Fin's Sushi and Grill
Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
354 Chestnut Hill Ave(between Beacon St & Englewood Ave)
Brighton, MA 02135 (617) 731-0018
- Nearest Transit:
Chestnut Hill Avenue (Green)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
30 Reviews for Fin's Sushi and Grill
Fin's has OK sushi, not great, but not bad, somewhere floating in the middle. BYO is a very good thing. The location, however, is what makes this sushi place really stand out, as Cleveland Circle is begging for some good restaurants. But if you're serious about sushi, the 10 or 15 minute walk or T-ride up to Washington Square, where there are two very good sushi places (Super Fusion is incredible) is definitely worth it.
I've had two good meals at Fin's recently... I love the fact that you can get a house salad with sashimi. It was really simple and delicious.
Yes, it's right next to Roggie's, but don't be scared by the location! The fish is fresh and the rolls are great. We tried the Christmas, Mexican and Hawaii maki rolls along with the spicy tuna, Caterpiller maki and Naruto appetizer. All were really great... I had the two special rolls last night (one was sweet potato, crab and avocado; the other was lobster, cucumber and yellowtail- YUM) and they were delicious. Someone at the next table over had a big steaming soup, which I'll have to try.
The bill has been totally reasonable both times too. So many of my friends are becoming regulars. I think we'll be back soon...
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Nothing good can come from Cleveland Circle. Or so I used to think.
We went to Fin's for the first time tonight and were pleased all around: good seaweed salad, delicious fried tofu appetizer, near-perfect broiled eel with rice and pickles, and reportedly (by wife) spot-on veggie ramen soup.
Good Japanese within walking distance is a great thing.
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So I saw this place mentioned in Bostonist this morning, and when lunch time came, I decided to give it a shot. Great choice.
First of all, the place is pretty cheap. It's not ridiculously cheap or anything, but the portion sizes are pretty healthy and prices are reasonable. Japanese food isn't really on the cheap side to begin with, so that's great.
The sushi is just OK. I got 2 pieces of California Roll with my lunch, and I also ordered a spicy tuna roll. Both were decent, but nothing spectacular - honestly, I wouldn't recommend this place for sushi at all, there's plenty of better sushi places around.
The kitchen food is FANTASTIC, however. The fried gyoza were crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and just perfect. The pork katsu with curry sauce on rice was perfectly fried and absolutely delicious. The only other place in Boston I've had katsu this good without paying out the nose is at the Porter Exchange.
Best of all, Fin's delivers. This is really what boosts the place from 4 stars to 5 for me. The only other place in the area that delivers Japanese without having to use a delivery service is Kayuga on Comm Ave, which is pretty mediocre.
All in all, if you're looking for a cooked japanese meal as opposed to Sushi, I definitely recommend this place. And it's definitely the best option for delivered Japanese food in Allston/Brighton/Brookline.
So one day I'm walking up Chestnut Hill Ave. from the C line and see the lump of grease Chinese place is closed and that a sushi place is moving in. At the time, I didn't know if it would work in this neighborhood. Most of the residents around here (i.e. BC kids) tend to live off of chicken wings and beer at Roggie's next door. It seems I was wrong.
The girly and I stopped in here more or less using the fact it was Valentine's Day as an excuse to visit. The low lighting, dark woods and ocean green walls created a nice atmosphere, despite being sat next to the main drag to the kitchen. Better than Roggie's method of lighting the space solely with TVs.
Our waitress was adorable when she took our order for edamame and Kirin beer (bottled... no tap). We then ordered a few maki rolls, including Idaho Maki (sweet potato and something crunchy), yellowtail, salmon & tuna with spicy mayo and lastly, the Dragon Maki, with eel and shrimp tempura (Mandah was a little creeped out by the presence of eel in food). The rolls were all very good, among the better sushi I've had in the city. Not the best, but very good.
Our waitress included a single, pink long stemmed rose with our check. So, thanks, Fin's not only for the great sushi, but for making me look bad on Valentine's Day. Don't worry, no grudge; I'll definitely be back.
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Having lived in the Brighton/Allston area for a while, and being slightly obsessed with sushi, I attempt to try different places but somehow always end up right back at Fin's. It's fantastic.
