Japanese restaurant Elmwood Village The range of "modern Japanese cuisine" served here is eclectic indeed, comprising myriad varieties of sushi and sashimi, Japanese curry bowls, and a range of hot and cold appetizers to mix and match (ahi tuna tataki served over mixed greens, daikon, and seaweed salad with soy wasabi dressing is a popular starter). But if Sato is known for anything, it's ramen: while the selection isn't quite as expansive as at its University Heights location, the fare is a relatively authentic if incongruously upscale version of what's served late into the night at inexpensive noodle shops in Japan's endless concrete jungles. Sleek and stylish decor, low lighting, and soft music make for a relaxing experience, but inattentive service is a common complaint.
Lunch: Mon-Sat 11AM-3PM; dinner: Mon-Thu 5-9PM, Fri Sat 5PM-2AM · $20-50
In this charming boutique's name, the word "everything" is no exaggeration: a mind-boggling variety of upscale and unique gifts are sold here. The constantly changing gamut of merchandise at Everything Elmwood comprises greeting cards, housewares, pottery, toys, decorative items, jewelry, handbags and other accessories, and many other trinkets and baubles that are not available anywhere else in the area. Visitors to Buffalo who are on the lookout for that one-of-a-kind gift will be in heaven here — and the spectacular gift wrapping that Everything Elmwood's loyal customers rave about is the icing on the cake!
Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM
Sweet shop Elmwood Village In business since 1946, Watson's Chocolates is often regarded by locals as the yin to Fowler's yang. However, it distinguishes itself from its longtime rival with its status as a larger operation with more locations, and a correspondingly wider range of products sold at its stores. In addition to fine chocolates — including a line of sponge candy that Buffalo Spree has honored as the best in Western New York — Watson's Chocolates also sells other sweet treats such as hot fudge sauce, English toffee, and a selection of praline and fudge, as well as a larger and more exquisite range of gift baskets.
Mon-Wed 10AM-5:30PM, Thu Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
Gift shop Elmwood Village A not-for-profit chain of volunteer-staffed boutiques with about 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada where the specialty is clothing, handicrafts, decorative knickknacks, and gifts manufactured by artisans in 38 disadvantaged countries throughout the world. Ten Thousand Villages is the place for those who prefer to shop small for fair-trade goods rather than with a for-profit corporate entity like Pier 1 Imports, but whose tastes in fashion, home decor, and the like are a bit less quote-unquote "ethnic" than the stuff you find at the West Side Bazaar. Prices are a bit high, but the money you spend really makes a difference in the lives of these artisans.
Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-5PM