Osaki's

Nestled within the storybook town of Vail, Osaki's is a tiny spot where just a handful of counter seats and a sprinkling of tables await diners. It's a classic sushi-ya in every way with a no-frills look but a laser-focus on the fish. After taking a seat, diners consult a whiteboard for the selections, enjoyed either as nigiri or sashimi. The quality shines through and isn't gussied up with superfluous sauces or flourishes. Indeed, their purist mentality is best seen in the selection, where offerings such as hagatsuo, not often found outside of very small regions in Japan, make an appearance. Japanese snow crab is sweet and meaty; akamutsu is silky; and buttery ankimo proves why it's given the nickname, "foie gras of the sea."