Noble Rice

Restaurants pack this area just off Channelside Drive, but Noble Rice deserves your attention, and not just because it's a sister spot to Koya. Unlike most minimalist Japanese restaurants, this place has a lively, modern vibe. 
There is an omakase on offer at a separate counter, but the real draw here is their à la carte sushi-focused menu with some izakaya and small plate options (think shrimp toast and karaage; skewers and ramen). Traditionalists should head for the king salmon nigiri sourced from New Zealand, while bold and creative flavor combinations are found in maki like the negi toro roll, with spicy fatty tuna, scallion, tobanjan kewpie in a black garlic soy sauce. Steer seasonal, as in the bright Dungeness crab salad.