Tempura Takeover, one of the East Valley’s more unusual restaurant concepts, has opened in a former Gilbert gas station on the southeast corner of Baseline and Burk, about a half-mile east of Gilbert Road.
The menu features Japanese tempura – lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables – packaged in familiar American ways, such as ‘‘burgers’’ and fries.
The signature menu item is the Sloppy Lobsta Roll ($16, pictured), Maine lobster dipped in tempura batter and served on a King’s Hawaiian roll with a lemon-garlic sauce and fresh herbs. A brunch version ($18) includes a sunny-side-up egg and avocado.
Loaded fries are another highlight, especially the Tokyo Shrimp Loaded Fries with tempura shrimp and spicy crab meat served over seasoned crinkle-cut fries.
The menu also includes tempura tacos, tempura bowls, tempura fried rice, and tempura lettuce wraps.
Tempura Takeover describes itself as a ‘‘pop-up street eatery’’ and thus has limited hours. It’s open 2-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed Sunday.
