Nobu San Diego

Inside the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, this outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa's sushi chain runs under Executive Chef David Meade, who trained at the brand's Miami and New York locations. The menu carries the chain's signatures: yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, black cod marinated for days in miso, rock shrimp tempura, and a multi-course tasting menu that moves from cold dishes to hot ones, then sushi and dessert. Valet parking is available, and the dress code runs to casual dressy.