"Obon Shokudo found success at farmers markets before opening its restaurant on Grand Avenue. Humiko Hozumi and Jason Duffany specialize in vegan Japanese homestyle fare, like bouncy handmade udon noodles (including a gluten-free version) and kenchinjiru miso vegetable stew. Some of the restaurant’s greatest hits include its Japanese vegetable curry, served with sprouted brown rice and panko-breaded tofu katsu and its tempura udon which comes with fried tofu and kakiage. However, another great way to experience Obon is to nibble through a bento of curried korokke, kakiage fritter, extra large panko-crusted tater tot, and a choice of two onigiri (fillings include options like yuzu with pumpkin seed miso and aleppo with hominy miso), while sipping on a sake flight. The seasonal panna cotta, from candy cap mushrooms to sakura, makes an excellent dessert. And the dog sushi freebie is always a hit among Portland pups." - Anastasia Sloan