe Mami was one of my weekly experiences when I used to live in the area. Now that I've moved out, I still make it over to Porter Exchange (and Cafe Mami) on occasion. I always get either the Tatsuta Curry or the Tokyo Hamburger set. Lately, I've been getting the curry more since it's something I've really never found anywhere else. But the same can be said about the Tokyo Hamburger set...hard choices indeed! There are only two tables and some counterspace available, maybe sitting 12-15 people at the most in the tight little area, but that just adds to the mystique of the small crowded lunchtime food vendor that can both serve great food and turn over tables quickly!
(5)peggy c.
Simple. Fast. Delicious. As others have mentioned, the space is small, the food delicious and the staff friendly. It's a great casual place to grab some yummy Japanese food when the craving hits. I heart donburi!
(4)Shuo S.
Cafe Mami is interesting Japanese food. Interesting in the sense that you've probably never seen any of the food on the menu advertised as Japanese. From "Hamburg Steak sets" to Japanese curry, the creations at this bistro have a unique sense of character. If you're going to Cafe Mami for dinner, expect to pay around $10-12. The portions are not exactly the biggest, but will satisfy. Do expect to wait in line if you want to be seated (there are only 2 tables, and 3 seats at a "bar"), and don't bring parties of more than 5 or 6 because you won't be seated together. Each "set" of food comes with an entree, miso soup, and as much rice as you can eat. The soup is done nicely here; it tastes really fresh, although some might say it's a little salty. Each entree also comes with a salad of lettuce, carrots, and japanese dressing, as well as a small roasted potato. The food here is definitely interesting, but my main gripe is that for $8.50, there's not enough food on the plate. Try a teriyaki hamburg steak set if you're going for the first time, or if you're into something spicier, try a curry dish or one of the chef's specials on the back of the menu. The green tea milkshake is really good as well; a 16-ounce cup of it will run you $3.50. Overall, Cafe Mami combines traditional Japanese flavors with bold, innovative creations to form new and interesting fare. Definitely try it at least once!
(4)Alex B.
Really good. I'm not exactly sure what I just ate... but I read other yelp reviews and ended up with a burger type thing on a plate. The yaki-don was amazing, you're going to want to go ahead and order that.
(4)Edward P.
wow, was gonna try Fugakyu but found out about this place. Their curry rice is the truth. this is how authentic japanese cuisine should taste like. Fugakyu costs 2x as much and cant be as good. ill still try them later so i can review them 2. but as far as authentic, economically priced japanese food, can't go wrong with Mami.
(5)Steve M.
Ok, I must be honest. I posted a harsh review of Mami last summer when the curry left me dry. About 15,000 donburi bowls later, I'm a changed man. Their yaki-don is incredibly delicious and only $5 on weekdays. The hanbaga is really tender and the sauce is well flavored. The appetizers are tasty and the people that work there are the nicest. I highly recommend it.
(5)Melissa B.
Solid little place in Porter Exchange. Great deal on rice plates. Love the fried chicken. You can eat well here for $7-$9.
(3)Atrebor B.
I went to Cafe Mami today after watching the Phantom Gourmet feature it as a "hidden gem" last week. I was sorely disappointed. I ordered the "hamburg plate with the special homemade tomato sauce" with the addition of a fried egg. It came with miso soup, rice, a fingerling baked potato and raw lettuce on the side. First, the "hamburg" patty had a really strange and funny taste to it (like meat gone bad), I can only assume that more than ground beef was used as an ingredient; and not necessarily in a good way. The tomato sauce had a tangy twang to it but was completely forgettable. The potato was a potato and the "salad" had a sesame oil drizzle on it which did nothing for the lettuce, resulting in a bland and somewhat watery mess. The best part of the meal was the bold and flavourful miso soup and the nicely done fried egg. But for $9.98 I expected more! Suffice it to say, I won't be returning and I won't be trusting Phantom Gourmet anymore.
(2)Ebrahim B.
Next to perfect. The Terikyaki steak is fabulous but if you need rice in your life then go for the spicy beef bowl. The Shumai appetizer is also good but the main course quantities are a perfect size so I would stay with just one of those and not a appetizer. Place is pretty cramped, only space for 10-12 to sit and sometimes there a wait but you should try thr place out atleast once.
(5)Celicia C.
