So good! Best meal I've had in Boston for sure. There was a good wait even though we were there at an awkward time (2:30) but I would gladly wait again. I got the cold beef udon, the signature. Wasn't expecting much, but it was so delicious! I love how they included grated radish and ginger. Small detail but such a huge impact on the overall dish. Would love to come back! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I've been a huge fan of Yume since before covid days and getting to try their new, larger location was a decent experience, but it does seem to have lost its old spark. I've been a few times to this spot and while the taste is good, it isn't nearly as good as it once was. The space itself is much nicer and larger which is nice. The workers seem less enthusiastic though and they don't customizations anymore - when asking for "the works" on my dish, the person taking my order did not understand the request. It seems a little disappointing that they don't give off as much of a small business anymore. Prices are much higher than they once were and the quality has actually decreased. While I still love Yume as a previous annual pass holder, I do miss what it used to be. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Wow!! Maybe one of the best udons I've ever had and I would say it's comparable to Marugame in Hawaii & California. I was stuck between getting cold or hot udons but I'm sooo happy we ordered the Signature Cold Niku Udon! The udon was cooked perfectly chewy and the broth was refreshing and light. My spice tolerance is fairly low, but this spice level heightened the udon flavors perfectly. The crunch from the chili + tempura flakes had great texture to pair with the udon. Neeeed to come back again! Hidden in the Lesley University Hall. We hit the jackpot during slower hours, so there was no wait and we were seated immediately. Good to note though that there is a minimum 1 bowl per person in order to dine in. Bar seating + Table seating, the interior was vibey and clean, there were plenty of staff looking after us with waters & cleaning tables. Great experience overall. read more

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Had to update as they did upgrade from a tiny stall to a more spacious actual restaurant space in the back of an izakaya! We still crave this regularly and love coming here. My go to is cold spicy niku udon with an egg and my husband gets the hot version of the same thing. I have also tried their sake flight and Sauvignon Blanc and loved both. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The hype is worth it. I've heard so much about this place and finally decided to try it and I was not disappointed. There was a huge line outside the restaurant but they gave you menus and took your order in line. Everything was pretty fast and efficient even though they were busy. The inside was bigger than expected, unsure if there's another restaurant connected or just one large area. But we were at bar seats, although it's not a bar just similar seating. They had music going and you can see all the workers vibing, it was good energy to see while eating. The menu isn't large but there is option for cold or hot and spicy. Pick the cold noodles!! They are so good, the soup was good too but the cold noodles are definitely the star of the show. The portion size is great, it was more than I expected and the portion with protein and everything was balanced well. The bowl came with beef, ginger, seaweed and I think tempura. The tempura was a perfect crisp to add into each bite. Unfortunately in the broth it did get pretty soggy. read more

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The hot niku beef udon had such a deep, rich, umami broth that was unforgettable. The spice that came through was a hint of Szechuan-mala which I really enjoyed. Udon noodles are made in-house and cooked very well, not overcooked and perfect chew. Ordered two bowls and the bill total was $47, quite steep but haven't found a comparable udon restaurant yet! This is their second location and it's quite small and their line forms outside. Definitely planning for a future visit to try their cold udon option! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Delayed review, back in Sep'24 (cleaning up the photos). The group of us shared some bowls. I believe I ate most out of the hot udon which was good. Staff was a bit on the pushy side, but makes sense since they were pretty busy and probably trying to cycle groups out. There is limited seating here, so it is difficult for a big group. Street parking only. read more

