Awesome Sushi north of Boston - what's your vote?

[lexpatti]

We love Sakura's in Chelmsford. We also have tried Dynamite in Hudson, NH and love it too.

We're always looking for great sushi places.

[whs]

We had dinner before the show at Merrimack Repertory Theater last night in Lowell at Blue Taleh--we had Thai, but they also have sushi--has anybody tried it?

[lexpatti]

We enjoyed the thai ok, but wouldn't go back for sushi - it's been a while though and can't remember what we had - I remember prices being a bit up there but honestly can't remember what we ordered.

Have you tried that Tapas place just down the street - Ole Tapas? what did you see at MRT?

[whs]

it's called Heroes, translated from the original French by Tom Stoppard--funny, bleak view of aging seen through the eyes of 3 gentlemen in an old soldier's home. Was surprised at the quality of the production. Lowell is a great town--I need to explore it more.

[jackbauer]

Just had some very fresh and very tasty sushi at Little Tokyo on Maine Street in Brunswick, ME.

http://littletokyomaine.com/

[Skippy978]

A friend of mine took me to a very small sushi place on Rt. 1 North in Saugus. Maybe someone can help with with the name. It was on the Northbound side in the plaza after Carl's Sausage Kitchen with the Subway on one end and the wine store on the other.

Owned by 2 brothers from Japan. The food was great, very reasonably priced and the selection was great.

Don't know the name but would recommend it.

[berryberrykix]

Is Takumi the best place to go for sushi in Nashua right now? Better than You You and Red Leaf? Thanks...

[lexpatti]

we enjoyed Red Leaf best of those 3 mentioned. Still favorite is Sakura's in Chelmsford - fresh but not crazy creative

[chaosreins]

has anyone tried the sushi buffet at red leaf? what's the deal? their website (www.redleafnh.com) shows a buffet but the link doesn't go anywhere...if anyone has tried it i'd love to hear reviews. thanks!

[giantmouth]

We eat a lot of Sushi when we are in NY on business. Coming back home, we are always pleasantly surprised by how good the sushi at Moritomo in Concord NH is. Just take the main Loudon Rd exit, its in the shopping center across from LL Bean.

Oh, hell of a lot cheaper than NY too!

[whs]

What are the reports on Karma in Westford? A coworker raves about this place as the go-to place for sushi.

[greygarious]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/463801

[Plate_o]

Who woulda thought... a sushi bar in Claremont, NH! Last time I was there, about three years ago, it was the Bistro Nouveau restaurant. Bistro Nouveau moved to Eastman at least two years ago and the place had been vacant since then. This week (Aug. 15, 2009) Kouzoku Japanese restaurant opened with a completely renovated interior. They have a black granite sushi bar, large hibachi table, new flooring and furniture. As with every Japanese restaurant I have visited in New Hampshire, the owners and workers are not Japanese.

I wasn't really hungry, but was passing by and had to see the place and sample some sushi. For many years, my NH sushi benchmark had been Moritomo, in Concord. Then, about a year ago, I went to Yama for the first time and it was outstanding. Yama has become my new benchmark. Getting back to Kouzoku... the maguro (tuna) and hamachi (yellowtail) were fresh, top quality and sliced perfectly. Both servings were about the same thickness as Yama's, but about an inch longer. Like Yama, the sushi is not embellished with anything other than a bit of wasabi (green horseradish) between the fish and rice. Both seemed a bit dry compared to Yama's, and not quite as flavorful (probably the rice). However this was only their third day in business, so I'm thinking they could be a contender for "Ichiban" (Number one) as soon as they find their groove.

A friend visited Oct. 9, 2009, and said, "I am not a sushi fan, but love hibachi bars. It was wonderful. Much better than Koto's in West Lebanon. I had the salmon and my friend had scallops. Both were excellent, plus they gave you two shimp as an appetizer."

Kouzoku is at 236 Washington St., Claremont... across the street from VIP automotive supplies.