The snow mountain maki is my favorite, but I have tried many of their rolls and enjoyed them all. I love the decorations and atmosphere, but for those who live close, they deliver. Their entrees and rice/noodles are just as good as their sushi. I've never tried the soup but would certainly do so. The servers are so friendly and nice.
After seeing my favorite sushi place, Nori in Coolidge Corner, had closed down I started looking around. Wasn't impressed with New Ginza or Fugayku (sp?) but on my third try at Fin's, I was very happily surprised. I knew it would be good from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere and decor was great and the place was packed. Waited for a table but not too long. All the rolls were delicious and not too big... (I hate eating sushi when it takes more than one bite). The waitress was very nice and attentive. I was there with a friend and we had a bottle of wine, 3 rolls, beef tataki and shashimi (sp?)... we were shocked when the bill came and it was barely $50. I've gone one other time since and enjoyed it just as much. I think this will be my new sushi place and it's nice to have a more classy place in Cleveland Circle.
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Fins came highly recommended yet for all the 'to-do' the joint just seemed to swim in mediocrity. We enjoyed plum wine (gekkeikan) and Sapporo from the can but found that the wine selections were lacking. We started with a steamed vegetable gyoza appetizer, which turned out soggy and left me asking 'why didn't we have this fried?' followed by Snow Mountain Maki, Hawaii Maki and Spider Maki. The maki were standard maki fare, the Snow Mountain was notable because they used REAL CRAB, which was quite delicious but I didn't feel justified walking out of Fin's having spent more than $60. It was good, just not *that* good. Save yourself some duckets and run to Blue Fin in the Porter exchange. Except for the lack of BC students, the change in scenery won't be terribly noticeable but the impact on the wallet will be.
We got a take out from there
after about 15 minutes on the phone, trying to find out if they'll deliver to our place, we decided to just go there and pick it up
My boyfriend loved it, I thought it was ok
fried calamari didn't have any sauce with it
maki was pretty good, i really liked their selection of unusual items (like European maki), and i have a couple of more that I want to try.
So what did you do for your Valentine on Valentine's Day??
I tried eel. I sure know how to show my love.
Anyway, let's back up shall we?? Me and the BF wanted to go somewhere for VDay, but we didn't want to go far. We literally live 5 minutes away, and yet never managed to drag out asses here, so we wandered on in. The place was pretty full, which wasn't surprising. I love love love the decorations, SO much better than the horrible Chinese place that was there before. Nice dark tables and chairs and the walls are painted ocean blue and it looks like your in the ocean.
Started of with the edamame of course (it's my new obsession). We ordered:
Idaho Maki - sweet potato, which was actually my favorite of all the ones we got! It had something that was crunchy in it, and it was just delicious!
Negihama Maki - Yellowtail basically
Eastern Maki - I believe it was tuna and salmon with a spicy mayo sauce, it was also wrapped in rice paper, which was interesting, but delicious none the less
and Finally
Dragon Maki - Yes, this is where the eel came from. It was shrimp tempura with eel on the top. I literally had to close my eyes before I ate it. I have to admit it was tasty, but ugh, the thought of eel just creeps me out....The things I do for the one I love...
Service was pretty good, she was cute and nice and everything came out fast and everything was delicious. My only complaint, she didn't tell us the specials, and they were hidden away next to the Sushi bar and you couldn't see it very well. There was a special on there that I did want to try.....
Cutest thing? They gave every couple a pink rose with their check. And there was a little heart on the check too. I'm not big on VDay or anything, but that was cute.
Oh ya, they have delivery! I know I live 5 minutes away, but I don't like walking up hills, lol so I will definitely be taking advantage of that!!
4.5 stars.
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Fin's was a pleasant surprise. One rainy Friday night my roommate and I decided to give this neighborhood joint a try; we could not find a descriptive menu online, so we just made the three-minute walk down there and ordered takeout. We were amazed when we walked in: from the front the place looks tiny, but it opens up into a pretty good-sized space with a really beautiful decor and cool vibe. We also only had to wait about 10 or 15 minutes after we put in our order, and this was in the midst of several other take-out orders and a full restaurant.
