Cuisine:

• Japanese
• Health Food
• Sushi bar

Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery Description:
Yoshimi Tashima, a former Tokyo fashion designer, had a wake-up call in the form of a bout with cancer, and became a health nut. The result: Yoshimatsu, a relaxed, cafeteria-style eatery combining the traditional with the kawaii and serving up authentic versions of Japanese street and comfort food like donburi (rice bowls), miso soup, curries, okonomiyaki (a sort of omlet or pancake), noodles, and a wide assortment of bento (mixed dinner boxes). The emphasis is on health and nutrition; nothing is greasy, the merits of tofu, seaweed, and mushrooms are played up, brown rice is offered, and (for what it's worth) Yoshimatsu only uses organically grown ingredients, yet the dishes are (by all accounts) traditional homestyle fare.
Yoshimatsu suffers from its success more than anything--the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Expect lines and, as the sign warns, difficulty finding seating at peak times.
An assortment of teas (including matcha), health-drinks, beers, and sakés are offered, as well as desert items including. A small gift-shop offers Japanese health and fad food as well as Japanese toys and various kawaii (cutesy) items.
Nota bene: Yoshimatsu is not a sushi or a sashimi restaurant, which has confused some people new to Japanese cuisine.
Yoshimatsu is actually two restaurants in one. Toward the back there is the sedate Sushi Matsu where sushi rules. And then there is Yoshimatsu itself where healthy, fresh Japanese food is served in a funky, fun, fast casual space. You can get sushi here but we prefer many other options from a long and interesting menu. The squid salad is most memorable and we always order a double of the crispy, crunchy fried oysters. Another recommendation is the ginger tofu which could make a tofu lover out of anyone. There's a full slate of bento boxes, noodle dishes and rice bowls; we like ours with the takikomi brown rice. In keeping with the owners' commitment to serve healthy and home-style foods, organic ingredients are a part of the picture and, of course, no MSG is used.


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