544082 Wed Jul 30 17:33:08 -0700 2008 7 8 Midwest 0 3916742 I'm an LA Hound -- in August I will be visiting a friend who just moved to Minneapolis / Roseville. We've always enjoyed going out for Japanese food in LA and I'd love to continue that tradition in the MSP area. She lives in Roseville so anything within a 20 miles radius would be great. We both enjoy a casual atmosphere and prefer dishes other than sushi. I appreciate any suggestions you're able to give. Thanks! Wed Jul 30 17:33:08 -0700 2008 133322 broccoliluv 1 3916851 how about tanpopo in lowertown st paul? the atmosphere sounds like it's a match: the restaurant is a smallish, serene, high ceilinged space in a converted warehouse with a simple japanese homestyle menu with a few changing specials. great noodles. when possible the chef sources local veggies etc from the farmer's market less than a block away. always friendly and attentive staff. Wed Jul 30 18:12:35 -0700 2008 3916742 46030 soupkitten 2 3917999 This would be my recommendation as well. Thu Jul 31 07:13:56 -0700 2008 3916851 11110 MSPD 1 3917048 The other place that comes to mind is Obento-ya. I've not been there, but it sounds like it fits your description. I'm sure others can tell you more or check out the threads linked to the Places link below. Wed Jul 30 19:16:38 -0700 2008 3916742 12826 bob s 2 3918750 Totally agree on Obento-Ya. Great Japanese that isn't just sushi or pretend japanese food (teppanyaki). I recommend the black cod bento. Embarrassingly, we have not yet been to Tanpopo as we only ever think to go there on Sundays. Thu Jul 31 10:30:05 -0700 2008 3917048 59069 Foureyes137 1 3917408 Yup, I second the recommendations for Tanpopo (in the Lowertown area of downtown St. Paul) and Obento-Ya (in S.E. Minneapolis, quite close to Roseville). Both are charming, casual-but-stylish, inexpensive places that don't focus on sushi. My third recommendation would be for Midori's - it's even more casual, slightly-less-stylish (aka homey), and about halfway between Obento-Ya and Tanpopo from a Roseville perspective. Past reviews have been mixed on the service, but I love the place and think they're past their service issues. (At least, I hope they are.) I love their grilled fish bento dinner. They also do a lovely rice ball stuffed with dried plum. Anne Wed Jul 30 21:50:21 -0700 2008 3916742 12541 AnneInMpls 2 3917614 I would also recommend Saji-Ya on Grand in St. Paul. I would not recommend them for sushi, but they do a nice job with some of the bento dinners, sukiyaki, yaki-niku and gyoza dishes. This is also a fun area to visit (Grand) even if you are not going to eat. My other recommendation is Midori's. I am a big fan of Japanese home style food and this is their focus. They offer things like zarusoba, onigiri, Japanese style curry, okonomiyai and udon noodles. Obento-ya is also nice, but for me it is more of a lunch destination. I have had a nice black cod bento and the tsukune (chicken meatballs) were very tasty. Enjoy your visit! Thu Jul 31 03:04:25 -0700 2008 3917408 120164 BigSal 1 3920873 All the places recommended are good. So is Sakura in downtown St. Paul. Thu Jul 31 23:07:05 -0700 2008 3916742 27956 JimGrinsfelder