Profile

Kodama is the rare Theater District restaurant where a loyal local fan base braves swarms of pre- and post-theater diners. The décor is the standard sushi-restaurant variety: blond wood, and an abundance of Super Lucky Cat figurines and banners. Claiming to be open for over 25 years, the place shows its age (think of it as character). Regulars sit at the bar sipping sake and chatting or watching a game on TV; pick a table by the windows for prime people-watching (the Hirschfeld Theater is right across the street). The menu's strongest selections are the classics, like the maki, sushi, and sashimi platters; non-sushi kitchen offerings, such as the heavily breaded Kodama chicken, don't fare as well. Special rolls could be more creative, and they're generally not worth the extra cash—with the exception of the decadent, spicy scallop tempura roll. — Megan Creydt

Scallop tempura maki, $8