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I've been to Yume in Porter and near the Waterfront, and both times were absolutely delicious. I'm a bit surprised they didn't win a Michelin Gourmand when the Michelin was in town, but hey, Yume's lines would only get longer! For some reason, Yume is tucked away at the end of Lesley's dining building, but make no mistake, the food is a real gem. Time and time again, the spicy cold niku udon never fails to disappoint. The coldness of the broth really brings out the texture of the udon and the umami of the dish. I've had both hot and cold and (while I love both), will typically order the cold. Even after moving away from Cambridge, I make it a case in point to visit at least once when I'm visiting friends! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came here on a Friday night and there was quite a line, but it moved fast. You're given a menu while waiting, and your order is taken before you're seated - pretty good system. There's plenty of seating and the ambiance is bright and lively with an open kitchen. I ordered the spicy cold udon while my friend ordered the spicy hot udon. I've never had cold udon before, but wow - it was so refreshing and yummy. The broth from the hot udon was very rich and flavorful. It wasn't too spicy, but had the perfect kick. The udon itself was great quality, I really enjoyed the chew the noodles had. Well worth the wait. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - spicy cold udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

If you love noodles, you have to try this place ASAP! Seriously, it's not worth it to wait as long as I did, even though Davis square can be a little bit of a journey for those living in Boston. The noodles here are unlike anything Jve ever had, cooked to a chewy perfection and topped with the most unique umami dipping sauce you'll find in the area. Yume has a small menu, but they've seriously perfected their craft. The dining space itself is a homey, yet social vibe with an atmosphere of youth and freshness radiating through the air and the food. I've heard they can get busy, but on the Tuesday night I went, there was no line and we were served quickly despite there being many customers. I absolutely loved everything about this experience from the vibes of the restaurant to the service to the absolutely delicious noodles which were filled to the top of the bowl and packed with exceptionally complex flavors that feel like a warm hug (despite being a cold dish), don't be fooled by the simplicity of the menu or the noodles being served cold, you have to try what they're known for because it's nothing you'll want to miss! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy cold niku udon, Cold niku udon, Hot niku udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Yume Ga Arukara in Porter Square absolutely lives up to the hype. Heads up for first-timers: the entrance is through the Lesley University building, so don't be thrown off when you arrive. The staff was incredibly nice and welcoming, which made the experience even better. We ordered their famous Cold Niku Udon and the Hot Niku Udon, and both were outstanding. They tasted alittle different from each other but were equally delicious in their own way. The udon noodles were the real star!! perfectly chewy with an amazing texture that you don't find just anywhere. If you're an udon lover (or want to become one), this spot is a must-visit. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Hot Niku Udon & Cold Niku Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I give this place a 4/5 for the udon, and 5/5 for the service. The wait was not too long and for efficiency's sake - the server asks for your order while you wait in line to put in. You are warmly greeted by the staff when you step in, and small cups of tap water are provided. The place is clean and busy. I ordered the spicy udon noodles with double beef for $25. The spicy level was not that spicy, the broth was nice and noodles chewy. The beef was tender and tasty. Portions are enough. I would like some veggies for fiber but that was not an option. If you haven't tried it, I recommend if you're in Cambridge, MA. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Noodles were nice and chewy. - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Delicious! We went for lunch and noticed that half the restaurant was roped off so they were serving fewer tables than dinner time I think. We had to wait in line but it wasn't too long of a wait. Parking in the area can be hard because it's a busy area but there's a lot of spots! My friend got the hot niku udon and I got the special curry hot udon. We enjoyed both. Her broth was very light and flavorful and mine was a bit heavier and thicker. We were both very full after. We noticed that a lot of people got cold udon so we want to get cold next time! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Curry Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of the top meals of 2025 for me. Don't why it took me so long to go. The cold spicy udon noodles were so tasty! Not overly spicy, with nice chewy noodles and the right amount of broth! Did have to queue but doesn't take too long as they do ask people to leave once they are finished eating to accommodate the people waiting. Will definitely be back very soon! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy cold udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We were a bit surprised at the wait given how limited and simple this restaurant's menu seemed, however the employees were efficient in placing our orders ahead of time when everyone was in line. We ordered: 3x hot udons 1x spicy cold udon We tend to order udon hot, and I will say the standout of our dish weren't the minimal ingredients but moreso the homey and authentic broth. Yume gives off an East coast version of Marugame Udon-part of my suspicion as to why they are so busy is probably because if the latter chain were to open shop here they'd probably take their clientele. Typical prices, minimal menu, yet exceptional broth! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Best udon in Boston/Cambridge!! Their chewy homemade noodles always get me, and the savory broth is so rich, it's the perfect pairing! They have a small but well made menu selection, which makes choosing so much easier. I love both their hot and cold udons, but usually stick with the hot. Udon comes soon after you order it, and staff are attentive to anything you need! I am always so full after I leave, and will always come back!! Highly recommend this gem in Cambridge. read more

