Downtown

For sushi, try Sekisui (Union at 2nd Ave., 901/523-0001), where a roll costs between $2.50 and $8, and a filling combo plate will run you about $15. The downtown restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Select. Sekisui is a Memphis [1] chain, and there are other locations in midtown and the suburbs. The downtown location serves dinner nightly, and lunch Monday–Friday.

For Thai food, try Sawaddii (121 Union, 901/529-1818, daily 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., $9–22), which serves a selection of thai curries, noodles, and fried rice, as well as signature dishes like grilled mahimahi. They have an extensive wine list and full bar, too. The waitstaff here is welcoming and down-to-earth, and the atmosphere stylish but not pretentious. It’s a good place to come if you tire of barbecue and burgers, but don’t want to break the bank.