[Plate_o]

Yama Japanese and Korean restaurants in Hanover, NH (Dartmouth College http://tinyurl.com/lkvjhv) and West Lebanon, NH (http://tinyurl.com/lto33r). It's all about the fish quality, freshness and how it's cut. Yama is excellent.

[tbaynes]

I would agree, Yama is a wonderful place to eat! The fish is very fresh and the service is great. I would recommend sitting at the sushi bar and chatting with the chefs, they are friendly and do a great job. The lunch specials are well priced, an overall fantastic place.

-----
Yama Restaurant
96 Main St, West Lebanon, NH 03784

[whs]

Just had some amazing otoro at Takumi in Nashua--it was marbled like wagyu--sublime.

[shaebones]

Sushi Island, Wakefield, hands down.

[greygarious]

As I just posted on the Boston board, driving past the shopping center on 3A in North Billerica today, I noticed that the place that was formerly Feng Chung (and before that, Mandarin Buffet) is now Nana Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. This is a fairly large restaurant, near the intersection of 3A and 129. Anyone been? With authentic CH-favorite Szechuan Gourmet and The Pongal, the wonderful new Indian place, 3A in Billerica is becoming something of a suburban dining destination, so I hope Nana has the same high quality.

[neil]

Need directions to try the Indian place

-----
The Pongal
786 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

[whs]

From?

[lindzmarie]

Sake, Portsmouth, NH. Personal favorite and I've my share of traveling in large cities. Try the Spicy Tuna Appetizer and the Uzusukuri.I can't find these dishes anywhere!

141 Congress St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: [phone]

[fezzig]

For those of you would like Sake in Portsmouth, I have to recommend Sakura on Pleasant St. I think it's far superior.

[ScubaSteve]

i was a Huge Sakura fan until i stopped ordering off the menu and just talked to the Sushi Chef. i feel Sake does a better job in that respect. i will also give the (slightest) nod to Sake for freshness and diversity of fish.

[LDoll13]

LOVE Fresh Taste of Asia in Salem, MA....also Gourmet Garden in Swampscott, MA.

[lexpatti]

I have tried a few more places but we still keep going back to Sakura's in Chelmsford. They are consistently fresh and awesome service. Tonight they had lrg scallops as a special (just came in). Sooooooo sweet, we just got them naked, no rice. We've been in when they announced that they just received toro, sooooo good. Even their sides are excellent - we always get miso soup and edamame, sometimes this wonderful crab salad - then loads of sushi/maki. Their salmon is always wonderful, tonight we also go mackrel and sea bass and our usual unagi and a creative maki.

[Trixie Too]

We were Sakura die-hards until we tried Kyotoya in Stoneham and Sake in Saugus. Kyotoya is BYOB and sushi is fresh and inventive. Sake is such a trip! I love the fact that they have such an extensive Japanese food menu, alongside their sushi. The interior is a hoot.

[lexpatti]

kewl thanks, stoneham is doable to meet friends that are up in Newburyport (nice half way). where is it in Stoneham, I used to live in Stoneham.

[Trixie Too]

On Montvale Ave., next to the Montvale Plaza in a strip mall. Right on Woburn/Stoneham line. Also love the fact that the sushi chefs are women.

[Plate_o]

According to my GPS map, it's 58 Montvale Ave., and used to be the Cross Country Cafe. Here's a review from Oct. '07:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/stoneham/n...

[lexpatti]

aaaaah, yes. I know exactly where. I used to do my laundry there and had breakfast at the cafe. Nice, thanks both of you. I can't wait to check it out.

[aliris]

My jaw is scraping the ground to read of all these sushi places in NH and ME. I grew up in NH but have been gone some long while now. There sure wasn't anything like a sushi restaurant back when. My how times change.

[ScubaSteve]

went to Sake in Portsmouth this past Tuesday (8/14/07). WOW!
both O-toro and Chu-toro fresh that day. although i was alone i did ask for a few 'special' dishes and was not disappointed. suzuki with lime zest was amazing and fluke flowers with sambal really rocked me.
will be back with a few more people for omakase.

