This oversize Japanese restaurant on Bloomington’s west side is split into hibachi and sushi zones. Choose hibachi for a bit of dinner theater, fun for kids and groups. Sushi options range from basic avocado rolls to the fiery Heart Attack, a tempura-fried jalapeno filled with spicy tuna and cream cheese. • Prices: $–$$$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

The décor in these tiny Chinese restaurants may not be much to look at, but the food is quick and cheap, and it’s good. The Dragon makes great twice-cooked pork, excellent moo shu dishes, and a mean steamed whole fish. If you are in the mood for noodle soup, try the Yat Ka Mein, and slurp to your heart’s content. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Restaurant: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily; Dragon Express: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily • Bar: No • Credit Cards: No • Outdoor Seating: No • Accessibility Decal

House specialties at this bright and airy restaurant at the back of Victoria Towers are based on family recipes. Try the Yum Khai, a spicy grilled chicken salad with shallots, cilantro, tomato, and lime juice, or the Moo Num Tok (grilled pork with onion, mint, and chilies). Noodle dishes and curries are also first-rate. • Prices: Lunch: $-$$; Dinner: $$-$$$ • Hours: Sun.–Mon., Wed.–Th. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Closed Tu.; Reservations recommended on weekends. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

DIY barbecue puts you in control of your meal at Mama’s Restaurant. Meals are served with a variety of banchan: small bowls of Korean pickles, salads, and more meant to be eaten with your meal. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Sat. noon–10 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m.; Closed every last Tu. of the month • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: No

This tiny 4th Street gem serves Burmese food — an exotic mix of Chinese, Thai, and Indian with a savory character all its own. Lots of curries and noodle dishes and many vegetarian options. Try the paratha with yellow chickpea curry and the tea leaf salad! • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Tu.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Closed Mon.• Bar: No Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Mr. Hibachi puts on a massive spread and the crowds line up to fill up. Buffet fixtures like crab rangoon and General Tso’s crispy chicken are abundant, along with Japanese offerings in miso soup and a variety of sushi rolls. For a more personalized meal, fill a plate with noodles, raw meat, and veggies, then head to the hibachi station where the chef will stir-fry your food while you wait. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

The first location for this beautiful little restaurant is hidden away in a strip mall on the west side of Bloomington. My Thai Cafe’s second location is on 4th Street restaurant row and also serves Thai family recipes cooked to your preferred degree of spiciness. Look for noodle dishes featuring the sweet and spicy “chef’s gravy,” and try the fragrant curries. • Prices: Lunch: $; Dinner: $$ • Hours: West 3rd Street: Mon.–Th. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4:30–9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4:30–10 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Closed Sun.; East 4th Street: Tu.–Th. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4:30–9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4:30–10 p.m.; Sat. noon–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Closed Mon.• Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of My Thai Cafe here!

Attached to Asuka Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi, Noodle Town fulfills the Chinese half of the dual restaurant equation. The Hong Kong-style menu includes salt-and-pepper seafood and spare ribs with black bean sauce. Lunch and dinner specials include fried rice and an egg roll. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

Ideal for carryout or delivery, this Chinese restaurant is tucked into the 10th and the Bypass strip of shops and restaurants. Specialties include bowls of Cantonese style noodle soup and sizzling claypot entrées; sample the gingery eggplant and chicken. Fruit smoothies and milky bubble teas help cool down spicy mouths. Karaoke and party rooms are available for groups, open late on Friday and Saturday. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 a.m. • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

At this one-stop Asian restaurant, choose from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese options. The sushi menu is extensive, with rolls to fit any budget. Bento boxes allow for variety; try one with sashimi, tempura, and a California roll. The contemporary dining room is full of cozy, private booths. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat. noon–11 p.m.; Sun. noon–10 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: No

On East 3rd Street, at the edge of campus, Restaurant Ami serves a menu of Korean and Japanese specialties. On any given day you’ll find most tables filled with sushi and sashimi. Choose a combo of classic rolls or order one of the fun chef’s special rolls. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Th.–Fri. 10 a.m.–midnight; Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight; Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc., Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes