Sushi!  I crave it!  Love it, need it, it’s just tasty.  I try to treat myself to this delicacy every chance I get.  For my recent late lunch I wanted to visit one of my favorite, relaxed and welcoming restaurants after work, Haru. Although this was my second time dinning here, it was my first time at the bar… but won’t be my last.

Located in the Back Bay area, this restaurant has one location in Boston but several locations in New York City.  I hope they add more in Massachusetts.  Opening back in 2010 this modern Japanese sushi house offers a wide assortment of menu items.  Official lunch hours are 11:30AM to 3PM and there’s a great Lunch Box offer.  The Lunch Box includes: a protein with California roll, shrimp tempura, rice, miso soup or house salad between $13.75 and $16.  I gotta try this deal.  In between 3PM to 7PM they offer Haru Hour, rolls and other items priced between $3 and $6.

Since it was a late day I dived right into the dinner menu and thought, “lets jazz it up a bit tonight.”  Because of that concept, the Boston unCommon Roll seemed just right.  Containing Crunchy Spicy Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Mango, Black Tabika (fish eggs), and gold leaf this special roll screamed, “try me”.  So I did.  I washed down my lunch/dinner with the drink special Sakura Breeze, which contained Grey Goose Cherry Noir, St. Germaine Elderflower, Pomegranate Sour, Muddled Shiso (an herb related to mint), and a Splash of Soda.  Refreshing.  Tiffany the bartender did a great job preparing my drink.  Best part about their “special” is THAT drink is ONLY $7.  That’s pretty awesome.  The special changes monthly but is Always available. Not into the special?  There’s a fully stocked bar and beverage list including wine, sake, beers and cocktails.

There are four sections for dinner entrée’s: special rolls ranging from $13 to $18, hot entrée’s from $19.75 to $26.50, sushi entrée’s from $17.50 to $58, and maki entrée’s from $16 to $22.25.  Appetizer’s are between $5.75 and $16.  Sushi and Sashimi by the piece are between $2 and $5.25 unless market priced, meanwhile sushi rolls and hand rolls are between $3.50 and $10.75.  For soups the choice is Miso for $2.95 or Lemongrass Hot & Sour for 7.  Salads start at $6 and can be as much as $16.50.  So many choices, not enough tummy room!!!

When my sushi arrived-I’m not gonna lie- I just wanted to take pictures of it.  It was like a work of art.  Perfectly placed in the corner of the plate with such attention to detail to the location of the avocado and mango trim.  Then I took a bite.  I was worried what the mango would do to this roll but I’m Sooo glad I kept it on.  The sweetness of the mango mixed with the fishes and avocado couldn’t be more in sync.  On the plate, a mix of wasabi sauce and ginger soy with a hint of sweetness.  More magic.  This was a great combination created by the chef.

The best part of my experience was because of the roll’s name, “Boston unCommon” 100% of my meal would be donated to One Fund Boston for the victims of the Boston Marathon.  At the end of the month, once the restaurant tallies up how many rolls were purchased (this included their Back Bay Roll as well) they will match That number, thus making my purchase a 200% donation.  I found that to be fantastic.  I wasn’t made aware of this greatness until after I got my meal and I’m glad I really did make the right choice.

Perfect for a large party or an after work drink, Haru has you covered. The touch of their Japanese garden makes the environment feel more authentic, not commercial.  I think that’s important for the ambiance, as it’s located close to the sushi bar.

Keep up the Great Work Haru!  I’ll shall return! Xo.

Haru

55 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02199

617-536-0770

http://www.harusushi.com