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o ya Reviews List
o ya
***PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE FOR OUR 17 SEAT CHEF'S COUNTER ONLY***
Located in a 100-year-old fire station in Boston’s historic Leather District, o ya offers contemporary Japanese dining in a comfortable setting. The intimate 37-seat dining room consists of ten tables and a 17-seat chef’s counter, where guests can watch the chefs preparing the dishes.
Chef Owner Tim Cushman offers an Omakase, or Chef’s tasting menu, for $150 and an extensive a la carte menu of creative nigiri, sashimi, vegetable, wagyu beef, kurobuta pork and poulet rouge chicken dishes. O ya also offers an extensive premium sake list. Average dining time is approximately 2-3 hours.
CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event that you need to cancel or modify your reservation, please do so 24 hours prior to your reservation to avoid a $75 per person charge.
If you have any specific dietary or time restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation.
See more o ya details
Located in a 100-year-old fire station in Boston’s historic Leather District, o ya offers contemporary Japanese dining in a comfortable setting. The intimate 37-seat dining room consists of ten tables and a 17-seat chef’s counter, where guests can watch the chefs preparing the dishes.
Chef Owner Tim Cushman offers an Omakase, or Chef’s tasting menu, for $150 and an extensive a la carte menu of creative nigiri, sashimi, vegetable, wagyu beef, kurobuta pork and poulet rouge chicken dishes. O ya also offers an extensive premium sake list. Average dining time is approximately 2-3 hours.
CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event that you need to cancel or modify your reservation, please do so 24 hours prior to your reservation to avoid a $75 per person charge.
If you have any specific dietary or time restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation.
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(57)
4 stars
(7)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(57)
- special occasion(52)
- romantic(25)
- hot spot(20)
- neighborhood gem(14)
- notable wine list(13)
o ya Reviews List
Review 1 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious but overpriced
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have a snack before you go, and then enjoy sumptuous flavor explosions at $10/bite."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 2 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of my favorite Japanese restaurants. I'm sad I didn't discover it until now, but I will definitely be back!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really nice place for "small plates" and many courses. Probably take at least 6 to make a meal. Be ready for an expensive meal but worth it. The bill will make you look twice."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 4 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to celebrate my birthday and it was truly AMAZING! The food is OUTSTANDING! I am still thinking about the wonderful meal I had.
This is definitely one of my Top Two places in Boston!"
This is definitely one of my Top Two places in Boston!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
DELICIOUS
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I wasnt too sure what to expect but the food blew me away. The food presentation was very nice and I was very pleased with the service. I definitely recommend anyone to try this place if they could. The restaurant is definitely a hidden gem."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Amazing food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We started the evening on shaky ground. I arrived to a very tiny room with a bunch of open seats but had to wait until the servers could figure out where to put us. However everything went straight up from there. The food was incredible. The wine pairing our waiter suggested was out of this world. The only drawback is the price. We have eaten all over the world, in many expensive restaurants. This however was slightly over the top. Over $400 and not feeling incredibly full. However the tastes were beyond imaginable. I would only suggest this restaurant for a very special occasion. If you go, sit back, enjoy, and forget about what the bill will be."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 7 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
second time at o-ya
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The first time was so good that we went back again! I'm a lucky girl. This time we picked our own menu -- even the shorter omakase was just too much last time. This time round we thought the nigiri and sashimi sections are way better -- zingier, more inventive, elegant -- than the rest. Some of the non-fish things were trying too hard: the daikon dumplings were over-decorated and without much taste. But some standout sashimi: diver scallops with sage tempura, arctic char, all exquisite, memorable dishes.
An upgrade of the wine list is sorely needed: it's much too short and not very inventive. It could use some half-bottles to enable people to mix up their choices, ideal over a long meal. There should be a champagne by the glass."
An upgrade of the wine list is sorely needed: it's much too short and not very inventive. It could use some half-bottles to enable people to mix up their choices, ideal over a long meal. There should be a champagne by the glass."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 8 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another Great Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had yet another wonderful experience at O Ya with the Grand Omakase. Great service, fun waiter, over all lovely.
Wish I could add more value to my review but really, O Ya is nothing but a fantastic experience and I cannot wait for another excuse to go back."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 9 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place is amazing. Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is amazing. Food and service is off the hook. Now I just need to save up for two years so I can go again. A little ridiculous honestly. I mean the food is outstanding but dinner no where should be $500 for two people."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 10 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Well worth the wait for a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Well worth the wait for a reservation to O Ya, sat at the chef counter and really had a great time."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 11 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
delicious food. very light.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"delicious food. very light. small portions. exceptional sake list. expect to spend at least $150 people person."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 12 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Japanese Restaurant...?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food never fails to disappoint. Simply, in my opinion, O Ya is the Best Japenese restaurant in Boston, leagues ahead of Oishii in terms of service and food quality."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
May be Boston's only world
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"May be Boston's only world class restaurant. Everything you'd expect at this price point. Food exquisite. Presentation immaculate. Service casual, knowledgeable and always ready. Owners present, welcoming and available but not pushy. We've eaten at El Bulli, Taillevent, Tetsuya, Per Se. ... this is easily their equal. Chef trained at Nobu but this leaves it for dead.
