CONDADO. The elegant interior of this Japanese steak house features a typical red and black lacquer color scheme, cases with elaborately dressed Japanese dolls, paper screens and large paper lanterns. Sizzling teppanyaki tables allow diners to see their food prepared before their eyes. Light tempuras and sushi are also good choices. For the best value, go for the early bird special from 5:30pm-7pm

OLD SAN JUAN. Asian-fusion dining meets Greenwich Village NYC attitude and settles in Old San Juan. From the front door, which is guarded by a beautiful hostess, to the dark red, ultra chic, dimly lit interior complete with fabulous drapes and lamps, this is one of the places to be seen in Old San Juan. If you dare, try the drink of the house called "Dragon Punch." Bar snacks include the unexpected surprise of root vegetable chips and the seafood ceviche. Crab cakes, grilled meats and a heavy emphasis on yucca, pumpkin, squash and other indigenous vegetables are a hallmark of the menu.

CONDADO. Ashford Avenue, just steps from one of the more lovely beaches in San Juan, is filled with shops of all types and restaurants of every cuisine. But you'd be hard pressed to find better than Great Taste, if you're craving dim sum as authentic as what is made in NYC's Chinatown. The setting complements the food. Gaze over the Laguna del Condado as you dip your dumplings in some spicy sauce and enjoy.

SANTURCE. Near the plaza in Santurce, in a small art-deco house, Asian modern folds seamlessly into traditional Puerto Rican. The minimal decor complements the artfully arranged appetizers and entrees. Seafood dominates the menu and you'll find delicate appetizers such as the cornmeal crusted calamari served with wasabi mayonnaise play a nice counterpoint to the lavish spread of the seafood Tobanyaki which includes half a lobster, two shrimp, scallop, squid, clams, yuca al mojo and yuzu soy sauce.

ISLA VERDE. Featuring the only tatami room in Puerto Rico, the waitresses wear kimonos and serve in traditional Japanese style. The house specialty, Sushi Pizza, is anything but traditional though as the crust is made from deep fried rice then layered with rows of fish, ginger and spicy-hot wasabi. Teppanyaki tables are available for fans of culinary theatrics.