Considering it was started by the same people who created cozy Sai Cafe in the middle of yuppie packed Lincoln Park, the quality of this sushi spot shouldn't be too surprising.

Naniwa serves consistently good sushi to many a lunch-taking professional, and caters to the same crowd after hours for dinner. The menu includes the usual soups, salads, appetizers like raw oysters and sliced octopus with rice vinagrette, oyster shooters, teriyaki and plenty of rolls (for vegetarians, too). Leave room for dessert: Ice cream flavors include green tea, red bean and ginger, or you can opt for plum wine sherbet or mochi.

A large outdoor patio makes for wonderful summer seating, and a carpeted, heated part of the patio offers the surprisingly comfortable effect of a ski lodge. The nicest thing about Naniwa is that the sushi chefs never fail to see you off with a cheerful "Sayonara," adding to the down-to-earth atmosphere.