Hidden in nearby Old Town Covina is an unassuming little Japanese restaurant known as Bishamon that GEO has made its very own.  This little restaurant’s food and atmosphere was what attracted GEO two years ago and the place has been a hit with GEO members ever since.

            As far as Japanese restaurants go, Bishamon is one of the best.  The food is as close as you can get to real Japanese cooking without actually having to cross the Pacific Ocean.  On the menu are traditional Japanese dishes like udon, teriyaki chicken, mizo soup, etc.  And added to that, Bishamon also has a very good sushi bar with fresh tuna, salmon, and squid for the more adventurous diner. On the downside, Bishamon may be lacking in its number of dessert options, although green tea ice cream is all anybody really wants anyway.

For those just beginning to sample the cuisine of Japan, this restaurant is a good place to test the palate.  Friendly waitresses can explain the dishes on the menu and the menu also comes with descriptions to help you in making your dinner choice. The intimate atmosphere is also another big draw to people. The restaurant is small enough to feel cozy but large enough to fit a good forty people on the first floor.

The second floor of Bishamon is where the restaurant really shines. On the second floor is a raised area covered in real tatami mats complete with low tables and cushions so dinners can really get the most out of the Japanese experience.  The upstairs is much quieter and more relaxed; it is where we always ask to be seated.  Also, the view from the 2^nd floor is of the heart of Old Town Covina.  At night the stores and buildings are lit up and the view can almost be called magical.

Perhaps one of the best things about Bishamon is that it’s so close by; it is only fifteen or so minutes away.  It also helps that, after dinner, one can go exploring in Old Town Covina’s many shops.