[ScubaSteve]

although i'm NOT a fan of their Salem NH spot there is a new Tokyo restaurant opening soon (they have the 'NOW HIRING' signs in the windows) at the Loop in Methuen. it's actually attached to the (HORROR!!) WalMart.

i will be checking it out a few weeks after it opens and i will post.

[perfectchef]

Any idea what the opening date is slated for?

[ScubaSteve]

no. no sign. will post when it does.

[whs]

We went back to Red Leaf in Nashua last night, and though the sushi was very good, the service was so amateurish is was almost funny. There were only two tables seated at 7:00 (us and a group that was finishing up). The waiter did not crack a smile the entire time we were there--his language skills were so basic that ordering appetizers became a major negotiation. He was so overwhelmed that he said "I go now--you order main course later" and ran off. The appetizers came out in a slow progression, and once again the monkfish pate with yuzu miso and black caviar was fantastic. Thankfully, when it came time to order our main course, a more experienced waiter came to our table and took our pretty convoluted request. It took a LONG time to get our food--granted, hand-making sushi is pretty labor-intensive, but what do they do when the place is busy? The chutoro was delicious, and the sea urchin very fresh. We also had a couple of orders of the hamachi collar, which is a nice, fishy way to finish up. One last note: the ventilation system is not up to the task--the smell of fried food hangs heavy in the air.

[lexpatti]

Thanks, good to know. I think when we go there, we'll stick to the sushi bar - seems the best service. Haven't been back, we're always in a hurry and it's late, we dart into Sakura in Chelmsford (our old standby).

[whs]

I'm going to have to try Oishii in Boston--supposedly the best around.

[RoyRon]

I can't say enough about Sushi Island in Wakefield center. It is owned and operated by a Japanese guy who is also the sushi chef. You may not always find the largest variety of sushi at Sushi island but everything he offers is absolutely of the highest quality. Kenji-san was trained in Tokyo so he knows his sushi very well. He also offers a complete range of other Japanese food for those who are not sushi fans. The prices are also pretty reasonable and much better than most places in Boston.

[qianning]

thanks for the tip, we have some friends who live in wakefield this might be a good excuse to go visit them!

[merrvally]

We have tried nearly all of these places listed - here's our sushi-obsessed take:

Our favorites:
Sake, Saugus - not the best atmosphere but superior fish and our favorite, by far
Kame, Beverly- we would visit more often if it was closer
Yokasu, Portland - better than Sapporo, Ben Kay or Fugi
Bluefin, Middleton - consistent, comfortable
Sake, Portsmouth - same owner,same great fish, but they know us in Saugus
Oga, Natick - not North and quite out of the way for us but excellent

Other Options
Uni at Clio - not North, but every sushi lover should (save up and) visit at least once
Bamboo, Westford - nice atmosphere, good chinese if you visit with someone not comfortable with sushi (poor soul!)
You You, Nashua - we used to visit at least once a week, but the service from the owner and inconsistency in fish quality have kept us from there for several years
Inaka, Lawrence - convenient, in a pinch, when we lived closer, but consistently mediocre fish and annoying staff
Dynamite, Hudson, NH - we used to visit when we lived up there, recently heard they closed
Lins, Salem, NH - we were underwhelmed
Tokyo, Salem, NH - OK in a pinch
Sushi Island, Wakefield - only visited once but enjoyed it, had great service
Sato, Waltham - great sushi, Douglas is great! ( I heard the Stoneham rest. closed)
Mootone, Andover - only went once when it first open...it's very convenient if anyone has a recommendation!
Yokohama, Lawrence- fun atmosphere on a busy night, OK fish
Penang and Tokyo, Exeter, NH - only visited once, was good, regulars love the owners
Tokyo, Nashua, NH - my first ever sushi experience years and years ago, mediocre
Madarin Reading - yuck (I think they are related to Bamboo, which is much better)

[londonderrylaura]

Dynamite in Hudson NH still open. My husband liked their sushi. I enjoyed their Korean barbecue beef, on rice in a hot iron pot. The rice sticks to the pot and makes a crunchy crust.

