Crane & Turtle (CLOSED)

Precise French techniques meet unfussy Japanese ingredients at Crane & Turtle, a culinary playground in Petworth from chef Makoto Hamamura. The combination yields simple yet imaginative results like sake-marinated salmon with lotus root, wild black rice and shimeji mushrooms. Much like the preparation, decor is pared down: Walls are stark white; floors, chairs and the bar are made of wood; and the curtains and booths are splashed with shades of blue. The restaurant’s name is based on characters from a Japanese fable—and also represent the Japanese names of Hamamura’s mother and aunt.