If you've been searching for a fresh, new lunch spot in Boston's Finanacial District, look no further than Kamakura. Named for owner and executive chef Youji Iwakura's hometown in Japan, the restaurant opens for business on November 13.
It is Iwakura's first restaurant, having previously cooked at Uni, Basho Japanese Brasserie, and Snappy Ramen.
While Kamakura will also feature "nouvelle washoku bistro fare; modern-day seasonal kaiseki (set tasting courses); and fresh sushi omakase (leave-it-up-to-the-chef)," the main focus will be on bento box style lunches.
In fact, during its first two days, the restaurant will only serve bento box lunches including the Kamakura Bento Ruby served with sashimi, rice, soup, pickles, and egg custard.
When dinner service begins on November 15, the restaurant will be divided into levels. On the first floor, a kaiseki bar serves tasting courses like the cha kaiseki, with black cod sashimi, wagyu sirloin, and fried crab fish cakes.
On the second floor, more casual bistro fare such as tofu and sea urchin, baked lobster on the half shell, sashimi, and sashimi plates will be served à la carte.
Guests can also climb to Kamakura's rooftop bar and lounge called Kumo, which means “cloud” in Japanese. It will offer a retractable roof for shelter and focus on authentic Japanese cocktails, wine and sake.
Kamakura is located at 150 State Street, Boston. Their lunch-only hours on Nov. 13 and 14 are from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. From Nov. 15 on, you can enjoy lunch Mondays–Fridays from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays offer dinner and bar hours only. Visit the website for more information.