Cafe Japengo   

A mask of Tangu, the ancient Japanese god of virility, presides over this huge, Asia-moderne bar and restaurant with his prominent phallic proboscis. Yes, this one of San Diego's most upscale meat markets, but it's also the kind of environment that makes you feel wealthy and chic, and on weekends it's often so packed that you can't even get in. With its industrial steel bar and uncomfortable bar stools, this is not someplace you'd go to relax. However, let it be said that the sushi rolls are extraordinary, with the Rainbow Roll a standout. Interesting world beat music plays in the background, and you can order anything at the bar from sake to sloe gin. Quite trendy and busy on weekends, the restaurant offers tasty Japanese dishes infused with Western flavors. in addition to sushi. The crispy Japengo potstickers with ponzu sauce is a great appetizer to start off your meal. Thai spiced coconut chicken with lotus and gobo root is a specialty of the house, and the firecracker Granny Smith apples come highly recommended for dessert. The restaurant is usually crowded, and the staff prefers to take their time, so resign yourself to a wait if you're dining during peak hours; sushi orders have been known to take up to an hour to prepare.