PALM BEACH. This contemporary venue, with its appealing curves and bright artwork, makes an ideal backdrop for food that gives such delight to the senses. The menu is broken into Wind (starters), Water (drinks and sushi), Earth (meats, poultry and seafood), Fire (items from the grill or wok), and Flavor (desserts). The divisions aren't clear-cut, but you won't care once you taste the fabulous cuisine. Vietnamese roasted chicken, sweet and sour pork tenderloin and crisp-fried red snapper will have your mouth watering, as will pork spare ribs and tuna tataki. Dim sum dinners are also available, and you'll find special menus for groups. Great desserts like Asian pear dumpling and tropical fruit dim sum maintain the theme beautifully. The Dragonfly Lounge offers a great bar scene should you want to hang out and socialize.

DELRAY BEACH. Head and shoulders above the usual sushi spots, Kyoto plies diners with an extensive menu, a lively atmosphere, and great ambience. The soaring space accommodates table dining as well as perches at the sushi bar, and guests revel in the place's sense of humor. The volcano roll comes with broiled conch atop a California roll, while the Delray roll features eel, roasted garlic, and steamed spinach. If you'd rather dig into a large entree, look to miso sea bass, Mandarin duck, NY steak, or nori-wrapped salmon for inspiration. A good selection of sakes (hot and chilled) is available, and the staff will happily help you pair them with your entree. A full bar and outdoor dining only add to the experience.

WEST PALM BEACH. Natural materials, chosen for their textural qualities, highlight this restaurant's decor. A mosaic-tiled exhibition kitchen occupies the back wall, adding contrast to sleek woods, dry-stacked stone, sculptural iron ribbons that climb columns, and coppery fabric ceiling baffles. Signature dishes include crab-crusted grouper, oak-grilled NY strip, Chinese-barbecued pork, prosciutto-wrapped salmon, and ginger and shoyu-marinated Chilean sea bass. Pastas, salads, pizzas, and a wealth of starters are also available, as is an unexpected selection of excellent sushi. Specialty rolls include the bakudan maki, which combines crisp shrimp with grilled pineapple and baby arugula. An elevated lounge area is comfortable with leather sofas and a television; outdoor dining is also available.

WEST PALM BEACH. Just off Clematis, this bright eatery takes care of a hip, young clientele. Up front, the sake bar makes for good socializing; in the rear, the sushi bar and booth seating accommodate patrons in the mood for sit-down dining. The contemporary place sports aluminum bar tables and stools, grids of wood paneling and 3-D stainless steel art. Bulkhead fixtures at each booth offer ambient lighting, and upbeat jazz adds an energetic note. Even better, the seafood is fresh and mild, and whether you choose something standard like a California roll or one of the more exotic offerings, you'll be treated to terrific fare. Good service, too.