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Osaka Express
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
400 S Michigan Ave(between Van Buren St & Congress Plaza Dr)
Chicago, IL 60605
Neighborhood: The Loop
(312) 566-0118
- Nearest Transit:
-
Jackson-Red (Red Line)
Harold Washington Library (Brown Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Adams/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jay S. said: "I really do love this place. iF you have a "frequent visitor card" and spend $1000 (I think), they'll give you a $50 credit on your next visit. I've done this twice. My friends and I go here often for the specials that they have…" read more »
125 reviews for Osaka Express
Review Highlights
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125 reviews in English
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Review from Brian B.
Columbus, OH
I spent a week in town for Lollapalooza and stopped at Osaka Express every day. Such an odd combo; smoothies and sushi, but extremely quick and convenient.
They have a variety of smoothie flavors and a great sushi menu, and everything is fresh and tasty. Very affordable as well. -
Review from Gina S.
This is my go-to spot for in between classes. If I weren't in this part of the city so often, I probably would never go here. It's great for when you are on the go and want a healthy alternative to the crap near Depaul.
I'm surprised so many people are loving the prices because I always walk out spending over $15, but I do have expensive taste.
This is the only place I know that uses regular shrimp (not tempura) in their dragon roll. It was still good though. The one thing I absolutely love here: THE WASABI. It really gives me that kick in the face that I need before doing a presentation. Seriously, there's just something unique about it.
The other day I was really craving seaweed salad, but I don't care much for all the cucumbers taking up all the space in the little container, so I asked if it was "possible to get the seaweed salad with no cucumber". I meant with extra seaweed to compensate for the lost space...I would pay extra. They said, "Sure!!"
When I got back to school and opened the container, I was sad to see a small clump of seaweed with tons of extra space. Booooo....not cool.
So anyway, it's not the highest quality sushi, or the freshest tasting (behind the glass you can see all of the precut sushi pieces stacked up) but it sure beats Dunkin Donuts when you're on the run. -
Review from Jamie M.
Atlanta, GA
I am a vegetarian so I am always looking for good vegetarian sushi. I had the vegan roll, vegetable roll along with a carrot roll and a miso soup. I also tried one of their strawberry smoothies. The strawberry smoothie was really good. Tasted like fresh strawberries and not strawberry flavoring like you find in many smoothies.
The sushi was also good. Rice was decently flavored, not just steamed white rice that I have run into before. Miso was so so. Not bad but not good.
I stayed there and enjoyed my dinner. They have a few places to sit but not many. If you do stay there they will bring you your food which is nice.
They were really fast which was wonderful for a quick dinner. -
Review from Andrew W.
Chicago, IL
Decent inexpensive sushi. I like to think of this place as fast-food sushi. Not great but not bad either.
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Review from Diane G.
I frequent this place primarily because it's near my school. For students in the area, it's ideal because a.) it's relatively cheap considering it's in the Loop. Nearly all Sushi rolls are $5 or less (this excludes Special Rolls) b.) the sushi is decent (not nearly the best sushi I've had, but worth the price c.) fruit smoothies are fresh and delicious (unique flavors like avocado, honeydew, and lychee as well as standards like strawberry, banana, and mango). *a note: the smoothies are more slushy-like. Don't expect your standard creamy Jamba smoothies
I recommend Osaka if you're looking for a quick bite in between/after classes. Also, if you know what REAL tapioca tastes like, DON'T GET IT HERE. The boba is stale, not fresh at all. And it costs you an additional $0.50. -
Review from Ngoc T.
Chicago, IL
Yelpers - Just because it's located downtown and their menus are priced "surprisingly" cheap should've give you the clue to their food quality. Not to say, PUNY portions. As for food quality - I'm embarrassed to say, was that really rice in the sushi?? Have you heard of vinegar? And maybe some more water, coz for rice, that was rather dry. I got take-out because I didn't have enough time to sit down, but doesn't mean that you should only give me one fucking piece of ginger. ONE??
