Sushi Kawa, Calgary

This new restaurant on trendy 4th Street features traditional Japanese cuisine in wholly funky surroundings. In addition to a vast selection of nigiri sushi, sashimi, tempura and teriyaki dishes, Kawa offers less familiar Japanese fare such as okonomiyaki, a Japanese style pizza. At mid-day, Kawa features "lunchboxes," a selection of sushi, teriyaki and tempura carefully arranged in a take-away container. The liquor menu lists Japanese beers, sake and fusion drinks like their strawberry sake margarita. The interior is open and bright, with big windows and an enormous bar.