The Foreign Exchange, Cincinnati

The Foreign Exchange was established with a simple mission—to unite the culinary traditions of several nations. The menu's largest influences are the flavors of Asia, from the spicy fried noodles and curries of Thailand to more than 50 Japanese sushi rolls. Hints of Chinese cuisine sneak into the chefs signature dishes, with the country's ever-popular sweet-and-sour sauce heightening the flavor of deep-fried walleye or salmon. Regardless of the origins of their dishes, the staff at The Foreign Exchange aims to please. They even go so far as to customize the spice levels of all their Thai curries, using an eight-point scale that goes from mild to profound regret.