"Express" is in their restaurant name. That should give you a hint to as how they approach their foods. These people don't treat sushi as an art form - they just think of it as foods. What a shame.
Thinking about it now, I don't feel so guilty that I tipped them only 23 cents for a $9 bill. -
Review from Nikki F.
Somerville, MA
Good value for lunch. I got some plain rolls (salmon, tuna, yellow tail) & can't beat the price for what I got. The pieces looked a bit small to me & there's definitely more rice than fish, but for a quick lunch, the bite-size pieces are actually convenient (& tasty).
I also tried the seaweed salad. It was a bit too oily/greasy for my taste, but the flavor was great & the cucumber added some freshness & helped counteract the grease-factor.
I really wish more places would serve better quality soy sauce & ginger that's not dyed bright pink.... But that's just me! -
Review from Ali L.
Chicago, IL
- Fast, super friendly -- check.
- Those amazing fresh fruit smoothies (2 flavors max though), but 24oz for $4! -- check.
- On my way to class once a week -- check.
- Delicious, unique sushi -- check. (I strongly recommend the Hawaii Roll: shrimp, crab, masago, mango, avocado, mayo in a soy wrapper. You're welcome.)
This is why I look forward to Wednesdays! -
Review from Megan M.
Bartlett, IL
The sushi here is no where near remarkable, nor is it very filling. I'd consider their lunch combinations snacks rather than full meals. The lunch specials run from $5-$9 but only have maybe 8 pieces of the safer, simple rolls (California, spicy tuna, etc.). The special rolls have a little more excitement in them and run from $8-$10. Those were decent, still pretty small compared to the typical sushi places I've been too.
On to the fresh fruit smoothies... now THOSE are filling. Whole meal status! 24 oz of fresh fruity goodness, all for $3.50! $0.50 more for tapioca, which I've chosen to opt out of after my friend called them gooey balls of calories (ugh, who does that!). Definitely something I'd come back for on a daily basis.
Oh! And order online and you'll get 10% off! -
Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
Smoothies of the peach lychee variety are the best. Seriously. I would know, because I've tried almost every combination.
Still haven't tried the sushi there.Listed in: Do a barrel (sushi) roll
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/5/2010
So, what's perfect for a hot ass summer day in the loop?
Osaka smoothies, of course.
This is a cute,… Read more »
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8/5/2010
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Review from M. N.
Chicago, IL
My favorite sushi place in Chicago. Don't go there for a fine dining experience because they do not have many tables to sit on, but the sushi and smoothies are fantastic, fresh, and the staff are helpful if needed. They also deliver which is a great recent discovery of mine :)
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Review from Fe T.
Chicago, IL
This place is kinda cute, with very nice decor, modern chairs and tables and all - which originally intrigued me, because I rarely see anybody eats in there.
Well, guess what? Their sushi is fresh, but they give very small portion, and it's really not cheap. Since Osaka locates in the Loop, I honestly would rather go somewhere else instead because I would have other options for better sushi, or cheaper food. I figure that's why no one eats in.
The store is run by chinese, some of them can't really speak English - which can occasionally be very awkward.
BUT!!!
Their smoothies are really good. They give huge portion, for under $4, and the fruits are actually fresh.
For under $5 purchase, you have to pay by cash though. -
Review from Ali H.
Oh Osaka. How I love thy smoothies.
Being a student at Roosevelt, just down the block, for two years, I often found myself looking for a quick and easy meal. Osaka is a natural first choice. Yes, I love Cafecito, and Cafe Baci has good food as well, but if I want something cheap and healthy, Osaka is the natural choice. You can get a sushi roll and a smoothie for 7 or 8 bucks. This is enough to fill me up and then some. It's a good deal and a lot healthier than anything you'd get at one of the aforementioned cafes.