The food was definitely enjoyable, too. Between the two of us we tried the Christmas, Idaho, and una-avo maki, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed all three. Una-avo is my standby for any sushi place, and the Idaho with the sweet potato tempura was unusual but very tasty. The Christmas maki was huge and a little difficult to eat because various ingredients tried to slip away from the chopsticks, but it was still good. I'll definitely go back to Fin's for takeout, and I'd like to try the sit-down experience sometime, too.
LOOOOVEEE. I've been here too many times to count and have gotten delivery more often than I care to admit. It's a very popular place for BC students, like myself, for good reason. The interior is fantastic, a definite step up for Cleveland Circle. The prices are very fair, the food is fresh, the plate presentation is beautiful, service is fantastic.
My favorites are the Idaho Maki and the avocado salad (my non-vegan vice...contains imitation crab & japanese mayo...though they didn't tell me this when I asked what was in it the first time I ordered it). The number of vegan maki's is limited to the standard cucumber, avocado, grilled vege rolls, but still so so good. The goma aye (steamed spinach in a sesame sauce) is yummy, but a very small proportion for the price. Friends who have had the fried rice have not been particularly impressed...stick with the sushi! They also have the mochi ice cream things for $1 that everyone seems to enjoy.
They also own Symphony Sushi which boasts the same menu.
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We went to this place based on all the great reviews on Yelp and it did not disappoint. The decor is modern and calm w/ muted colors. There is a sushi bar with 2 sushi chefs on hand. We went during Saturday lunch around 1pm.
We ordered apps - agadashi tofu and salt & pepper squid. Both were very good. I ordered the steak teriyaki bento lunch box - came w/ salad, rice, 2 fried gyozas, medium rare steak and fruit. My wife ordered the sashimi lunch special and our friend ordered the seafood tempura udon noodles. My wife said her entree was fresh and tasty. We would definitely come back.
The bathroom was one of the nice, clean & modern for an "asian" restaurant as you know most are in pretty bad shape. This one even had a lucky bamboo potted tree in there. Very zen like...
lunch for the 3 of us cost $16 each (including tip). we'll be back.
As an intense sushi lover it can be difficult to find a sushi bar with the kind of quality sushi that leaves your palette screeming for more. When I ate at Fin's for the first time about 2 months ago (shortly after they opened - they replaced Chef Choy's House) my tounge was begging to lick the plates clean, however, To spare myself the embarrassment I held back and simply asked for seconds.
I have since become a regular at this place and can not get enough. I love everything from the decor, the plate presentations, the sushi-chefs and the staff (who is ultra freindly). I always sit at the sushi bar and when I walk in there I feel as though there is always a spot at the bar for me. I'm sure it's because this place has not been fully discovered yet (with the opening coming during the holiday's so the local colleges and universities were on break) but once it is discovered I may need a passport to get in there.
You absolutely have to try the Snow Mountain Maki with shrimp tempura, avocado and crab; Hawaii Maki with tuna, avocado and mango; and the Ocean Maki with Tuna and Salmon Sashimi wrapped in a soy wrapper with a honey-wasabi sauce.
Some room for improvement includes the Samba Salsa of assorted diced fish (typically Taco, Maguro, and Shiromi), Tobiko, cucumber, and spicy mayo. Also, the Spicy Tuna Maki can be a little milder.
In terms of the atmosphere they have two huge flat-screens. One is located at the end of the sushi bar which is not positioned properly as you have to turn your head every time you look at it. Also, if you listen carefully you can hear the restaurant music and the Tv's at the same time. Note to Management: Choose one please.
Honestly though, once you sink your teeth into some of the dishes on thier menu you will forget all about the atmosphere and the extra spicy mayo on the Spicy Tuna Maki. Bottom line is this place is a hidden gem still. It rocks the sushi world and there are few places that I would keep going back to time and time again. This is definately one of them. You haven't lived until you've been to Fin's!
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I hope I don't ever have to update this review.
So far, I love Fin's. I have only been once with my 4 roommates but it was a-freaking-mazing. Their rolls are really well thought up, I got one with shrimp tempura inside and spicy tuna on top and it was 'money in the bank.'
I also found the whole scene very entertaining. Although it was very quiet (only one other table) there was a tropical fish tank (now that I think about it I guess it is kind of weird to stare at the animals you are mowing down on but still pretty), two flat screen tvs and a lot of design choices that let to good conversation.
