Geisha Sushi Bar, Columbia

The blue flicker of Japanese movies playing on three televisions illuminates diners in the dimly lit Geisha Sushi Bar, giving it an intimate glow. From behind the sushi bar, chefs slice fresh fish and veggies into bite-sized morsels to wrap into rolls. They create house-special rolls with human monikers, such as the Jennifer with layers of salmon, cream cheese, and spicy mayo. Cooked rolls include smoked eel and steamed shrimp, as well as deep-fried rolls drizzled with ponzu sauce. In sushi bowls, seafood and veggies lie atop a bed of sushi rice, far tastier than memory foam, and bento boxes transport shrimp or chicken marinated in housemade teriyaki alongside tempura and salad.