Repeatedly acclaimed for its traditional Japanese cuisine, artisanal sushi and extensive sake selection, Matsuri remains a Baltimore staple for Japanese eats. Family-owned and -operated, this quaint Federal Hill cornerstone evokes the tiny local sushi bars of Tokyo, although the upstairs private dining room often remains more true to the restaurant’s name (which translates as "festival"). Matsuri is all about variety. The menu is one of the most expansive in the area, featuring a long list of appetizers plus the classic teriyakis, tempuras and noodle dishes familiar to the American palate. But the chefs keep things creative, particularly with their exotic sushi selection.
Beer, wine and sake available. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly.
"Matsuri covers all the standards, from top-notch sushi and maki to steamy bowls of nabeyaki udon topped with shrimp tempura and brothy buckwheat soba littered with fresh vegetables. The robatayaki items from the grill — absolutely try the squid — hit regular home-runs."
— Gayot