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I adore this place and all of its noodles. The wait is worth it, and it's a favorite place of mine to catch up with friends. I will say that the lines have gotten crazier and that I've had to wait around 45min for a table before. You should think critically about if there is likely to be a crazy line at like 5pm vs like 7pm. When you line up, someone from the staff will ask how many you are and try to get smaller parties to a table as soon as possible. Also you wait inside the building so it's not so bad. Food: - Spicy cold Niku udon: it's so refreshing and yummy. This is the perfect summer lunch dish. It's sort of lemon-y at points so feels super light. It's so savory! - Hot Niku udon: I usually get the hot udon bc it's so filling and delicious. I highly recommend! It comes out pretty fast and it's a generous portion. I really like the texture contrast of the tempura batter too :) read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Udon Take Out - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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This place used to be a hole in the wall and now it's this nice establishment with a long wait! We went on a Sunday around 5:30pm and probably only waited like 20min (when we left, there were Hella people in line). They take your order in line and the it basically immediately arrives at your table once you sit. I wanted to share with my partner but unfortunately it is one order minimum per person. It was good though, definitely good enough to finish on your own. I got the spicy cold niku don... let me tell you, that is the one. One of the most delicious udons I've ever had! And i live in LA, the land of good food. This is the spot that everyone recommends, and for good reason! Definitely come through :) read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Yume Ga Arukara was good, though I'll admit I went in expecting a bit more. Their cold udons are supposedly the standout, so I ordered the spicy cold niku udon, and it ended up being really good even though I wasn't sure I'd like udon served cold. The flavor was solid, but the real kicker is the noodle itself: super slurpy, great tension, and honestly some of the best udon texture I've had. My partner got a hot udon, and we were both surprised by how much flavor the broth had. It's not a spot I'd go to every day, but if you're craving udon, especially something cold and chewy, this definitely scratches the itch. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of our bookmarked places in Boston. We went last Friday around 6pm and there wasn't a line. The order came very fast. The udon texture was really chewy, we decided to add extra beef to our orders which I highly recommend. Would love it if they could add more options (like appetizers) but would def come back for their udon! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Cold Udon with extra beef - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Yume Ga Arukara夢があるから, literally "because I have a dream", served one of the most dreamy udons I have ever tried. Signature Cold Niku Udon / Onsen Egg / No Scallion: It seemed to be kind of rebellious to choose cold noodles in winter, but this signature one really gave me surprise. The udon noodles are extremely al dente, with full of chewiness. Together with the crispness of tempura batter, the softness of daikon oroshi大根おろし, the smoothness of onsen egg温泉卵, this bowl of udon showed richness in texture. The broth, consisted of special tare垂れ and lemon juice, balanced the sweetness and tanginess so well that it left mild freshness and fruity fermented fragrance in mouth instead of overwhelming or zingy taste. The beef slices were a bit too chewy for me, but still acceptable considering the big amount p.s. the password of Wi-Fi is hilarious read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Signature Cold Niku Udon / Onsen Egg / No Scallions - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Huge portion, chewy udon, flavorful dashi balanced by marinated beef! Overall pretty good, especially the cold niku udon, but there was still something missing flavor-wise. I could also be biased against cold dishes overall, or I wasn't in the mood for udon at the time. Fast service without significant line at 12:00 pm on a Saturday. A long line formed by the time we left the restaurant at 1:00 pm, though. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Signature cold niku udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Have been here plenty of times since it was inside Lesley University! The food is quite good and a must-try in Boston. The hot niku udon and the cold udon are both amazing. However, I feel like the quality has gone down a notch as time has passed. In addition, they don't congratulate you on finishing your bowl anymore and the wait staff seem less passionate. read more