Way cheaper than our go tos (Fugakyu and Jae's) and frankly much better.
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I have been coming to this place for 4 times already and still am impressed by the quality, quantity and service of this neat establishment in Cleveland Circle area.
This place is growing popular among BC/BU students and especially for those who are just trying to learn to like Japanese food. The menu description for different kinds of maki, rolls, appetizers and entrees are so easily comprehensible that i ordered new items to try every time i went there.
Entrees are around 15-20bucks - Chilean Seabass, Shrimp/Crab Cakes, Salmon are so tasty and cooked to perfection. It also comes with bountiful side veggies and a bowl of steamed rice. I have also tried their sushi and they are really fresh and delicious.
A great welcome addition to the area that needed varieties when it comes to food and hangout joints.
sushi me love you LOOONGGG time!
I went here after work with my girl Kristen and I have to say I'm impressed. We shared a seaweed salad, and I had miso soup and 2 rolls: rising sun and avocado and cucumber ....and Kristen had the spicy seafood and boston roll...mmmmm it was sooo good.
I had to say that I enjoyed it. decor was funky and spacious, our waitress was nice (except for the one in the back leaning on the computer menu thingy and looking like she wanted someone to kill her or shove some wasabi up some white boy's ass...hah!)
She gazed at me evil-y everytime I took a bite into my sushi as if to say "I put a lil extra something in there for you"
the bill came to about 31 bucks for the both of us. I live right by BC so I like that there is a close sushi place, they deliver and they have a great array of choices at all different price ranges.
I don't eat the raw stuff so I really appreciate that their menu divides the raw and the cooked stuff so you know exactly what you are getting...
i give it a 4 maki roll rating 'cause i'm down like that.
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There are three things you need for great sashimi: (1) fresh sashimi-quality fish, (2) a very sharp sushi knife, and (3) a sushi chef with intimate knowledge of a fish's anatomy and how to slice a fish correctly in order to get the right consistency, flavor and texture. Simply having fresh fish is not enough.
Sadly, Fin's lacks the skills and the tools for executing truly great sashimi. They pretty much butchered the fish. I was aghast at the waste of such fine hamachi. They had cut the fish at the wrong angle and it looked (and tasted) like they'd sawed the fish with a serrated knife. I wanted to throw the sashimi against the wall and see if the chewy friction of the fish would help it stick.
Even so, Fin's gets four stars (3.5 stars, but we'll round up to 4). Why? Because their rolls were well-prepared (their white river roll was excellent) and their salmon & rice green tea soup was fabulous. The miso soup was okay and the spicy seafood salad was decent (get it if you're a big, and i mean big, fan of daikon). Plus, our server was friendly, knowledgeable and had actually tried a lot of the dishes on the menu.
Minus the sashimi, Fin's got a lot to offer.
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Who goes to a sushi restaurant and doesn't have sushi?
I DO! I DO!
But for no other reason than that I was not in the mood. I wanted something warm, and with the slight hangover I had, sushi just wasn't cutting it.
The veggie dumpling appetizer was delicious, brought quickly, and followed by a steaming bowl of really good miso soup.
For my entree, I ordered Miso Salmon: an enormous serving, piled high with veggies cooked just right and a small salad. Only weird thing: the cold salad came on the same plate as my hot dinner. But alas, forgive and forget because the salmon was delicious and the portion so big I even took some home.
My boyfriend' sister also recommends dropping by for some of their take-out sushi...lots of specialty rolls at decent prices and a great selection of raw and cooked choices.
If Brighton was my 'hood, I would definitely make this a regular spot!
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This is the new place in Cleveland Circle, so new, so green, that I can't even find their exact address, so will fill in later.
All of a sudden, the shitty Chinese joint was all demolished and a shiny sign anouncing "Fin's Grill" was visibly on display, slightly out of place with the grimy surroundings of the downward spiraling Cleveland Circle area. We kept checking and checking; finally last week, they opened.
Interesting slightly incongruous decor: you got your huge fishtank, the walls are green with some sort of squiggly things keeping with the marine theme (Fin's, get it?), red lighting, modernistic seating. All in all the effect is pleasant.
