Itamae (CLOSED)

From a spot in the neighborhood’s food hall, Mia Market, to a prime location in the Design District’s Palm Court, Itamae’s glow-up was much-deserved and highly anticipated. Father Fernando Chang and daughter Valerie and son Nando are behind the family-owned, Nikkei-inspired restaurant where the possibilities for raw fish are seemingly endless. You’ll find a variety of cebiches and other Peruvian classics on the menu, such as the torrejitas de choclo (corn fritters) served with a side of leche de tigre for dipping. It’s a staple in the city of Chiclayo where the Chang gang hails from. Itamae’s stuffed and generously topped signature rolls put them on the map but it’s the newly added selection of bañaditos (think maki-style rolls in a sauce bath) that sets them apart. The conchitas a la parmesana (stacked with fish, charred scallops and avocado) offer a deliciously messy bite that makes it snow parmesan flakes as you try to stuff it all in your mouth. Getting it everywhere is half of the fun.