The city's hustle and bustle feels miles away within the walls of this darling sushi spot, located in Little Italy of all places. The sole Asian purveyor on the Roma-centric street, Japonica features soft lime green walls, hardwood floors and wooden tables earmarked for groups of two or four.

The split-level dining area divides its seating for 20 between window-side tables and spots near the sushi bar. Begin your meal with complimentary green tea or take advantage of the BYOB policy with something a little more potent.

Middle-of-the-road prices attract nearby UIC students: Starters include miso soup, sliced octopus salad and beef-wrapped asparagus. Vegetarian and house maki run $3.50-$6, and include tried-and-true favorites like spicy tuna and spider maki (a soft-shell-crab steal at $6). Specialty hand rolls are a good deal at $4.50 each.

The more exotic and ingredient-packed will bump up the bill: You'll pay $12-$14 for the crowd-pleasing Red Dragon (soft-shell crab and wasabi mayonnaise inside the roll, avocado and eel on the outside). If you're dead-set against the raw stuff, cooked dishes include teriyaki, katsu and udon.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Sims