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THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CLOSED The serene, communal, natural wood décor of this modern eatery is reminiscent of London’s upscale wagamama noodle chain; natural light floods the bench-filled room at the northern end of the Crocker Galleria’s tony food court. Unfortunately, when busy lunchtime diners flooded the healthful eatery after its 2005 debut, servers were loving, kind, and a little too untroubled by details and speed. The restaurant’s distinctive and subtle Buddhist temple cuisine---founded on composed dishes of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, without jarring garlic, onion or other strong flavors---also marked a refreshing change of pace that didn’t quite match that of the Financial District power crowd, even in Northern California. After a brief closure for reevaluation and slight remodel, the restaurant now features a variety of speedier counter options: modular bento boxes, some with broiled fish or eel, featuring rice, salad, vegetables, rich sauces and flavorful glazes; bowls of udon, ramen and soba; tender, balanced salads; and bowls of artisanal tofu, yuba and vegetables over the restaurant’s signature nine-grain rice. Yuzu lemonade here retains its near-cult following. Cuisine is local, organic and biodynamic when possible, and prices reflect this. |
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Set the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.
