Though largely overshadowed by the popular omakase dinner, the lunch special (miso soup, salad, sushi bowl, three pieces of nigiri and a hand roll) is worth the hassle of finding midday parking.
Niki Nakayama did away with the nine-course dinner, so your only option is the thirteen-course kaiseki (or vegetarian menu); you’ll be thankful for the extra rounds of Alaskan king crab and sea bass.
"A Seattle staple since 1991, Cafe Flora uses local, organic, and sustainable produce and herbs to create imaginative and dynamic vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free cuisine."
"The Fort Worth location of this vegan paradise includes an impressive organic beer and wine menu with selections to accompany a VLT with vegan “bacon” and spaghetti and meatless meatballs."
"An ever-changing lunch or dinner buffet includes options like spicy bean soup, rice dishes, and true-to-Texas barbecued tofu. Bring a bit of Kalachandji’s to your own kitchen with cooking classes."
'While great for snagging Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern specialty items, it’s better known for the deli. The samosas come with green cilantro mint sauce and date-tamarind chutney."
"Rawesome smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and desserts you won’t believe nourish your body, while health-conscious educational events on Thursday nights leave you hungry for more."
"If you fancy yourself a trendsetter, try the sabich — a warm pita stuffed with fried eggplant, organic egg, hummus, Israeli salad, chopped parsley, and tahini."
"Internationally influenced dishes like Jamaican plantains, supreme vegan nachos, and spicy pad thai with smoked tofu (plus pretty presentation) keep the awards coming for this happy spot."
"Start with delectable fish coriander rolls, then fire it up with Hot and Numbing beef tenderloin, squid in iron plate, and crispy pork feet."
"Jews flock here for the fish balls — and some of the better dim sum in Chicago. Try the barbecue pork crepe, pan-fried turnip cake, and sizzling fish head served in a stone pot."
"Look past its slightly sketchy exterior; the food here is consistent and tasty. Chicago editor Jourdan Fairchild and her husband prefer takeout. Their order: Lan Sichuan beef and hot spiced pork."
"You may end up waiting in line, but the subterranean Chinatown hang’s dirt-cheap dishes are worth it. Tips: Take cash, expect gargantuan portion sizes, and leave upscale dining notions at the door."
"Stephan Starr opts for shock-and-awe tactics at this immense dining palace (think Versailles meets Ming Dynasty). Try upscale takes on standard fare like lobster egg rolls or wild mushroom chow fun."
"Traditional homestyle Chinese is the ethos behind this late-night joint in Williamsburg. Mainstays such as dumplings and buns are more than reliable, but locals prefer generous noodle bowls."
"The friendly service keeps customers coming back to this ever-packed oldie but goodie. Be sure to try fried wontons and a massive bowl of duck soup."
"You dim sum, you lose some. Space in your belly, that is. Choose from tiny bites like steamed dumplings, baked pineapple buns, and beef tripe. Seal the deal with fragrant mango pudding."
Choosing a favorite Memphis barbecue spot is like choosing a favorite child, but we give this basement joint top billing for its vinegar-soaked, spice-crusted ribs.
The Daddy is a Wicker Park standby. Go for the pulled pork and indulgent weekend brunch (the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich is a must); stay for the giant patio and live music.
As legit a cocktail bar as hip mess hall. Grab a muddled bourbon cocktail while you wait to weigh-to-pay your portions of pork (belly, shoulder, cheeks), Wagyu beef, and broccoli salad.
The drive to Driftwood for all-you-can-eat piles of smoked meat and homemade cobbler is a rite of passage when visiting Central TX. It’s BYO, so be sure to take a full cooler and designated driver.
After a fire, the smoked-meat haunt returned less than three months later to serve Charlie McKenna’s award-winning barbecue. Bonus: Grab his addictive, spicy marinades, sauces, and rubs to go.
We make a yearly pilgrimage to this quirky Austin institution for a Ninja Bachelor Party (pineapple, jalapeno, celery, kale, spinach, parsley, salt).
Sip up a Green Goddess (spinach, romaine, kale, cucumber, celery) or Bunny Brew (carrot, beet, ginger). Also available: raw chocolate and kombucha on tap.
Order the Green Energy (spinach, parsley, kale, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon, ginger) or Citrus Hurricanes (pineapple, orange, double lemon, double ginger). But check your pockets — it’s cash only.
This shop is so ubiquitous in Atlanta you can’t swing a reusable grocery bag without hitting a bottle of Yoga 1 (kale, spinach, apple, pineapple, ginger, lemon).
Bulging shelves hold CDs, LPs, and an extensive collection of film noir, silent, and foreign movies.
Floppy-haired bassists, bookish local scribes, and comic enthusiasts come together at this rockin’ record shop, where listening parties, author readings, and graphic novel debuts are de rigeur.
Head to San Francisco’s wing of the Amoeba Music empire for Mandala, a biweekly DJ series that shows off staff spinning skills.
