Just came back from one of the best meals I ever had in Boston. Wa Shin is fabulous and a must be for any special occasion or any occasion. We had a party of four and each of us could not say enough good things about the experience. Every one of the 18 courses was wonderful. Sky Zen Chef was terrific, warm and smiling and described each piece with pride which tasted even better. Loved his staff, very attentive and knowledgeable. At one point, tried to Shazam a soundtrack which was unique and enjoyable. She saw I could not get it and comes over with the name of the song written down. The staff watched every move and noticed anything in need and immediately handled it. Not inexpensive but worth every penny. Highly recommend. Would provide more praise but hope to get a future reservation once the word gets out how great this place is so keeping the accolades less than experienced. Thanks for a great meal. read more

I've been lucky to dine here a few times and it never disappoints. The staff makes the experience amazing and the food leave you speechless. Must try in Boston read more

The omakase in Wa Shin rivals almost all restaurants in NYC! I drove up to Boston from NJ to experience the fresh and carefully selected pieces that Chef Sky prepared for us. It's truly hard to pick one favorite, but I would absolutely take more Hokkaido uni, scallop, and king salmon if I have more space in my tummy. On top of the delicious meal, the service is so attentive and top notch! I left the restaurant feeling extremely satisfied and am already longing for my next visit! read more

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The 18 course omakase was an amazing experience. Everything was delicious, the service was great, and the head chef was friendly. They even put a candle in my dessert to celebrate my birthday :) Only downside is that the wine pours were small, especially at $22/glass. read more

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2nd visit. Had an expectation going in that I will be used to the quality of Washin, but they outdid themselves again! I was hesitant to leave review until now because I don't want to fight the reservation... but now that I am away from Boston back to Los Angeles, I will happily say this is one of the best if not the best omakese I tried so far. My wife and I always reserve under her name and surprisingly the system shows it was a return visit and got a welcome back. Refeshing to know that exist. Food was always amazing, I been to couple of Michelin star restaurants and even trip to Japan couple time, but I have yet to find better sushi than here. Hakodate Uni was my favorite on my 2nd visit but everything were amazing. No photo needed, enjoy with eye and sushi is best served when eaten right away! Suttle things that American diner don't do is realizing what customer need when customer themselves don't realize. For instance, I am left handed eater. Waitress would notice and start putting utensil and ect to my left hand position. Chef would slant the sushi opposite direction for me to have better grab (he forgot once on my 1st visit but none this time :) ). These things add up and makes the whole dining experience more appreciated. I am going to miss this place a lot. Hopefully when I visit by again I can go there again :( read more

Wa-Shin is a phenomenally authentic omakase dining experience. The atmosphere may seem intimidating at first but the warmness, kindness and laughter of Chef Sky and his staff will immediately set you at ease. Every dish seems better than the one before but some how at the end they could all be your favorite. So much attention to detail in the ambiance, preparation and flavor profiles truly create an immersive and one of a kind culinary adventure. read more

Wa Shin - Chef Sky providing an incredible experience. - Japanese Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is the best omasake in Boston. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything was top-notch. The host/manager Matt was super friendly. read more

Wow! This was one of the, if not the best, omaksase we've been to in Boston. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything was top-notch. I was lucky to snag a reservation for a Friday reservation right when the dates opened up on the booking portal. The location is easy to find in back bay. Limited parking cause it's back bay but not impossible. The inside is spacious and decorated with some beautiful bonsai plants with a large sushi counter in the middle of the room. The seats were comfortable, and you can see all the action of the sushi chefs. The sushi was so good I still think about it to this day! The texture, temperature, and taste of the fish were all perfect. The chef used grated seasonal fruits to top off some of the nigiri, which added a wonderful citrus aroma and taste. For one of the standouts..the sweet shrimp which were live and kicking btw, they added finger limes, which gave it a wonderful pop of texture. We added on 2 pieces of sushi at the end, a seasonal scallop from Japan and toro with truffles. There were quite a few other seasonal options to choose from as well. Don't forget the dessert! We were served a silky green tea pannacotta that was not too sweet. We were stuffed by the end. The service was amazing with the most attentive staff you could ask for. Napkins were magically folded when you got up to use the restroom and unfolded on your lap upon your return. This takes the top spot on our list, and we will be sure to return. read more

