Seaward Sushi Bar, Ventura

With more than 30 years in business under its belt, it's no wonder that Seaward Sushi Bar is a stalwart choice for sushi in the Ventura community. Its menu of sushi rolls—bestowed with whimsical names such as Superman and Hot Lips—is written on the wall alongside detailed descriptions so guests know exactly how each one is built.

And while some rolls are wrapped with traditional sheets of seaweed, others are held together with pink soy paper or slices of halibut sashimi. But that's not the only unexpected twist the chefs put on their sushi. They also incorporate unusual ingredients such as tempura sprinkles and garlic sauce, and they frequently pair baked seafood with raw fish to create rolls with contrasting temperatures. Bottles of traditional and flavored sake are available to pair with any of the rolls served inside this casual eatery, which is bedecked with rustic wood panels and an oversize seascape mural.