North End Fish & Sushi Introduce
north end fish & sushi
### Introduction / Overview: North End Fish & Sushi – A Local's Takeout Secret
In the vibrant, historic, and undeniably Italian-centric North End of Boston, Massachusetts, North End Fish & Sushi carves out a unique niche as a dedicated Japanese takeout spot. While you might walk past this "tiny, takeout-only spot" without a second glance, it has quietly become a popular destination for locals seeking surprisingly affordable sushi. Described affectionately as a "total hole-in-the-wall," this establishment has garnered a steady stream of regulars, a testament to its consistent appeal within the neighborhood.
North End Fish & Sushi’s primary draw is its affordability, often cited as being "probably cheaper than most grocery store sushi in Boston." This value proposition makes it a practical choice for a casual weeknight meal or a convenient "sushi night" for those living in the North End and surrounding areas. While individual experiences with certain menu items, particularly nigiri, have varied, the consensus points to the excellence of their sushi rice—served at the "right temperature, with good stick and seasoning"—a crucial component often overlooked in more casual sushi offerings. Their specialty rolls and hand rolls also seem to be a consistent hit with the local clientele.
For those in Massachusetts seeking a budget-friendly and quick Japanese meal, particularly rolls, from a spot deeply integrated into the local community, North End Fish & Sushi offers a compelling, albeit specific, option.
### Location and Accessibility
North End Fish & Sushi is conveniently located at 99 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, USA. This address places it directly in the heart of Boston's historic North End, making it highly accessible for residents and visitors throughout Massachusetts.
Salem Street is one of the main arteries of the North End, a neighborhood renowned for its narrow, winding streets and rich culinary traditions. The restaurant's position on this bustling street ensures it's easily found by those exploring the area on foot. For those relying on public transportation, North End Fish & Sushi is within a reasonable walking distance from several MBTA stations, including Haymarket and North Station, which serve various subway lines and commuter rail routes. This connectivity makes it a practical choice for commuters picking up dinner on their way home or for anyone in the greater Boston area.
Given that it is a "takeout-only spot," the usual parking challenges associated with the North End are less of a concern, as most customers are simply stopping in for a quick pickup. This focus on efficiency and accessibility makes it an ideal spot for locals looking for a convenient sushi option without the need for a formal dine-in experience.
### Services Offered
North End Fish & Sushi operates primarily as a takeout-focused establishment, streamlining its services to provide efficient and affordable Japanese cuisine to the Massachusetts community, particularly in Boston's North End.
Takeout-Only Service: This is the core of North End Fish & Sushi's business model. The establishment is explicitly described as a "tiny, takeout-only spot," meaning there is no significant dine-in area. Customers place their orders for pickup, either in person, over the phone, or online. This focus allows them to prioritize speed and volume for their local clientele.
Online Ordering: North End Fish & Sushi offers convenient online ordering through their website and popular third-party delivery platforms (like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates). This modern convenience allows customers to browse the full menu, customize their selections, and place orders for pickup or delivery from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Delivery Services: Recognizing the demand for convenience in a busy city, North End Fish & Sushi partners with various delivery services. This enables customers within their delivery radius across Boston to enjoy their sushi and other Japanese dishes without leaving their location, making it an ideal option for a quick and effortless meal.
Extensive Roll Menu: While offering a range of Japanese items, their menu is particularly robust in its selection of rolls—both traditional and special. This focus caters to the high demand for maki rolls among their local customer base, as noted by reviews suggesting "rolls and hand rolls seem to be the move here."
Catering/Party Platters: For larger gatherings or events, North End Fish & Sushi provides various party platters, including Maki Platters (e.g., 6 regular maki, 48 pieces), Sushi Platters (e.g., 27 pcs sushi), and even larger "The Love Boat" and "The Titanic" options. These are perfect for local celebrations, office lunches, or family sushi nights.
### Features / Highlights
North End Fish & Sushi, despite its humble appearance, possesses several key features that make it a compelling choice for locals in Boston, Massachusetts, particularly those prioritizing affordability and specific menu items.
Unbeatable Affordability: This is arguably North End Fish & Sushi's most significant highlight. Customers consistently note that prices are "surprisingly affordable" and "probably cheaper than most grocery store sushi in Boston." This value proposition makes it a go-to spot for budget-conscious sushi lovers in the city, enabling frequent enjoyment of Japanese cuisine.
