Japanese

For a super-hip San Francisco [1] sushi experience, strut on down to Ace Wasabi’s (3339 Steiner St., 415/567-4903, www.acewasabisushi.com [2], Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., Sun. 5–10 p.m., $6–13 per item). Advertising “rock ’n’ roll sushi” and created with the atmosphere of an Izakaya (a sort of Japanese bar and grill), Ace Wasabi’s appeals to a young, fun crowd. Be aware that the party can get loud on weekends.

On the other hand, the Naked Fish (2084 Chestnut St., 415/771-1168, www.nakedfishsf.com [3], Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., Sun. 5:30–9:30 p.m., $5–12 per item) proffers an upscale Japanese dining experience. In a fine dining room, taste the sushi, robata grill skewers, Hawaiian-style tapas, and spicy appetizers. Don’t skip the sake—Naked Fish has a stellar menu of premium sakes, including unfiltered and high-quality bottles rarely found outside of Japan. Consider taking a date here for dinner to start an elegant night on the town.

If you’re in Pacific Heights [4], give Kiss Seafood (1700 Laguna St., 415/474-2866, Tues.–Sat. 5:30–9:30 p.m., $30–50) a try. This tiny restaurant (12 seats total) boasts some of the freshest fish in town—no mean feat in San Francisco [1]. The single chef prepares all the fish himself, possibly due to the tiny size of the place. Obviously, reservations are a good idea. When it comes to the menu, anything seafood is recommended, but if you’re up for sashimi you’ll be in raw-fish heaven. Round off your meal with a glass of chilled premium sake.