"Fish Market" is a new sushi restaurant that very recently opened in Allston. Nestled in a neighborhood with Gitlo's (Cantonese dim sum), Jo Jo Taipei (Taiwanese food), and Shabuzen (shabu shabu), it really rounds out the neighborhood's Asian selections nicely. I'm a bit jealous of all those people that live right in Allston - what food choices!
Founded by two sushi chefs from Oishii (pictured above), the menu feels eerily similar as you recognize familiar offerings -- for a fraction of the price. The restaurant is tiny (similar to Oishii), consisting of a sushi bar and about three tables. Make sure to call ahead if you have a large party (like we did).
My over all impression? The fish is fresh, the sushi skills are very solid, and the prices are reasonable. I would rank it similarly to Fugakyu, and definitely above places like Bluefin, Cafe Sushi, Daikanyama, and Dabin. You can tell these chefs have had good training - they clearly know what they are doing. The result? Cool, innovative dishes not found in your typical run-of-the-mill sushi joint. The chefs are also really nice, and are very generous in offering various freebies on the house.
For example, not only did they take an additional 10% off our bill, they also offered us appetizers and desserts on the house.
One negative - the service was a bit slow, although that can be expected. There were only two sushi chefs making sushi for a table of 10. However, the dishes were made with care, and each entree was beautifully presented.
One of my favorites was the toro with tempura crumbs. Toro (tuna belly) is finely chopped up and mixed with spicy mayo, sesame oil, and some other spices. The mixture is then either served in a bowl ("sashimi style") or on top of rice (nigiri style - see left most piece in picture above). The toro itself was already really good, and the mix of flavors enhanced the sushi.
I also ordered salmon (my favorite) and super white tuna. Although both were fine, neither one amazed me, and I think I've had more flavorful fish at Fugakyu (and definitely at Oishii). Nevertheless, they were enjoyable.
I ordered one of my favorite rolls from Oishii - the yellowtail truffle maki (pictured at the top). Although it was good, it was noticeably less tasty than Oishii's truffle maki. I wasn't sure why. It wasn't until later that I figured out why. I went back to Oishii's menu and noted that their version is make with toro instead of yellowtail. That makes a lot of sense now . . . naruhodo . . Oishii's roll is also around $25 while this roll was only $15, so perhaps it's a bit unfair to compare the two.
The restaurant is new, so it's natural that they have some kinks to work out. Nevertheless, the sushi is really fresh and definitely expertly prepared. The lunch prices are phenomenal (around $10) and are definitely an insane bargain considering the quality and skill in the food you get -- especially when you add in the freebies! (my friend said she got toro appetizer for free the last time she went!) Do check this place out.
Note: As part of their grand opening (up until August 31), they are offering free desserts during lunch and free appetizers and dessert during dinner.
Sashimi Combo
Spicy salmon roll
Rainbow roll
Our free appetizer
Sashimi combo in all its glory
Our free dessert. We got to choose from various Asian flavored ice creams (red bean, green tea, and black sesame!); mochi ice cream; or fried ice cream (shown below).
170 Brighton Ave
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 783-1268
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