Excellent Sushi Rice: While opinions on fish quality vary, the sushi rice consistently receives high praise. It's described as being "served at the right temperature, with good stick and seasoning (unlike the cold, dry stuff you get in pre-packed trays)." This attention to detail on such a fundamental component elevates the overall sushi experience, especially for rolls where rice plays a crucial role.
Popularity Among Locals: North End Fish & Sushi is a genuine "hole-in-the-wall" that has found its loyal following. It's "really popular among the locals in the neighborhood," indicating a strong community connection and consistent repeat business. This popularity, despite long wait times during busy periods, suggests a trusted and relied-upon establishment for everyday sushi cravings.
Strong Specialty & Hand Roll Offerings: While some raw fish items might be inconsistent, customer feedback points to their specialty rolls and hand rolls as particularly solid. The "spicy tuna roll was solid," and many recommend focusing on these types of rolls, which are often more forgiving in terms of fish texture and flavor due to the added ingredients and sauces.
Convenient Takeout Model: As a "takeout-only" spot, North End Fish & Sushi is designed for efficiency and convenience. This model caters perfectly to the fast-paced urban lifestyle of Boston, allowing locals to grab their sushi quickly for an on-the-go meal or a relaxed evening at home.
### Promotions or Special Offers
North End Fish & Sushi offers a variety of ongoing promotions and special deals, primarily focused on making their affordable Japanese cuisine even more accessible to the Massachusetts community, particularly for takeout and larger orders. These can often be found directly on their website and through their online ordering platforms.
Lunch Specials: North End Fish & Sushi features dedicated lunch specials available Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These include:
Choose Any 2 Rolls (Lunch) for $12.95.
Choose Any 3 Rolls (Lunch) for $18.95.
Choose Any 1 Roll & 2 Sides (Lunch) for $11.95.
Choose Any 2 Rolls & 2 Sides (Lunch) for $16.95.
All lunch specials typically come with bottled water.
Maki Combos: For excellent value on rolls, they offer several combo options:
Maki Trio Platter (Salmon, tuna, and yellowtail rolls) for $14.95.
Combo 1 (Spicy tuna avocado + spicy salmon avocado + spicy yellowtail avocado = 18 PCS) for $19.95.
Combo 2 (Eel avocado cucumber + California + spicy shrimp avocado = 18 PCS) for $19.95.
Sushi/Sashimi Platters: They provide a range of platters that offer bundled savings for various sushi and sashimi selections:
Tuna Lover Platter (4 pcs tuna sushi & spicy tuna roll) for $15.95.
Salmon Lover Platter (4 pcs salmon sushi & spicy salmon avocado roll) for $15.95.
Sushi Regular Platter (8 pcs sushi & spicy salmon roll) for $19.95.
Sushi Deluxe Platter (10 pcs sushi & spicy tuna roll) for $23.95.
Sashimi Regular Platter (12 pcs sashimi) for $21.95.
Sashimi Deluxe Platter (15 pcs sashimi) for $23.95.
Party Platters: Ideal for gatherings, these offer significant value:
Maki Platter (6 regular maki - 48 pieces total) for $43.95 (or 56 pieces for $56.95).
The Love Boat (8 pcs sushi, 16 pcs sashimi & 2 maki rolls) for $55.95.
The Titanic Platter (12 pcs sushi, 20 pcs sashimi & 2 chef's special rolls) for $79.95.
Vegetable Platter (6 vegetable maki - 48 pieces total) for $37.95.
Online Ordering Benefits: When signing up for an account on their website, customers may receive special coupons and promotions directly, in addition to viewing order history and quickly re-ordering favorites.
For the most current information on all promotions, locals are encouraged to visit North End Fish & Sushi's official website or check their listings on popular delivery apps.
### Contact Information
For those in Boston, Massachusetts, looking to enjoy the affordable and popular Japanese offerings from North End Fish & Sushi, here is their direct contact information:
Address: 99 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
Phone: (978) 605-8994
Given its takeout-only nature, the phone number is particularly useful for placing orders or inquiring about wait times, especially since it's known to be popular and can have a wait. Their location on Salem Street in the North End makes it a recognizable and accessible spot for local pickups.
