I can't say enough about this place. I've been to sushi places all over town - this is hands down the best in the city. FOOD: it's fresh. Sadly there are a lot of sushi places around town that can't seem to get that right. The kitchen here sends out nothing but the highest quality food. The respect for fresh ingredients carries over into the presentation, which is worthy of the best food magazines. I'm a culinary school grad that's worked in high-end kitchens (Union in South End, Clio in Back Bay) so I know what separates good from great - this place is great. Plates at Gari cover creativity in spades. Attention to detail is everywhere. Most sushi places use plates with painted accents - at Gari this is all done with sauces - and it's beautiful. SERVICE: the place is owned by a young chef and his wife, who's the hostess most nights. They care about their customers in a big way. If I had to pick one descriptor - they're amazingly accommodating. One night, I went to dinner with a vegetarian friend - his past experiences at sushi places left him wary of the whole lot. We asked the kitchen to make something -- what was served made everyone else scrambling for their chopsticks. The plate was a stunning palette of fruits and other amazing ingredients. My friend (and the rest of us) was blown away. I don't know of any sushi place in town that will give alternative diners that kind of personal attention. PRICE: So, so reasonable. The first time I ate there, I checked the bill thinking that they had missed adding something. This makes it the ultimate date place (or place to treat an out-of-town friend) - some serious ""wow"" factor that you feel guilty paying so little for. DECOR: Sharp, clean, and cozy all at the same time. COMPARISONS: Been to Fugakyu, Haru, Douzo. I'll never eat at those places again as long as Gari is still in town. Not making the short trip to Coolidge Corner is your loss.
Pros: Service. Price. Parking (always plenty available on street). Food is phenominal.
Cons: None at all.
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