This small Korean-owned cafe offers a refreshing and quaint atmosphere amidst the busy Allston area. The menu includes the standard cafe offerings of various coffees and various things to nibble on, as well as many interesting Korean treats such as gimbap (a rolled Korean rice dish similar to sushi) and patbingsu (ice shavings covered in a variety of fruit and dessert toppings). Other enjoyable offerings include boba milk tea and fresh-made smoothies. The atmosphere and staff are very friendly, and free wi-fi is graciously available for the technology-savvy patron. A hidden gem in Allston, this cozy cafe is a quiet and relaxing experience.

Jae's downtown continues to serve an awe-inspiring and overwhelming variety of pan-Asian foods, from curry dishes to grilled fish to pad Thai to BiBimBab (Jae's not-so-special specialty: rice with vegetables and beef in a Korean hot stone pot), and tops that all with one of Boston's most fresh, creative, and satisfying sushi bar. You could eat here every night of the week and have a different dining experience. Jae's menu includes amusing “designer tidbits” to help you create your own sushi combinations; the one titled “for party animals” fits the overall atmosphere of loud twenty-somethings steeped in hipstertude. Jae's only drawback is that it's always packed, but it's well worth the wait. Entrees $8-17.

Jae's downtown continues to serve an awe-inspiring and overwhelming variety of pan-Asian foods, from curry dishes to grilled fish to pad Thai to Bim Bab (Jae's not-so-special specialty: rice with vegetables and beef in a Korean hot stone pot), and tops that all with one of Boston's most fresh, creative, and satisfying sushi bar. You could eat here every night of the week and have a different dining experience. Jae's menu includes amusing “designer tidbits” to help you create your own sushi combinations; the one titled “for party animals” fits the overall atmosphere of loud twenty-somethings steeped in hipstertude. Jae's only drawback is that it's always packed, but it's well worth the wait. Entrees $8-17. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Hands down, best sushi in Boston and the best value as well! Once you get over the fact that you enter through the Dunkin Donuts or the Deli, you'll see Osaka is a true hidden gem! Again, the sushi is top notch and the service is excellent. The spirited chatter between wife running the floor and husband behind the sushi bar is a spectacle in and of itself. Do take time and wander away from your sushi favorites and try some of the wonderful Korean dishes available as well.

The lone Japanese entry on Fenway's "Restaurant Row" (Peterborough St.), Umi caters to locals and penny-pinching students with fresh, affordable Japanese cuisine. With its authentic decorations, comfortable seating and inviting colors, the charming dining area make guests feel welcome. An impressive selection of sushi and maki will please even the most finicky diner in terms of both texture and taste. A generous selection of teriyaki and noodle dishes is available for the non-sushi lover or vegetarian. UPDATE: A four-alarm fire destroyed Thorntons Fenway Grill, Rod Dee, Greek Isle, El Pelon Taqueria and Thornton's Fenway Grille on Peterborough Street at 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Shabu Shabu Toki serves up little Japanese hot pots of goodness at this new Allston hotspot. Servers bring out trays of beautifully arranged raw meats and vegetables where patrons can cook their food in a pot divided into two sections--Japanese broth on one side and Korean on the other. The proper technique for dragging one’s meat-laden chopsticks back and forth through the boiling broth is known as shabu shabu, or “swish swish” while “toki” means time. The shabu shabu tradition began in the 13th century when warriors during the Genghis Khan era cooked their bounty right in their helmets. Like playing with your food? Shabu Shabu Toki is the place for you. Check out their Boston Globe article here!

Take-out by the pound? If you're a hungry college student on a budget, you've found your mecca. This Korean-Japanese restaurant is spacious and offers an all-you-can-eat assortment of dishes. The food isn't worthy of a Zagat rating, but it's filling, and inexpensive. The food at Arirang House is served buffet style, with a lunch buffet a little under $7, and dinner buffet around $8.50. There are lots of tables, and colorful decor to go along with the smells of the various buffet items. If one member of your party isn't eating, a sign warns they may charge you if you don't notify them. Needing late-night sustenance while studying at Northeastern University or Berklee School of Music? Come in towards the end of the night, and you can get take-out, weighed by the pound. Noodles (all varieties), veggies, tofu, rice, sushi, stirfry, beansprouts, beef, chicken wings, kim chi, soup, fruit--lots of choices. There's few Korean restaurants in the city, and while Arirang may not be the most authentic, its range and size make it an appealing budget option.

This place has Seoul: from the spicy avocado salad to the hearty dumpling stews and the elegant stir fried seafood, Seoul Kitchen serves up traditional Korean dishes with spicy twists. Sweetened sauces and spicy broths bring meats to life and harmonize with seasoned vegetable; it's Asian fusion meets mom's comfort food, and every bite is worth savoring. The entrees generally cost between $12 and $15, and most appetizer's will run you about $5. It's not as wallet friendly as, say, Chinese restaurant Happy Garden down the street, but the delightful service and large portions make the experience worth the extra few dollars. And, with extensive vegetarian and sushi options, Seoul Kitchen is good for your heart. And your Seoul.

_

_