I ordered a hot udon bowl with beef. The only problem was the beef. It's basically very thinly sliced gloppy strips of boiled animal fat. On average I'd say 25 percent was meat. That might have amounted to a total of 1 tablespoon. The rest is basically toxic garbage. read more

Located within the Porter Building, Yume doesn't look fancy or expensive but don't let that fool you. They serve simple, delicious udon dishes. The menu is single page with no frills but that's a good thing, you just need to pick hot or cold, spicy or regular. Both are really good. The cold udon broth was super smooth, the beef was tender and delicious. The hot udon broth was good as well, with perfect seasoning. Overall it was a great meal, definitely recommend! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy cold udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Spicy cold niku udon was delicious. Their menu is short with purpose. In good Japanese tradition, do one thing well and they deliver. Service is friendly and efficient. Seating wasn't an issue during lunch on a Friday. The efficiency allowed us enjoy lunch and make the afternoon meetings without stress. The place is nice and clean. The only thing missing is a wet towel to clean hands, which would make it a perfect Japanese experience. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - spicy cold niku udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I was excited to eat here because a friend had recommended it. When I arrived, the line was extremely long and wrapped around the walls of the building, but it moved at a decent pace. As we got closer to the front, a staff member came by to take our order. Once we were seated, our food came out very quickly. I ordered the cold udon because I saw it was their specialty, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were bold yet refreshing. My friends ordered the hot udon, and while I tried a bite, the cold one was definitely the way to go--it had so much more flavor. I really enjoyed my meal. I usually never finish an entire bowl of ramen or udon, but I finished every bite because it was that good! I definitely recommend this to anyone who usually orders hot udon. Cold udon has truly changed my life! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I see why Yume Ga Arukara got voted the best udon place and it deserves all the hype! I went in on Sunday night with few of my friends, while there was a line, it moved rather quickly and the server took our order while we waited in line. This expedited the process. Once you enter, the whole team gives you a warm welcome (how cute is that!!) I got the Spicy Cold Udon while my friends tried the Spicy Cold Niku Udon Hot Niku Udon. Everything was delicious, udon is made fresh all day long and you can tell from the soft and smoothness in the texture. The spicy Udon wasn't actually spicy but really well flavored so it didn't even matter. read more

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I've heard such great reviews about this spot - I was so excited when I finally was in town to try it! Overall, felt like a super authentic Japanese establishment- they even greet you enthusiastically with Japanese greetings! The food itself was also top notch and authentic. I ordered the cold niku udon which was refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. I'd prob opt for the hot option on a colder day though! I tried my partners spicy udon and that one was super flavorful and wasn't too spicy! I heard this spot is quite busy but I visited on a weekday morning right around when they opened and we were the only party and was seated straight away! Food also came out quite quickly. Overall a good experience!! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Cold Niku Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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We were in town for a conference. The weather dropped and the afternoon got windy. My co-worker found this place. When we arrived the line was long and a little off-putting. However, props to staff they moved the line fast and efficiently by having one order before being seated minimizing the table turnaround. Super glad we stayed. The food was delicious. I ordered the Spicy Udon with Beef Hot and my coworker got the regular Udon no beef. They had glasses of water on the table. They offer regulas soft drinks and minimal options for drinks. Did not have a dessert option either...staff was friendly and efficient. Would definitely come back! read more

