Kyo-Ya is one of the Bay area‘s best Kaiseki restaurants. An elaborate cuisine originating with tea ceremonies in 16th-century Kyoto, kaisekis are known for dainty presentation and delicate flavors delivered over many courses, moving from appetizers, soup, glowing sashimi and variously prepared savories to ages-old ochazuke (green tea over rice). If you can’t commit to the time involved in such a lengthy meal, you can also order many of these dishes à la carte, or try master sushi chef Akifusa Tonai’s beautiful sushi and sashimi. Some pieces are pristinely traditional, accompanied only by grated wasabi; others are posh and Western-style, incorporating ingredients such as sliced truffle, foie gras and gold leaf. The hushed, minimalist décor is appealing; at lunch (when you can order a delicious bento box), you’ll likely sit alongside businessmen on expense accounts.

Kyo-Ya Information:

• Japanese menu. Lunch, dinner (Monday-Friday). Closed Saturday-Sunday.