Toro Sushi

The buzz: The owners built this restaurant especially for Tawil Pidotung, a Thai chef who they were huge fans of. They also claim to have their own special supplier who delivers particularly fresh fish from Japan.
The décor: Taking its inspiration from the Tsukiji Market, the place houses items like baskets and boxes sourced from there. Other than that, the owners are trying to draw on nature, with a little pond and some small bushes.
The food: As you’d expect, the ingredients are from Tsukiji Market, so you know they’re quality. Try the engawa (flounder’s fin, B120), torched or not, or chu-toro (B280) and hotate (scallop, B110), or opt for the moriwase set (B690). The rolls are also worth a try, like the So Salmon (salmon roll topped with torched salmon belly and crispy tempura flour, B320) and the shrimp tempura (B340). Tip: if you have some ebi sushi, make sure you ask for the soup made from your shrimp heads.
The drinks: Refill tea is B40. They recommend sake (starting from B330) to bring out the flavor in your sushi. Beers are Asahi (draught, B120, and bottled, B170).
The crowd: Half Thai and half Japanese expats, with many friends and acquaintances of the owners dropping by, too.
2/F, No. 88, Soi Paidee Madee (between Thonglor Sois 5 and 9), Bangkok, 02-712-8447. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm; 5:30-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm

Ikki Ikki

The buzz: Owned by a group of friends with divergent but complementary tastes—one likes sushi, one likes beer and another adores vintage décor—Ikki must be doing something right as the place is packed out on a pretty regular basis. Make sure to drop by in November if you want to enjoy their 30% off soft opening deal.
The décor: If you take your décor seriously, then this could be the spot for you. With an atmosphere far removed from the typical wooden Japanese vibe, Ikki Ikki more resembles a wine bar. The setting is vintage meets industrial, with plenty of bricks, old knick-knacks hanging on the walls, a bare floor and hanging light bulbs at the sushi counter.
The food: The focus is squarely on sushi, so expect a brief menu listing a variety of different rolls. Besides the classics, the highly recommended option is the foie gras mango roll (B310). Otherwise, try the popular Matsusaka sushi (B360) or opt for the sushi set (B750/B1,750). There are also US-influenced rolls like dragon roll (B350) and salmon cream cheese roll (B400).
The drinks: We like the beer options here, with bottles of Sapporo (B130), Tsing Tao (B100) and Pure Blond (B120) available. They’re also going to serve draught Sapporo very soon. Wine by the glass ranges from B230-B350. Tea is B45.
The crowd: For now, some Thai families and groups of pretty ladies who are friends of the young owners.
2/F, Nihonmachi, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok, 081-932-5757. Open daily 4:30-11:30pm

Sushi Otaru

The buzz: Tucked in Arena 10, the main talking point about Sushi Otaru is its Chef Shinji Nakamine, two-time winner of Japanese show TV Champion (1988 and 1989), who claims that many sushi places in Bangkok are inauthentic. He promises to serve original recipes he’s learned through his 20 years of experience. The chef is also studying up on Thai fish, so chances are you’ll soon be tasting some fresh, local variations on sushi classics.
The décor: Besides the typical dark-colored wooden furniture and dark stone interior, the ceiling takes its inspiration from fish bones. Take your pick of the private rooms or enjoy the main dining room, which will soon have a central garden. If you spot Chef Shinji, we recommend taking a seat at the counter to watch him skillfully slice with his special Japanese knife.
The food: Most of the ingredients are from Hokkaido. Of course, you should start with fish like the nikiri matsu (sushi set, B1,350) or choose your own sushi like otoro (B490), salmon (B140) or the Matsusaka beef (B450). Otherwise, munch on a beef tataki roll (B550) or dragon roll (eel, avocado and cream cheese, B330). There are also other dishes like avocado tempura (B280), anago (grilled Japanese eel, B350), shabu (B700-B3,000) and katsu don (B250). End your meal with a sweet strawberry daifuku (B120).
The drinks: Refill tea is B60. The classic Kubota Senju sake is B2,800 (720 ml). Beers are Sapporo (B240), Singha and Asahi (each B120).
The crowd: Office workers and Thonglorites.
3/F Arena 10, 177/2 Thonglor Soi 10, Bangkok, 02-392-7737. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10:30pm 

Kaizen Sushi & Hibachi

The buzz: Located near the popular Sushi Masa, this new sushi restaurant is owned by a group of chefs who have each been in the business for more than 15 years. Those looking for some entertainment take note, the place offers hibachi (teppanyaki) demonstrations, too.
The décor: Pretty simple. Kaizen has probably the most typical Japanese vibe of all the restaurants here. Think light toned wooden furnishing and a dominant sushi counter.
The food: Sushi sets range from B280-B1,800, with the Kaizen Onsen Sashimi Set (B2,500) particularly popular, while you can also opt for Matsusaka beef, uni (sea urchin) or foie gras. Their rolls are also a hit; try the Sexy Roll (tuna and salmon maki topped with tempura flour, B250), the foie gras maki (B420) or Snowman Roll (flounder’s fin and crabmeat, B350). Hibachi set lunches range from B180-B380. For something more showy, try the wagyu with seafood (B980).
The drinks: Refill tea is B25. Sake starts from B350 and draught Asahi is B59.
The crowd: Office workers at lunch and families on weekends, as well as groups of college students drawn by the very reasonable prices.
L Building, 308 Phayathai Rd., Bangkok, 02-215-2972. BTS Ratchatewi. Open daily 11am-11pm