Stopped by Cambridge and this restaurant was recommended by my friends who live in the area. After trying it, I can see why Yume Ga Arukara is so popular. I came here on Sunday at opening and there was no wait. The interior of the restaurant was quite spacious and was very modern. I thought it was very interesting that it was inside a college center. But the cold udon definitely did not disappoint. The beef was marinated perfectly and the udon had the right amount of chewiness to it. For the price, I thought this restaurant was pretty good in value for what we got! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Classic Cold Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This udon was amazingly refreshing - the chili flavoring wasn't strong so it wasn't too spicy and the noodles were perfectly cooked. The beef felt just slightly overcooked though and I wasn't a fan of the small dried shrimps. The staff try to speed up your dining experience to allow for others to sit sooner but I was mid-bite when they came with the bill. Definitely would recommend this place though and try to beat the dinner rush as the line gets super long. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Niku Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place is always consistent with portions, presentation, and service! Servers are always kind and quick to take your order and check you out! Also there is a nice atmosphere with being able to see the kitchen and their hard work to bring your dish to life! Be careful though, depending on the time you go, there may be a decent wait. I've been in line for 30+ minutes before during peak lunch hours read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Niku Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I didn't know that udon noodles could be this good! This is one of my go to Japanese restaurants. They do not take reservations and you will frequently see a line during dinner time and the weekends. They're located in the Lesley University building and are right next to Izakayi Ittoku. They have a bar area facing the kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. The seating is mostly two people sized tables.They have basic minimal decor. Their menu is small with only 8 items, but they make these dishes perfectly! Basically you decide if you want hot or cold udon noodles and spicy or not. I always order the spicy cold udons which is served with beef and chili paste. The udon is delicious with the sauce and has a nice unami flavor. The beef is juicy and tender. I always lick the bowl clean! The service is good and efficient, from ordering to eating to paying and leaving, it's usually about 30-40 minutes. This place is worth the wait! read more

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I think this place was overhyped for me. Yes, the udon is very good and made fresh but it wasn't life-changing or anything. I like that they do a very good job of seating people efficiently. You line up to the left of the entrance and a server comes down the line asking how big is your party. They also give out menus and take your order before you even sit down so the line moves quickly. (It still took 30 minutes for me to be seated but I had a large party of 7 people.) Would I come back again? Sure, when I'm craving udon. But I also don't crave udon that frequently so it was just an okay experience for me. Spicy Cold Niku Udon with Extra Beef and Onsen Egg 8/10 read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Niku Udon with Extra Beef and Onsen Egg 8/10 - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and it didn't disappoint! My sister and I showed up around 5:45pm on a Monday and while the restaurant had a lot of customers, we were still seated immediately. We ordered the signature hot niku udon and then the spicy cold niku udon. We added the onsen egg to both bowls! Both were delicious, but I especially enjoyed the spicy cold. It was so refreshing on a hot day and super flavorful. It really isn't too spicy at all. The noodles were so thick and bouncy! Service was quick and attentive. The restaurant was low key (shares a space with another restaurant) but used its space well and cultivated a relaxed atmosphere. I'll definitely be back! read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Spicy Cold Niku Udon and Hot Niku Udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Every time I come back to visit Boston, I have to make a mandatory stop here. I'm so glad they moved to a newly renovated space because it is SO much more comfortable being at a table. They also have more tables so I think the line moves quicker. What a gem. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This is by far the best Asian food in Boston. It's a step up from Marugame Udon, which is already amazing. Expect a wait when you come, but it's definitely worth it! The spicy hot udon is great, but the spicy cold udon is what really makes Yume Ga Arukara special. Their house made chili oil with sakura ebi adds a rich umami flavor that ties everything together. The dish is simple yet addicting. I expect to see this place in the Boston Michelin Guide soon. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We're udon/ramen lovers and this is among the best ever, including several in Japan. We came early (around 5:30) on a Tuesday night and walked right in. Shortly after the crowd descended. Parking is challenging. We parked at the shopping center nearby and walked over. The menu is small but the best udon shops are. They do one thing and do it well. We all ordered the hot Niku udon. Everything in the bowl worked - the beef, the broth, the noodles, sooo good. The beef was flavorful, juicy andntender. Noddles cooked just right - not al dente but not soggy. Broth oh so tasty. We will be definitely be back. After all, its closer than going to Japan! read more

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As a New Yorker visiting Boston and a big fan of udon, Yume Ga Arukara just did not hit the spot for me. It's quite popular with a line circling the door. While it was good, the menu is quite limited with one hot udon and one cold udon. The beef was very mediocre but I liked the broth. The waiters were all very busy so it took a while to pay the bill. read more

Yume Ga Arukara - Hot niku udon - Japanese Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts