Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
138
11
JAPANTOWN/PACIFIC HEIGHTS/
PRESIDIO HEIGHTS
MODERATE
Isobune
JAPANESE/SUSHI If you want to introduce the kids to sushi, this could be
a fun to place to star t. The spicy tuna r olls,
maguro
tuna, and a fe w vegetarian options
cruise by on little boats in fr ont of diners. See something that looks enticing? G o ahead
and take it. The chefs ar e constantly at wor k, refilling the little boats on their aquatic
conveyer belt. You won't find the gr eatest selection her e, but y ou're best off sticking to
the mainstream stuff like California rolls anyway.
Warning:
This is one place that's actu-
ally better when it 's crowded. If you come at odd hours, y ou'll see limp fish that 's been
around the loop a few too many times.
1737 Post St. (in the Japan C enter).
&
415/563-1030.
Highchairs. Reservations not accepted. 2 pieces
of sushi $2-$7, g ratuity not included . AE, MC, V. Daily 11:30am-10pm. Muni: No . 38-Geary bus t o the
Japan Center at Webster St.
Juban Yakiniku House
JAPANESE Although the grill-your-own concept may not
have the dramatic appeal of a B enihana's, where the chef comes to y our table and sautés
while you watch, it's really more fun to take responsibility for your own dinner. At Juban,
a gas grill embedded in the center of y our table quickly cooks thin slices of tender beef ,
chicken, shor t ribs, shrimp , and other items while y ou and y ours handle the cooking
implements. The wait staff makes sur e the temperatur e is just so, but in any ev ent, it's
pretty difficult to r uin your dinner. Smoke is relieved by special downdraft grills. Juban
is big and modern, with wide tables to hold the v arious plates of raw and cooked food,
and an accommodating staff.
Yakiniku,
or grilling, works well for children, who can pick
and choose what they like and in r easonable quantities.
1581 Webster St. (in the Japan Center).
&
415/776-5822.
www.jubanrestaurant.com. Highchairs. Reser-
vations recommended. Main courses $8-$13.50 lunch; $9-$50 dinner. AE, MC, V. Fri lunch 11:30am-2pm;
Sat-Sun lunch 11:30am-4:30pm; M on-Thurs dinner 5:30-9:30pm; F ri-Sun dinner 5-9:30pm. Muni: No .
38-Geary bus to the Japan Center at Webster St.
5
INEXPENSIVE
In addition to the options below, Pizzeria Delfina (p. 146), The Grove (p. 136), and Pasta
Pomodoro (p. 137) have locations in this neighborhood.
Crepevine
Finds
AMERICAN/CREPES This is where we take the kids on a w eek-
end day when we're on the way to or from the playground and we want a place where we
can get a table, or der quickly, and enjoy healthy, well-prepared food ev eryone will like.
Although it's always packed on weekends, the ambitious host works hard to gets patrons
seated quickly and, giv en the restaurant's large size, he usually does. While you wait for
the table, per use the massiv e menu boar d above the counter . The crepes that giv e the
place its names ar e all good—the Californian with av ocado, cheddar, and salsa is quite
tasty and the kids love the simple ham and cheese combo—as are the omelets, salads, and
sandwiches. The food will be served quickly, in hearty portions, and you'll soon be forti-
fied for more sightseeing or, should the fashion-conscious members of y our family pre-
vail, for some boutique window shopping on Fillmore Street. Other locations are in Noe
Valley and the Sunset.
