Though they have a couple of other locations in the collar counties, Yama Sushi's Baltimore restaurant has an unassuming storefront in a Hampden/Hoes Heights strip mall. But once you step inside, a Japanese ambiance wins you over. Private booths, servers in traditional costume and other touches elevate the restaurant that's very popular with nearby Loyola and Hopkins personnel, as well as the local neighborhood.

Did you ever envy the Claire Standish/Molly Ringwald character in The Breakfast Club, with her little bento box filled with sushi? No need to any more! Yama has a terrific lunch deal for $7.95: you get your choice of two from about 20 different sushi rolls, 10 different sushi or sashimi pieces and about 10 cooked Japanese specialties, plus soup and salad.