Shokudou in Bernal Heights has a menu you’ll instantly recognize, even if it’s your first visit—it’s nearly the same as the other Japanese spots in the city. That’s not a bad thing, because it’s all solid and familiar, like that coffee shop that still uses the same wifi password as it did five years ago. There’s a large selection of izakaya, and you should prioritize the savory-sweet charred eggplant and the dinner-only chicken skewer with ume and shiso. You’ll also find the usuals on the sushi portion of the menu with various nigiri and maki. If you're angling for fish-topped rice, go for lunch when they have an $18 lunch special with one maki, a chef’s choice set of six nigiri, and a bowl of miso soup. On most nights you’ll see neighborhood families at this Cortland restaurant, parents trying to enjoy a semblance of a quiet dinner while neighborhood kids run around the dining room, playing some kind of game with the anime character decals on the wall. If you’re okay with that (and in the area), Shokudou is a great pick, especially if you need someplace where you can just walk in.