To describe 311 as a whole must delve into several facades.
[Main point you can get the same quality in NYC for 100-120. If you are spending the 300$/pp for a dinner go and enjoy a truly memorable 3* Michelin. 311 fails to land the mark for the price.]
Starting with the entrance of the restaurant:
It resembles a waiting room in a medical cabinet. The entrance door to the main dinning room is quite nice but It would have been pleasant not to see the insect trap located below the main waiting bench, and having a more homely welcome. However, the host was extremely kind and made a genuine effort to accommodate comfort.
Main dining room:
Lighting feels too artificial, along with silverware/dishes that feel too modernized to the establishment and cuisine. The sous-chefs and prep cooks did not feel very jovial. Chef Wei was very accommodating nonetheless and appreciate his passion towards cooking. This did not change the fact it felt awkward being in the dinning room. It’s missing some energy and relaxation.
Restroom:
They overall feel makeshift, there’s a lot going on and still feels like they are in the early stages.
Dinning:
The first appetizer of Kegani Hokkido Hairy crab, Corn and Tomato mousse with Dashi Jelly didn’t shiny through all of the flavors.
This was only a pre-cursor to the display of multiple ingredients which would have lightened the mood if things didn’t feel stiff. The dinner really fell apart with the truffle dish. Specifically the Tai Truffle of sea bream, Mizuna, Summer Truffle and Sudachi.
There was NO flavor to the summer truffle. It was just a decoration. Even indulging in a single piece of shaved truffle had no flavor. Genuinely a let down.
There was also no really attention from the staff to show eagerness towards a sake pairing and a very limited amount of options.
One of the best dishes that night was the Channel rock fish. The broth really shone through and delivered what you would expect from a 300$ dinner. Emblematic of a 2-3* Michelin restaurant price tag.
Furthermore, most of the fish lacked impact with the rice being either too overpowering or too underwhelming.
Additionally, one of the guest did drop a piece of food which went completely unnoticed the entire dinner.
There were a few which were incredible: Water eel, Akami, and Shima Aji. However overall nothing you can’t get better for 100-120 in NYC.
FINAL REMARKS:
For the price it’s a one and done. Appreciate Chef Wei’s hospitality, but did not feel welcomed nor relaxed for a 2 1/2 hour dinner. Especially at that price pre-tip. It...
Read moreLocated on Tremont on the lower level of a residential brownstone, On the Outside 311 is unassuming. You will probably walk past it without noticing it. On the inside, it offers dining for 10 guests in an intimate and upscale setting.
I was told by the chef and owner that the menu is frequently changed based on what ingredients are in season. When we went (April 2025), the menu was 6 appetizers and 10 sushi courses, plus miso soup and dessert with tea.
The sushi was definitely more of a traditional experience (especially compared to other omakases in the area at a similar price point— think OYa). The appetizers stepped away from the traditional and got creative. A highlight was the Kegani dish. Crab, dash jelly, and tomato mousse was reminiscent of the best crab and cocktail sauce you’ve had.
The sushi was some of the best I’ve had. The rice was perfectly seasoned. The balance of the warmth of the rice and fish was spot on. The chef is truly a master here.
We opted to get the sake pairings. This turned out to be a choice well worth the price ($125). The pairings perfectly complemented the sushi. I don’t know how to explain how perfect they were other than saying that the sake pairings were equally as impressive as the sushi. Cari, the chef’s partner, put a lot of thought and work into selecting the perfect sake, and it was masterful!
I’ve been to nearly every omakase in Boston. 311 is definitely in the top 3. It’s hard to compare directly to others that aren’t as traditional. But I think if you’re looking for tradition, simple, perfectly crafted nigiri, 311 might be the best in Boston.
We were served fish I’ve never had before, preparations I’ve never had before, and they were incredible. The chef, team, and especially Cari served us an incredible experience, and their hard work and...
Read moreDining Experience: 🍣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 311 Omakase is like entering a secret world of culinary delight. The intimate setting creates an unparalleled dining experience, where every dish feels like a carefully crafted masterpiece. From the first appetizer to the final delicately plated dessert, the journey through the 18-course omakase menu is nothing short of extraordinary.
Service: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The intimacy of 311 Omakase is complemented by attentive and personalized service. The staff's knowledge and passion for their craft elevate the experience, making you feel like an honored guest in an exclusive culinary haven.
Ambiance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Tucked away and unassuming from the outside, 311 Omakase unfolds into a haven of tranquility. The intimate atmosphere is a breath of fresh air in bustling Boston. It's a bit hidden, and its unassuming exterior only adds to the charm of this culinary gem.
Exclusivity & Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 The only con of this hidden treasure is the challenge of securing a reservation, and the 18-course omakase experience does come with a price tag. While both elements contribute to the exclusivity of the dining adventure, the difficulty in securing a table and the considered price are justified by the unparalleled flavors and dining spectacle.
Overall Experience: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 311 goes beyond being a restaurant; it's an intimate culinary performance. The dishes are a symphony of flavors, the ambiance a poetic backdrop, and the service a choreography of perfection. Despite the challenge of securing a reservation and the price consideration, every effort is worth it for this culinary masterpiece.
Recommendation: An Unseen Culinary Symphony - 311 is a must for those seeking an intimate gastronomic journey! Be prepared for a hidden gem that delights the senses, challenges your taste buds, and leaves you longing...
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