Nojo Restaurant Review: This Hayes Valley restaurant’s name means “farm” in Japanese, and though the modern interior seems about as far away as you can get from pond and pasture, when your plate arrives you'll understand. Nojo's menu is built around fresh produce and farm fresh meats. Skewers are the specialty, so much so that the menu is divided into "on a stick" and "not on a stick." Get adventurous with your sticks: chicken heart with lemon and sansho or beef tongue with tare and shishito are simple yet effective opportunities to enjoy these uncommon parts. Try vegetable-heavy sides such as asparagus, french breakfast radishes and tama miso --- a light complement to the meaty skewers. Ask for help pairing dishes with a saké, wine or beer --- most choices come from small producers, all feature flavor profiles that work well with Japanese-inspired food. And don't forget the Nojo sundae at the end of your meal --- it's a signature item, boasting black sesame ice cream, candied kumquats, crispy rice and peanutty crackers.
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Nojo Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
| Top 10 SF Japanese Restaurants
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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.
