Some things are just too good to last. Sadly this place is one of them. **LOCATION & DECOR** The decor hasn't changed--wooden floors, brick walls, high ceilings, and sparse seating. It's always been minimal yet warm, but something felt off this time and the one before. The usual calming video of California waves was missing, replaced with a blank wall and '50s oldies music that completely clashed with the vibe. It felt disconnected from what usually made this place so special. **FOOD & DRINK** Ramen: Severely under-seasoned and watery. What used to be a flavorful, hearty bowl now feels lackluster and uninspired. Wakame Salad: The portion was noticeably smaller--20-30% less than usual. Not what I've come to expect from this place. PRICE: $$ I've always been willing to pay premium pricing for the quality, atmosphere, and service, but this time, it just didn't deliver. **SWAG/AMENITIES** - Cozy and unique decor (still a plus) - Menu variety for tea and ramen lovers - Used to have a calming atmosphere (not this time) **STAFF & EXPERIENCE** This is where things really fell apart. The service was slow from the start--30 minutes for drinks, 40+ minutes for ramen. The servers were dry, unpersonable, and barely engaged with us. They didn't introduce themselves or try to make any connection. It's hard not to miss Jenna, who was always warm, kind, and inviting. She had a way of making the experience unforgettable, and maybe even made the food taste better! **FINAL THOUGHTS** Mantra Tea House used to be my favorite spot in town. I came here regularly, twice a month, and never thought I'd feel this let down. The food, service, and atmosphere have all taken a dive, and it's just not the same place I fell in love with. Sadly, I think this was my last visit. read more

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I loveddd the vibes in here with the brick wall and spacious feel. The service was nice as well. The food was a bit disappointing for the price... I ordered the shrimp ramen which I believe was $24!! came with 4 shrimps, head off and the broth was so watery and under seasoned I was really bummed!! Their crab cakes were pretty good but also expensive $23 I believe for appetizer, very small portion just one crab cake drinks were cheaper. I would come back here just to drink tea or sake but food was meh for the price. Wish they would make it $12 for the ramen or add some more toppings/seasonings if they want to keep the price.... It's Bay Area prices lacking the flavor read more

Mantra - Shrimp ramen $24 - Poke Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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Arguing with my wife about this one. I enjoyed our dinner at this quirky place. It is hard to overstate how much she did not. She is trying to bully me into one star. We went on a mellow night where there were folks spinning records. The vibe was more friends and family hangout than restaurant. I enjoyed it. My wife thought it was cavernous and eerie. My wife says the waitress stood too close and talked too loud, then ignored us. I found the staff fine if not particularly warm and engaging. She did spill my beer while pouring it and then charged us for a sake they didn't actually have in stock so we weren't served -- when we seemed to be the only table eating, so it's not as if they were slammed. The food, unfortunately, was both very slow and only so-so, especially for the price. My wife's noodles were undercooked and still visibly shaped like the brick from the package. She found the veggie broth underwhelming with mushrooms. Might have just needed some protein. I enjoyed her leftover broth! Lo mein with shitake mushrooms was a little on the salty side, I guess from a hair too much soy sauce. I wanted a spice option and the portion was small, but honestly I ate every bite and enjoyed it. Expectations are everything. I had none and enjoyed this unusual little spot. Be warned it just might not be your wife's thing in the most emphatic way. read more

After attending the movies on Mill Street we decided to try Mantra as we had walked past many times. It's a very large downstairs space with wooden floors, brick walls, right out of the historic past. Tables are well spaced with various sitting areas and table types. It can be very private with the seat spacing. It's a tea house, Japanese styling and has food. In the beginning service was very slow to the point of being ignored. We actually were not in a hurry but I get impatient when ignored! Getting drinks took forever. A great choice of cold Sake. Apparently the staff was doing an King Fu event upstairs. Eventually we ordered, Lo Mein , my protein choice was Shrimp, and a Chicken Ramen dish. Excellent flavor profiles, an excellent Miso soup. The owner did stop at the table and apologized for the slow service as she had pulled her staff upstairs for an event. We like the food, the large space, so we will give it another visit and hope the service is improved. read more

At first glance it looks like a cute, chill restaurant with a nice menu. We were greeted quickly but it took almost an hour to get our meals. The servings were ridiculously tiny, under flavored and over priced. The scallop shooter was literally a 1/4 slice of a scallop with some ponzu for $10. Both meals had maybe a 1/4 of a dry chicken breast... I still can't figure out how it took so long to make a noodle and rice dish. Wasn't the best feeling to look over and see the cook so stressed out. Also, why is there only one cook in this makeshift kitchen. With a proper kitchen and staff they might be able to make this work, but for now, skip it , unless you want some bad homemade cooking for $80. read more

A unique and spacious place inside an old government build. It's main business is catering so the menu items are limited to poke bowls and ramen. The tea list is probably longer. An interesting concept to combine oriental teas with Japanese pokes or ramen. Wish them luck! read more

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I want to call them a little hole-in-the-wall but there's nothing little about their space, which occupies virtually the entire underground floor of one of Grass Valley's historic downtown buildings. It's huge, largely empty, and quiet, perfect for a contemplative experience with your food. At dinnertime on a Friday my nearest neighbors were twenty feet away kneeling at a Japanese-style low table. I got to vibe in the quiet background music and the distant Friday night sounds of downtown. I tried the pork ramen, which felt a bit Americanized (kale, corn, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, half a ramen egg, and spicy ground meat in what appears to be a vegetable broth), but had surprising heat build-up as I ate and a pleasant aftertaste. The real highlight was the tea service. I ordered some red chai, which was served with a small teapot to table-steep it in; a carafe of hot water; and a tea box to pour out the first wash into. The server walked me through the process and the tea was fantastic, with a marvelous spice balance. Next time I think I'll try the poke bowl the other reviewers have enjoyed. They've been open since December, though only at peak times - worth a look if you want something different. read more

