by Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen
MINATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
800 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD  410-332-0332 

You might miss its rather unassuming façade as it blends into the downtown architecture—but then you’d be missing one of the most popular sushi restaurants. Minato’s popularity is well deserved, especially at lunch time when its followers flock like pilgrims for the bargain basement Minato Sushi Lunch. Just $7.50 gets you six pieces of nigiri, a half tuna roll, a half California roll, and rich miso soup. Dinner is a hit too, with fat Bento boxes, eight types of noodles and delicious vegetarian selections. Grab a spot at the hoppin’ bar and admire the chefs’ skill—they’ve been known to toss a few freebies patrons’ way. Named “Best Sushi Scene” and “Best Japanese Restaurant” by local media, it’s a great place to grab a bite.

by Hannah Fischer

GOLDFISH
4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd
Atlanta, GA 30346

Located in Perimeter Mall, Goldfish makes a splash with the timidly adventurous, on-road-only Land Rover suburban set. Goldfish’s high-class seafood menu spans the seas to bring you crab cakes, Sole Muinere and sushi all at once. Here, less is more: stick with the basics, like tuna and salmon nigiri and California rolls, and you may find yourself eating a better-than-expected, well-prepared meal without all the nouveau fuss.

by Jim Phillips
SHOGUN
3310 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Located in the Nob Hill district, Shogun is the perfect place to top off an eclectic shopping expedition. Featuring a complete menu of Japanese cuisine and their exclusive revolving sushi bar, Shogun has received top honors for Best Sushi in the annual Alibi survey. For relaxing surroundings and good food, Shogun’s the place to float your (San Francisco-style) sushi boat.