The traditional method for preparing sushi requires slices of raw fish to be held over unlit fires in order to secure that signature “uncooked” flavor. Explore such innovative foodsmithing with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and more at Aloha Sushi Lounge in La Jolla. Aloha Sushi Lounge is an Asian-fusion restaurant offering an extensive menu of appetizers, sushi rolls, dinner entrees, and more. Quell your hunger with a starter such as a Kalua pig quesadilla ($11), served with spicy guacamole and pico de gallo, before diving into a J. Lo roll ($15), wearing eel, crab, salmon, shrimp, and an extremely low-cut avocado dress. Other eats include a Tidal Wave roll ($15)—containing spicy tuna, shrimp, yellowtail, salmon, king crab, and cilantro—and the sashimi sustenance of the tako octopus creation ($9.50 for five pieces). With flowing white curtains draping the booths and a lighting scheme summoning the tropical tints of a Pacific sunset, Aloha Sushi Lounge offers an Edenic escape from the parking tickets and Pat Boone car alarms of everyday life.

Reviews

More than 125 Yelpers and OpenTable reviewers give Aloha Sushi Lounge an average of 3.5 stars, and nine TripAdvisors give it an average of four owl eyes:

• This place was great! The food was some of the most delicious sushi I've had in the La Jolla/Pacific Beach area. The service was prompt, friendly, and welcoming. – cameron b., Yelp
• Their rolls are all very unique, not what you would typically find at every sushi restaurant. The sushi chefs are very creative with their creations and every roll is delicious. I have brought sushi experts AND people who are pretty much afraid to try any sushi or fishy to this restaurant and everyone has loved it. – AnnetteM84, TripAdvisor