Sushi Kyoto

Sushi Kyoto on Hillcrest Road is where the SMU set goes to nosh on California rolls and throw back warm sake. The interior feels appropriately Japanese, with lots of wood paneling and low tables surrounded by benches, or you can belly up to the bar to make friends with the sushi masters. Start off with some karaage, gyoza or tempura to whet your appetite, or get exotic with the Monkey Brain, which is much less Indiana Jones-esque than it sounds. (Back off, PETA. It’s merely a deep-fried avocado stuffed with crab meat and spicy tuna.) An extensive sushi list includes all the expected classics like yellowtail, tuna, octopus and eel, but those with a penchant for more Americanized creations will probably want to survey the specialty roll menu with features like the Super Kyoto Crunch Roll and the Sexy Roll. If your date has an aversion to raw fish, fret not. A bevy of non-sushi selections like chicken teriyaki, fried rice, yakisoba and udon noodles is also on the menu.