The buzz: Caffe B is another entry in the ever-expanding Italian dining scene. The restaurant’s culinary team places a strong emphasis on using quality ingredients air-flown from Japan to create Italian food with a distinct Asian sensibility.

The vibe: Thanks to interior designer Takeshi Yotsumoto, the space marries Asian and European design elements such as the Japanese lattice space divider and hand-painted wall murals of an Italian Count’s Verona home to craft a welcoming and chic environment to complement the food.

The food: Don’t let the Japanese ingredients throw you. The items available are balanced between traditional classics including Wagyu beef carpaccio with Pecorino and wasabi leaf ($32) and four cheese risotto ($28). More adventurous items include black squid ink tonnarelli with uni and aubergine in cream sauce ($38) and acqua pazza Kyushi kasago (scorpion fish), clams and mussels in a herb-scented broth ($46). To close the meal, you can reach for the usual suspects: tiramisu and panna cotta (both $15).

Why you’ll be back: If you’re looking for a slightly different take on Italian food, and are partial to Japanese cuisine, this is the place to enjoy both worlds on one plate.