We love sushi too much to save it only for a special occasion, which is why we love the casual Ebi Sushi. This affordable neighborhood spot in Somerville’s Union Square recently renovated with a stylish new sushi bar, cool wall murals, and other upgrades, but Ebi remains an unpretentious local favorite for high-quality seafood. The large menu serves everything from beautiful sashimi to non-sushi Japanese fare that’s wide-ranging and done well, such as shrimp tempura, curry plates, and mochi ice cream, and takeout’s available, too. A 10-piece omakase of creative nigiri lands under $50, and we love to come here with friends to set sail with a sushi boat, an upgrade they’ll arrange for any order of five-plus maki rolls or 30 more pieces of nigiri. Don’t miss the Miso Salmon Roll, a crispy California-style roll with torched salmon, sweet miso paste, scallion, and black truffle mayo. 

Shore Leave is not a Japanese restaurant; it bills itself as a tropical oasis in the South End. You’re probably in this well-decorated basement lounge for the drinks, like the signature Shore Leave Cocktail or a Mai Tai for the Table. Shore Leave is a Boston-inspired tiki bar—think: Query’s Rum Manhattan, which gets added richness from Somerville-invented marshmallow Fluff—but considering it’s from the same owners as two of our favorite spots for raw seafood in Boston (Black Lamb and Bar Mezzana), you should not overlook the lengthy sushi menu. Chef Colin Lynch balances each shareable maki roll and bite of nigiri and with the same modern finesse that makes his tuna poke and crudo stand out at his other restaurants. The eponymous Shore Leave Roll matches fried shrimp tempura with fresh hamachi, pickled pineapple, serrano, cilantro, and aji amarillo for a refreshing mouthful; and bold accents like a truffle-shiitake relish on medium-fatty tuna nigiri make a meal here a memorable parade of flavors. 

Plan ahead (and follow Instagram) to experience Momi Nonmi’s omakase ambitions in-person. The Inman Square restaurant is open most nights with a reservation-only chef’s choice menu, ranging from premium nigiri with light appetizers to the Ultimate Grand Slam Omakase of 25 courses plus dessert. Chef-owner and Honolulu native Chris Chung, an alum of Uni, also shares weekly-changing takeout options from his izakaya-style Japanese restaurant. A la carte sashimi is sliced to order, fresh from the world’s best markets, and there are chirashi bowls, edamame and other gluten-free appetizers, and Hawaiian-style dishes like Onigiri and Huli Huli chicken with rice. The sake selection is top-shelf at Momi Nonmi too, so ask your server for pairings in-house or inquire about the reserve sake list available alongside your takeout order.

True to its name, Umami Omakase specializes in set menus—which makes it a great date-night spot in Cambridge. Sit back and enjoy the company while 18 courses are headed your way for a beautifully plated meal. Light miso soup begins the progression of assorted sashimi and sushi, including Langoustine and Japanese A5 wagyu. Secure a pair of seats at the light wood sushi bar for a fully transportive omakase experience where the food really shines. But as a matter of survival, the 2019-founded Umami Omakase also indulges diners who prefer takeout: A la carte options are available to-go based on availability, with pre-orders required. There are a number of omakase combinations packed with premium, seasonal slices of seafood and nigiri, including Wagyu foie gras, king crab, and other exceptional choices. Besides the well-lit sushi bar, at home may be the next-best place to savor this sushi.

Updated by Jacqueline Cain