Haru has taken center stage with its first modern Japanese location to open in Boston. The sushi restaurant is located below the Shops at Prudential Center, and is beautifully decorated with a Japanese garden, bamboo floors and wooden footbridge, along with alfresco dining. The menu here ranges from sushi, sashimi and creative salads to signature dishes like carpaccios, ceviches, tartares, filet mignon, grilled spicy shrimp and specialty rolls. Don’t miss the sake and cocktail bar for an after-work drink or late night people-watching. Haru also provides delivery and catering services, private rooms and lounges, and a vibrant bar scene. Click here for more information.

The city has finally introduced its first modern Japanese brasserie known as Basho. Located near Fenway Park, Basho is the latest from Jack Huang, owner of the popular Douzo in the Back Bay. The restaurant offers an innovative interpretation of modern Japanese cuisine using Western styles, methods and ingredients with signature dishes, like flavored Sushi and Sashimi (traditional Japanese flavors added directly to the seafood), lobster miso bouillabaisse and foie gras teriyaki. Basho (Japanese for “a place where things happen”) also offers a variety of cocktails - think house infusions and homemade simple syrups using fresh, local herbs- along with traditional Japanese sake, wine and beer. The interior boasts soaring ceilings with a minimalist vibe set in a relaxed, yet chic scene. If you are feeling social, grab a seat at one of the communal tables, or for more private dining there are intimate corners. Basho also has an outdoor patio with retractable awnings as well as a sushi bar, raw bar and sleek, wraparound liquor bar. Visit bashosushi.com for more information.