Bo Tun sea urchin buckwheat noodles

🍜 Sugidama Soba & Izakaya: Somerville’s Japanese Spot—Skip the Uni, Savor the Grilled Bites Let’s be real: I came for the sea urchin soba (that cover photo sold me). But the uni? Disappointing—slightly “saliva-like” (yes, that’s a thing). Luckily, the rest of the menu saved the meal. 🌟 The Standouts Grilled Fish Chin: 🐟 My favorite. Charred to perfection, with a smoky, caramelized crust. The fatty chin meat is tender, rich, and “melt-in-your-mouth” good—no fishiness, just pure umami. Yakitori (Grilled Skewers): 🍢 We tried beef, pork belly, and shishito peppers. The peppers? Obsessed. They’re slightly charred, with a hint of sweetness and a mild kick—better than Omori’s version, in my book. (Sorry to my friend who hates them—more for me.) 😐 The “Meh” Uni Soba: 🐚 Generous portions of uni, but the quality is lacking. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a refreshing summer option—but nowhere near as good as it looks. Uni Don & Sushi Set: 🍣 The fish is fresh enough (no off-tastes), but the rice is forgettable—bland, not seasoned enough to complement the seafood. Fine for a quick bite, but no “wow.” ✨ Hard Truth: Boston vs. NYC Boston’s Japanese food can’t compete with New York’s—no debate. NYC has better quality and better value. Boston spots? They’re just for when you’re craving sushi but don’t want to hop on a train. Vibe: Casual izakaya energy—good for groups, with a focus on grilled dishes and soba. Verdict: Come for the fish chin and yakitori, skip the uni. It’s a solid “staycation” option, but don’t expect NYC-level magic. 📍 Sugidama Soba & Izakaya 260 Elm St #106, Somerville, MA 02144 #BostonIzakaya #JapaneseGrill #UniDisappointment