My husband and I moved to Brighton Center a few years ago after having lived in different places all over Boston, and having tried sushi at all the big-name places, including Ginza, New Ginza, JP Seafood, and Jae's. We found Asahi here in Brighton Center--wedged almost invisibly between Ka Bloom and a kind of shoddy neighborhood bar--and we were ecstatic to discover that the sushi there is fabulous. It is a small but elegant establishment with only a sushi bar (no kitchen), and there is only one chef, a complete perfectionist who serves only the freshest fish, and who is so passionate about sushi that he will talk about nothing else, unless it be to discuss how to make the best sushi rice, or how best to cut or serve certain elaborate rolls. Mostly though, he is exclusively focused on the sushi itself. His near-religious discipline and devotion shine through in everything he makes, and receiving your order often feels like receiving a piece of incredible artwork or sculpture. The menu only has sushi, sashimi, maki, and combinations (and some other simple appetizer kinds of things, like miso soup, seaweed salad, and edamame), but the sushi itself is so worth coming for that you won't even think about kitchen fare. Favorite rolls are: rainbow roll, white tiger roll, tempura roll. Favorite meal: chirashi, sushi regular. Come during the lunch hours so you have more room and time to linger.
Pros: excellent sushi, creative maki, always fresh fish and generous cuts of fish
Cons: small establishment can get crowded at peak dinner hours (so come during lunch)
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