Try the Argentine rib eye stuffed with jalapenos and whole garlic cloves. Consider noshing on Ciudad's inventive cuchifrito , or snacks, at the bar weekdays for Staples events that start early. Closed weekends at lunch. This grande dame of Cantonese restaurants in Chinatown is most impressive on weekends, when it's open until the late afternoon for dim sum. At dinner, try the steamed live shrimp, or any of the long list of classic seafood dishes.
Service is fast and efficient, and it's set up to handle a crowd.
This casual cafe in the arts district at the edge of Little Tokyo is a local hangout for artists, architects, lawyers and the young crowd who work or live downtown. And the bartender makes a mean Manhattan. The sleek contemporary sushi bar caters to a clientele that's one-third Japanese. Next to it is a terrific tempura bar, where the chef will choose a menu for you, if you like, dipping each vegetable or piece of seafood into one of several batters. The frying is impeccable, the batter like lace.