DOWNTOWN. An interesting hodge-podge of Japanese and Chinese influences awaits you at this refined downtown restaurant, where the friendly waitstaff and comfortable surroundings earn high marks with regulars. The menu features a variety of teriyaki and tempura options served with fresh vegetables, as well as meat and vegetable egg rolls, moo shu plates, and a few spicy Szechwan entrees. Beer is available.

DOWNTOWN. This chic restaurant is a popular lunchtime destination for people who work downtown. Find a place at the sleek, L-shaped bar, and enjoy a bowl of miso and Ginza's colorful sushi and sashimi. If you're feeling bold, break away from standard tempura or teriyaki dishes and sample the special sukiyaki (a mix of sliced beef, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and cabbage in a sweet broth).

DOWNTOWN. Ichiban started off as a popular Park City sushi joint but has since moved to the cozy confines of this converted Lutheran church. Indeed, the rolls here are divine, and there are few restaurants in the downtown area that can boast such a cosmopolitan feel ­ beautiful stained-glass windows and the quintessential vaulted ceiling juxtaposed with Japanese-themed murals, fish tanks, and contemporary furniture. The menu features an even mix of tempura, teriyaki, and sukiyaki dishes, but the star attraction is the aptly named Rainbow Platter, a combination of crab, salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and fresh vegetables. Reservations are not accepted.

HOLLADAY. One of SLC's best deals, this casual Asian eatery offers both a traditional Chinese menu and an attractive sushi bar. Start your meal off with one of their lettuce wraps or an order of fried shrimp; then, move on to something more substantial, like Peking duck, orange-peel beef, eggplant, or Kung Pao shrimp. Since most dishes are served family-style, it's best to come with a group.

SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY. One of Salt Lake City's favorite Japanese restaurants, Kyoto embraces diners with its simple yet cozy decor and pleasant atmosphere. Lunchtime business folks flock here in droves to sample the delicious (and reasonable) sushi and tempura specials and to benefit from quick, efficient service. At dinner, things tend to be less frenzied, and patrons gather in tatami rooms to enjoy shrimp or steak tempura, salmon teriyaki, or sukiyaki.