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The best omakase experience in Boston! The intimate setup of Wa Shin allows you to directly speak to and watch the chef prepare each bite. The freshness of the ingredients and the way Chef combines them is unmatched. With a brilliant tasting menu, there are no decisions to be made which is great for a date night! This is a must do in Boston! If you want a Michelin experience, this is the place to go! read more

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Thanks to Chef Sky for giving a fun omakase experience at Wa Shin! Excellent presentation on all the dishes, with delicate flavors that were distinct for each course. Blown away by the freshness and quality of all the ingredients. A couple personal favorites were the oyster starter, the Hokkaido uni that tasted like sweet custard and the Wagyu beef. This has been my favorite omakase experience in Boston. read more

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We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to dine at Wa Shin when they opened. Wow, Chef Sky and his assistant chef made our dinner experience so memorable. Every course was delicious. My personal favorite was the scallops, the oyster, the toro... honestly it's difficult to choose a favorite. We also really enjoyed the matcha panna cotta alongside their green tea. Thank you Chef Sky and we can't wait to come back! read more

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Wow! What a great time to be a sushi lover in Boston. First 311 and now Wa Shin. Had an amazing meal here the other night (well, the 5pm seating felt like noon-time sunlight this time of year) with the missus. Service is top notch and both the wait staff and chefs pay great attention to detail. Our left handed neighbor had the direction of her sushi pieces, orientation of her chopsticks, and location of the finger bowl all swapped direction seamlessly without mention. The wait staff brought out a coaster for me to set my phone down on when they saw me snapping these photos. The list goes on. How does this compare with 311 (especially considering both will eventually come in at the same price point at $250 + tax&tip)? As similar as they might seem, they are actually quite different experiences. Wa Shin has a decidedly more NYC vibe which aligns with Chef Sky's pedigree as executive chef at Sushi Nakazawa where he held one Michelin star. In fact, this meal reminded me very much of my meals at Nakazawa served by the man himself as well as at their DC outpost (even the atsuyaki tamago seemed like a very similar recipe with the castella cake like texture, albeit without any rice). It's fast paced, brutally efficient, and straight to the point. Seatings are every 2 hours so you know they have to finish the meal in 1.5-1.75 hours. This is a no holds barred omakase whirlwind of edomae style sushi save for two starter amuses and the dessert. I would say this is comparable to 311 in quality but differs based on the type of sushi experience you are looking for. Some key highlights of the experience that differ from 311: - liquor license - greater focus on sushi (vs a more significant portion at 311 being the prelude to the sushi) - ability to order extra pieces (some specials not offered in the omakase as well as repeating your favorites) - more torched (aburi) pieces - larger space (Hinoki counter seats 12 and they have tables as well) - more banter with the sushi chef Notwithstanding, while I prefer 311 overall for the more intimate space (seats only 10), learning about the dishes in greater detail, slower pace (only 2 seatings at 5:30 and 8:00), and the more varied menu (cold dishes, warm dishes, soup in addition to the sushi) the wifey who is an equal connoisseur of sushi preferred our sushi-centric Wa Shin meal. So it's a draw. Truth is I'll continue to patronize both places as both have my ringing endorsement. At a grand opening promo price of $185 though, it is currently an amazing deal (as far as you can call a $185 meal a deal) and I'd run to snag spots before it goes up as well as becomes impossible to book like 311. read more

