Douzo, Via Matta or elsewhere?

[Kat]

I'm trying to pick a b'day dinner. Last year went to Clio and although the service was top notch, quite honestly the meal was "eh" (great cocktail, however). I thought the atmosphere was a little stuffy, too. I was not astounded, as I expected to be. Later on we went to Uni and that was absolutely spectacular. So, this year we are staying one night in Back Bay and I'm looking at Douzo or Via Matta as I would rather not deal with cabs and just walk. Never been to either, so any suggestions? I'm planning on Gaslight for brunch the next day. Thanks!

[heWho]

If you were disappointed with Clio I can't imagine your being happy about Douzo or Via Matta, they're not even in the same league as Clio.

I'll throw Troquet in there for a recommendation as well. It couldn't be less stuffy and the food and wine are superb.

[Kat]

Thanks to all for the suggestions - No 9 and Mistral are two longstanding favorites, so I'm going to consider O Ya (heard great things but $$$$) and Troquet, since I've never been to either place. Probably will save Douzo for just a regular dinner out some time.

[kweesee]

I'm used to authentic japanese sushi/food so I didnt like douzo at all.
So far my faves in boston that are in/close to back bay are:
mistral
sibiling rivalry
no.9 park

[limster]

If you like Uni, you might like O Ya. Modern Japanese, nice sake list. Very expensive, but worth it given the scarcity of places like that in Boston.

[bachslunch]

If you don't mind spending Clio-sized big bucks, L'Espalier serves memorably first-rate food -- though you might find the place too stuffy if you thought Clio was that way. Pigalle in the Theatre District isn't too far away and has fine food and a warmly intimate feel.

If you're going to choose between the two in your subject heading, I'd go with Via Matta, which I found very enjoyable food-wise and didn't seem stuffy. Douzo is certainly good sushi for its area, but I wasn't Oishii or Uni level blown away by the place.