I think their smoothies have gotten a lot better since I've been going there. I'm a bit of a smoothie snob. It's true. I love Joy Yee and hold every Asian smoothie place to their standard. I have to say, Osaka is getting close to living up to the expectation. They are always blended perfectly, sweetened perfectly, and have a most perfect balance of flavors. YUM YUM. Watermelon? YUM. Mango Lychee? YUM. Papaya Coconut? DOUBLE YUM.
The sushi is just fine. Nothing out of this world, but fresh and tasty and a good little meal.
It's possible that the only thing I'll miss about graduating from Roosevelt is smoothies from Osaha. Yes, I said it. -
Review from Taryn T.
It only took me six months of working right next to this place to finally try it..
Why did I wait so long?! All this time I've been giving my $10 to Panera or Corner Bakery or Cosi when I could have been feasting on yummy sushi rolls for $3-5 each!
A six-piece roll is about $4.75 if you want the good stuff in it (salmon, avocado, crab meat, etc!). I prefer the nine-piece lunch combos, though - they do a better job of really filling me up. My favorite is the "J" combo, which includes a spicy tuna roll, a California roll and a Philadelphia roll for $6.50.
And if you place your order (delivery or pickup) online, you get 10% off. Sweeet!
Aside from the inexpensive and delicious sushi, this place is also ridiculously clean with good seating and very friendly employees. For me, that makes it an easy five stars.Listed in: Gluttony in the Loop, Sushi Lust
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Review from Stella H.
Milwaukee, WI
Osaka Express is my go-to spot for what I consider "fast food sushi." It's not the best quality, and sure I can sit here all day and scrutinize the rice, the fish, the presentation etc. but like others have said, it's a good value overall. Unlike many other reviewers, I actually do not like the smoothies despite the humongous portion for just $4. It's too viscous for my taste... if I wanted whole fruit, I'd eat a piece of fruit. Anyway, that's just me. I know their smoothies are a huge hit, but I prefer Joy Yee's style with a bit more blended ice.
Anyway I definitely recommend this place for fast, cheap sushi! I'm sad that the Taylor street location closed down :( but happy that mother store is doing well! -
Review from Johanna P.
Chicago, IL
Really good sushi really good prices and amazing smoothies!
Love this place! -
Review from Ning A.
GA
Good quality fish and yummy smoothies. Good value and quick.
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Review from Hoang L.
Wish they had double doors or a revolving door because it gets chilly in here every time someone walks in and out. I didn't try the smoothie because I was freezing.
Miso soup. Nice and hot! Although I must say it was rather flavorless and not salty enough.
Unagi, spicy tuna, and salmon avocado was ok at best. The seaweed seemed old and made the rolls very chewy. Spent about $11for the soup and Lunch Combination G with no drink and I was still hungry. Had to get a Snickers bar on the way back to the office.
The pickled ginger was old and Osaka didn't give much of it.
Restaurant was very clean, so that was a plus. -
Review from Terry L.
Chicago, IL
Just had lunch here. very good. They have some nice lunch combo's. I had spicy tuna, the california roll and the philly roll. You get 3 pieces of each. They are large pieces, really fresh, and full. Tasted great. The wasabi was whipped, not the paste you normally get.
I got takeout, next time, I'll order online, since i got a 10% checkin deal with yelp when I checked in there, awesome. The combo was $6.50 plus tax.
I also enjoy Tokyo box for lunch a block away, but Osaka pieces seem bigger and fresher - although I think you get more at Tokyo but they are smalled. -
Review from Rubia H.
Chicago, IL
Wow, I just the best smoothie ever. With tax it was $3.88, and the 'regular' is pretty large. I got mango and pineapple and it was...heavenly.
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Review from Allison B.
Hendersonville, NC
When staying in Chicago recently, Osaka Express was a block from our hotel. Coming from a town where we have no sushi restaurants, period, my husband and I pretty much binge out when we go somewhere that does and we loved Osaka Express.
Now, I won't go on record to say this was the best sushi ever but it was far, FAR from the worst. It was priced well and good for lunch. It was made fast and tasted good.
