Top 5 Places for Sushi (That Won't Empty Your Wallet)

While the creation of a sushi roll or a cut of sashimi isn't outlandishly complicated or difficult, the perfection of it certainly is -- and in this city, it's hard to go more than a few blocks without seeing a spot that offers the Japanese staple. There are the city's clear victors: Fremont's Kappo, Madison Park's Nishino and of course, Belltown's original: Shiro's. But suppose you want to enjoy the delicacy without blowing your entire paycheck? Try these five, and feel free to spend those extra dollars on another glass of sake.

5. Sushi Tokyo, 6311 Roosevelt Way NE, 526-2935. Resting on an unassuming stretch of Roosevelt Way among boutiques and electronics shops, the ultimate neighborhood sushi stop has no outward appearance of grandeur. But once inside, the tall, deep booths and elegant koi tank make Sushi Tokyo seem far different than the exterior would have one believe. Here, rolls can cost between $4 and $15 (served with a complimentary starter plate of edamame), but not at the expense of the seafood's freshness. Variety is this restaurant's greatest strength, with more than 50 different rolls and 25 varieties of nigiri -- including colossal masterpieces like the appropriately named Husky Roll (avocado, shrimp tempura, tuna, salmon and unagi) -- boredom is not an option.