Don't mistake this for a Japanese restaurant - it's more pan-asian fusion (whatever that is) marketed for westerners. I think the hype is due to good marketing & design. The place itself is not amazing, but it's still a welcome break from nasty Quincy Market/Fanieul Hall fast food, and the space is nicely done but not over the top. The ingredients are fresh and you get a great variety in every dish, especially the vegetarian ones. The ""chili-men"" dishes are a bit heavy-handed with the sauce and not really spicy enough for the asian palette. Again, if you're not expecting authentic anything and take it for what it is, it's not bad. \r
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I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the fish salad - it is the best dish on the menu. A sizable filet of grilled barramundi (I'd never heard of this fish before) on a bed of delicately sliced vegetables in a delicate, tangy dressing. $9 is overpriced for a bowl of noodles but you can get this special dish for only $11 - a great deal! The desserts were disappointing though - I went with a big group one time and so I got to try almost everything on the menu.\r
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The waitstaff seem to take the hype a bit far with their super enthusiastic dispositions and overly casual friendliness. One time I went, the waiter picked up my friend's cell phone from the table without asking and began comparing it to his. On a different visit, the waiter at the next table over put his foot on the bench so his knee stuck up over the table, and leaned in to take his order. They're taking the young and hip thing a bit too far for me, but with good intentions, not enough to offend or prevent me from going back there for the FISH SALAD!!!
Pros: Fresh & varied ingredients, FISH SALAD!!
Cons: Hype, disappointing desserts
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