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What an experience Wa Shin was! From the moment you enter throught the door to the moment you sit down, you are treated like a VIP. The restaurant is decorated very elegantly with bonsai trees and the chefs cutting knives. We were seated right in front the chef which made for a great display of his skills. The hostess paid close attention to our needs including providing us with a phone tatami and consistently pouring my tea and refilling the tea pot. The experience was impeccable with the service the hostess provided. On to the food! The fish served by Chef Sky was extremely fresh. Once entering the restaurant, I saw his sous chefs preparing and shucking the scallops. When the scallops were served, it was still partially moving! Chef Sky called these "Dancing Scallops". He got jokes, and it's not the first time he cracked jokes, which made for a more relaxing and enjoyable meal. A lot of the fishes are actually shipped from Japan and Chef Sky let's you know where each piece comes from in Japan. Very interesting to learn where certain pieces comes from which not a lot of Omakase places do. Each piece of fish is prepared very intricately with even the smallest flower that he puts on the fish compliments every flavor. My favorite was the Scallop (even though it is Boston Scallops), Tiger Prawn and the Uni. To be frank...each piece is my favorite and I cannot wait to come back as he rotates the menu depending on what fish is available...so every experience can be a different one! I'm glad Boston finally got a delicious Omakase restaurant. read more

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All around amazing! The service, outstanding, anticipated everyone's needs! The ambiance, intimate, well lit not like other places that just dim the lights, counter is beautiful setting. Food at their highest peak, fresh, the fish enhanced to their peak with complimenting sauces that make the fish the star of the show. If you interact with Chef Sky your experience is enhanced with amazing conversation and really felt more like an artistic performance that left you pleasantly full. He asked what my favorite piece was and I honestly couldn't say since each one had amazing flavors, texture, etc! The add ons looked delicious and I would've jumped on experiencing pufferfish if it was legal in the US. But the pufferfish eggs looked enticing. read more

What an incredible meal and experience! Chef Sky is a master in his craft, there is NO doubt. Every bite was unique and incredibly tasty. And his team was there for every want and need. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is the place to go - you won't be sorry! read more

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Best Omakase in Boston. Wa Shin Omakase offers a truly exceptional dining experience that left me in awe from start to finish. read more

Incredible food, service, ambiance. Outstanding and lastingly memorable meal. Hopefully this restaurant and team receive every accolade they deserve. read more

YES! Wa Shin is beautiful. The food is superb, the ambiance is comforting, and the service is great. Chef's Hinoki Counter is the way to go. Yum! read more

A truly memorable meal. Delicious, extremely fresh sushi prepared right in front of you. Each piece was delicious, with extremely fresh fish prepared perfectly. It is a meal you share with a small number of people and you slow down and enjoy it. You get a chance to speak with the chef about the food, if there is something that you don't like, tell them ahead and they will change that course. the meal featured two courses with local New England seafood. Hopefully over time as they build their distribution chain and meet more local fishers, they will add more local seafood! I wish Chef Sky and his team success! read more

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Really enjoyed it. Pretty similar to O Ya but cheaper and a little more personal. Service was excellent. Chef was very personable and willing to explain things. All courses were great. read more

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From the ambiance, the bathroom (yes, the toilet), and the exquisite bites, Wa Shin perfects what a fine Japanese sushi dining is all about: Simple, meticulously presented, clean. Sky, the head chef, and his chef staff behind the meticulously arranged bar, work with high concentration with each presentation to its demanding Japanese perfection. And the staff in the background transports you to Japan with all of its highest standard of okyaku (customer) care. Every bite was interesting and tasty which delighted the eyes and the palate. So fresh a presentation wiggled (find out for yourself which offering). Best rice in nigiri ever in this connoisseur of sushi's humble and fair opinion (even compared to anywhere in Honshu). A diner next to me who is a 30-year Bostonian and an avid fisherman was so impressed, he secured another culinary memory for himself and his five other fishing buddies before leaving the bar. You will taste the "Best" here at Wa Shin (Japanese Soul). read more

Wa Shin - Wa Shin - Japanese Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Very traditional sushi. Hits all the right notes in terms of ambiance, presentation and service, but not creative or interesting enough to warrant a return visit. Perhaps they can draw some inspiration from more innovative places such as Chīsai or Kusakabe in San Francisco or Gari in NYC. Would also be nice if they offered some namazake by the glass. read more