We ate here two nights ago and went to No 9 Park last night...according to the reviews here a restaurant of equivalent quality. Not on the same planet.
If, like us, you're willing to travel to eat the best O Ya must go on your list."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 14 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent restaurant - best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent restaurant - best sushi I've ever had. Pricey, but worth it for a special occasion an a unique experience."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and have been wanting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and have been wanting to eat at O Ya for quite some time now. We are both sushi lovers and the experience at O Ya was fabulous. The sashimi combinations and creative presentations were fabulous. Our waitress paid attention to detail, explaining every plate that arrived at our table thoroughly. We had champagne with dinner, so i did not try any of the attractive wine offerings, although they sounded wonderful. The food here is beyond delicious! It's to be saved for a special occasion, as it is not inexpensive! One of the best meals ever!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible food - one of the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Incredible food - one of the best sushi experiences we've ever had. We had the tasting menu and were not disappointed. Though the price was slightly on the higher end, we had the opportunity to try so many dishes that we know exactly what to focus on next time. And believe me, there will be a next time."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the best thing i ever ate
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"seafood edition; probably the best meal of my life, but so ridiculously expensive. everything is awesome though!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 18 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very expensive for what you
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very expensive for what you actually get, food tasted fabulous, but we spent hundreds for the dinner for my husband and myself and left hungry! Prepare to spend a LOT for portions large enough to be substantial. (I am only 103 lbs and my husband is tall but not a large man!)"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ordered the Grand Omakase,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ordered the Grand Omakase, a tad bit pricey, menu listed $125 per person the bill came out $700. Maybe I missed something there? The food was excellent. Small portions, but was timed so the person can enjoy and savor the flavors. The main entrance was a tad hard to find, was on the side and kinda hidden. The decor was very nice, excellent for a date. We were able to sit at the chef's counter and was able to enjoy the masters at work. Kudos for not having a bar, it shows that if you have good food, you don't need a bar. Overall, Omakese means "Leaving it to" so we left it to the chef. Since the chefs can't read minds, there will be dishes that you are not that into and some that you are. So it depends if you want to risk it with that price."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Grand Omakase is wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Grand Omakase is wonderful and overwhelming. Take notes on the menu so you can recall each fleeting delight."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 21 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Simply amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful, transcendent flavors, exquisite textures expertly crafted into one small bite after another. Warm, welcoming, friendly unpretentious service. Foie gras with chocolate and aged sake, sea urchin with uni mousse, Bali style scallops in spicy coconut sauce, and so many other things are simply amazing. Shut your eyes once its in your mouth so your mind can focus completely on the amazing experience of this food!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 22 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The omakase tasting menu is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The omakase tasting menu is incredible."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 23 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional, thoughtful food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exceptional, thoughtful food, beautifully composed plates, service attentive but not cloying. A splurge but with no buyer's remorse."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 24 for o ya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is an amazing culinary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is an amazing culinary experience starting with the mindful presentation, to the exquisite food quality, and ending of course with the refined recipes. A truly unique high end sushi bar suited to San Francisco or New York but happily nested in the ladder district. A special occasion gem."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 25 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely superb. Best dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely superb. Best dining experience I have ever had in Boston and well worth the high price to get the layers of flavor and Michael's awesome service."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was OUTSTANDING!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was OUTSTANDING!! Servers very nice. We had a seat at the chef's bar area and we had a great time enjoying the chefs preparing our meal. Definitely recommended (although a bit pricey!)"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 27 for o ya
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Oya more like OK
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for the Grand Omakase which has some tremendous highs but also some fairly pedestrian dishes. Now you might think that it is harsh to expect 22 dishes to all be excellent but at the prices they charge they really should be.
While I can appreciate that different people may have different tastes I don't think anyone likes a fishy tasting sushi which was the case with the Barracuda dish.
The Grand Omakase for 2 plus sake cost us just under $1000. Yes we had some truly magnificent bites of food but would I rather eat here 1X or at virtually any other 5 star restaurant 3-4X. The answer is easily pass on Oya."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 28 for o ya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Extremely expensive, but stunningly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Extremely expensive, but stunningly good."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for o ya
Based on the average of (37) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate