This Old Town spot takes its name from an herb commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Also known as Japanese basil, shiso bears flavors of cinnamon, anise, basil and citrus, making it an aromatic staple in sushi, sashimi, and tempura, and also the perfect name for a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with a menu full of fresh, flavorful options.

Only a few slim mirrored accents and splashes of red adorn the sparse white walls of this 33-seat space, creating a blank canvass against which the exquisite colors and flavors of each dish can stand out. Whet your appetite with the chef's special crackling salt and lemon pepper calamari served with honey wasabi dipping sauce ($5.95), and then move on to the extensive maki selection. Proponents of the "tempura crump makes everything better" school of sushi will drool over the crazy crump maki ($11.95), while spice junkies will get their fix with the jalapeno-laced Latin ($11.95). Everyone will appreciate the imagination applied to each roll's presentation, whether stacked sky-high to mimic the Sears Tower, or set aloft on wooden dowels to create a blazing sunset.

In addition to a diverse list of maki, Shiso's menu boasts an array of soba noodles and teriyaki dishes for non-sushi fans. Lunchtime deals include reduced-price bento boxes and maki combo sets in the $10-$13 range. BYOB.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Amanda Nyren