The traditional method for preparing sushi requires slices of raw fish to be held over unlit fires in order to secure that signature “uncooked” flavor. Explore such innovative foodsmithing with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of meticulously arranged raw-fish rolls at Sushiko, located at 2309 Wisconsin Ave., NW. The restaurant is a 2007 Washington Post editors' pick.

Sushiko, the first sushi shack in the D.C. area, serves a full menu of maki, salads, and sashimi based on a minimalistic approach, ensuring each ingredient's flavor naturally shines through. Start with a bowl of wild-mushroom soup ($6.50), or a ginger-dressed sushi-ko salad ($6). Maki offerings, served in six pieces or temaki cone, are a treasure trove of sea meat. Try the crunchy shrimp with fish roe, shrimp, scallions, mayo, and tempura batter ($5), or the rainbow roll ($12.50) with salmon, shrimp, white fish, cucumber, avocado, and tuna. Small dishes like the honey-soy roasted duck breast ($9.50), and seared lobster with forest mushrooms, spinach, and creamy ponzu ($11), appease the anti-rawist and stand tall amidst the simple, modern interior. For entrée-like eats, order an entrée, like roasted Maine salmon sided with sweet potato and sautéed mushrooms ($16.50), or beef-tenderloin tataki doused with red-wine daikon butter ($20). Call ahead to schedule a reservation.

Reviews

Sushiko is the oldest Japanese sushi restaurant in D.C. Diners and critics alike love its artful creations. It has been listed in the Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants in DC for the last five years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. More than 100 Yelpers give Sushiko an average of 3.5 stars, over 100 Open Table reviewers give it four, and 82% of Urbanspooners recommend it:

• Each bite transported me. – Tom Sietsema, Washington Post
• Give it a try if you are looking for good and quick sushi in Glover Park. Definitely on the top of my list for sushi in DC. – Jesse K., Yelp
• The fish is superb quality, the tempura light, the seaweed salad terrific, and the grilled items are great. One of the very very best Japanese restaurants in the Washington area. – An Open Table reviewer who dined on 05/18/2010