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| - Ever since this place opened up, my entire quality of life skyrocketed. I am originally from the Bay Area and am used to a large quantity of high quality Japanese food, not to mention my favorite Korean food ever (and I used to live in Hawai'i too). Since I moved here, I've tried udon in about 4 different "Japanese" restaurants. (I put that in quotes as the majority of them are run by non-Japanese who are clearly using a free hand to interpret the Japanese food.) This is the only place I got it more than once. In fact every month since they opened. And the Kal Bi, zomg, it is so good. Although after a year or so they sweetened the marinade. It's not as good, in my opinion, but totally worth ordering.
They have the tagline "yummy lunchbox" which is a literal translation of oishii bento. And let me tell you, it is seriously yummy. They are generously sized portions - the lunchbox will have rice, noodles, kimchi or salad, and a couple slices of picked daikon, and 2 gyoza as well as the main dish - and prices almost reasonable. I mean it's about Oakland prices when you compare to like, say, Qdoba, Panera, Red Oak Cafe, etc. I have also enjoyed the shrimp tempura appetizer and the beef bulgogi. The gyoza on the other hand is deep fried more in the Korean style, so that I don't love. Also the chicken teriyaki, while beloved of my co-workers, I found a little tough. Plus made with white meat, boooo. Oh, and they have sushi, but I am not a sushi eater, so don't ask me. Also, upstairs seating means it may be possible to eat in.
Frankly, Oishii is like one of my fave 3 restaurants in Pittsburgh. Oishii Bento, daisuke.
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