The Hunan Chinese Restaurant (1720 Mt. Rushmore Rd., 605/341-3888, Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., lunch $6, dinner $9–14) offers a huge selection of Chinese food. In addition to the extensive menu, there is also a buffet that is carefully maintained to ensure that the food is hot and fresh. The walls are decorated with the photography of owner Robert Wong, an international award-winning photographer. Make sure to take a spin around the restaurant to see his work.
A family-run restaurant, Khoury’s Mediterranean Cuisine (1109 W. Omaha St., Suite D, 605/716-0720, www.khourysmedcuisine.com [1], Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., lunch $9–11, dinner $10–12) features shawarma, hummus, shish kabobs, and falafel. It’s located about four blocks west of Mount Rushmore Road on Omaha Street, not far from downtown. The dining area seats about 40 people and with deep green booths and honey-colored walls, the atmosphere is very warm and homey.
Curry Masala (605/716-7788, www.currymasalainc.com [2]) offers fine, fresh Indian food at two locations: 2050 West Main Street, Suite 7 (mid-May–Sept. Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Oct.–mid-May Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.) and 510 St. Joseph Street (Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–8 p.m., closed Sun.). The restaurants use old family recipes and believe that rice and fresh bread are at the center of great Indian food. Diners can specify the level of spice that they’d prefer, from mild to super hot. While curry is a major component of the menu, there are many other dishes to choose from as well. The restaurants are plain in decor, but the food is fabulous—and the folks at Curry Masala offer cooking lessons to interested parties.
The Golden Phoenix (2421 W. Main St., 605/348-4195, daily 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., lunch $7, dinner $9–12) is another local favorite for Chinese food. Located west of downtown, the restaurant specializes in Mandarin-style Chinese cuisine. Diners can choose to eat in at the restaurant or carry out their meals. The family-owned restaurant features large tables and booths with lazy Susans provided for easy sharing of meals. Service is fast and friendly. There is a full range of menu items featuring beef, pork, chicken, and seafood entrées; from pot stickers and pan fried dumplings to cashew chicken or beef and broccoli, all of it is good. The restaurant has a beer and wine license and serves a Sunday brunch. Vegetarian options are available.
The best sushi is town can be found at Hana Restaurant (2328 W. Main St., 605/348-0299, Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. noon–9 p.m., lunch $7, dinner $13). The owner is from Korea, where she was a sushi chef. The restaurant features meats grilled Korean-style, plus a full sushi bar. Seating is Japanese style—no shoes, pillows, and low tables. The restaurant is just minutes from the downtown area.
If you crave Italian food, try Botticelli Ristorante Italiano (523 Main St., 605/348-0089, Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 5–9 p.m., lunch $9, dinner $12–18). Located right in the center of downtown, this small, intimate restaurant offers over 18 different pasta selections in addition to salads, pizza, veal, chicken, salmon, and steaks.
Brightly colored, warm, and festive, El Patron Mexican Restaurant (100 St. Joseph St., 605/716-9416, 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. daily, lunch $8–9, dinner $12–18) is family owned and operated. It draws on family recipes, using steak, pork, beef, shrimp, chicken, crab, and scallops in tasty burritos, carnitas, and enchiladas. The specialty of the house is foot-long burritos (good for sharing), and vegetarian items and several healthy options round out to the menu. El Patron is great place to enjoy a generous meal and is popular for its powerful margaritas.
Links:
[1] http://www.khourysmedcuisine.com
[2] http://www.currymasalainc.com