The sushi was ok. Average and edible, but also cheaper than some other places. I also had a noodle soup and that was slightly below average tastewise. No liquor license yet, but it's coming. Adorable tiny waitresses working very hard; considering it's their first week, I'd say, not bad, service wise.
It was very busy there. Obviously, we needed a place like this, the slothful inhabitants of Cleveland Circle are sick of trudging 3 blocks away to from home (Washington Square) for sushi. Myself included. Wtf, it's the 21st century, I shouldn't have to walk anywhere!
Bottom line: It's ok. But because it's so close to home, I know my lazy ass will be back.
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I've driven past this place so many times without going in, thinking it would be a cheap, lousy, college sushi restaurant. Well I was right about 1 thing, it is pretty cheap, but the sushi is anything but lousy. Their rolls are all really well prepared and flavorful. My fav is the Boston roll.
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Fin's gets three stars automatically for delivering sushi! They earned the fourth star by have a diverse menu, delivering food in a reasonable time on a Saturday night, and having tasty food. I ordered the salmon sashimi, which is a favorite of mine, along with California rolls. I loved that their Cali Rolls weren't dripping in mayo. Now I am so full that I might need to go out and walk some of this off! Good job, guys!
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Great sushi at a great price. I live around the corner and was initially worried - I am, as you can see, a Sushi Snob, and was somewhat disappointed by Fugayku and some others...
Fin's is a pleasant surprise. Their Snow Mountain something roll is fantastic - and the BYO wine is actually refreshing - and money-saving. Great spicy tuna. I even brought my Ki roll recipe (from Brooklyn) to them and they gave it a try - not half bad!
This place was great sushi. I really like the salmon and green tea soup it is great. Very nice cause they deliver and the interior is very nice. They were a little sloppy with the tightness of the rolls but since they have been around for a few months I bet the chefs have become better at putting them together.
Welcome to the neighborhood
This place just opened up nearby and I was so excited to try it! As has been said, they do not have a liquor license yet but you can bring your own and they will supply glasses. The waitress was very nice and eager to please. We tried a roll that has the word "snow" in the title but I can't find it on their online menu - it had shrimp tempura and we just loved it, it was the best roll we had. Another good one was a Hawaii roll with mango - I was hesitant to try it but it had a nice kick.
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Not even open a couple months, this place has become our default neighborhood dinner spot. (Especially now - they got their liquor license!) Well-presented dishes and friendly hardworking waitresses, you know it's good when the only mild complaint we could come up with is: sometimes the wait for the check is a little long...
We met two other families (6 adults, 6 kids) for dinner tonight and were able to reserve a table for 12. Service was extremely attentive and friendly, and they were very accommodating (and easygoing about our party). They are getting a liquor license next week, but provided wine glasses when we brought in a couple of bottles of wine (and even attentively poured). We were generally getting cooked items as one of our group was an M.D. who didn't feel the kids should be eating raw food. Can't claim to be a wildly discriminating palate, but I enjoyed it all - even tried a sweet potato tempura roll. Beware of parking behind the Blockbuster or Bank of America. You will be towed. Also, they don't have a children's menu. One of our six kids (my son!) had chicken nuggets before we came. The others, ranging from 5 - 12, ate sushi.
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Great local sushi spot. I got a combo sushi and sashimi platter and was very happy with it. We sat up at the sushi bar and even got to interact with the guys as they made the sushi. The fish was very fresh (received that day). They now have their liquor license so next time I go, it will be even better. I definitely recommend this place if you are in the mood for sushi. They also have a take and and delivery menu.
Just what this area needed: a delicious, quality, affordable, BYOB Sushi joint. It's a casual place, but you could definitely impress a date. The ambiance is great, definitely unique to the immediate area.
The Lobster roll is amazing...spicy.
Me and my husband went to fins over the weekend last week. As soon as we arrive we find the restaurant packed!! (a good sign). We didn't wait long for a table. we found the restaurant very well decorated neatly and clean. The food was excellent for the price they offer. They have both cooked and uncooked items on the menu. The waitress we had was very friendly and recommend few dishes for us that we absolutely love. The sushi was nicely decorated. Definitely a must try sushi restaurant. We brought our own wine because they still waiting for they liquor license, but overall a great dine out experience. Plus they offer delivery !!!!
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