Hotoke

Hotoke
New Brunswick
350 George Street
732-246-8999

Open: Dinner daily.

Price: $$

Style: Upscale Asian fusion in a modern setting with large lounge and bar, multilevel seating and an imposing, dramatically lit Buddha overlooking the dining room.

The Scoop: While the dining room is relaxed and comfortable, the loud, upbeat music in the adjoining lounge can overflow and impinge on dinner conversation, especially during Happy Hour (Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 pm).

The Menu: The lychee martini is fragrant and light and pairs nicely with the flavorful avocado stack salad. Its chunks of creamy avocado feature a layer of roasted corn and fresh tomato topped with a lemon-raspberry vinaigrette. The crab cakes are another positive pick. Two plump ones per order come with a mildly spicy Japanese mustard cream sauce and a refreshing mango-pineapple salsa. Sushi is an obvious draw, and there are many types to choose from. In addition to the standards, consider rewarding signature rolls such as Mango Tango—mango, tobiko (flying fish roe), spicy salmon, seaweed wrap and mango sauce. Entrée options are plentiful, from noodle dishes to crispy whole red snapper with spicy citrus drizzle and mango-pineapple salsa.

Heads Up: Hotoke’s narrow facade blends with other buildings on this main drag, making it easy to miss. Street parking is ample. You’ll need to feed the meter until 8 pm.—Deborah P. Carter