Tori Jiro

For those of us in Massachusetts seeking an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine, Tori Jiro in Watertown's vibrant Arsenal Yards offers a distinctive dining experience. While often referred to as a "ramen restaurant," Tori Jiro actually specializes in traditional Japanese skewers, known as yakitori, alongside a variety of other Japanese dishes, all served in a "nice modern atmosphere." It's a place where the rich flavors of expertly prepared grilled meats meet the comforting embrace of a warm ramen bowl, creating a compelling destination for food enthusiasts in the local community.

Tori Jiro prides itself on delivering a culinary experience rooted in Japanese tradition. From the moment you step inside, the friendly and welcoming staff strive to ensure a pleasant visit, with quick seating and prompt food service. While some guests note that the pricing can be on the higher side, particularly for the portion sizes of certain items, the quality and flavor often speak for themselves. The "pork belly on a skewer," for instance, despite its small size, "exceeded expectations in terms of flavor." This commitment to taste and a modern ambiance makes Tori Jiro a compelling choice for those in Massachusetts looking to explore authentic Japanese flavors beyond just ramen, especially its celebrated yakitori.

Tori Jiro is conveniently located at 98 Arsenal Yards Boulevard, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. Its prime placement within Arsenal Yards, a modern and bustling mixed-use development, offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout Massachusetts, particularly those in the Greater Boston area. Arsenal Yards is a well-known destination, featuring a variety of shops, entertainment, and other dining options, making Tori Jiro an easy and attractive stop.

A significant advantage of this location is the plentiful and free parking available at Arsenal Yards. Guests can utilize two large parking garages (Purple and Red Garages) as well as select surface parking areas. This convenience eliminates common parking frustrations and allows for a stress-free visit. Arsenal Yards is also well-connected by public transportation and offers private shuttles, enhancing its accessibility for those who prefer not to drive. This strategic and easily accessible location makes Tori Jiro a practical and appealing choice for a diverse range of diners in Massachusetts looking to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.

Tori Jiro offers a comprehensive menu that goes beyond just ramen, specializing in authentic Japanese skewers (yakitori) and a variety of other traditional and modern Japanese dishes. Here’s a detailed look at their services and offerings:

• Yakitori and Skewers: This is a core focus of Tori Jiro, offering a wide selection of expertly grilled skewers. Options include:

  • Chicken Yakitori: Momo (Thigh), Sasami (Breast Tender), Tsukune (Chicken Meatball, with optional egg yolk/tare dip), Chicken Wings (Tebasaki), Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Cartilage, Skin, Liver, Neck Seseri, and various specialty chicken cuts like Tebamoto Drumstick and Bonjiri Tail.

  • Pork Skewers: Pork Belly and Pork Jowl.

  • Beef Skewers: Gyu Tan (Beef Tongue), Gyu Sagari (Hanger Steak).

  • Other Meats & Seafood: Lamb Chop, Unagi Eel, Grilled Squid (Ikamaru), Mozzarella Bacon, and Tomato Bacon.

  • Vegetable Skewers: Cherry Tomato with Cheese, Shiitake, Asparagus, Shishito Peppers, King Oyster Mushrooms, Zucchini, Eggplant, Okra, and Brussel Sprouts.

• Ramen: Tori Jiro offers several ramen options with broths directly from Japan, distinguishing themselves with chicken-based ramen. Ramen varieties include Shio (Salt Flavor), Shoyu (Soy Flavor), Miso, Yuzu Ramen, and Curry Ramen. Customers can also add toppings like Ajitama (egg), corn, onion, nori (seaweed), tofu, and extra char-shu or noodles.

• Hot Appetizers: A diverse selection of hot starters, such as Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings with crispy skin), Takoyaki (octopus meatballs), Shrimp Tempura, Ika Karaage (fried calamari), and Spicy Chicken Debasaki (wings).

• Cold Appetizers & Salads: Refreshing options like Addicting Cucumbers, Hiyayakko Tofu, Seaweed Salad, Spicy Seaweed Salad, and Tori Jiro Salad.

• Sushi and Sashimi: A selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, including Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Uni, Scallop, and various rolls like Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty rice bowls such as Curry Rice, Unadon (eel bowl), Tuna Don, Salmon Don, and Chirashi Don.

• Drinks: A full bar featuring Japanese sake (including a curated selection for pairing), shochu, draft beers (Sapporo, Asahi), wines (white, red, rosé), and a creative cocktail menu (e.g., Lychee Martini, Yuzu Whiskey Sour, Matcha Espresso Martini, Sake Sour).

• Desserts: Sweet endings like Taiyaki and Green Tea Cheesecake.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides a modern and welcoming atmosphere for an enjoyable dine-in experience, with friendly and quick service.

• Takeout and Delivery: Tori Jiro offers convenient takeout and delivery services through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

Tori Jiro offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling Japanese dining destination in Watertown, MA, though some aspects have received varied feedback:

• Authentic Japanese Yakitori: A primary highlight is their commitment to traditional yakitori, with skewers "roasted evenly" and made from various cuts of chicken (from local farms), pork, beef, and vegetables. This focus on grilled skewers cooked over charcoal is a unique offering in the Boston area, providing a truly authentic taste of Japan.