[qianning]

I can tell from your list that our tastes are pretty much in sync, but we've never been to Sake in Portsmouth, mostly because we are almost always in Portsmouth for a weekend lunch, when they are closed. So, if you had to chose between a special trip to Yokasu in Portland or Sake in Portsmouth, what's your recc? Also do you happen to know if the owners at Sake are Japanese?

[merrvally]

Sorry...I missed your reply/question!

I guess I would say Sake for a special trip. I visited Yokasu about a month ago and was not as pleased as usual. We did, however, visit with a party of 8 and had a really bad (unknowledgable) waitress. Typically, we would sit at the bar...here or anywhere else.

Even without that experience, I would probably still rec. Sake. The quality of their fish is consistent. I am not sure if the owners are Japanese...they may be tiawanese(sp) ...our favorite sushi chef there is from Taiwan.

Also, saw that Sato II is, indeed, still open...so don't rely on any of my restaurant gossip reporting!

[qianning]

thanks for the info. we've been wanting to try Sake, but haven't been sure if it was worth the trip from the Nashua area, we usually save those trips for Portland.

[JRL]

Sake in Saugus is also our hands down favorite. Portsmouth is also excellent. The owners are Chinese - now two brothers, separate ownership. Both were previously owned by the brother who now owns Sake in Portsmouth.

[GeoffD]

"if you had to chose between a special trip to Yokasu in Portland or Sake in Portsmouth, what's your recc?"

I frequent both places. I think Yosaku is somewhat better than Sake. Siitting at the Sushi Bar at Yosaku has a much better vibe than Sake. Yosaku tends to have more variety in their fish selection. The fish quality and portion sizes are comparable.

[qianning]

thanks for the comparison, we also love the bar at Yokasu, and always enjoy seeing Tak & his crew.

[neil]

need some coordinates

-----
Roofing Blue Fin Restaurant
260 S Main St, Middleton, MA 01949

Bamboo Fine Asian Cuisine
1 Lan Dr, Westford, MA 01886

Mootone Fine Japanese Cuisine
15 Railroad St Unit 3, Andover, MA 01810

Inaka
160 Winthrop Avenue, Lawrence, MA

[mainehound]

Since your post is from 2007, I'll update and add Miyake. The best. On Spring St.

[puppymomma]

I just had the spicy salmon roll from YouYou and it was totally awesome! That was good sushi. They get my vote.

[snl1129]

Lin's oriental grill on 28 in salem has a great selection of sushi...wonderful tuna!

[ScubaSteve]

there is also Haru in No. Andover
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/36112...

and Sushi Inaka in Lawrence

for both i would recommend only going on a thursday night or early on friday night.

[Dual]

Yosaku, Portland Maine.

[qianning]

Couldn't agree more--and Tak (the owner) is both very knowledgeable and entertaining. Try the monkfish liver in season, and always request the real wasabi (I think it is pretty standard with their sashimi, but I'm not sure vis a vis sushi)

[CandyGirl13]

Yosaku gets my vote too! Although I hear the new Miyake is awesome, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

[whs]

We finally made it to Red Leaf in Nashua last night. It's in a strip mall next to Costco on DW Highway across the street from the Pheasant Lane Mall. The did an OK job renovating the former Osaka Tea Garden space--unfortunately they took out the tatami mat tables and replaced them with booths. We got there a little after 8pm and the room was already starting to clear out--the waiters seemed more preoccupied with bussing tables than getting us seated. Service was, shall we say, a little erratic throughout the meal--more enthusiastic than professional. They have the usual selection of silly martinis and tropical drinks, but strangely, could not provide a gin and tonic, because they had run out of...tonic! OK, now that I've gotten the whining out of the way, the sushi itself was excellent, possibly better than Takumi up the street. We started with monkfish pate with yuzu miso topped with black caviar and a few rolls--soft shell crab, eel, and the house (Tuna, salmon, whitefish, crabstick, avocado, fish roe). All were delicious, though the standout was the pate, which managed to be light and unctuous at the same time. We followed this with the chef's selection of sushi and sashimi, which arrived in one of those giant boats. The toro was so fine we actually ordered more of it. One other interesting item we tried was yellowtail collar, which was the meat next to the fish's spine, grilled and served with a dipping sauce--fishy and delicious, not for beginners. We finished with ginger and coconut ice cream--yum. On the way out, we talked to the sushi chef, who invited us to sit at the sushi bar next time and try some of his off-menu specials. In spite of shortcomings with the service, this place is a true sushi destination--highly recommended.

