"Cooking fish whole definitely gives it a better texture ... ginger and scallions or fried and served with a brown sauce and Szechuan spices. The prices fluctuate based on the market.

If you look around the dining room, nearly every table has a tureen filled with fish and an assortment of chilies and peppercorns, submerged in an oily broth. This is Szechuan cuisine.

Chinese, Mexican, Middle Eastern and other restaurants serve whole fish in their own styles. Here are five places to check ...