311 Omakase Boston Review

Restaurant Name: 311 Omakase
Location: South End, Boston, MA
Date of Visit: August 20, 2024
Price Range: $$$$
Cuisine Type: Japanese
Reservations: Required – Resos
Parking: Street, Limited
Dietary Notes: Not vegan / vegetarian friendly
Vibe: upscale casual / date night
Visit Type: dinner

Japanese sushi chefs preparing fresh sushi in a modern restaurant setting.

311 Omakase Boston Review: First Impressions of This Michelin-Starred Experience

When I went to visit the ol’ Beantown in the summer of 2024, a good friend and fellow foodie surprised me with reservations at 311, a delicious omakase that opened the previous summer. We had done an omakase before at Porter Square’s Umami, so I was really excited to try another one. Tucked away in the basement of a South End brownstone, 311 brings an incredible dining experience to the vibrant neighborhood.

The decor is understated but elegant, with dish-ware hand-selected from Japan and beautiful wood accents, from the tables to the wall. The cozy seating can accommodate a maximum of 10 diners at a time, making it feel intimate and exclusive. On that note, reservations can be fairly challenging to snag, as the restaurant only opens spots up one a month on the 15th, and 45 days in advance. Waitlists are available if you’re feeling lucky!

The Philosophy Behind 311 Omakase: Chef, Ingredients & Guest Connection

The menu rotates based on what’s in season, with a large selection of the served fish shipped directly from Japan or locally sourced. The freshness of the food is a high priority for the head Chef Wei Fa Chen, who studied under Masayoshi Takayama of Masa in New York City. It’s no surprise that every bite is a small experience on its own.

The tasting has 18 courses diligently prepared in front of diners, predominately consisting of various nigiri but with a few special alternate dishes as well. At our tasting we got to enjoy caviar, soup, and tempura along with the fresh sushi. In some cases the bites were delivered directly into our hands, and in others they were carefully placed on a serving plate in front of us. In all cases, they were wonderful.

Along with the 18 courses, a few side-dishes are available to add to the experience. We opted to try the abalone as an extra, and I’m extremely glad we did because it was delicous.

Chef Wei gives his experience a bit of modern flair with sauces and styles that diverge slightly from traditional sushi. But the technique and attention to detail is pure Japanese mastery at its finest.

311 offers a nice selection of wines and sake for those looking to enjoy a libation along with their meal

Is 311 Omakase Worth the Price? Value, Exclusivity & Overall Experience

It was beyond a treat to get to experience what is now Boston’s only Michelin star rated restaurant, as of November 2025. As a huge fan of sushi and enjoyer of omakase dining, it’s difficult to imagine me not having a good time. A night at 311 Omakase comes with a price tag, starting at around $230 pp before any add-ons or gratuity. But I would say it’s well worth the cost. You’re not going to find food as fresh and expertly prepared as this in many places in Boston, and I feel the expense is one worth spending for an incredible experience right in the heart of this gorgeous city.

Photos

A refined sushi dining experience featuring a sleek place setting with chopsticks, glasses, and a rolled towel.

A calming spa room with massage tables, candles, and tranquil decor for ultimate relaxation.

Stylish dining area featuring a wine glass, decorative vase, and artful wall accents.

A carefully plated Japanese appetizer featuring traditional flavors in a small, artistic ceramic bowl.

Authentic Japanese tempura dish with fresh ingredients, perfect for seafood lovers.

Freshly prepared tempura fish on a leaf-shaped plate with sauces in the background. Ideal for sushi and tempura enthusiasts.

A beautifully plated gourmet dish featuring fresh seafood, greens, and shaved truffles, ideal for luxury dining experiences.

Close-up of hand holding a sushi hand roll with lemon, seaweed, and fresh fillings in a Japanese restaurant.

Experienced sushi chef expertly prepares fresh sushi in a luxurious restaurant setting.

A sleek sushi restaurant featuring chefs meticulously preparing sushi at the counter.

Elegant dessert presentation with caviar topping at Izzie Bytes, perfect for food lovers.

This image features a sophisticated dessert in a glass, topped with caviar and cream, emphasizing luxury and gourmet eating.

Elegant seafood presentation featuring crab sashimi with leafy greens, perfect for sushi lovers.

Healthy salmon and spinach recipe preparation in a skillet.

Discover exquisite sushi artistry with fresh ingredients at Izzie Bytes culinary site.

Experience fresh sushi served hot on a stone plate with wasabi and ginger, highlighting traditional Japanese culinary art.

Delicious tuna sushi piece on black plate, perfect for sushi lovers, showcasing fresh seafood and Japanese dish presentation, Izzie Bytes.

Professional chef preparing food with culinary tools and flames.

A sushi chef at Izzi Bytes kitchen using a blowtorch to prepare gourmet sushi in a stylish setting.

Enjoy fresh sashimi drizzled with wasabi sauce, beautifully presented on a blue and white dish.

Delicious sushi with fresh mackerel and seasoned rice, showcasing Japanese cuisine and expert preparation techniques.

Delicious sea urchin sushi featuring orange roe atop nori seaweed for a memorable dining experience.

Savor a classic piece of unagi sushi, featuring grilled eel atop vinegared rice, served on a sleek black plate for an authentic Japanese dining experience.