Zushi Puzzle, San Francisco

Sample Menu

• Appetizer: steamed Monkfish liver (ankimo)
• Salad: octopus, seaweed, and cucumber with ponzu sauce
• Maki: Grass Chopper roll—yellowtail and cucumber wrapped with wakame seaweed

What to Drink: Zushi Puzzle offers a number of Japanese beverages to pair with its sushi selections. Beer options include recognizable imports such as Sapporo, Kirin Ichiban, and Asahi, and both hot sakes and unfiltered nigori sakes are available for folks desiring something a bit stronger.

Where to Sit: The sushi bar in the back is well worth the wait and extra expense. That’s because it grants you the opportunity to watch highly entertaining Chef Roger Chong in action. He trots out exotic fish that’s flown in from Japan daily, frequently displaying the whole specimen for his guests to inspect prior to breaking it down. The process here is very informal: diners typically discuss their likes and dislikes, and Chef Chong whips up rolls based on their input while respectfully helping them step out of their comfort zones.

Inside Tip: Reservations are a must. This spot is relatively small, and it gets packed quickly on the weekends thanks to its stellar word of mouth.

While You're in the Neighborhood: After dinner, sip on an exotic concoction at MatrixFillmore (3138 Fillmore Street), a swanky, dimly lit enclave for handcrafted cocktails.