Best Lunch Specials

Over the eight years since they started Ko-Doraku, chef Shuji Manabe and his wife Misao have honed an impressive model of efficiency. Lunch only, cash only, they’ll serve 250 customers on a busy day, with help from just one employee. The Japanese menu includes standing specials like the $5.25 vegetable sushi plate, and there’s a different sushi special (around $7) and a new mix in the non-sushi Asia Combo (usually $6) every week. Don’t worry if there’s a line: From her command post at the cash register, Misao keeps things moving, and you’ll soon be on your way.

First Runner-up: Fid Resto
Second Runner-up: Dharma Sushi