I'm honestly a little shocked that this place is not jam packed every time they're open! Mantra has such a lovely ambiance and the food is so good! I've come three times now and every time the service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the vibes were immaculate. This is the only place in grass valley that I can come to after 5:30pm to read a good book, grade papers, or play a board game with friends. The seating may be my favorite part. There are plenty of little nooks and couches, or more traditional tables if your with a larger group. It's my new favorite place to come to on a Thursday night to get some work done while I sip rose tea and slurp some miso soup. I'm a little worried for more people to discover it as it currently feels like a little hidden haven right in downtown GV! read more

Mantra - Steelhead poke bowl - Poke Near Me - Grass Valley, California

Beautiful space (great for a date if you're ok with paying at the counter) and delightful service. I've tried all the vegetarian things. The ramen has egg in it so ask for it without if you want vegan soup; we would order a non-smoky version if they offered it. The miso soup is nice and the seaweed salad is great. read more

We were looking for a light dinner and decided to stop by Mantra. You'd never know from the outside how welcoming and spacious it is inside. And although the menu choices are limited, the food is fresh and made with care. We enjoyed a poke bowl and smoked pork ramen, both were excellent. And as tea drinkers, we were delighted to share some Pu-erh tea and felt comfortable hanging out a bit. All in all, a great find on Mill Street! read more

The General Tso Chicken Bowl was so delicious, flavorful and fresh. An added bonus was that it was gluten free. The ambiance was peaceful and the service was quick and friendly. We will absolutely be back! read more

We LOVE Mantra! The tofu ramen, poké, and the ahi tuna salad are our absolute favorite menu items between my husband, 4 yr old, and myself. The ceviche they have as their special right now is also equally amazing and refreshing. It's a great place to hang out in general with kids too- even my toddler is welcome, there are low tables as well great to sit with them at (though bring their own water bottles if you are worried about having a toddler smash some glass when it comes to cups). They don't currently have a kids menu written but do have options for the kids- the miso broth ramen option works great for my littles, since the toddler doesn't do any spicy and my 4 yr old is hit and miss with it. They both like the tofu a LOT. And the tea is wonderful as well, I have taken my 4 yr old to taste the tea and she loved it so much she actually chose a bag to make at home. They will be a regular place for us for many years to come! read more

It's the worst Japanese food I ever had. Too salty and ramen had a wired sause taste. I'm really surprised that it had a good rating which is why we tried it. Total mistake! The place was totally empty. Go to other restaurants in the vicinity. read more

This place is so great! The ambiance is beautiful and super relaxing. A place that you want to sit and chill. The service was very attentive and they helped us pick the perfect tea. The food was definitely made with love. The flavor combinations in the poke bowl was so well balanced. Delicious! read more

This is a relatively new cafe in Grass Valley in a large room on Mill St, the main street in town. It specializes in Japanese and Asian food and does so very well. The Sashimi bowl was excellent. Also, the hot Sake was of good quality. They have live music and a large dance floor. This is a good place for both a nice meal for two or a big party. I give it 5 stars. John read more

Tao Te Cafe is a beautiful venue! We selected it for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. However, I want people to know that before you book the venue, know that there are additional fees that were not explained to me before I booked. It was all very vague. You may pay for corkage fees, pay for their multiple staff to oversee the event, pay for Insurance Policy that runs at least $200, pay a $500 deposit, you will pay for garbage left behind, there was a confusing document that I never received until after I booked. Plus clear communication was lacking and I had to wait painfully for responses. It was stressful. Anyway, knowing now what I know, I would not have rented this venue as other venues offers were straightforward, no additional fees, no surprises. But again, it is a beautiful venue and I wish they had better system for booking. I would come back if they made changes. read more

We aren't big poke bowl people so when we read they were going to do a pick-up meal kit of crab cakes and artichoke dip we decided to give it a try. OMG! Very possibly the best crab cakes we have ever had, and we have frequently ordered crab cakes over the years from a variety of places when eating out. The artichoke dip was definitely the best we have ever had. The lightly flavored bread was very good and was a good match for the dip. The salad consisted of only dressed lettuce so was really just a typical crab cake side. The ordering and pick-up was easy and pandemic appropriate. We can only hope to see these selections available again in the future. read more

We stepped into this warm welcoming place to get out of the rain today, as first-time customers. Had it not been raining, we would have possibly missed this opportunity. The building has the old brick, inside and out, which I love. We were immediately greeted as we walked in the door of this historic building, by a couple who seemed genuinely happy to have us there. They made us homemade miso soup and the jasmine pearls tea, both of which were a delight to the taste buds. The miso soup was wonderful and contained generous amounts of tofu, green onions, bok choy and mushrooms. Absolutely delicious! The tea was so nice and relaxing, and probably the best jasmine tea I've had. Make a point to walk into this place, and enjoy all it has to offer. We'll definitely go back! read more

Great tea selection and delicious poke bowls! Beautiful decor and environment. One of the best places to hang out in Grass Valley.