Art's Tapas + Sushi Lounge

San Franciscans seeking a new twist in the cocktail and dining scene now have a unique destination: Art’s Tapas + Sushi Lounge, an import of the tapas and cocktail-driven establishments first popularized in Tokyo, is launching the first of its kind in the heart of the Marina district.

Consulting/Executive Chef and General Manager Taka Yamaguchi, formerly of Blowfish Sushi (San Francisco, Santana Row/San Jose and Los Angeles), Litsu Bar (Shannon Court Hotel/San Francisco) and most recently with Flying Fish in Los Angeles, oversees the libations and food at Art’s. "We are first and foremost a lounge, where people come to relax, drink, mingle, enjoy the music and ambiance, and dine on selections from our small plates menu – a mix of Japanese, Californian, Iberian and Mexican cuisines," he says. "Our extensive bar offerings include a sophisticated line of cocktails, more than two dozen wines, sangria, beer and sake – so customers can mix and match to create their own food-and-drink combinations."

Tapas, sushi and more

The "sizzling plates" comprise Art’s signature dish and feature items such as Walu or Mahi Mahi (each $10), Chicken Breast ($9) and Grilled Tofu ($7.50). Other house specialties include Paella made with Japanese rice, mixed vegetables and squid ink ($14) and Carpaccio with wasabi aioli on a bed of arugula and capers ($9). On the sushi side, Art’s Roll consists of wasabi tobiko, shrimp tempura and roasted jalapenos ($9), Cancun Roll of smoked albacore, roasted jalapenos, avocado and spicy radish ($9), and Ultimate Spicy Tuna Roll with chili sauce, sesame and green onion ($7.50). Art’s also offers a "Create Your Own Roll" program, where customers can build a custom sushi combination of their own creation – there is a listing of inside and outside ingredients from which to chose. All sashimi and some nigiri are available seared-style (yaki) as well. For dessert, Yamaguchi offers Crema Catalana, a flan; Homemade Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; and Dorayaki, green tea ice cream with sweet red bean paste, whipped cream, crowned with a pancake (each $6).