5 places
Chef David Yoshimura’s Perfect Day in Japantown
About the list
Super Mira Market
For Breakfast
“This is a true family-owned Japanese grocery store and still retains a very homey feel to it,” says Yoshimura. The market features rotating specials of bento, sushi, and hot food items, and includes a bakery—Yasukochi's Sweet Shop—known for its cakes. “If I'm on the way to work, I'll grab a bento or sashimi to go. It feels nice to support a small business like this,” he adds.
Daeho Kalbijim
For Lunch
Yoshimura recommends the cult-status Korean restaurant. “Yes, this restaurant is a Korean chain serving ridiculously large sizzling platters of cheesy kalbijim, but they are good!” he says. “If I'm hungry, I'll go for the braised short rib with oxtail—no cheese.” Lately, he’s also been favoring the suyuk, a combination of different cuts of beef served in a clay pot of broth. “It’s much cleaner and great for a lunch with friends.”
For Dinner
According to Yoshimura, chefs Meghan Clark and Pim Techamuanvivit do an excellent job of serving “unapologetic” Thai cuisine at this one-Michelin-star restaurant. “I can't choose one course I like because every time I've gone the food remains outstanding,” Yoshimura says. “The food is spicy, funky, and well-seasoned, and I really enjoy going with a group of friends to order as much as we can.”
Jina Bakes
For Dessert
Yoshimura loves this relatively new bakery for its Korean twists on classic French pastries. “Recently, I tried the kouign-amann and the injeolmi croissant, and I was very impressed by the technique and flavor behind both,” he says. He adds that the pastries make for a solid midday snack while walking around Japantown.
Mari's Mogura
For Drinks & Late Night
“I almost didn't want to mention this place, as it's the best kept secret of the Japantown mall,” Yoshimura says. According to the chef, this small karaoke bar feels like a Tokyo salaryman bar and offers no-frills Japanese drinks. “On top of that, the owner provides a nice menu of izakaya food like oden, shiokara, kara-age, among other things,” he adds.