[lexpatti]

almost tried it Sunday night but La Carrata's wasn't packed and it was our first choice after getting back from Florida. We never got any sushi in Florida (even though there was a good one on my list in Naples to try) so sushi is high on my list to get that craving to pass. :-) Thanks for the review - maybe we'll sit at the sushi bar.

[liveforfood]

If you happen to be WAY north of Boston, say in Portland, ME, go to Sapporo in the Old Port on Commercial St. Very fresh and well prepared sushi and great service, too. I'm pretty sure their fish comes from Brown Trading Co., which is well known for selling the freshest and highest quality fish in the area (when we make sushi at home, we get our tuna there). So, Sapporo is the place in Portland, if you happen to be in town.

[mainehound]

I prefer Miyake in Portland. It is by far the best Japanese resto in Portland Maine. Makes Sapporo look like any other Japanese restaurant.

[lexpatti]

Funny, We must have crossed paths. We were running errands. Really wanted to do Hermanos but knew it would be mobbed, even ran into that bookstore there and commented on Morimoto (been there and we liked it too, very good and talented Tepankaki too if you want the whole package). We decided to go south and hit La Carrata (manch/hooksett) - big mistake - really mobbed. Went to Tinker's Seafood (next door) - fabulous seafood. Never been!! Lots of awards and they have a fresh seafood counter to go too and NO JOKE!!! FOUND MY SUSHI GRADE TUNA that I've been posting to find. It looked great, but I want to call back and ask the manager/owner. Kid behind the counter says its fresh every day-sign said "sushi grade tuna" and nice bright red.

[tunapet]

Thanks for the heads up on Tinkers having sushi grade tuna. I had no idea..your post may cause a run on it! Do you remember how much a pound it's going for?

[lexpatti]

I didn't, I'll be calling them sometime today. let you know the scoop if I find more details.

[lexpatti]

$8.99 per lb, spoke with Mrg. gets it daily from Boston (didn't know where but owner would know if call back later). It's yellow fin tuna.

steamers were awesome, usually only have that in summer. Had great fried oysters too. Great place, can't wait to get some tuna to try out a few new recipes that called for that tuna. Todd English's tuna ta ta has been on my list for ages............... yummmy!!!

[whs]

We had dinner at Morimoto in Concord NH last night. Wildy busy on a Saturday night, though we got right in at 6:30 (7 people!) with no reservation. The sushi/sashimi combination was very good--not terribly original, but fresh and nicely presented. The tako sunomono (octopus vinagrette) was delicious. Service was friendly and accommodating. Though not in the same league as Takumi in Nashua, it is a nice addition to the food scene in Concord.

[lexpatti]

Well, with another recent Boston thread on Sushi Island - I can't wait to hit this place. My most memorable sushi experience so far has been in Seattle.

[lexpatti]

Is that the one just off 128 across from REI and Division of Motor Vehicle office?

[shaebones]

No, downtown Wakefield right next to the Duckwalk, a great Thai place.

[RoyRon]

Hi

Sushi Island in the center of Wakefield can't be beat. It is owned and operated by a sushi master from Japan and very authentic.

[onlytwomuses]

macca on another board some time ago recommended Haru in North Andover and its good really good. I agree w Inaka in lawrence too.

[kparke30]

Thousand Crane in Manch NH, Inaka in Lawrence

[simon_C]

i second that! Thousand crane is my fovorite place to eat ani believe has the best (and frankly very innovative) sushi. i know the owners and their sons personally. very nice people who work hard to keep the place running smooth. i recommend the Tropical Dragon special sushi and their various daily specials.

