"The long-awaited second location of the popular udon joint opened on Monday, February 19 in the Seaport and seats 16, joining a wave of new restaurants that are turning the neighborhood into a dining hot spot. Founded by Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Juan Carlos Vidal in 2017 as a tiny 15-seat counter in Porter Square, the business is now helmed by executive chef Tomohiro Shinoda, who oversaw a lengthy build-out and even imported a udon machine from Japan to ensure both locations serve the same top-quality bowls. The glitzy new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of natural light, a spacious-yet-inviting dining area where friends can catch up over a bowl of udon, and—breaking with the original spot’s tradition—phones are allowed. For the first weeks the menu will focus on the classics: cold and hot niku udon (chewy noodles in cold or warm broth with savory sliced beef and garnishes), available spicy or mild; Shinoda’s training under soba chef Mutsuko Soma reinforced his decision to hone in on one noodle style. The team plans to expand the menu once settled, with likely additions including biang biang mazesoba (a Xi’an-style, brothless noodle fusion that has appeared on Sunday pop-ups) and a Seaport Special yuzu shio udon with chicken chashu, plus desserts by Modern Pastry. The shop will open daily with limited hours at first—“11 am until sold out”—with hopes to add dinner service later." - Valerie Li Stack