Can't tell the difference between Japanese and Santa Barbara uni? Let chef Masanori Nagano explain. Still unsure? You need to try both one more time. Just make sure to save room for seared barracuda.
Though slightly roomier than neighboring Little Tokyo spots, Sushi Gen still gets packed to the gills thanks to an impressive lineup of specialty fish (sayori halfbeak, kanpachi, monkfish liver).
Authentic, thoughtfully prepared sushi served the way it’s meant to: spiced or sauced according to the fish and cut (oyster with ponzu, black snapper with truffle salt, halibut with salt and lemon).
Though patrons tend to be sushi purists (no designer rolls here), don’t expect an uptight crowd. Chefs are friendly and the buttery salmon, snapper with sea salt, and yellowtail collar are winners.
This Beverly Hills spot sates sushi snobs and novices alike. Peruse the columns of daily specials (plastered everywhere you look), but don’t miss the blue crab hand roll and albacore with jalapeno.
Chef Shunji spends as much time on tomatoes (his agedashi tomato tofu), as he does on octopus and Dungeness crab. Be just as mindful when working your way through all seven varieties of snapper.
Totto Ramen’s original ramen shop in Hell’s Kitchen is notorious for its hours-long wait and no-reservations policy. Avoid the hassle at the newly opened location (just a block away).
Columbia University-adjacent ramen-ya specializes in creamy, Hakata-style pork bone broth. Best showcased in the tonkotsu ramen, with a house-made roasted garlic paste and tender braised pork slices.
Sample variations of regional ramen — and then some — from around Japan at this Queens noodle nook. The can’t-miss Sapporo-style miso ramen involves a broth made from more than 30 ingredients.
"Udupi, located on the southwest coast of India, is home to a unique variant of South Indian vegetarian cuisine. Staples include a crepe stuffed with spiced potato, served with coconut chutney."
"Gather around with twelve others for seasonal fare such as Cobb salad with “bacon” crumbles, cashew ricotta dumplings, and heirloom tomato. Hungry for more? She also offers lunch delivery."
"Situated in the center of Austin’s South Congress, Bouldin Creek Cafe is a hippie hangout with breakfast tacos aplenty. The patio is strewn with water bowls — perfect for poochie."
"Noodle lovers slurp it up at Wild Ginger, where pan-Asian vegan dishes erase all memories of pad thai filled with eggs and shrimp. Also worth a bite: curried samosas with mint chutney for dipping."
"Heaping plates of tangy, slippery shrimp have drawn legions of locals to this no-frills, family-run spot since 1977. Make a reservation and take a friend (or five), portions are gigantic."
"This temple to Northern Chinese cuisine in Falls Church specializes in Peking duck. Ambiance is pure Beltway: Walls are papered with images of politicians and other famous diners."
"Locals frequent this strip mall mecca to devour dry-fried eggplant, scallion bubble pancakes, and Golden Mountain Chicken (deep-fried, shredded chicken with carrots and scallions in a special sauce)"
"Macao’s menu proffers Chinese grub with a Portuguese twist: caldo verde meatballs, Macanese chili lobster tail, and malasadas (that’s Portuguese for donuts) with creme anglaise."
"Grab a boxed lunch from the barbecue takeout station in the corner, or sit down over plates of Cantonese wontons and pan-fried chow mein."
"An emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients make classic dishes (steamed soup dumplings, fried egg rolls, sesame chicken) shine."
"Menus at this family favorite range from Sichuan to Chinese (heavy on the Taiwanese), vegetarian, and American. Try the green onion pancakes and homemade noodles."
"Dine in — as decorative red-eyed monkeys watch you clean your plate — or out — the restaurant provides plates, sauces, chopsticks, fortunes cookies, even dessert (candied pecans)."
"Our senior food and home editor, Emily Fiffer, refers to the food here as 'shrimp clouds.' Tip-top dim sum seven days a week, myriad dipping sauces, and fair prices.Go on a weekday to avoid crowds."
"The charming dim sum vet (it’s the oldest in Chinatown) teems with charm: vintage exterior, old-school booths, checkered tablecloths. We suggest the house special pan-fried dumpling platter."
Die-hards head to Smoque, a spot so serious about ’cue a manifesto was written about it. The sliced brisket is known to make grown men cry.
Settle into the NASCAR-themed spot for a dish of pulled pork as outrageously good as its over-the-top motif. You’d be remiss not to get a heaping portion of fried pickles on the side.
We love any place that, in addition to fall-off-the-bone meats and a killer live music lineup, serves a dish called the Girlfriend Salad.
Just outside Austin, there's a place known as the BBQ Trail. Hit it to find this smoked-meats oasis, slinging hot links (from jalapeno cheddar to garlic sausage), sandwiches, and single cheese slices.
The legend. Some argue it’s all about the sauce. Others, the caramelized burned ends. Either way, add the cafeteria-style classic to your barbecue bucket list and don’t look back.
The beef brisket is a must-have at the award-winning outpost with a divey dining room and huge patio. Eat up, and then take home a bottle of the knock-your-socks-off sauce.
If you plan to eat lunch (there’s no dinner service), best get in line by breakfast. Hungry folk are asked to specify meat and poundage picks in advance to keep things as civil(ized) as possible.
