“Please come in/or kindly go ahead.” Like the most commonly used Japanese word from which it takes its name, Douzo restaurant embodies the concept of welcoming guests. When diners enter this stylish restaurant in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay – steps away from the South End & Theater District – they are immediately enveloped in earth tones, rich dark wood and the airiness of high ceilings reverberating with the energy and excitement of the space. The lively bar area is a popular gathering spot offering a selection of cocktails, sake, wine and beer. Guests look on as the team of chefs create cutting-edge sushi dishes, or they settle into an experience of award-winning cuisine in the main dining area. From the knowledgeable and attentive waitstaff to charismatic owner Jack Huang’s pleasure at meeting diners, expect the comfort of being warmly welcomed at Douzo. Douzo-King-Crab-Sushi Like the atmosphere, Douzo’s healthy and fresh cuisine seamlessly combines warm tradition and modern innovation of Japanese classics. While offering the inventive dishes that make the restaurant both a neighborhood fixture and a critically acclaimed destination, signature items such as The Cucumber Hand Roll and Boston Lobster and Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice provide a New England twist to the traditional. Douzo boasts a versatile menu highlighting specialties like Phoenix Rolls, Red Spider, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Kobe Beef Carpaccio, Miso Yaki, Octopus and they also have everything from gluten-free dishes to vegetarian specialties like succulent Vegetable Noodles or the exquisitely flavored Green Tea Fried Rice. The affordable and healthy fare embodies the best of Asian cuisine, using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Also, all fish is sourced and at its freshest for the best quality available. A veteran of the Japanese restaurant business who was raised in Japan before moving to the United States, Mr. Huang spent decades in the restaurant business before returning to school, where he received a Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Food service management from Cornell University. Jack Huang balances time-honored tradition with an urban, cutting-edge sensibility that infuses an excitement into every dish that Douzo creates. This may just be the reason Douzo has won many awards and accolades, including top ranking from Zagat Survey, “Best of Boston” from Boston Magazine and “Boston’s Best Sushi” from The Improper Bostonian. Active members of the community, Jack Huang and his family enjoy participating in many charities in the local and global community, notably Boston Children’s Hospital and the Japanese Disaster Relief Fund, Bridge Boston Charter School and The Pan Mass Challenge.