Octopus

Octopus Restaurant Review:

This branch of a mini-chain offers an attractive setting, with its stone-backed sushi bar, prominent fountain and sleek lighting. The menu is progressive, clearly inspired by some of the better contemporary sushi bars around town. Starters include seared hamachi with diced chiles, sashimi paired with tropical fruit and salmon carpaccio, and albacore sashimi topped with chile slices and caviar. All dishes, like individual shrimp arriving in spoons filled with jalapeño sauce, are attractively plated, and entrées include panko-crusted salmon in miso sauce. Naturally, a wide array of specialty rolls is offered, along with very respectable traditional sushi. Octopus regulars finish up with tempura-fried ice cream or mango sorbet. A limited selection of California wines and sakés are offered, but the bar also mixes some imaginative saké cocktails. Other locations.