Laughing Monk Cafe
Thai restaurant · Mission Hill ·
Intricate sushi rolls, inventive Thai dishes, and impressive omakase.
Intricate sushi rolls, inventive Thai dishes, and impressive omakase.
"Yes, Google might list this Mission Hill restaurant as a Thai spot, but Laughing Monk actually has one of the best omakase deals in town. You’ll get 10 courses for about $170, with bites like black tiger shrimp, branzino nigiri, and salmon nigiri presented in a tiny covered dish that’s been pumped with smoke. You’ll need to make a pre-paid reservation at least one day in advance, since they don’t take walk-ins for the omakase." - tanya edwards
"This Brigham Circle spot has quietly gained a following for its impressive omakase in particular, which can be ordered for takeout and delivery. There’s plenty of sushi on the regular menu as well, and it’s all made with brown rice. (Laughing Monk has additional sushi spots in Allston and Wellesley.)" - Erika Adams, Valerie Li Stack, Eater Staff
"Mission Hill isn’t really considered a destination dining neighborhood, probably because it gives a lot of people flashbacks to keg parties and games of pong where you accidentally chugged the water cup. But that’s a good thing if you’re looking for last-minute high-end sushi, because you can get it at the Laughing Monk Cafe without having to lie about being William H. Macy’s publicist to get a seat at the omakase counter. This small, casual place has both a Thai and a Sushi menu, and while the Thai food is definitely above average, it’s the sushi with nori cut to look like lace doilies that’s the real reason to come here. And even if you can’t get a day-of reservation at the sushi counter, you can do omakase at the table, too." - dan secatore
"When you’ve finally converted your friends to the sushi life, head to The Laughing Monk Cafe, just down Huntington in Brigham Circle. The omakase at this casual place is expensive (around $149 for 10 pieces) but it’s one of the best in Boston, with nori cut to look like lace doilies and pieces that are made with things like charcoal and gooseberry. If you want to keep things more reasonable, you can order some of the omakase pieces off the a la carte menu, along with some better than average Thai food, too." - dan secatore
"For the sushi bar, Chef Nick Korboon acquires fresh ingredients every morning before starting his creations at the sushi bar. His masterpieces may change based on the fresh vegetables or edible micro-flowers available on that day. Our Thai kitchen is supervised by Chef Sam, who has more than 25 year-experience in Thai cuisine. – You can find his authentic Thai flavors in our Small Dish menu when spicy means spicy."