Zaku Izakaya — Restaurant in Boston

NOTE: I've amended this review which had previously listed a service charge that was erroneously charged to us on our initial visit. It has since been resolved. I've added additional items we've tried on our second return below (1 week later).

RIP to Shun's Kitchen! Came here on a Thursday evening at ~530pm and was seated with no issues. Interior décor is very nice and staff was friendly (they offered us hot towels after we sat down!).

In my opinion the Prefix Menu that they offer ($55 per person) is quite the deal and is STRONGLY recommended. You get a choice of up 2 cold and 2 hot appetizers, an entrée and a dessert. Here are the items we ordered (as of 5/2024).

For the Prefix Menu: Seaweed salad (normally $6) - Refreshing and not too heavy on the sesame oil. Ika Wasabi (only part of a set) - This is bits of squid that is marinated in wasabi. If you like squid AND the flavoring of wasabi then this is your jam. We personally enjoyed it. Beef Flank Steak Yakitori (normally $12) - This was great. Very tender and the soy based sauce they have on it is a great combination. Would recommend. Saba Nanban (normally $12) - If you like mackerel then get this. The texture is akin to tuna fish in a can and has a strong fish flavor to it. Again, if you've had saba (mackerel) then you'd enjoy this. I would eat this with rice however to help diffuse the intense flavor. Beef Bi Bim Bap (normally $23) - This comes in a hot stone bowl which is GREAT. The sauce isn't super spicy so feel free to pour it all in and mix it up! The hot stone bowl will give the rice on the bottom a delightful crunchy texture to it. Would get this again (assuming its in a stone bowl). Green Tea Ice Cream Mochi (normally $5) - Good palate cleanser but nothing to write home about.

Items we ordered separately: Pork Belly Yakitori - $7 - Really enjoyed this one as it had a delightful light oil based sauce (with green onions) that helped compliment the pork belly. I would get this one again. Sweet and Sour Chicken - $17 - Sleeper hit with lots of chunks of chicken breast that is well sauced and juicy on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside. Really enjoyed this dish! Comes with a small bowl of white rice.

Chashu Ramen - $20 - Nice clean broth with noodles that were cooked perfectly. This would be great on a cold day. Zaku Combo Appetizer (9 items) - $27 - This was a fantastic way to try out a little of all their appetizers. This is perfect for sharing with 2 people and everything tasted fantastic! -Smoked Salmon and Yogurt - $5 - This dish is highly recommended. The bread that the smoked salmon and yogurt rested on was delightfully crisp with a nice chew in the middle.

I would highly recommend this establishment with no...

Zaku has quickly become my go-to spot every weekend—and honestly, I could go any day! The place is beautifully designed with a modern Japanese theme that sets the perfect vibe. But what truly stands out for me are the drinks. The bartender, Allan, is a master at his craft. I’ve tried cocktails all across the country, and I have to say, Allan makes the best I’ve ever had.

I had my first Ramos King Fizz here, and it was absolutely out of this world—seriously, it’s on another level! I tried four other drinks before that, and every single one was phenomenal. Allan, you’re a cocktail genius! If you're a fan of expertly made drinks, Zaku is a must-visit.

As for the food, the presentation is top-notch, though the quality could be improved, especially when it comes to the sashimi and grilled skewers. We had the Sushi combo (the fish wasn't that cool and fresh, the urchin texture wasn't that good 7/10), the Sashimi (still has some "fishy" taste in it where we though it should be stored or served on cold ice a little bit more), the Yakitori grilled skewers (all the skewers tasted the same, no different, nothing special), and the fried rice (good flavor but the rice was kinda wet). Besides that, the adamame was tasty and the dumplings were sooo gooddd!!! Still, we had a great time, and I’ll definitely be back. We had a 3 hours dine-in but Allan made me wanted to stay for longer. I’m looking forward to seeing the food catch up to the incredible drinks! You earned a...

During our visit to Boston from Dubai, we had the pleasure of dining at Zaku Izakaya on Columbus Avenue, and it truly turned out to be an exceptional experience. The ambiance was warm and welcoming, perfectly complementing the authentic Japanese culinary journey that awaited us. The food was outstanding in every aspect. The okra fries were a delightful surprise crispy, flavorful, and one of the highlights of the evening. The sushi was prepared with great finesse, fresh and perfectly balanced in taste. Every dish we tried was cooked to perfection, carrying a distinct flavor that made it memorable. What stood out most was the consistency across the entire menu; not a single dish felt ordinary. It was a complete dining experience where every plate reflected quality and attention to detail. Zaku Izakaya is a place that leaves a lasting impression, not just for its food but also for the overall atmosphere and experience. For anyone in Boston seeking a remarkable Japanese dining spot, this restaurant is...