"If you’re going to blow $300 per person on dinner, the sushi restaurant Otoko is where to do it. The futuristic design of the dining room makes it feel like you’re in a fancy spaceship, along with a soundtrack of Bowie, Sun Ra, Fugazi, and a chef that looks like he could have just hopped off any of their stages. The omakase experience is a dizzying procession of small plates and nigiri that sometimes veers into the spectacular, with a menu that brings together fish, smoke, umami, and vinegar—playing with Japanese, Texan, and Mexican ingredients—for a truly unique meal. Reservations are released at 9am on the first of the month, on a rolling three-month basis, meaning you’ll always be able to plan about 90 days out. If you want to secure prime time seatings on popular nights, you’ll want to be near a computer when tickets get released. They go fast, but not split-second fast. And if you’re a little more flexible with your timing, there are usually spots about four to six weeks out." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, raphael brion