"The Hummingbird is quirky. This casual Peruvian-Japanese ceviche bar along Alvarado has corkboard ceilings and love notes scribbled on its pink-lit subway tile walls. A piano and mic in the back are put to use by random diners. But just when you think you’ve got this scrappy art-house operation pegged, the most beautiful yellowtail sashimi you've ever seen lands in front of you. Created by the chef behind splashy restaurants like Rosaline and Causita, the Nikkei-influenced dishes here look and taste like fine dining without the upcharge (most dishes are under $20). That includes hefty scallop handrolls with wasabi and jalapeño paste, salmon tiradito accented with bright orange vinegarette, and shrimp dumplings wrapped up in sesame leaves like Korean ssam. " - brant cox, sylvio martins