Tanuki

While Kensington's dining scene tilts heavily toward brunch spots and casual American fare, Tanuki fills the sushi-on-a-Tuesday gap without asking you to dress up or plan ahead. The Toast-based ordering system means you can fire off your spicy tuna roll and a side before you've even grabbed a table, and the parking lot out back—a rarity on this stretch of Adams—makes it the go-to for a quick lunch between meetings or a low-key dinner when cooking feels like too much work.

The menu leans approachable: kitchen items like teriyaki and tempura run simple and serviceable, while the sushi arrives fresh enough to justify repeat visits. The spicy tuna roll gets consistent nods, and each lunch roll comes with a side, which stretches the value on what some reviewers flag as smallish portions. Don't come expecting omakase fireworks or Instagram-worthy plating—Tanuki's appeal is in its reliability, not its wow factor.

Seating skews outdoor, with a smaller indoor section that fills up fast. The staff stays on top of refills and questions, even if they occasionally need to double-check with the kitchen. It's the kind of spot that works whether you're grabbing solo takeout, hosting a casual group dinner, or just need somewhere that won't make you wait an hour on a Thursday night. The beer and wine list covers the basics, vegetarian rolls round out the menu, and reservations smooth out the weekend rush.

Tanuki isn't chasing Michelin stars—it's chasing the neighborhood's weeknight dinner rotation, and for that lane, it delivers.