Exquisite omakase experience! Every dish was a masterpiece, perfectly curated and expertly prepared right in front of you by Chef Sky. His Michelin star experience really shows in how he prepares every single dish. Impeccable service in a luxurious setting. Worth every star! read more

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A good friend recommended Wa Shin to me, and I unfortunately couldn't make it the trip from NYC to Boston until a few weeks after their grand opening. The entire team was very professional and attentive. Hermes, the hostess, was very friendly and particularly knowledgeable about the drink menu - she explained the different rice milling rates and helped us choose a bottle of sake for a party of 3 with completely different preferences. Chef Sky, who had previously been at Sushi Nakazawa in NYC, was impressive to watch and has a clear appreciation for the craft. From the way he handled the food to the way he interacted with/advised his colleagues, it's obvious that he is very experienced and particular about details. Overall, the food and service were both amazing, and the 2 hour experience went by too quickly. The staff truly go above and beyond, and this establishment exceeded our expectations. For a second I thought I was in Japan! We are already planning our next visit in a few months, and look forward to more visits in the future. read more

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Absolutely hands down the best sushi I've ever had in my life. Chef Sky is phenomenal!!!!! Ambiance was fantastic. Service impeccable. Definitely going to head back again soon!!!!! Hopefully Chef will teach me how to make Gyudon. :). read more

My second time dining at Wa Shin - such an amazing Omakase experience! Chef Sky is so kind and funny and makes the night so great. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, clean, and neat. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Japanese cuisine or is a foodie. read more

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Incredible experience. Varied yet refined taste palette. Presentation was fantastic. You're truly watching a master of his craft. Boston is lucky to have this treasure here! read more

Chef Sky and his team are masters. They provide a beautiful, delicate, honorable experience to enjoy the highest quality ingredients. Each of the 18 bites of sushi were little dreams come true. The Chef is kind and interested in your experience. I highly recommend this for a date night, or a night with family / friends who appreciate simple delicacies. read more

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I meant to write this review earlier as I went to Wa Shin in July, so I have forgotten some details and the menu may be different, as it's seasonal. My brother and I love omakase and he booked a reservation to celebrate our birthdays. His girlfriend joined us, and we all had a wonderful time! Chef Sky Zheng was really the heart of why the experience was so great, he was funny, interactive, and exceptionally attentive. The ambience is refined as it's a traditional sushi counter around the chef, so not really a place to get rowdy. He paid close attention to all of the diners at his counter and adjusted individual plates of the 18-course meal based on our palates. I actually requested less wasabi after another customer requested more wasabi, and later on, he left it out of the uni nigiri without me asking, which is how I prefer it! Everything was beautifully presented and overall the meal was honestly incredible. My brother said it was the best omakase he's had compared to places he's been in NYC and Tokyo. My favorites were the spot prawn w/ finger lime, uni, otoro, and tamago nigiri. Honorable mention to the scallop nigiri and kumamoto oyster+uni because it's my favorite oyster. Some of the pieces of fish really do melt in your mouth, showcasing his skill and training as an omakase chef. He curates his ingredients very carefully, and puts a lot of thought into each plate. Ask him about the ingredients, he is very engaging. I loved the salt flakes he used in some of our plates. I could continue on, but honestly the only thing you need to know is that I haven't even mentioned the price. $185 is a steal, you are not only paying for the food but an experience. Go because the price will only go up. He is absolutely going to change the scene in Boston, and I definitely plan to be back. Chef Sky deserves all the best! read more

Was recommended to us in the Spring as an alternative by the team at O Ya when they were fully booked. Wa Shin was a special and very traditional omakase experience. The fish was exquisite and the flavours were all so clean, even ones I normally dislike. Being able to see the chef prepare each piece adds an element of theatre and anticipation between every course. The other staff were also incredibly attentive and accommodating. Food, service, and setting were all 5/5. read more

Extraordinary omakase experience in the heart of Boston! Relaxing minimalist ambience with personal attention from the sushi chef, as well as the staff. The presentation, along with the respect for the ingredients, makes for a unique and wonderful experience. A new Boston favorite for sure! read more

