Locals-in-the-know looking for fine Japanese cuisine and sushi, head over to this restaurant. In a small converted house, a beautiful patio and garden brims with lush plants, trees and traditional lanterns. You can also opt to sit inside at the bar or at one of the cozy, funky tables. It features a wide variety of traditional Japanese specialties, like teriyaki, tempura and katsu, udon and nabe-mono (iron pot stews). The sushi menu is equally as extensive and includes the traditional shrimp, yellowtail, scallop, fried bean curd and tuna as well as a selection of maki and temaki.

For years this place been cranking out fresh, hot slices loaded with cheese, generous toppings and a substantial crust. Modeled after the famous grab-and-go pizzerias of New York, it holds its own nicely against them. The inside has a few lean-on bars upon which you can eat, but most grab a slice and hit the Avenue. Slice prices vary depending on what you order, but you can also order whole pies with all the usual toppings like veggies, pepperoni or sausage.

Step into this open and airy coffee house for fine brews, good conversation and lots of yellow. The walls, that is are all are a deep goldenrod color, and there are lots of scattered chairs and tables. Enjoy coffee and espresso drinks like mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee and teas, as well as fresh juices, milk and sodas. Should you want something a little more substantial than a bagel or muffin, there is a small sandwich and salad menu with choices like turkey, roast beef and pastrami as well as Caesar, green and fruit salads. Student Advantage discount available.

This cozy little gem has been serving up quick and inexpensive pastas for years, and has recently added baklava and morning pastries to its repertoire. Choose to sit either outside on the sidewalk with the Telegraph Avenue foot traffic, or down in the warm dining room decorated with sponge-painted walls, flowers and smiles from the servers. The pastas include spaghetti with meatballs, fettucini alfredo (homemade alfredo sauce!) and marinara dishes. It offers salads like the green salad, and an avocado-tomato. Or stop in during the morning for coffee, bagels and muffins. Student Advantage discount is accepted.

This small coffee house serves up great espresso and coffee drinks to those looking for a little pick-me-up or some time on the Internet. Here you will find freshly roasted and ground house blends, espresso, mochas, lattes and cappucinos. There is also a small selection of juices, bottled water and baked goods like muffins, danish, bagels and biscotti. There are a few computers for Internet access, and the owners are in the process of acquiring as many as the space will accommodate. You will also find a limited amount of sundries for the convenience of those hotel patrons who may have left something at home. Cash only. As a part of the Hotel Durant, this cafe reflects its elegance, while still being sidewalk level and a block away from Telegraph. The long, narrow space seems longer from the mirrored wall at one end, and along the wall opposite the large windows that look out upon Durant Street foot traffic. The cafe is a bright mural of folks enjoying a jovial coffee house atmosphere. Relax with a cup, a book or a "mouse".

This place has been serving up traditional pub fare, a few slightly gourmet treats and lots of smiles in this congenial "publick" house atmosphere since 1981. If you are looking for a quick meal, want to catch a game on the television in the corner, or are just looking for a spirited good time, it is here. Sit at one of the tall tables or at the huge wood bar. The high ceilings and tall windows keep this place from falling into the dark, smoky sports bar category. Find dozens of beers on tap and a full bar. The menu features old standards like nachos and cheesy potato skins as well as the huge Henry's Burger.

If you are short on cash, do not fear. Your craving for fast, filling and tasty taqueria staples can be sated with a charge card. Or if you just want to dine on the cheap, this is the place for you. This is a definite to-go place. There are five tables in very close quarters that afford a nice view of the elbows and lower backs of those in line. Find carne asada, bean, cheesesteak and vegetarian. It also serves tacos and salads like the taco and the chicken fajita salad.

Sometimes you want a Louisiana link that sends your tongue on a one-way trip to New Orleans, a decent kosher frank. That is what the owner wanted when he opened up this small stand: a taste of New York's famous ethnic sausages from its German, Italian and Polish neighborhoods. And they ship bulk orders around the world, too! Not surprisingly, this joint is a hit with local students grabbing a quick bite between classes or a satisfying break during a late-night study session. Place your order at the front and hang out while waiting for your link. Lemon Chicken, Kielbasa and the turkey "Bird Dog" are among the several appetizing selections.

Come here for juicy, cooked-to-order 1/3-pound burgers. When you enter, you are literally in the kitchen, but there are tables and chairs on the sidewalk, and often college kids sitting on the curb. Though small, it cooks up a variety of burgers. The Original can be cooked to order, but try the Hickory, made with the house's own BBQ sauce, or the Avocado, which includes said avocado as well as the house's own dressing. For non-beef eaters, there is the Chicken and the Turkey Burger, as well as salads. There are, of course, fries and drinks aplenty.

Riva Cucina is a delight to locals with its plethora of Italian recipes, waiting to be discovered. Little known to most people, it is slowly gaining popularity for its delectable food and amicable atmosphere. The dishes, are Italian classics, recreated by the chefs. Try the Capesante Gratinate for starters, which will immediately ready the palate for the onslaught of the flavors. The Tagliatelle Bolognese is also a safe bet, with its tangy quality. Riva Cucina also looks after its junior guests, providing them high chairs and a specially created menu suited for their palate. The ambience is casual and intimate.