Haute Top 5: Best Sushi in Boston in 2017

When we heard Michael Mina had his hand in opening Pabu in the Millennium Tower near Downtown Crossing, we had high hopes that it would be great. The modern izakaya certainly delivers that and more with its sushi bar complete with four chefs located at the back of the restaurant. You can't help but feel relaxed the moment you step into the quiet second floor respite of this stylish restaurant with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the bustling shopping center below. Standout dishes include ahi tuna poke served with crisp wontons; the spicy scallop roll; and Ken's roll named after Chef Ken Tominaga, an indulgent combination of shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna and pine nut.

Chefs Ken Oringer and Tony Messina's vision of sushi brings Boston to a new level with their lavish menu at Uni. Take, for example, dishes like the smoked Uni spoon made with Osetra caviar, quail egg yolk and yuzu; or Japanese Wagyu beef tartar with chocolate kabayaki, huckleberry and cured egg yolk. There are live scallop nigiri, bass sashimi and Hamachi Negiima rolls on the menu. The chefs' whimsy comes through in dishes like the White Castle burger roll and even a lobster BLT roll. Sure, there are more traditional finds like a spicy tuna roll, but their version comes complete with aji amarillo, charred pineapple and jicama.

Take a break from shopping the haute couture boutiques of Newbury Street and head over to Douzo for a much needed respite. Perhaps some tuna tataki with spicy ponzu; octopus ceviche or Yuzu lobster will do the trick. This Back Bay haute spot delivers all of the specialties we all know and love, and does it well. Don't miss the Red Spider roll filled with soft shell crab wrapped with tuna and tobiko topped with a dash of unagi sauce; or the classic Boston roll complete with lobster, lettuce, tomato, asparagus, tobiko and spicy mayo.

Unlimited sushi Monday nights? Yes, please. Executive Chef Kevin Long's popular evening features a specialty menu of uber fresh rolls of every flavor (think spicy tuna with chili mayo; salmon and cucumber with fried shallots; tempura sweet potato; and the classic California roll). Other dishes to choose from on the all-you-can-eat menu include Empire house maki; hamachi tartare; and spicy salmon "rice bites." If you come during the week, order up the sushi "raft" boat (available nightly on their izakaya menu from 5 to 7 p.m.), an enormous presentation of 25 pieces of maki and nigiri.

Paper thin slices of yellowtail belly with a touch of yuzu and house spicy sauce topped with jalapeño; torched squid sashimi and platters of nigiri are the name of the game at Basho. Grab a seat at a communal table or request a more secluded seat in the private dining “cocoon” at this Back Bay haute spot where signature specialties like the seared tuna Fenway roll, salmon tartar, sea urchin sushi and grilled water eel sashimi dominate the menu. At Basho's Fenway Park location, ingredients are flown in daily from around the world to create the most authentic dishes.