THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Namu

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Namu Restaurant Review:

Not quite an insider’s secret, Namu’s location far from the beaten path lends this often-packed Pan-Asian small-plate and saké lounge the allure of a hidden find. The sleek, wide-open room seats roughly 40, with an additional five seats at a bar made from one polished, reclaimed tree. Late hours and DJ nights allow industry types to congregate once their own kitchens have closed, and 30 well-chosen, affordable sakés, soju and wines by the glass ensure they stay a while. Texture-rich share plates of contemporary Asian creations pack big flavor. Young chef Dennis Lee has the touch with beautiful crudos strung with lemon, infused oils and kombu; Asian-style dressings (Korean chili, wasabi) for fresh Hog Island oysters; and anything fresh and raw from the sea. Our turn with the spot’s famed light, tempura calamari fry was uneven, but a steaming hot bowl of shiitake dumplings in dashi-mushroom broth proved layered and memorable for only $9. Ask for rice pairings (white or wild) with larger grilled plates, such as miso-marinated line-caught black cod topped with leeks. Japanese rice beer is a crisp, refreshing option. The youthful owners also operate Happy Belly businesses around town.