In Japanese culture, wabi is the harmony and beauty that lies in simplicity. At Sharon’s newest sushi restaurant, Wabi isn’t just the name on the sign. You can feel it in the air.
Stepping into the restaurant, you’ll hear soft lo-fi jazz and notice paintings of Mount Fuji and Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa decorating the warmly lit walls. The atmosphere at Wabi feels intentional and simple.
Born and raised in Canton, China, owner Tina Wu developed an admiration for Japanese cuisine and culture. With a background in fish exporting, Wu has had over 10 years of experience in the food industry before opening a Japanese restaurant. When the Regal Eagle, a bar and grille, closed in Heights Plaza, Wu moved into the location, citing a need for an easygoing sushi restaurant in Sharon.
The staff consists of Wu, a sushi chef she met through family friends, and two other cooks. Together, they craft a menu that focuses on traditional Japanese comfort foods and seasonal specials.
Wabi’s maki rolls highlight the restaurant’s traditional minimalism without sacrificing presentation. The fish was of decent quality but prepared beautifully, especially in their party boats, which feature large quantities of maki on a shareable dish worth the price. The salmon was buttery and had a fresh taste. Overall, Wabi’s maki rolls were standouts for a simple, affordable sushi restaurant.
The tonkotsu ramen had a rich and flavorful broth. It was paired with salty pork that contrasted the creamy bed of noodles, covered in fresh toppings like corn and bean sprouts that made for a memorable bowl. The broth packed a cozy burst of flavor, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Wabi opened in June 2025 and is still finding its footing. Because of her smaller staff, Wu herself serves and waits tables, and the 30 to 45 minute wait times during the dinner hour reflect this shortcoming. She plans to hire a bartender and waitstaff, but in the meantime, Wu takes orders, makes drinks, and manages the restaurant all at once. Their takeout business, however, seems to run smoothly and keeps their kitchen busy.
Wu plans to expand Wabi into multiple locations across the Greater Boston area, but right now, her first location remains a solid Japanese restaurant that is still settling in.