We finally tried a smoothie on the last day in town. Excellent smoothies. Not something I would expect from an express sushi place. -
Review from Phil F.
Chicago, IL
It's all about the smoothies at this place. I really can't think of anyone that comes close on their fruit selection, price and speed. There are a few other places that do bubble tea in the loop but Osaka has them outclassed by a mile.
Unfortunately, I really don't feel the same about their sushi. Their pre-made selection is small and usually picked over whenever I stop in. The value here is definitely lacking when compared to the selection and prices at Tokyo Lunch Box (NE corner Jackson & Wabash).
Osaka does win on location though. Right on Michigan Avenue. Easy to get in and get out. They did remodel last year to add some extra seating but I've never actually eaten there. Instead, (especially now that summer is around the corner), I'd rather grab a quick smoothie and relax in the park across the street. -
Review from David I.
Not bad. I had sushi delivered and it arrived quickly and tasted fine. The online ordering system works but it's a little wonky at first.
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Review from Susan S.
Chicago, IL
I love, love, love this place for smoothies and edemame. I am not a sushi fan so I can't comment on their sushi. (I do notice a lot of other people eating it though!)
Their smoothies use FRESH fruit, and you can ask for no added lemon sugar syrup if you want a fruit only smoothie. To me its sweet as it is so why bother jolting your pancreas into overload with added sugar syrup?
Where else can you get a mango, coconut banana smoothie for under $6? They also can add tapioca, green jelly and other assorted fruits: (watermelon, strawberries, kiwi, papaya, peach, cantaloupe, even avocado, which I haven't been brave enough to try.
The edamame is always fresh and snapping good.
Service is quick and always served with a smile. My only complaint is that they don't have one of these near my office! -
Review from Lisa H.
i need to raise my stars for this place. that $3.50 24 ounce smoothie is impossible to beat ANYWHERE. they taste better than anyone elses. i love their maki rolls & seaweed salad as well & really super service. my favorite downtown cheap eats.
i LOVE you osaka xpress!Listed in: cheap-ass, asia phile, the best of the best, i love downtown chicago
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2010
i'm thrilled i found this place yesterday. once a week i'm stuck downtown with nowhere to go & when… Read more »
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11/3/2010
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Review from love s.
Chicago, IL
Osaka saved me once again whilst working a 2nd year at the Taste of Chicago hellllll. Stuck to the veg sushi and cucumber salad on these extra hot days and always grabbed a bubble tea to go!
I tried a few bubble tea combos - lychee + melon, avocado + coconut, lychee + mango. Extremely refreshing and filling!! I highly recommend these flavor combinations and Osaka's fresh and cheap sushi.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2009
Osaka Express saved me from eating all the crap food, whilst I worked a long 4 day promotion at the… Read more »
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6/30/2009
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Review from Molly O.
My stomach was so pissed at me last night for eating here.
I don't know if it was the mediocre sushi (which lacked the spicy component of the spicy tuna roll), or the amazing avocado+coconut smoothie I got (which tasted like it may have had a cups worth of coconut milk in it). That shit was riiiiiiiiiiiich, and huge! I finished about half of it before I had to chuck it because I was so full and couldn't deal.
Smoothie, I will return for you, just in a different (lighter) combo. Sushi, sorry, I blame you for my internal hell.
On a side note: this is a great solo dining place! You get to people watch, and the people outside get to see you shove huge sushi rolls into your mouth - it's a win win. -
Review from Caroline M.
Chicago, IL
Osaka Express probably makes one of the most refreshing smoothies I've had in Chicago! At 24 oz. for $3.25 the smoothies are way bigger and cheaper than Jamba Juice(vs.16oz priced around $4.00). No dairy is added, just lots of fresh fruit, lemon syrup, and ice.
The employees are kind and the interior is immaculate. The seating is all inside-some outdoor seating here would be a nice addition though. The register is right near the entrance so every now and then it gets a little crammed while waiting to place your order or pick up your food, but sometimes no elbow room is way worth it for blended, refreshing, smoothie sips.
