Pikaichi Ramen is a spot in Medford with some excellent spicy ramen.

Amateras is a casual Downtown ramen spot with a whole range of spice levels to their bowls.

Ganko Ittetsu is a ramen spot in Brookline that serves a variety of excellent bowls.

Oishii in the South End is a great omakase spot that’s perfect for when you can’t get into O Ya.

Momi Nomi is a Japanese-Hawaiian izakaya with a good sake selection, but not so great food.

Ittoku is a Porter Square izakaya inside a windowless mall, and it’s better and way more fun than you expect a restaurant in a windowless mall to be.

Omari is a fun izakaya in Brookline Village that makes or a good neighborhood option.

Red White is a fast-casual Japanese vegan place in the Back Bay.

Sweet Rice is a casual Thai/sushi place Jamaica Plain. It’s a good option for a casual bite if you’re in the neighborhood.

Super 88 is an Asian food court and grocery store in Allston, and you should come here when you want good food but don’t want to spend money.

The Laughing Monk Cafe is a Thai-Japanese restaurant in Mission Hill that has some sneakily great sushi.

Zuma is a high-end izakaya in the Back Bay.

As you probably guessed, the Rooftop at Revere is the Revere Hotel's rooftop bar. It's got couches, an indoor pool, and decent drinks and bites.

Ruka is a fun Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Downtown Crossing.

The Groove is a cocktail lounge inside Hojoko that's a great place to hang out if you like hanging out in 1970s bachelor pads.

Futago is a decent Udon spot in the Fenway.