Downtown Luncher: Japanese Gourmet

When we tell people we're headed to Japanese Gourmet for lunch, most squinch up their noses and say, "but what's it really called?" The answer? Japanese Gourmet.

The li'l lunch spot is near the Market, tucked in on Stewart across the street from Sur La Table. The sushi and the noodle dishes are tasty, but the lunch special bento boxes are the reason we keep going back.

Weekdays from 11 to 3 you can get the daily bento box for $7. Wednesday's (pictured) contains a salad, tempura, grilled duck pan fried noodles, and a salmon-onion roll, plus miso soup on the side. We're partial to Tuesday's--chicken and tofu over rice, fried gyoza (yum!), a spring roll, salad, miso soup, and a crab-omelette roll. Order that a la carte and you'd be over $15 easily.

The place gave us a fright about a month ago when it closed down suddenly. Our interrogation of the construction-type workers inside revealed the wonderful news that it was only being renovated. And though we miss the scuffed linoleum that reminds us of our favorite noodle shops elsewhere, the remodel is lovely and, as an added bonus, they've opened up a courtyard. Ask to eat there if the weather's good--there's no view, but it's a peaceful spot to spend your lunch hour.

Japanese Gourmet, 82 Stewart Street. Open daily 11 am - 9 pm, more or less.

Bento box photo by our officemate.