### Conclusion: Why North End Fish & Sushi is Suitable for Locals
North End Fish & Sushi stands out as a highly suitable option for locals across Massachusetts, especially those in and around Boston, primarily due to its unbeatable affordability, consistent quality of rice, and focus on convenient takeout. For many, it represents the ideal "hole-in-the-wall" sushi spot that delivers on value for everyday cravings.
The primary draw is undoubtedly the price. In a city where dining out can be expensive, North End Fish & Sushi offers sushi that is "probably cheaper than most grocery store sushi." This makes it an accessible and practical choice for regular sushi nights, quick lunches, or impromptu cravings without breaking the bank. This affordability is a significant factor for fostering a loyal local customer base, as evidenced by the "steady stream of regulars coming and going."
While opinions on the quality of individual fish pieces for nigiri may vary, the consistent praise for the sushi rice is a crucial highlight. The rice, described as being "served at the right temperature, with good stick and seasoning," forms the foundation of enjoyable sushi, particularly for rolls, which seem to be the preferred choice among patrons. This attention to a fundamental component ensures a satisfying base for any order.
Furthermore, its "takeout-only" model caters perfectly to the fast-paced urban lifestyle. It's a spot where locals can quickly grab their food and go, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. The extensive menu of rolls, including popular specialty options and affordable combos, provides ample choice for varied tastes, making it easy to find a satisfying meal. The availability of party platters also makes it a convenient option for local gatherings or family events.
In essence, North End Fish & Sushi is not aiming to be a high-end, sit-down omakase experience. Instead, it thrives as a beloved local secret, providing a reliable source of affordable, consistently good-quality rice and tasty rolls, especially for those in the Massachusetts area who appreciate a no-frills, budget-friendly, and convenient sushi option. It truly embodies the spirit of a neighborhood favorite.
North End Fish & Sushi Photos










North End Fish & Sushi Location
North End Fish & Sushi
99 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
North End Fish & Sushi Reviews
Heard about this place from a colleague who lives in the North End who mentioned she was picking up sushi from here for her sushi night. I’ve walked past it plenty of times, but never thought much of it. Finally decided to stop in and grab some rolls and nigiri.It’s a tiny, takeout-only spot. Total hole-in-the-wall. Prices were surprisingly affordable. Probably cheaper than most grocery store sushi in Boston. That might explain why it’s really popular among the locals in the neighborhood. Even for a simple order, I waited over 40 minutes, and there was a steady stream of regulars coming and going.Unfortunately, the sushi itself was some of the lowest quality I’ve had from a restaurant in the city. Most of the fish was dull in flavor and off in texture. A few pieces—mackerel, albacore, yellowtail—tasted borderline questionable. Even the basics like salmon, tuna, and shrimp weren’t very enjoyable. The only upside was the rice. Served at the right temperature, with good stick and seasoning (unlike the cold, dry stuff you get in pre-packed trays).Thankfully, the spicy tuna roll was soli. And from the looks of what others were picking up, the rolls and hand rolls seem to be the move here. If I return, I’ll skip the nigiri entirely and just stick to their specialty rolls.
Apr 22, 2025 · Jea KimNot the worst worst, but the variety and quality of the platter are seriously lacking. It’s heavy on salmon and basic tuna cuts, with nothing particularly high quality. The only upside is that it is afforable.It might be fine for people used to mediocre sushi, but I’ve had better sushi in a landlocked state—and that says a lot.
May 22, 2025 · Gabbie KimBy far the most affordable and one of the better quality food places in North End Boston. After dining at several highly rated places in the area that all served mediocre, overpriced food, finding this hole in the wall place was such a relief. Forgot to take pictures because I started in on the sushi almost immediately but I got the spicy salmon roll and spicy tuna roll. I’m not sure if I’d return to Boston but if I did, I would definitely come here.
Nov 20, 2024 · Alexandria LRecommended to me by a local. A small hole in the wall spot with amazing, personable service and great food. Photo of half my sushi rolls because I forgot to take a photo before eating them
Apr 12, 2025 · Emily SullivanI frequent this place fairly often and we are never disappointed! They have the best sushi in Boston. It is always fresh and they’re very quick. Love this spot.
Oct 15, 2024 · Jaycee Ewing
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