For a super-hip San Francisco sushi experience, strut on down to Ace Wasabi’s (3339 Steiner St., 415/567-4903, www.acewasabisushi.com, Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., Sun. 5–10 p.m., $6–13 per item). Advertising “rock ’n’ roll sushi” and created with the atmosphere of an Izakaya (a sort of Japanese bar and grill), Ace Wasabi’s appeals to a young, fun crowd. Be aware that the party can get loud on weekends.

On the other hand, the Naked Fish (2084 Chestnut St., 415/771-1168, www.nakedfishsf.com, Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m., Sun. 5:30–9:30 p.m., $5–12 per item) proffers an upscale Japanese dining experience. In a fine dining room, taste the sushi, robata grill skewers, Hawaiian-style tapas, and spicy appetizers. Don’t skip the sake—Naked Fish has a stellar menu of premium sakes, including unfiltered and high-quality bottles rarely found outside of Japan. Consider taking a date here for dinner to start an elegant night on the town.

If you’re in Pacific Heights, give Kiss Seafood (1700 Laguna St., 415/474-2866, Tues.–Sat. 5:30–9:30 p.m., $30–50) a try. This tiny restaurant (12 seats total) boasts some of the freshest fish in town—no mean feat in San Francisco. The single chef prepares all the fish himself, possibly due to the tiny size of the place. Obviously, reservations are a good idea. When it comes to the menu, anything seafood is recommended, but if you’re up for sashimi you’ll be in raw-fish heaven. Round off your meal with a glass of chilled premium sake.