"Noka, a Japanese restaurant from the team behind beloved lunch spot The Russell, has really found its footing over the past few years. While the buzzy dining area might be tempting with its dramatically lit terracotta pottery, the best seats are at the sushi bar or main bar to watch the chefs and bartenders do their magic. It’s always bumping here, whether it be for dinner, Happy Hour, or half-off sushi on Thursday. All of their fish is worth trying, but we especially love their sushi donut, sushi tacos wrapped in crispy nori, and inventive sashimi crudos, like the popcorn hamachi with amberjack, nettle purée, and jalapeño." - ryan bernsten