Shiki Japanese Cuisine

08/09/08

Authentic and traditional Japanese food but inconsistent service

by jwong83 at Citysearch

I have been to this place twice. I highly enjoy the food, the variety, and the traditional Japanese choices. My husband and friends don't seem to be as impressed but the style really suits my tastes. The only bad thing is that service is really inconsistent. The first time we went we waited almost 3 full hours for all of our food and we kept getting ignored (there are only 2 waitresses). They also somehow managed to forget to bring out one of our orders. Nevertheless, I gave this place a second try and was much more pleased with the service. They seem to cater quite well to large parties, but if there is one the service becomes obviously imbalanced as they focus all their energy on the large tables rather than the 2-4 seating tables. I recommend going for early dinner to avoid the crowds (they have limited seating after all). I recommend tasting the tuna nagaimo tartar, age dofu, chawanmushi, onigri, and any of their daily specials. Sushi is an option too but don't expect it to be above average; it's similar to other good sushi restaurants such as Oishii. I think Shiki's strength is in the innovative daily specials and many of their authentic and traditional warm dishes.

• Pros: fresh, authentic, traditional
• Cons: Inconsistent service, parking

07/20/08

Best Japanese Restaurant in Boston !!!!!

by Qbert74 at Citysearch

At last a real legitimate Japanese restaurant in Boston! As a Japanese American, I have been living here for the last 10 years and have never come across one until now.

Lots of places in Boston serve sushi or "Japanese style" food, but look around inside and you will see why no Japanese people go to them. That's because true Japanese food is often very delicate with subtle flavors. Often there is one dominant flavor in the dish, and this is meant to stand alone if it is well prepared or fresh. This is what Shiki does so brilliantly and authentically. The dishes are beautiful to look at and are even better to eat, but they always maintain a certain level of simplicity that is so often lost in the other restaurants in Boston. This makes it hands down the finest Japanese restaurant in the area.

If you want to try some overpriced sushi topped with truffles, beluga caviar, lots of mayonaise on overcooked rice, then go to a place like Oishii or Fugakyu. If you want to have an authentic Japanese meal, then try Shiki. The small Japanese population in Boston has already discovered this place, but I hope that Non-Japanese people will try a place like this too. They would be in for a treat.

• Pros: Authentic Japanese Cuisine
• Cons: Small dining room