Sakabayashi Sushi Tavern by SUSHIRO

Sakabayashi Sushi Tavern brings Japan’s Sugidama tavern concept to Boylston Street, opposite the Boston Public Library. Sushi and sake are central, with shared platters, sashimi and hot dishes giving a group several ways to order. The menu also offers set courses, useful if you’d rather have a sequence of dishes than make every decision separately.

Depending on the course, choices include tempura, steamed egg custard, rice bowls, nigiri and handrolls. Cocktails sit alongside the sake selection. The restaurant takes reservations through Resy and accepts walk-ins at its sushi counter; parties of five or more are asked to call. Weekday lunch and dinner have a break between them, while weekend service continues through the afternoon. That makes the timing worth checking before a late lunch.