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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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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
