Nancy Cushman is a highly regarded sake sommelier and a co-owner of acclaimed restaurants, most notably O Ya, alongside her husband, James Beard Award-winning Chef Tim Cushman. She is known for her expertise in...
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JapaneseSushi BarSteakhouseFrenchVegan-friendlySeafoodFine diningDinnerFine DiningCocktail Bar
Last updated: 7/5/2026, 5:35:18 AM
Key Information
O Ya is a contemporary Japanese omakase restaurant located in Boston's historic Leather District, housed in a former firehouse. It is renowned for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, blending traditional techniques with global flavors. The ambiance is described as lively and upscale, offering a fine dining experience without the stiff formality often associated with high-end establishments.
Customers consistently praise O Ya as one of Boston's best dining experiences, often calling it the 'best meal' they've had in the city. Reviewers highlight the outstanding food quality, innovative flavor combinations, and the highly attentive and charismatic staff. While acknowledged as expensive, the experience is considered well worth the cost for special occasions. The restaurant is appreciated for its unique take on sushi, moving beyond traditional purist styles, and its ability to captivate even those who typically prefer more casual fare. Vegan tasting menus are also noted for being delicious and diverse.
Additional Details
The omakase menu at O Ya typically features over twenty courses, offering a comprehensive and extensive culinary journey. Chef Tim Cushman's background includes training under the acclaimed Nobu Matsuhisa, influencing his creative and contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine.
O Ya is primarily a dinner destination, ideal for special occasions due to its omakase format and upscale pricing. Reservations are highly recommended.
Awards & Recognition
James Beard Award Winning Chef (Tim Cushman)
5
We came back to O Ya to celebrate our anniversary after having such a fantastic experience there for a birthday a while back. Honestly, even with the high expectations from our first visit, it still holds up as the best meal you can get in Boston. I know Michelin recently passed them over for stars but that feels like a massive oversight on their part because the consistency here is wild.
We went with the omakase and the beverage pairings again. Our server mentioned they started measuring the pours now, which is fine by me because last time they were heavy handed! The selection is spot on and actually adds value to the meal rather than just being an afterthought. The vibe inside is great because it lacks that stiff, white tablecloth energy you usually get at this price point. It is lively and loud in a way that feels intentional.
The food isn't your traditional purist sushi. They play with flavors and textures that shouldn't work but somehow always do. We actually ended up adding the potato chip nigiri as a supplement because it was a highlight of our first trip and we couldn't stop thinking about it. My only real warning is that at twenty plus courses, it is a massive amount of food. I was struggling to finish the last couple of bites. Definitely skip lunch or just fast for the day so you can actually appreciate the final rounds. It is expensive but not out of the realm of other omakase in Boston and for a special occasion I haven't found anywhere else that competes.
Omakase at O Ya is a wonderful culinary and personal experience. The food is outstanding, and the staff is highly attentive and charismatic.
My mom and I have had omakase many times, including in Japan, and this experience was quite comparable. Even my stepfather, who usually prefers pizza or burgers, was captivated by the experience, thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes, and left full.
At the end of the meal, we asked if they offered Japan Society discounts. Although they did not, they very generously removed the bottle of wine we had ordered from the tab — which was extremely gracious and unexpected.
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful meal that’s fancy without being overwhelming, I highly recommend O Ya.
Sat at the bar and had the full omakase experience. Dinner is expensive for the full set menu and additions, but the quality of the fish is excellent. Very unique fish and flavor selections tailored to adventurous sushi eaters.
Dinner was wonderful! We had two vegan tastings and the courses were delicious and diverse. We sometimes worry about the value of a vegan tasting at a sushi restaurant, but this one was very well-executed with many different vegetables and TONS of flavor. Really enjoyed the wine and sake pairing as well. Staff was lovely and knowledgeable. One of the nicest dining experiences I’ve had in the Boston area!
What a treat! Perhaps the best portioned tasting menu I’ve ever done. The courses are innovative, clean, and delish! Lots of ways to customize your experience. Highly recommend the wine pairing as well.
