SHO Shaun Hergatt (Katie Sokoler/Gothamist)

The confirmed death toll from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan last week has exceeded 3,600, and that number is expected to increase greatly once the seawater recedes and casualties wash ashore. There are numerous rescue and relief funds (some of them fraudulent) set up to help the victims of the catastrophe, and here in NYC a handful of local restaurants and bars are donating proceeds to the effort. The situation in Japan isn't exactly making us hungry, but if you're planning a night out and want your money to go toward a good cause, here are some options:

Both of SUSHISAMBA’s NYC locations will donate 100% of the proceeds from their $12 “Disaster Relief for Japan” sushi roll to the Red Cross, “Our Japanese sushi chefs are leading the charge in creating these special rolls in honor of their native country," says the restaurant. "SUSHISAMBA stands by them, their families and the Japanese population at large during this difficult time."

Executive Chef and owner of Mehtaphor, Jehangir Mehta, is set to donate all of the restaurant’s proceeds tonight, March 16th, from 6-8pm to the Japanese Red Cross. Mehta has also launched the Gastro Kids After School Program and all of the proceeds (there is a $60 fee) garnered from the inaugural class this Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. will be donated as well.

Meanwhile, both locations of Nobu, have pledged $50 to charity with every order of their $150 omakase tasting menu. And starting tonight, Chef Yoshi Nonaka will offer all of the proceeds from his famous Yoshi Fried Chicken at both Terroir Wine Bar locations (a $6 small plate) to relief funds.

On the sake side of the relief efforts, Shaun Hergatt, Executive Chef of the excellent and disarmingly reasonably priced SHO in the Financial District, will donate 10% of all sake sales from Wednesday, March 16th through Wednesday, March 23rd to the Japanese Red Cross.

Similarly, Marco Moreira and Jo-Ann Makovitzky of Tocqueville and 15 East will donate 5% of both restaurants’ beverage sales from Wednesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 22nd to the same organization.

There are also a variety of events happening this week that will raise money for disaster victims. However, there is no confirmation yet on famed NYC chef Mario Batali’s hopes to host a cooking demo benefit with Charlie Sheen.

And even if your schedule does not permit you to attend a benefit or sit down to eat at one of these venues, you can still give to a number of organizations that will help those in need; as we noted yesterday, the JapanNYC festival has a certified list of reputable groups in need.