[lexpatti]

We did Yuki in Manch yesterday, takeout. Very very good. Can't wait to back and sit. Very busy day at work, so it was eating on the run but very delicous. got this great creative Barbara Roll (tuna, avacado, wrapped in cucumber), hot tuna roll, spicy scallop with tobiko and a couple staples unagi and edamami.

We have done Dynamite in Hudson for sushi, excellent - it's just not in our path of travel or else we would go more often. Very good. Very creative and fresh.

[natureboy]

Although I've only had the Korean specialties there, I like Dynamite in Hudson. They have what looks like a nice sushi bar, though I've never tried it there. Fwiw, I've been to You You a few times and never had a problem with the service. I like the Korean and Japanese dishes and tuna rolls.

[lexpatti]

kewl, have to try that. We used to go to Osaka Tea.

[whs]

The sushi place that has moved into the old Osaka Tea Garden space across from the Pheasant Lane Mall is called "Red Leaf": http://www.redleafnashua.com/index.html
The sushi chef apparently worked at Nobu in New York and puts together some pretty avant-garde combos.

[edinaeats]

I agree, YouYou's service is terrible. I went to Yuki on S. Willow in Manchester this weekend and it rocked. They have a deal right now- 3 rolls for $9.99- it was fantastic.

[gryphonskeeper]

I agree with you, Yuki is amazing with the sushi, and its Japanese grill is beyond wonderful. They pamper you from the second you arrive. If you like great service and even better sushi/tappan grill this is for you.
I am still astounded it is never packed in here, every time I went I was treated like a queen.

[whs]

Directions: Going north, get off exit 6. Make a left and at the first light by the gas station, stay in the far left lane and make a u-turn and a right into the business complex that's right next to the highway. Not as complicated as it sounds.

Actually, we've never had horrible service there. It's been a little slow sometimes, but nobody has an attitude.

[tunamelt]

I realize I am replying to two-year-old complaints, but ...

I've never had problematic service at You You. On the contrary, I've usually found it exceptionally attentive, and they always seem to genuinely appreciate your business. It's been one of my favorite places in Nashua for years. I can't speak to how "adventurous" the sushi may be, but I've never once felt that it wasn't fresh.

The ambiance/decor is also fresh and pleasant, and they have an array of other Japanese, Korean, and Thai dishes as well. I love their spicy tofu pad thai.

Etsogo in downtown Lowell also has fantastic sushi.

-----
Etsogo Restaurant
16 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852

You You Japanese Bistro
150 Broad St # 4, Nashua, NH

[lexpatti]

Keep meaning to try You You and we love Etsogo as well. They have some nice malaysian dishes.

[geekdaddy]

Been to YouYou several times and sat at the Sushi bar. Never had any problems with the service and the sushi was very good. Ask for their popular and special maki's which aren't on the menu and the servers and sushi chefs are quite helpful. My daughter and I especially enjoyed the Red Sox roll :)

[SuperGrover]

It's right where the gas station is. It is kinda hard to find it unless you're looking.

[lexpatti]

Hmmm, I'm not picturing it (you you), I must go by it a million times. In by Shorties? And we love Thai so that's nice but I really detest bad service - enough to keep away from awesome food.

[whs]

Exit 6 in Nashua off the Everett Turnpike (Rte 3)--you know, where the state liquor store is. I like YouYou--they also have Korean and Thai specialites. The green curry is amazingly hot and the bibimbap is tasty.

There was a new sushi place advertising in the Nashua Telegraph. I think it's located where Osaka Tea Garden used to be and they were offering "French-style" sushi--whatever that is.

[lexpatti]

NH? Rt. 3? Is this Nashua?

[SuperGrover]

Right off Exit 6 near the Kohls.

[lexpatti]

where is that?

[SuperGrover]

You You is good too but the service is always so horrid I refuse to go anymore.

[lexpatti]

We did try that and liked it, we did a sushi recommendation special but was dissappointed - I think because they were playing it safe and we are more adventurous sushi eaters.

[SuperGrover]

Takumi in Nashua is excellent.

[kittychow]

I agree on Takumi. I find that you get the best service and recs if you sit at the sushi bar and strike a conversation with the chef (when possible, occasionally the language barrier is too great).