Brushstroke, New York

Brushstroke, the renowned collaborative effort of Chef David Bouley and Japan's Tsuji Culinary Institute, is one of the city's hottest restaurants. Named the best Japanese restaurant in New York by Zagat diners, Brushstroke presents an inspired modern adaptation of Kyoto's kaiseki cuisine: seasonally focused tasting menus that change throughout the year. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the open kitchen, where Chef Isao Yamada and his team work with premium ingredients at the peak of freshness. Menus include the chef's artisanal kaiseki menu ($135), the shorter tasting menu ($85) and the fully vegetarian tasting menu ($85). Sushi is offered in a separate area, where Chef Eiji Ichimura presents exclusive omakase ($150+) sushi dining. Seating is very limited.