"When sushi is too expensive, get a very different taste of Japanese fare at Gaijin. Paul Virant’s Fulton Market restaurant specializes in okonomiyaki, savory cabbage pancakes packed with meat or layered with noodles and served sizzling on a griddle at the table. Be sure to add on some marinated vegetables and kimchi — Virant is passionate about fermentation — and finish with the chewy on the outside, fluffy on the inside mochi doughnuts. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Samantha Nelson