Mr. Moto's Rice Box

08/12/07

Charming, but charm can only get you so far when the food is average.

by futurelegend

It's so difficult to not like Mr. Moto's Rice Box, a neighborhood staple that has endured even after a fire required closing, renovating, and re-opening a few years back. Located in a convenient stretch of NW 21st, Mr. Moto's is a charming little "healthy" Japanese eatery tucked into the storefront level of an apartment building next to the equally charming, though claustrophobic, M Bar. Offering a simple menu of bento-type dishes, including rice combos, teriyaki, udon and potstickers at an affordable price and an outstandingly friendly owner taking and serving your order, it would sound like Mr. Moto's has everything going for it. Unfortunately, all this charm and friendliness cannot make up for the fact that the food is merely OK, and "OK" does not make this a destination or a first choice unless it is your most convenient option. One example would be any dish that has "vegies" in it, ordered as such (ie; teriyaki rice with vegies, or udon noodle soup with vegies). "Vegies" has--across the board--seemed to only consist of a very small amount of very tiny broccoli florets, and perhaps a few shreds of ginger where appropriate. That doesn't cut it. But, I'll say it again: It's so difficult to not like Mr. Moto's, and when convenience prevails, I continue time and time again to grab some quick take-out from the Rice Box. In fact, for all of the charm, I feel guilty for calling the food "merely OK" and wonder if "unassuming" would be a more polite description? I feel that it's fair to give Mr. Moto's a 3 star review, which is an "average" on Citysearch. The food isn't bad, it just isn't enough to get very excited about.

• Pros: Charming and friendly service. Affordable, and according to the sign, "healthy." Take-out is an option.
• Cons: Nothing spectacular in the box.

08/10/07

Mr. Moto means well, does not deliver.

by uoregonduck

Had lunch at Mr. Moto's today. Got the lunch special combination with chicken, white rice and potstickers and a Diet Coke for $7. I eat this meal (or a variation of it) at least twice a week all around town, and this was far below average.

My biggest complaint would be the chicken. First, there was so little I am still hungry! Second, it was part fatty, part stringy and not tasty at all. On top of that, the chicken, rice and veggies were lukewarm at best.

Now, I am not a hater and I must say, the Potstickers (4) were awesome. They were tasty with no sauce and were a great texture - soft where they should be and crunchy where they should be!

I will also say that Mr. Moto was attentive and provided good service - I just didn't have the heart to tell him that was one of the worst combo lunches I have had in months...

I think the main issue is cost cutting on ingredients. I understand that the meat is the most expensive part of the dish, but it is also the most important, so skimping on quality and quantity cheats the customer and the dining experience.

• Pros: Potstickers, neat space, nice owner.
• Cons: Food quality, quantity, temperature

03/16/07

Best healthy japanese food

by pph1968

I love this cute restaurant. Very healthy food -- lots of vegetarian selections. Friendly. Inexpensive. Relaxing atmosphere! Thank you, Mr. Moto!

• Pros: Vegenarian. Inexpensive. Relaxing.

01/01/07

Best teriyaki and udon; Great service!

by laura4chn

This little Japanese and Asian eatery is very cozy and friendly. The owner is very nice and kind. The food is inexpensive and very tasty! I had the best teriyaki chichen and udon noodles here! Thank you, Mr. Moto!

• Pros: Food, price and service.

01/07/06

Best lunch ever

by pcipra

Great little restaurant. Atmosphere can be intimidating at first, but the laid back feel is fun for regulars. The food is amazing and there is a nice selection of teas. Very authentic feel.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Cozy, Friendly