Uni

For those in Massachusetts seeking a truly elevated and inventive Japanese dining experience, Uni in Boston's Back Bay offers a distinctive culinary journey. Transformed from an intimate sashimi bar into a lively, contemporary izakaya, Uni by acclaimed chef Ken Oringer aims to push the boundaries of traditional Asian cuisine. It's a destination for discerning palates looking for high-quality ingredients and innovative preparations, where dishes like tuna tataki with foie gras and prime cuts of tuna belly take center stage.

Uni is designed as an upscale venue, often chosen for special occasions and celebrations. While its reputation for "great food" is consistently upheld, it's important for Massachusetts diners to note that the experience is part of its unique charm. It's a place where the focus is on the bold flavors and creative combinations, drawing from Japanese influences while incorporating global culinary techniques. For those ready to indulge in a luxurious and adventurous meal, Uni promises a memorable encounter with top-tier ingredients and ambitious cooking.

Uni is strategically located at 370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA. This address places it in the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, renowned for its elegant brownstones, tree-lined avenues, and proximity to cultural institutions and upscale hotels, including its home within the Eliot Hotel. Its location on Commonwealth Avenue, one of Boston's most iconic boulevards, ensures it's situated in a prominent and desirable area for Massachusetts diners seeking fine dining.

Accessibility to Uni is generally convenient for those utilizing Boston's public transportation. The Hynes Convention Center station on the Green Line is a short walk away, providing direct connections from various parts of the city and nearby communities. Arlington and Copley Stations (also Green Line) and Back Bay Station (Orange Line, Commuter Rail, Amtrak) are within a reasonable distance, offering broader access for patrons traveling from different areas of Massachusetts. While street parking in Back Bay can be challenging, there are numerous public parking garages in the vicinity, including options for pre-booking through services like SpotHero. For those staying at the Eliot Hotel, direct access is a convenient perk. Despite its sometimes-subtle entrance, Uni’s prime location in a bustling and affluent area ensures it is a sought-after destination for a high-end dining experience.

Uni offers a sophisticated menu focusing on innovative Japanese and Asian-inspired cuisine, with a strong emphasis on high-quality seafood and creative preparations.

• Tasting Menu: A signature offering is the multi-course tasting menu, priced at approximately $240 per person (as of early 2024, subject to change). This menu features a diverse range of dishes from carefully cut sushi and sashimi to hot dishes from the kitchen, showcasing the breadth of Uni's culinary innovation.

• Beverage Pairings: An optional beverage pairing is available for the tasting menu, typically around $85 per person, designed to complement each course with selections of sake, sparkling wines, and cocktails.

• A La Carte Options: While the tasting menu is a highlight, Uni also offers an extensive a la carte menu. This includes a variety of nigiri and maki rolls, as well as an array of innovative sashimi offerings. Guests can also find unique hot plates and grilled items.

• Innovative Asian Cuisine: Beyond traditional sushi, Uni is known for its inventive Asian dishes that may incorporate global ingredients and techniques. Examples include "Tuna Tataki Foie Gras," "Miso Black Cod," "Grilled Hamachi Kama," and "Berkshire Pork Belly Steam Buns," among others.

• Late-Night Dining: Uni transitions into a late-night spot on Friday and Saturday evenings, starting around 10:30 PM, offering a more affordable selection of "late-night snacks" alongside their signature offerings.

• Private Events and Chef's Table: Uni is available for private events, offering various spaces including a Chef's Table within the restaurant and private dining rooms at the Eliot Hotel. They can accommodate seated meals or standing receptions for different group sizes.

• Full Bar Service: The establishment features a robust beverage program with innovative craft cocktails, a curated selection of sake, and other alcoholic beverages to complement the dining experience.

Uni distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its reputation as a high-end dining destination in Boston:

• Exceptional Food Quality: The cuisine is consistently praised for being "great food," with particular highlights on the freshness of the fish and the innovative use of ingredients. Dishes like "Tuna Tataki Foie Gras" and "Tuna Belly" are frequently mentioned as standouts.

• Innovative Asian Cuisine: Uni goes beyond traditional sushi, offering inventive dishes that blend Japanese techniques with global flavors. This "kaleidoscopic approach" includes unique small plates and hot dishes that surprise and delight.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant is committed to using premium ingredients, evident in the fresh seafood, including rare fish, and luxury items like foie gras and wagyu beef.

• Acclaimed Chef Leadership: Led by renowned chef Ken Oringer and Executive Chef Tony Messina, Uni benefits from a strong culinary vision that drives its innovative menu and high standards.

• Dynamic Tasting Menu: The daily tasting menu offers a curated journey through the chefs' creativity, providing a comprehensive experience for diners who want to explore Uni's full range.

• Extensive Beverage Program: The restaurant boasts a wide selection of sake, sparkling wines, and craft cocktails, with expertly designed beverage pairings to enhance the tasting menu.

• Prime Back Bay Location: Situated within the elegant Eliot Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, Uni benefits from a prestigious address that adds to its upscale appeal and makes it a convenient spot for visitors and locals alike.

• Lively and Contemporary Atmosphere: Described as a "lively contemporary izaKaya," Uni has a "hip" and bustling ambiance, distinguishing it from more serene sushi bars. This atmosphere is part of its deliberate design for a more energetic dining experience.

As a high-end, fine-dining establishment, Uni typically focuses on offering a premium culinary experience rather than traditional discount-based "promotions" or "special offers." Its value is inherent in the quality of ingredients, the artistry of the chefs, and the overall ambiance. However, there are aspects of its service that can be considered unique offerings:

• Daily Tasting Menu: The multi-course tasting menu is a signature offering that provides a comprehensive and curated culinary journey. While it comes at a premium price (around $240 per person), it serves as a unique "special" experience, allowing guests to sample a wide range of Uni's innovative dishes.

• Late-Night Options: Uni offers "late-night options" on Friday and Saturday nights (starting at 10:30 p.m.) that are advertised as "affordable" compared to its regular dinner menu. This provides a more accessible entry point to experience Uni's cuisine for those seeking a high-quality, post-dinner snack or lighter meal.

• Curated Beverage Pairings: The optional beverage pairing with the tasting menu (approximately $85 per person) is a specialized offering designed to enhance the culinary experience, providing expert wine, sake, and cocktail selections to complement each course.

For Massachusetts locals interested in the most current menu details, pricing for the tasting menu, or any specific holiday/seasonal events or collaborations that Uni might host, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone. Given its nature as an upscale establishment, direct inquiry is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on their offerings.

For those in Massachusetts interested in experiencing Uni, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Phone: (617) 536-7200

Uni is a suitable, albeit specialized, dining choice for Massachusetts locals who appreciate high-end, innovative Japanese cuisine and are seeking a unique culinary adventure. Its location in the elegant Back Bay, within the Eliot Hotel, immediately sets a tone of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for special occasions like graduation celebrations or anniversary dinners.

The true draw of Uni lies in its food. Dishes like the "Tuna Tataki Foie Gras" and the quality of its tuna belly demonstrate a commitment to premium ingredients and inventive flavor combinations that go beyond typical sushi offerings. For locals who have explored Boston's diverse dining scene and are looking for something truly distinct and creatively executed, Uni's dynamic tasting menu offers a comprehensive showcase of its culinary prowess. While some aspects of the dining experience, such as the dim lighting, music, and table spacing, may present challenges for some, the core strength of Uni – its exceptional food – remains a compelling reason to visit. For those willing to embrace an energetic, avant-garde dining environment and invest in a memorable meal, Uni provides a high-quality, innovative Japanese experience that stands out in the Massachusetts culinary landscape.

Uni

370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA