Chef/owner Chris Chung’s charming Inman Square bandbox offers a fresh, formidable take on the izakaya, a Japanese drinking den that also serves snacks. Here, the booze is an impressive selection of sakes and whiskies, the food a fascinating array of sashimi, poke, tempura, cooked seafood and the odd modernist cuisine touch. Clever land dishes also shine, such as a gluten-free “burger” served with fajita-like sizzle on a pad of rice. It’s a pretty little package hiding subtle, surprising gifts within.
Momi Nonmi
1128 Cambridge St., Cambridge • (617) 945-7328
mominonmi.com
Other Winners
-
Japanese
2014 Winner: O Ya
Rumor has it that Tim Cushman may open another O Ya in New York...
- 9 East St., Boston
- (617) 654-9900
- oyarestaurantboston.com
Photo Credit: Jillian Medugno -
Japanese
2015 Winner: O Ya
Boston’s costliest restaurant trades not on a lavishly appointed room nor an army of cosseting servers, but the subtle, exquisite pleasures of modern Japanese sashimi, sushi and cooked dishes, showcasing exotic species from distant oceans…...
- 9 East St., Boston
- (617) 654-9900
- oyarestaurantboston.com
-
Japanese
2016 Winner: Izakaya Ittoku
Some sleek, high-priced sushi palaces serve gold-flaked rolls and omakase feasts fit for an emperor, but this unassuming Allston eatery on the outer limb of the B Line is a real standout for both cuisine and cost...
- 1414 Comm. Ave., Boston
- (617) 608-3630
-
Japanese
2017 Winner: UNI
Ken Oringer’s reinvention of his longstanding, formal and expensive flagship Clio and sashimi bar UNI into a single restaurant...
- 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
- (617) 536-7200
- uni-boston.com
Photo Credit: Nicole Popma