Easily the best omakase in Boston. An incredible tour de force of different textures and flavor profiles. Chef Sky is friendly and engaging, as are the wait staff. We plan to return regularly! read more

We came for our one year wedding anniversary and this was one of favorite dining experiences we've had. Chef Sky and staff were so friendly and accommodating. The sushi was fantastic, fantastic technique showcasing even better ingredients. Everything tasted fresh and the toro was divine. Thank you again! read more

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I took my partner and a few friends there for his birthday. Everything about the experience was amazing. The space was just as the pictures on the website showed it to be..minimal decor, yet very well done and very calming.. The waitstaff was professional, attentive and friendly. The food was hands down the best sushi I've ever had (a sentiment shared by everyone in the party). All that said, what made the night truly unforgettable was the chef. On top of preparing each course to perfection (both in taste and presentation) he was engaging, informative and had a great sense of humor. The night could not have gone any better. I highly recommend the restaurant whether looking for a special night out or just looking for a great sushi read more

We went maybe like a week after they opened. Had a great time. Food was excellent. The chef was super friendly and approachable. We are a big fan of Nakazawa in NYC. So great to have one of their former chefs in Boston. We finally have an authentic sushi omakase in Boston (have not yet been to 311). Would definitely return soon. P.S. I felt that the ambiance was slightly unsettled maybe because the entrance area and the dining area is completely connected. Having a long thick curtain between the two areas could be really helpful. read more

Last night was my first experience here at Wa Shin. It was easily one of the most captivating and unique dining experiences I've ever had. The environment was so relaxing and comfortable. It was almost spa like. The staff truly is dedicated to their craft. Each and every staff member caters to their customers as if they're the only one there. The chef was top tier to say the least. Great personality with even better skill. He was a true master in his attention to detail and passion. Each course was somehow better than the next. My friend and I compared the courses to a hot air balloon, it only could go up. Each bite was amazing. Highly recommend this experience. Be adventurous and try it all! read more

Went in last night. Easily one of the best experiences I have ever had in a restaurant! It is one of the cleanest, most organized operations I have ever witnessed. The staff from beginning to end is one of the most attentive polite groups of people from top to bottom. The Chef was very engaging, always giving awesome explanation of what we were eating! He said over and over that "sushi does not wait". It sure does not. When the Chef asked what I thought, I replied "every piece just gets better and better. No where to go but up. Its like being in a hot air balloon, straight up". He loved it. Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys sushi and I will be back in the near future! read more

Wa Shin has been my favorite omakase experience in Boston thus far (and I've been to quite a few)! Each course is a work of art, and the fish just melts in your mouth. The chef is dedicated to creating an outstanding culinary journey in a cozy, intimate setting. I especially loved the jackfish, sea bass, mackerel, and tuna handroll. Two thumbs up and look forward to coming back! read more

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Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience. This is a classy experience if I've ever had one. I have been to many many many Michelin Starred restaurants and though this one doesn't have one (Boston fails to impress them), they deserve it. Seriously, no other restaurant has compared to the service and food that I have received here. First off, it is small seating only. I think they only allow 10-12 people in per seating, which each seating lasting about 3 hours in duration. You get multiple courses, I forget how many, but of course each course is like one small piece of sushi. They literally make it right in front of you and everyone is serve the same thing. My taste buds still yearn to go back! Everything was delicious, EVERYTHING. The waiters were also extremely present yet, not at the same time. They give you the space you need but still interact so well with you. Clearly the chef is an expert and his team care so much about quality and delivery. Now, that being said, it is quite expensive but you go for the experience and it isn't likely something you'd do all the time. This would make a great place for a special dinner of some sorts. I can't wait to go back, if only I can get a reservation in time!!! read more

Wa Shin was absolutely phenomenal. With every bite you can taste the care and dedication put into each course. The service ambiance and decor were all impeccable, providing a very intimate and cozy environment. The chutoro and wagyu bites were amazing and i cannot wait to go back! read more

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