• Flavorful Ramen: Despite being known for yakitori, their ramen receives significant praise. The broths, derived from Japanese recipes, are noted for their "nice rich flavor." The Miso Ramen, in particular, is highlighted as potentially "the best Miso Ramen you will ever have," and their unique chicken-based ramen distinguishes them from typical pork-based options.

• Modern and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a "nice modern atmosphere" that is both "casual yet trendy." This comfortable and well-designed interior enhances the dining experience, making it suitable for various occasions.

• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customers consistently commend the staff for being "friendly and welcoming." While one review mentioned service could be better, the general sentiment is that the team strives to provide a pleasant experience.

• Quick Service: Reviewers note that they were seated "quite quickly" and their "food was served quickly," which is a plus for diners, especially during busy times.

• Delicious Side Dishes and Specialties: Beyond the main yakitori and ramen, side dishes are praised for having "good taste" and complementing other dishes. Specific items like the Pork Belly on a skewer, despite its small size, are lauded for exceeding flavor expectations.

• Extensive Beverage Menu: Tori Jiro offers a wide selection of Japanese sake, shochu, beers, wines, and unique cocktails (e.g., Lychee Martini), providing perfect pairings for their food.

• Dog-Friendly Patio: For those who enjoy dining with their furry companions, Tori Jiro offers an outdoor patio that is dog-friendly, adding to its appeal for pet owners in Massachusetts.

• Located in Arsenal Yards: Being part of the vibrant Arsenal Yards complex provides easy access to ample free parking and other attractions, making it a convenient dining destination.

However, it is important to address the primary area of critical feedback:

• High Pricing for Portion Sizes: Several reviews mention that the food is "quite expensive, especially for the portion size." While quality is acknowledged, the cost-to-portion ratio can "dampen the experience a bit" for some customers, who note similar quality elsewhere at a lower price point.

Based on available public data and reviews, Tori Jiro in Watertown appears to focus on providing value through its high-quality ingredients and authentic culinary experience rather than frequent, widely advertised promotions. However, specific menu features and external partnerships can offer benefits to diners in Massachusetts:

• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed as "specials" in the provided reviews, many Japanese restaurants offer dedicated lunch menus with more competitive pricing or combo deals for ramen, sushi, or donburi bowls. For example, their ramen bowls generally start at $14, offering a hearty meal. Their Kaisen Don (Sashimi Rice Bowls) are priced from $26-39, and Donburi (Cooked Rice Bowls) from $13-29. These can be considered value options for midday dining.

• "Tuna Event" Offerings: Their menu lists a "Tuna Event" section which includes various tuna dishes like Tuna Donburi, Tuna Tataki, and different cuts of Tuna Nigiri and Sashimi (Chutoro, Otoro) at specific prices. While not a discount, it highlights special offerings for tuna enthusiasts.

• Sake Event / Cocktails Event: The menu mentions "Sake Event" and "Cocktails Event" sections, which might indicate rotating or curated selections that offer specific experiences or pairings, potentially at attractive prices, though specific promotions are not detailed.

• Online Delivery Platform Promotions: As Tori Jiro partners with services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, customers in Massachusetts may find occasional promotions through these platforms, such as discounts on first orders, free delivery with a membership (e.g., Uber One or Grubhub+), or seasonal deals initiated by the delivery service itself.

For the most current information on any specific promotions, seasonal dishes, or events, Massachusetts residents are encouraged to directly contact Tori Jiro via phone or check their official website and social media channels. While the pricing is noted to be higher for some items, the restaurant's value proposition often lies in the quality of ingredients and the authenticity of the experience it provides.

Ready to experience the authentic Japanese skewers and ramen at Tori Jiro?

• Address: 98 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Watertown, MA 02472, USA

• Phone: (617) 744-5009

Their typical operating hours are generally Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is advisable to call ahead for specific hours, especially on holidays, or for any inquiries regarding their menu and offerings.

For residents across Massachusetts, particularly those in Watertown and surrounding areas, Tori Jiro offers a compelling and highly suitable dining option for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its specialization in expertly roasted yakitori, featuring a wide array of chicken, pork, beef, and vegetable skewers, provides a unique culinary experience that sets it apart. The dedication to evenly roasted, flavorful skewers, even small ones like the popular pork belly, highlights the kitchen's commitment to quality.

Beyond the skewers, Tori Jiro's flavorful ramen, particularly its distinctive chicken-based broth, offers a comforting and rich taste that has garnered strong praise from many. This diverse menu, alongside delicious side dishes and a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, ensures that there is something for every palate, making it ideal for various dining preferences within families or groups of friends.

The restaurant’s modern and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with generally friendly and quick service, contributes significantly to a pleasant dining experience. Furthermore, its prime location within Arsenal Yards provides the added convenience of ample free parking and accessibility, making it an easy choice for locals. While some items may be perceived as expensive for their portion size, the overall consensus points to a high-quality, authentic Japanese dining experience that justifies the visit. Tori Jiro is a valued addition to the Massachusetts dining scene, offering a taste of Japan that resonates with local food enthusiasts.

Tori Jiro

98 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Watertown, MA 02472, USA