Gari-Japanese Fusion

Gari has a cozy, modern decorated dining room with a large sushi bar. Rolls were good with the exception the texture of the rice was a bit hard for my liking. We ate there for lunch and had a spicy tuna roll, Alaskan maki, and California Maki. Food was nicely presented and was on par with other restaurants around town. Also tried the Nabe Yaki Udon as well (nood soup dish with shrimp tempura). Clean and the waitstaff was friendly and attentive. I would say it is a great place to grab a bite of sushi if you live in the area.

Pros: Example: best croissants in town

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/14/09

I am a sushi FANATIC. And let me tell you, I've searched and scoured Boston in search of a sushi source. And I've finally found it. GARI is quaint (unlike larger places like Fugakyu), and reasserts my philosophy that smaller restaurants are, at least as far as sushi goes, BETTER. They have a VERY broad selection of nigri (for a very reasonable price might I add - 6 dollars for 3 pieces - and they're not stingy on the fish!), an assortment of the normal rolls (spicy salmon, philly rolls, etc), slightly larger rolls with a bit more, and then the Specialty rolls = AMAZING. I could go on and on forever about this place!

Pros: AWESOME SUSHI, AWESOME PRICES, IT'S A STEAL

Cons: they charge extra for spicy mayo on the side...that's the best i could come up with

Posted 12/31/08

Gari's is the best sushi place in Boston in my opinion. Every time I go out to eat I like to go someplace new and different cause i love all types of food but, Gari's is always a unique and great experience so it's hard to avoid. It's hard for me to write this review because no one likes to wait in line for their food as I haven't had to do yet however I wish the best for the business and it deserves more exposure to the sushi lovers in this town.

Pros: daily specials, care taken to prepare dishes

Cons: just can't afford to eat there every night

Posted 11/12/08

This is by far the best sushi place in Boston... or Brookline if you want to be more specific. We sat at the sushi bar and the chef/owner was so friendly and accomodating. We had the FRESHEST Blue Fin Toro that literally melted in your mouth smooth. Tried their carpaccio heavenly. Their Volcano Maki sinfully delish! Oh and they had the best Scallop Hokkaiyaki (scallop baked in a shell) that rivals Fugakyu's and Oiishi. We ended our meal with their Tempura Fried Ice Cream... glad that my friend talked me into it. Although I was stuffed it was a nice ending. The staff were really nice. The decor is really chic. Thought the prices would be expensive, but it wasn't at all. Compared to places like Tsunami you would think that Gari would be more expensive. But it wasn't. (ie. spicy tuna at Tsunami is $6.95 at Gari it's $6.00.)

Needless to say, I will be returning for more of their delicious creations.

Plus, before I left the place, I noticed that they have an early dinner special for 2 for only $35. Can't go wrong with that price. They have a good selection for this special. Although limited, but heck it's $35.. $17.50 per person at a nice place you can hang out at and brag to your friends that you found such a hidden jewel.

Pros: Freshest Sushi, Creative Dishes, Friendly Service, Ambience, Price

Cons: Parking, Store front hard to find

Posted 07/31/08

Do not make the trek to coolidge corner just for greek food bc this place no longer exists. I was very disappointed to find that it had closed and become some other restaurant. Around the corner Shawarma King has good Lebanese food, but the next night I went to Steve's Greek on Newbury to fulfill the craving.

Posted 04/06/08

I can't say enough about this place. I've been to sushi places all over town - this is hands down the best in the city. FOOD: it's fresh. Sadly there are a lot of sushi places around town that can't seem to get that right. The kitchen here sends out nothing but the highest quality food. The respect for fresh ingredients carries over into the presentation, which is worthy of the best food magazines. I'm a culinary school grad that's worked in high-end kitchens (Union in South End, Clio in Back Bay) so I know what separates good from great - this place is great. Plates at Gari cover creativity in spades. Attention to detail is everywhere. Most sushi places use plates with painted accents - at Gari this is all done with sauces - and it's beautiful. SERVICE: the place is owned by a young chef and his wife, who's the hostess most nights. They care about their customers in a big way. If I had to pick one descriptor - they're amazingly accommodating. One night, I went to dinner with a vegetarian friend - his past experiences at sushi places left him wary of the whole lot. We asked the kitchen to make something -- what was served made everyone else scrambling for their chopsticks. The plate was a stunning palette of fruits and other amazing ingredients. My friend (and the rest of us) was blown away. I don't know of any sushi place in town that will give alternative diners that kind of personal attention. PRICE: So, so reasonable. The first time I ate there, I checked the bill thinking that they had missed adding something. This makes it the ultimate date place (or place to treat an out-of-town friend) - some serious "wow" factor that you feel guilty paying so little for. DECOR: Sharp, clean, and cozy all at the same time. COMPARISONS: Been to Fugakyu, Haru, Douzo. I'll never eat at those places again as long as Gari is still in town. Not making the short trip to Coolidge Corner is your loss.

Pros: Service. Price. Parking (always plenty available on street). Food is phenominal.

Cons: None at all.

Posted 03/14/08

This is a new place in Brookline but it reminds me of a restaurant I would see in NYC. The prices were reasonable, the staff was friendly and the food-- oh, the food. I never thought I would crave sushi. They have allkinds, classic california & spicy tuna .. but then they have sweet yam sushi, mango & cucumber , and some other combos I wouldnt think of.. Ive been there about 4 times now-- love it..
I have to go back until I try everything on the menu!

Pros: THE FOOD,ambience, service,

Cons: they dont have one closer to me

Posted 03/16/07

This is the most authentic Greek food you will get. Not only is it authentic but it is excellent! The food is delicious and properly prepared. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is a very comfortable one. I highly recommend it.

Posted 01/10/06

Niko's has the best mousaka I've ever had, anyplace, plus the people there are so friendly that you just can't help but go back. They treat you like an old friend.

Posted 10/03/02