A local Japanese restaurant chain is cooking up a major Greater Boston expansion.
Tori Japan is preparing to open restaurants in Boston, Malden, Taunton, and the Ashmont area in Dorchester, a company representative told What Now Boston. The first of the four will take over the former Boston Halal space at 961 Commonwealth Avenue near Boston University. The approximately 3,000-square-foot restaurant is expected to open in late September 2026.
The chain is also planning a location at 245 Pleasant Street in Malden, which is expected to open around the end of the year. (The site is legally addressed as 2 Florence Street, the address listed in earlier city filings, though the restaurant will use the Pleasant Street address to avoid any confusion.) The Taunton location is planned for 65 Taunton Depot Drive, with an opening also anticipated around the end of 2026.
Finally, Tori Japan is planning to open at 1970 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester, just steps from Ashmont Station. The approximately 1,600-square-foot restaurant would occupy a long-vacant ground-floor retail space within a five-story, primarily residential building and offer both dine-in and takeout service, with seating for around 30 guests.
The Dorchester location was discussed during a virtual meeting with abutters on August 24, according to the Dorchester Reporter. Owner Tony Wu and his team are seeking zoning relief to open the restaurant in the Dorchester Avenue subdistrict, with concerns raised during the meeting primarily centered on parking and trash.
Ryan Spitz, the attorney representing Wu, noted that the proposed restaurant would technically require nine off-street parking spaces under current zoning rules—something he said is not feasible at the site. However, he expressed hope that the restaurant’s proximity to Ashmont Station would encourage customers to walk or use public transit, while acknowledging neighbors’ concerns about potential double-parking from takeout orders. Residents also raised questions about trash, which the team said would be handled by a private company.
The Dorchester restaurant would not have a liquor license, and there are currently no plans to apply for one. It is expected to be the last of the four new locations to open, with a debut anticipated sometime in 2027.
Founded in Jamaica Plain, Tori Japan currently operates 12 counter-serve locations across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. The chain is known for its casual Japanese fare, with a menu built around three main offerings: teppanyaki-style teriyaki meals prepared fresh in front of customers, sushi, and bento boxes.
“Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a sushi feast, a hearty teriyaki meal, or a convenient bento box, Tori Japan is the perfect destination,” states the eatery’s website. “With its dedication to authentic Japanese flavors and a diverse menu, it promises a delightful culinary experience for all who visit.”
