Ready to try something new in Elk Grove? From a classic Japanese joint to a Mexican grocer, read on to see the freshest spots to make their debut near you.
Wa Sushi & Ramen
Wander over to 9160 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 130 and you'll find Wa Sushi & Ramen, a new sushi bar also offering ramen and more homestyle Japanese eats, as we recently reported.
Pork fans will find plenty to choose from on the wide-ranging menu, from pork-based tonkotsu ramen (served with chashu pork belly, a softboiled egg, and wood ear mushrooms) to the pork katsu burger and a pork belly donburi.
For those looking for sushi, expect a standard selection of sashimi and nigiri (including a moriawase, or chef's choice menu) as well as seasonal seafood and house specialty rolls like the Sunshine: a filling of tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, apple, and lemon, topped with fried leeks, escolar and avocado.
The Japanese eatery has gotten off to a decent start thus far, with a 3.5-star rating out of eight reviews on Yelp.
"Service was quick and attentive. Ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen and Miso Ramen," said Vivian N., who was the first to review the new spot on June 1. "Portion of noodles and meat included were a good size. I would definitely go here again to try more items."
But Yelper Stephanie Y. criticized the cramped space, saying: "They basically watched/hovered over us the whole time (like 3 feet away). I feel bad for essentially complaining about overly attentive service, but they were trying way too hard."
Feeling the need for noodles? Stop in to try it for yourself. Wa Sushi & Ramen is open from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Ha Noi Pho
A new Vietnamese-Chinese joint called Ha Noi Pho is now open for business at 9341 Big Horn Blvd. It specializes in phở and the South Vietnamese pork and seafood noodle soup hủ tiếu, but offers an extensive menu of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes, including pan-fried noodles and plenty of plant-based options.
On the menu, look for the pork and seafood noodle soup with shrimp and crab, or the family-style roast duck. For an additional 50 cents, customers can make any bowl of phở "Hanoi style," with fresh noodles and additional green onion.
With a 3.5-star rating out of 35 reviews, Ha Noi Pho has received a mostly positive response from patrons.
"There were so many different combinations of meats, but I didn't see the exact one I wanted, and the server said it was fine and he made it work!" praised Ashley C. "My pho was delicious. Get the fresh noodle instead of the rice stick... it was so good and filling!"
"Food was good and I like that they offer both vegetarian and vegan options," said Yelper Krista G., but added, "The interior of the dining room could use some work."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new restaurant to the neighborhood. Ha Noi Pho is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m daily.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
Mountain Mike's Pizza is a spot to score pizza and more that's located at 5010 Elk Grove Blvd. (near the intersection with Franklin Blvd.) The new outpost of the Palo Alto-based chain joins over two dozen others in the Sacramento area.
In addition to its dine-in, take-out and delivery options for full-size pizzas, Mountain Mike's offers a lunch buffet on weekdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m and Wednesday evenings from 5-8 p.m.
Some of its specialty pizzas include the Snowy Alps, with white garlic sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, sausage, green onions and diced tomatoes; and the dessert pizza, topped with cinnamon and sugar. Customers can also create their own pie. (You can check out the full menu here.)
The Elk Grove Blvd. establishment has received a warm welcome from customers so far, with 4.5 stars out of 3 reviews on Yelp.
"Great location! Went in tonight and had a great experience," said Denise C., who reviewed the new parlor on June 1. "Pizza was served hot, ingredients were fresh, customer service was on point. Salad bar was fully stocked with fresh veggies. Manny the manager was very friendly and took great care of us."
Craving a slice? Stop in to snag one for yourself. Mountain Mike's is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Las Cuatro Mexican Market
Las Cuatro Mexican Market is a new grocery store that's located at 8698 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 3. As the name suggests, it specializes in Mexican dry goods and spices as well as fresh produce and prepared foods.
Plenty of kinds of dried chiles are on offer in the dry spices section, as are fresh produce and canned goods. In the prepared foods section, shoppers will find options like freshly prepared sauces and chicken fajitas.
The new arrival has enjoyed a positive reception thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Bruce S., who was the first to review the new spot on June 3, said, “They have just opened and still have some shelf stocking to do. We liked what we saw and I am sure when they are fully stocked this will be a place to shop for those hard to find items."
"A very nice and clean market," Barbara S. added. "The owners are very friendly and personable. Purchased the Fajita De Pollo, tortillas and salsa taquera, was very fresh and made for a very good meal."
Thinking of making chicken mole from scratch? Drop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Las Cuatro Mexican Market is open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily.
