Johnston's Saltbox

From-scratch seasonal dishes using ingredients from their rooftop garden.

Johnston's Saltbox gives familiar comfort food an imaginative twist, and the details on its seasonal San Carlos menu are what catch our attention. A fried-chicken bánh mì brings together pickled vegetables, herbs and passion-fruit Thai-chili aioli, while a Korean barbecue brisket bowl pairs soba noodles with mushrooms and miso corn. Even the salads have plenty going on, with combinations of fruit, vegetables, cheese and nuts. For a leisurely brunch, the lemon-blueberry French toast or chorizo chilaquiles offer two very different places to start. Dinner moves toward dishes such as bacon-wrapped meatloaf, eggplant Parmigiana with pasta and halibut with lemon-caper butter. We like the balance: recognizable dishes make the menu approachable, while seasonal produce and unexpected accents give you a reason to try something new. This Laurel Street restaurant is especially appealing when your group wants comfort food with a little curiosity built in.