Newbury Street in Boston is well known for its hip and trendy style. From boutique shops displaying couture collections to restaurants that enjoy a premium real estate, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Tourists and locals alike come here for the great restaurants that line the street so it’s no wonder the Japanese restaurant, Itadaki, decided to set up shop here in 2011 when it first opened its doors.
The restaurant features three levels – a lower bar with dining room, a seasonal outdoor patio and an upstairs sushi bar. We recently visited one afternoon for lunch and sat outside for a great people watching view. (On Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., they offer live music on the patio).
Our friendly server greeted us and got us started with a giant mug (and we do mean gigantic) of Red Hook IPA and a refreshing glass of the Japanese lager Kirin Ichiban, both on draft. If you come here with a large party, be sure to order up a massive scorpion bowl to share at the table (available in red, blue or green) filled with rum, blue curacao or sake.
We sampled an extra spicy “suicidal” tuna roll, which was delicious along with our favorite, the spicy salmon filled with an incredible amount of fresh salmon, cucumber, scallion and spicy mayo. Our server suggested we try the special Volcano sushi roll and we were glad she did. The massive sampling was filled with crunchy soft shell crab tempura, spicy tuna, onion, scallion and spicy mayo.
There are Bento boxes, rice bowls and Itadaki miso ramen and Japanese style sandwiches also available here.
Itadaki is located at 269 Newbury Street in Boston. For more information, call (617) 267-0840 or visit them online at http://www.itadakiboston.com.
