Cleveland, OHSushi

Ginko is a sushi bar tucked beneath Dante in a former Tremont bank building, with a colorful mosaic wall, a lively counter and dim booths. Beyond rolls like the spicy tuna, the kitchen offers a chef's omakase built around seasonal catches. The intimate room rewards a seat at the bar.

Goma sits on East Fourth Street, where Chef Lee sources fish from Tokyo, Spain, Scotland, and Norway under a philosophy of authenticity and innovation. The dark room is lit by custom glass fixtures shaped like jellyfish and octopuses. A signature is the Goma sake tataki, sesame-crusted seared salmon in ponzu.

OISHI Cafe is a quiet, intimate sushi spot inside AsiaTown Plaza on East 38th Street, where soft music sets the tone. Rolls are made to order and generously filled, among them the Oishi roll of spicy crab and cucumber topped with avocado, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds. Entrees come with miso soup.

Sora is a downtown Japanese room on the Flats West Bank centered on a striking tree installation, with soft lighting, pink hues and floral touches. The team aims to stay close to traditional sushi craft, from nigiri to rolls like the vegetable futo.

MASU is a Japanese restaurant at Valor Acres in Brecksville from chef Dante Boccuzzi and chef-partner Jacob McDaniel. The two-in-one concept offers a casual daytime format and seated sushi service at night. Nigiri, maki and pressed sushi put the fish at the center of the meal.