Gastrolust

There’s a reason a restaurant sticks around for 106 years.

Maneki has been a mainstay in the International District since 1904, and there’s no sign of slowing down. It’s often crowded on the weekends, when you might have to wait, with a recommendation to try the Panama Teahouse around the corner if it’s open. Or perhaps a seat in Maneki’s bar – if you can find one.

The menu is comprehensive, containing lots of Japanese classics, from takoyaki to tofu, and soba to sushi. This is solid, three-star food. I wouldn’t necessarily come here for a sushi dinner, though it wouldn’t be terrible. I like sushi as part of a dinner here, one of many bites that are closer to a home-style meal. I’ll let these pictures (and brief descriptions) tell the story.

Agedashi nasu (eggplant).

Mushroom salad.

A small selection of sushi.

Tempura.

Agedashi tofu.

Avocado salad.

Nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant with miso).

Yaki udon.

Grilled mackerel.

A tatami room – a favorite for a small group.

Everyone is a VIP at Maneki…