The rolls here also rock and are made fresh to order. Yay Osaka Express! -
Review from sarah l.
Palos Park, IL
Walking north on Michigan Ave, headed towards Jamba Juice for a smoothie for the kids, decided to try this place out as I've seen it for years. Got them each a smoothie, strawberry and pineapple. They were awesome, huge and 3.50! Great deal and love that they make each one fresh to order from their wall of fruit. My fav was the pineapple...reminded me of a pina colada :) Also picked up some spicy shrimp rolls to go. 6 for 4.50 and pretty good! Will be back
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Review from Nicole H.
I like their sushi okay-the vegetable is probably my favorite but I really go for the smoothies.They are freshly made. You get to choose two fruits for I think $3.50 and they are big and refreshing!
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Review from Alice L.
Chicago, IL
Sushi good, rolls big, prices cheap, bubble tea solid. Not much else to say, price point and convenience pushes it to four stars. I'd say that if some sort of plushy dining ambiance isn't important to you then this definitely is on par with, if not a better value than, many of the trendier sushi places downtown. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in the Loop and find myself with a craving.
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Review from Amanda C.
The smoothies are awesome for the summer and the fresh fruit they use is on display right inside, so you know exactly what's in your smoothie. I think they are a good value compared to places like Jamba Juice. I do not like the tapioca balls and once they ruined a smoothie- so maybe ask to taste one if you haven't tried them before.
What brings it down to 3 stars is the sushi- it is just okay to me and some of the sushi in pre-made containers seems old and the pieces are small. To pay less for fresh sushi and more of it, go to Tokyo Lunch Boxes on Wabash and Jackson. The smoothies are great though and the lady at the cash register is always pleasant. -
Review from Holly M.
Chicago, IL
When I went to school across the street from Osaka, I would often get sushi and a smoothie for lunch. An art student at the time, I really don't know how I even managed to afford it, but the food and beverages were worth it. In all of my sushi-eating experience Osaka has definitely made me the happiest. Osaka was the first place I had ever tried a caterpillar roll and I have yet to find a sushi restaurant that makes it better. They have an impressive menu and built an additional room so people can actually sit and eat. I loved the staff and they were always welcoming to the nearby college students who just needed to get a quick bite to eat. Awesome restaurant and conveniently located.
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Review from Janet E.
A really great place to come to if you are in a hurry and want something to fill up on quick. They have freshly made fruit tapiocas here as well as freshly made sushi. When you walk in, you can definitely smell the vinegariness of the sushi rice.
A small place but the workers are fast at taking your order and serving you. Theres about 6 window counter seats if you need to sit down to eat.
The tapioca drinks are delicious and not overly priced for downtown! -
Review from Edgar B.
Chicago, IL
Since I have been eating (and drinking!) obsessively here for the past 4 years, I figured I'd speak up.
First off, prices are good and fair for what you get for sure, however its never gonna be a student-budget lunch that fills you up proper. therefore go here when you're feeling slightly richer. Cause 10-12 pieces of sushi (for those who'll react like that's TOO much, cheaper rolls are tiny) and a smoothie (you gotta do it)is gonna run upwards of 13-14 bucks easy.
Speaking of smoothies, this is practially what makes this business stay so busy it seems. They are good enough to keep having them all year round, freezing outside, smoking a cigarete on a COLD Chicago winter day. Pineapple+coconut is sublime , also peach + coconut is said to make your tummy jump up and down from excitement.
Lets talk food. Lunch boxes are fine and dandy, yet they dont usually show off the finer flavors going on in here. Try hawaiian roll, wrapped in soy bean instead of seaweed, with crab, shrimp, mango, mayo its yum. Dragon roll is great too, but beware orders that include eel take a while to prepare at times, so dont waltz in there rushing expecting to walk out with sizzling eel rolls within 5 minutes.