Cafe Mami supported me throughout college. I went to nearby Brandeis University for a whopping 5 year long program so I definitely frequented it alot! We were about a 15 minute car ride away and lo and behold I was the only one who had a car. Whenever someone in our group would utter the words "I'm hungry" we'd all look at eachother in hopes of someone suggesting Cafe Mami. I probably came here once a week with dreams of having the chicken katsu (panko breaded chicken cutlet) all sliced up with the katsu on the side. And the never ending rice. And the little baked potatoes wrapped in foil. Soooo good. The spicy beef salad is also one of my favorites. Just the right amount of spicy thinly sliced beef spread over a crunchy iceberg lettuce mesclun. I tried to make it in my dorm room but I could never make it right. The curries are also amazing. Cafe Mami is always a hit and one of my all time favorites. I miss it so! When you're done, go to the mini-mart/ice cream stand that sells green tea, red bean, and lychee ice creams. So good!
(5)Andrew L.
A great little Japanese place in Porter Exchange. portions are a good size tha it's cheap. There is always a line during the lunch and dinner rush, but people move quickly. I green tea milk shake is a hit on a hot day.
(5)Jud P.
I had to check out Cafe Mami in Porter Square after hearing several of my friends rave about it. The place is tiny, less then 15 seats total, but they take your order before seating you so people move in and out efficiently. I tried the curry pork cutlet. The pork was cooked very well, and the curry was good, but a little on the bland side. The value is high with dishes ranging from $7-$9. I also enjoyed the green tea milkshake, although my friend did not. Cafe Mami is a good dining experience, but not a great one.
(3)Michael T.
Tufts University apparently has one of the Top Five Dining Hall foods in the country, but after a semester of eating dining hall food, one must diversify. I lived off of Cafe Mami for 4 four years. During exams, papers, finals, break-ups and hook-ups, this place served some of the best japanese comfort foods outside of Tokyo or Osaka. I highly recommend the hamburger and/or the boneless fried chicken sets. Also try their green-tea shakes; they made them before anything green-tea was cool in America, so yeah, it's really good.
(5)Amy W.
Absolutely delicious hamburger sets and green tea milkshakes. Waiting for a seat can be tough while watching everyone else eat but you can check out all the action in the tiny kitchen. Can't get this type of food anywhere else in Boston. Delish!!!!
(4)Ed Konagaya K.
this is one of the few places where you can taste real Japanese food that we have in Japan!! (trust me! i'm from Tokyo!!) most of Japanese restaurants in Boston change the taste&style of Japanese food to be Americanized (like california rolls), and sometimes chefs at these place are not Japanese.... Actually, they do not have SUSHI, but taste of their food is reeeeeal Japanese food!! You should try that before going pseudo Japanese food!! the restaurant is not very expensive. $10~$15
(4)Farah W.
Cafe Mami is BUSY, and I'm wondering why it's so much busier than the other restaurants at Porter Exchange. Food is average, but I am thinking it's the prices that keep patrons coming back. We had two hamburg sets. Hamburg itself was decent; however, someone has to teach them to learn to make rice. Rice was SUPER STICKY. I understand Japanese rice is sticky, but this was a little too much.
(3)Stephen J.
A good, small little restaurant tucked away in the Porter Exchange serving Japanese comfort dishes in good portions. The price is what you'd expect (slightly cheaper than average, $8 for curry, $8-$10 for steak sets, $2-$5 for appetizers) and the taste is pleasant but nothing to write home about. It seems like it can get rather busy making for a wait, and the seating is limited and not too comfortable.
(3)So S.
Best JAPANESE CURRY you will find in Boston!! If you have never had it, you should try it---mix between Indian and Asian.....just a delicate flavor and not too heavy like the Indian ones. Love the crispy pork curry. Dishes comes w/ miso soup and salad! Cheap! Very small popular place in Porter Exchange. Get's very crowded!! Must try!
(5)MingPey L.
cafe mami is hands down the best reasonable price japanese food you can find around boston area... i have been coming here since '99 a lot have changed, but the food is still great, i always have a hard time wut to order here, cause i want a bit of everything, the hamburgers, the curry, the lemon chicken... this place do tend to crowd up during lunch times especially on the weekends. the menu has shrunk over the years but i guess other items just werent as popular as the ones they kept. although i did noticed the serving portion of the dishes has became smaller over the years, but i guess this is how the kept the price the same. all and all i love this place. if you havent tried cafe mami, next time you are in porter sq. stop by and check it out for yourself...
(5)Melody V.
I'm craving some Cafe Mami as I write this review. It's real simple Japanese food... for cheap... good speed of service... good portion... good location... flavorful, no matter what plate you get... and a delicious green tea milk shake to top it all off. We ordered our food while waiting for a table and got the food not long after when we get seated. Yum!
(4)