Nozomi

Nozomi is your average neighborhood sushi spot, complete with a paper-and-pencil menu, only kicked up a notch or two. The fish is fresher, the vibe is sexier (hello, red mood lighting), and the rolls are a little more inventive. We love the Snow Beauty with shrimp tempura and spicy tuna topped with seared scallops, and the kobe beef that’s rolled up with fried asparagus in soy paper. It’s not too pricey, either—shimmering, high-quality bluefin toro goes for $9 a piece and the absolutely loaded rolls start at $16. The sake and Japanese whisky lists are also decently long and full of quality picks.