Fish In The Box

"One of many highlights at this corgi-themed, counter-service Japanese cafe in NoPa is the curry—their version is extra silky smooth. So, blocking out a "midday appointment" on your calendar and getting here is always a good idea. As is admiring all the corgi figurines and offbeat "got corgi?" posters everywhere. Our order is always the pork katsu curry, which is richly spiced and worth it, especially on chilly days. They also have fantastic poke bowls with fresh, high-quality proteins like salmon or ahi tuna." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway

"Two things that keep us coming back to this lunch-only spot in NoPa: their fantastic poke bowls, and the fact that practically every flat surface is covered with adorable corgi-themed decor. You build your own here, and choose from super-fresh proteins like tuna, hamachi, and salmon. They also have Japanese curry with chicken katsu or mixed vegetables, and sushi burritos, all for about $14." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway, Kat Hong

"The first thing you’ll notice when you walk inside Amitis Cafe are all the corgis. There are corgi figurines next to the cash register, “got corgi?” posters on the walls, and even outlines of them painted on the side of the building. But quirky canine-themed decor aside, the counter-service Japanese cafe in NoPa also makes fantastic poke bowls with fresh, high-quality proteins like salmon or ahi tuna. You can build your own here with unlimited toppings, like edamame, mango, or seaweed salad, and thick drizzles of unagi sauce or spicy mayo. Not in the mood for fish? Opt for some of their other great lunch options, like katsu curry and donburi piled with tender beef or unagi. They have a few tables if you want eat it all inside, but we usually come in, order everything to go, and take it to the park or home before our next Zoom meeting. Food Rundown Poke Bowl You can choose one of the few special combinations on the menu, or build your own bowl. Whatever route you choose, each one will be piled high with super fresh proteins, like salmon, hamachi, or tofu, and as many toppings as you want. Ton Katsu Curry You can order Amitis Cafe’s silky golden curry with veggies, plain rice, or chicken or pork katsu. We like the richly spiced and super comforting one with pork, especially on a chilly day." - Julia Chen

"Restaurants coming back from the dead? In April the San Francisco Chronicle investigated a case of what is more than mistaken identity, involving popular restaurant Blowfish Sushi to Die For (that closed in December 2020) and Wagyumafia, a high-priced wagyu restaurant out of Japan that once had plans to open in San Francisco (but never did). Despite ostensibly not existing, both restaurants popped up online for takeout and delivery." - Lauren Saria

"The first thing you’ll notice when you walk up to this lunch-only spot in NoPa are the corgis. There are pictures of them on practically every flat surface - on Polaroids, wall signs, and even painted on the outside of the building. But on top of having such delightful, canine-themed decor, Amitis Cafe also makes a fantastic poke bowl. You build your own here and choose between proteins like salmon, tuna, and hamachi. All of the toppings - which range from seaweed salad to masago - are excellent (plus, you get unlimited). Be sure to order their unagi sauce and a drizzle of spicy mayo." - Julia Chen 1