I Love Sushi   

In Japanese, "irasshai" means welcome -- which is what guests are made to feel as soon as they walk in this door. Boats bob on scenic Lake Union just outside the window, but at this often crowded restaurant, regulars like to sit at the long sushi bar, with a close-up view of glistening fish and deft, knife-wielding chefs. Low-carb diet loyalists should bypass the many nigiri and roll offerings and go straight to the sashimi. Indeed, menus are long and can be a bit intimidating to the neophyte. To avoid difficult decision making, get a bento box or the combination sushi plate. Tempura can be ordered by the piece or as a full dinner with a mixture of shrimp and vegetables. Vegetarians have a wide variety of tofu dishes to choose from -- deep-fried, steamed or fresh -- and of course, edamame to start. On the beverage side, there's a wide selection of liquors, Japanese beers, house-label wine and premium sake. Dessert may seem like an afterthought, but green tea ice cream is most tasty. On a sunny day, lolling on the lakeside patio may be the best way to spend your lunch hour.