Orienter guide to ethnic food

Bloomington won’t just expand your mind, it’ll also diversify your palate. Here are a few of Bloomington’s best ethnic restaurants.

Anatolia
405 E. Fourth St.
Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday
Food: Turkish and Mediterranean
Prices: $10 to $15 per dish
Atmosphere: Bright and lively, like a Turkish Starbucks.
It’s a great place for discussing books or politics with friends or simply relaxing, and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, this would be our pick. While the meatball kabob was too salty for our tastes, the overall dining experience was exceptional. Sit at one of the many floor tables and lounge on cushions as you dine. It truly makes you feel you’ve gotten the ethnic food experience.
Our favorite: Cheese pide
334-2991

Japanee
320 N. Walnut St.
Open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Food: Japanese and sushi
Prices: $10 to $15 per dish
Atmosphere: Minimalist and stylish, with candlelight at every table adding nice ambiance.
It’s a great place for a casual date, but only if you’re good enough with chopsticks to not drop sushi in your lap. (Traditional silverware is available if you decide to just fork it.) Don’t stick to just sushi. Order the bento boxes or you’ll regret it, and try the house hot sake. It’s an acquired taste, but at least you can say you gave it a shot.
Our favorite: Anything deep fried – the crazy roll is awesome!
333-3122


Le Petit Café
308 W. Sixth St.
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch Thursday, Friday and Sunday; open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner Tuesday through Sunday
Food: French
Prices: $14 to $19 per dish
Atmosphere: Intimate and cozy, especially for being a converted garage.
It’s a great excuse to drink wine with friends and speak in hammy French accents, but the best way to enjoy a meal is to set aside a lot of time. Patrick Fiore entertains guests while his wife, Marina Ballor, cooks in the back. The owners are delightful, but the food is not entirely worth the wait.  However, where else can you order fresh rabbit?
Our favorite: Salmon with tomato béchamel.
334-9747

Casablanca Café
402 E. Fourth St.
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch Tuesday through Saturday; open from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner Tuesday through Thursday and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Food: Moroccan and Mediterranean
Prices: $12 to $14 per dish
Atmosphere: Funky Bloomington-esque eatery where Morocco meets Midwest.
The charming cafe that used to be a house can be found in the Fourth Street oasis of ethnic restaurants. Its exterior leaves a bit to be desired, but beautiful Moroccan lanterns give the interior an exotic glow. The service was friendly, but allow yourself enough time because the experience takes a while. Call ahead to see if the belly dancer will be there!
Our favorite: Chicken kabob with couscous and veggies
335-9048

Esan Thai Restaurant
221 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch Monday through Saturday; open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; closed Sundays and some holidays.
Food: Thai
Prices: $9 to $15 per dish
Atmosphere: A bit noisy, as the main dining area offers long tables for big groups of patrons.
Those daredevil eaters can dictate how spicy they want their food with the convenient star system, one star being mild and five stars being the spiciest. Do you dare try “Thai hot?” And do yourself a favor: Order a Thai iced tea with your meal.
Our favorite: Shrimp Pa Nang
333-8424

El Norteno
206 N. Walnut St.
Open from 11 a.m. to 9:25 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Sunday
Food: Mexican
Prices: $7 to $10 per dish
Atmosphere: Campy and streaming with Mexican patriotism.
It’s a great place to enjoy the eats of old Mexico while being in the heart of historic Bloomington. The restaurant is located in the former Princess Theater near the square, and you can’t help but feel happy as you sip on Jarritos Mexican soda. Don’t forget to try the restaurant’s coveted mole sauce. And, they deliver.
Our favorite: Steak fajita
333-9591