I love Osaka and sitting in there taking a break from things. Couple years ago they expanded the space a bit more( hard to believe it was even smaller), and they have one of the nicest bathrooms probably out of all fast food locations at the loopy loop.
Alrite, done. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Evanston, IL
One day, I was craving a bubble tea for lunch. I searched and searched for a place in the Loop w/ them and this is the only place I found.
I walked all the way down there and I got a coconut bubble tea. It was just okay. I felt sated but that was it. There was no joy. The tapioca beads were raw or something.
Next time, I'll make the trip to Chinatown. -
Review from Jim W.
Chicago, IL
Stumbled here by accident walking down Michigan Ave. Quality-price ratio + easy online ordering (& 10% discount) is good enough to satisfy random sushi cravings without having to go too far or pay too much.
I ordered a chirashi don, at $12 with roughly 6-7 pieces of sashimi, some tobiko and a hefty serving of avacado (+ miso soup), probably not too far off some of its much nicer sit-down sushi kin downtown at 50-60% of the price. I'd give it more stars, but it's not really a full restaurant. -
Review from Tom S.
Chicago, IL
Refreshing, light, fresh ... smoothies!
Osaka Express has the best smoothies in town. Period. I've never really been a fan of the smoothie. Most have a less-than-pleasing texture [never really that smooth] and the cloying cavity-creating sweetness often gave me a headache.
The smoothies at Osaka Express, however, are worth celebrating: refreshing, light, fresh, real fruit replete with uniquely traditional add-ins like tapioca [probably not what you're thinking] or green jelly.
The second best thing about Osaka Express is the impeccably fresh and oh so delicious and affordable sushi. This is an excellent place to pick up some sushi and take it to go; or, if you have short legs and small knees you can sit at one of approximately 6 stools in the 2 windows facing the street. Typical accompaniments include soy [in packet form ( I told you it was best "to go")], ginger and wasabi.
Service is efficient and accurate [most important for take out] and even the production of a less-than-typical smoothie is done quickly if not with a bit of panache.
Osaka Express really only serves the freshest and when they are out, they are out. Best bet is to take that early lunch and hoof it over to Osaka Express for the best selection. And don't forget to order a smoothie! -
Review from Jen R.
Tasty tasty - this place def makes it easier to try and keep up w/ my expert sushi whore of a friend. First off, the place is super cute inside, with bright walls and gorgeous pics of all the sushi you didn't order but will now be dying to come back and try. There's not a lot of seating, but during the lunch rush it seemed like everyone was getting theirs to go, so seating was never a prob.
The sushi expert and I tried three different rolls: Dragon, Beethoven, and I Like Shrimp. Try to figure out which one was my wimp ass selection - you've got three guesses and the first two don't count. I also decided it was absolutely necessary to have a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. I dug all three rolls and was crazy impressed at how fresh everything tasted. Oh, and the sushi expert loved loved loved the Beethoven, saying if she could make the perfect roll that would be it - especially loving the fact that they didn't skimp on the avocado. Add in the fact that I just about inhaled my tasty smoothie and this place is def going into the lunch rotation. -
Review from Anna B.
Holliston, MA
At this very moment, I'm taking advantage of Osaka's free wi-fi to post my review. (FYI - You do have to ask the cashier for the password, the network is locked.) I just got out of class a few moments ago, and I have to get to another one in 20 minutes. When I'm at school and only have a few minutes to eat, Osaka is the obvious choice.
I just devoured a cucumber and avocado roll. It was great, as always, and came to $3.34 after tax. I can't offer any advice when it comes to non-veggie sushi, but I can tell you that the smoothies are great, too. My favorites are lychee and mango-coconut with mini pearls!
I also appreciate the spotless tables and extremely polite staff. Their bathroom looks like it could be in a hotel! Unbelievably spacious, clean, and nice, especially if you compare it to anywhere else you could grab lunch in 10 minutes. Osaka, you make me so happy. I just wish you would stop playing this weird elevator music...
