Sushi Rock, San Francisco

Meals at Sushi Rock begin and end with an edible surprise. To start, servers typically bring out complimentary miso soup—a hot precursor to the free ice cream that often arrives at the end. As for what comes in between, diners have to decide that themselves. That's no easy task, since Sushi Rock has dozens of options for rolls, sashimi, and Japanese entrees. The sushi chefs' ability to think outside the bento box comes through most in items such as the Roll'n Roll—a blend of salmon, cream cheese, and two kinds of onions that's deep fried and covered in a special house sauce. Of course, they also master the traditional sushi staples, such as the fresh, thin slices of tuna and salmon sashimi or sukiyaki—a mixture of veggies, bean thread noodles, and chicken or beef.

Here's a tip for diners who can't decide: order the Rock Box Special #2 to get a mix of two entrees and a choice of sashimi. Then all that's missing is a glass of house sake, served either hot or cold.