Boston’s culinary scene welcomes a new addition with the opening of Mai, an intimate Japanese-French fusion restaurant located in the Seaport District.
Officially launching on Wednesday, September 10, Mai aims to provide diners with an accessible yet refined dining experience.
With a focus on affordable prices and a cozy atmosphere, owner Kevin Liu emphasizes that Mai is designed to level up from traditional dining norms.
“Everything on our menu is under $35,” Liu noted. “We aim to be the best value of food for all while not venturing into the fine dining territory.”
This new restaurant is the latest venture from NoToro Hospitality Group, who also operate Matsunori Handroll Bar in Fenway and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Chinatown.
Mai’s menu features a selection of small and shared plates made from premium, clean ingredients.
Among the highlights are the restaurant’s own Kaluga hybrid caviar, which is served atop tempura-battered chicken nuggets, and intriguing dishes like all-black Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Japanese Steak Frites, and Eel Foie Gras Handroll.
Liu has a personal connection to the culinary offerings, having lived in Tokyo for a year.
He asserts that authenticity is key, mentioning the significance of items such as the three-ingredient cabbage salad that serves as a palate cleanser and their homemade soy sauce.
“We try to do a homemade touch for everything,” he stated, emphasizing their commitment to using no preservatives or MSG.
In addition to food, Mai boasts a cocktail menu infused with Japanese ingredients, featuring yuzu, matcha, and sake.
Signature drinks include the Road Less Traveled, Clarified Melon Highball, and the Sushi-Rice-Washed Strawberry Negroni, alongside mocktails and a selection of French wines.
Similar to its sister establishment Matsunori, Mai’s interior is designed to foster intimate conversations among its roughly 30-person seating capacity.
Liu explained, “You might not necessarily know the person next to you, but being aware of other diners while having your own space creates a unique atmosphere.”
He transitioned into the restaurant industry after leaving his finance career in 2023, inspired by the increasing interest in Japanese cuisine he observed in Boston since moving there in 2012.
Liu recognizes the burgeoning acceptance of authentic Japanese food in Boston, comparing it to the saturated market in New York where he grew up.
“I think it’s on the rise,” he remarked. “Boston is finally getting a taste of what true Japanese food should be like, or true fusion.”
Currently, Mai is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with plans to extend hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in the near future.
Lunch service is also set to debut shortly after opening.
Located at 31 North Ave., Boston, Mai is conveniently situated next to The Grand.
image source from：masslive
