The name sounds like most any other Chinese restaurant, but the food is anything but ordinary. Cincinnati locals swear this is the best Chinese food in the city. Known for the freshest seafood, traditional Cantonese cuisine and several spicy Szechwan specialties, the China Gourmet will satisfy that unmistakable yen for Oriental fare. Reservations suggested on the weekends. Dress is casual.

DOWNTOWN. Ko-Sho enhances the downtown ethnic dining scene, serving fresh sushi and sashimi and fantastic sukiyaki. It offers a varied wine list, and sake is readily available. A no-frills decor promises that the focus is entirely on the food.

MONTGOMERY. Top-notch Asian cuisine features many Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese food selections from an extensive menu. The Vietnamese rolls and crab rangoons are crispy, fresh and delicious. Non-adventurous types take note of the American selections on the menu as well. In addition to providing tasty lunches, Pacific Moon serves a dim sum brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm. Reservations recommended; dress is business casual.

MOUNT ADAMS. Hidden away in Mount Adams is this exceptional sushi bar and Thai eatery, where hungry patrons chow down on pad Thai, Massaman chicken, mung bean noodle salad, California rolls and sashimi. Dishes are spiced on a scale of one to ten; be as adventurous as you dare. Take a seat at the sushi bar if you wish to dine exclusively on maki and nigiri; otherwise, combine pieces of sushi with your entree on the delightful patio. Locals claim the wait is worth it, and the restaurant has won several area dining awards in support of its popularity.