Yamazaru Sushi & Sake

A cucumber wrapper takes the place of rice in Southern Beauty, enclosing tuna, avocado and smelt roe. Krystal Rainbow uses rice paper around several kinds of seafood, lettuce and cucumber, while the Tuna Bomb stacks spicy tuna and jalapeño on a fried sushi-rice block. Those different constructions make texture as much a part of choosing a roll as the fish itself.

The cooked dishes offer a substantial alternative to sushi: nabeyaki udon comes in a clay pot with chicken, shrimp tempura, egg and vegetables. Chicken katsu curry supplies a crisp cutlet with Japanese curry over rice. Smaller orders include grilled whole squid and salted salmon cheek, allowing a meal to take shape around seafood without relying on raw preparations.

Sake is available in several formats, from warm junmai to cloudy nigori and fruit-flavored pours. The bar also mixes a Spicy Mule with jalapeño-infused sake and homemade ginger beer. Food is generally moderately priced, though a large sashimi assortment or several specialty orders can raise the bill; choosing a rice bowl keeps the meal more straightforward.