Going for an ‘Entire Entertainment Experience’ The dining room tables were made from the same tree. Both the robata and sushi counters were fashioned from a 600-year-old redwood tree the owners are quick to point out was already felled when they bought it from the Forest Service. After diners make their selection, they can watch the robata chefs skewer, then cook their orders over an open flame fueled by imported Japanese charcoal.Īlong the same wall is the sushi counter. Here, a variety of raw seafood, meats and vegetables will be displayed on ice under glass. These turn up again in the main dining room, which is divided into several areas but retains an open feel.įront and center is the robata counter. (Only after their installation did the partners realize that a coin tossed at the top of the wall creates a pleasant pachinko-like tinkling as it tumbles down.) A niche in another wall features a cluster of candle-filled, giant test tubes suspended from the ceiling. One wall in the lounge is covered with thousands of tightly packed knobs that turn out to be railroad ties. Clearly interior designer Dodd Mitchell, who also did the Sushi Rokus, Linq restaurant and the Santa Monica bar Voda, was the kid who wanted to put the circle in the square.Įven without the crowds, there’s plenty of eye candy. The focal point of the room, aside from the sure-to-be-pretty hostesses aglow in candlelight, is the chunky concrete bar with its varied levels, wacky angles and protrusions. To enter, patrons ascend a dramatic staircase, walk past two fountains designed to look like part of the original construction, through an antique finished steel door and into a dimly lighted lounge area. (For the record, Miramax signed its lease after the restaurateurs.) Though technically a Japanese restaurant, nothing about it feels typical. The fact that the DJ on the night played tunes I loved made our night.In the midst of it is Katana (which means “samurai sword”), housed in the Piazza del Sol, a gorgeous 1920s Mediterranean building on the Strip, also home to Miramax Films. I wouldn’t return just for the food I’m afraid, but for the overall experience. Even the lobster & sashimi were flavoursome but not outstanding. Everything we ordered were tasty & standard Japanese but nothing was amazing. It took a while for us to get our bill & even pay. The waiting staff were attentive, friendly & helpful at the start of the evening but lagged once the restaurant got very busy. Most patron on the night were in neat but casual attire - in my opinion is slightly inappropriate for a fine dining, well known restaurant. It’s classified as upscale but the dress code varied from head to toe in Gucci to a pair of denim with sneakers. A female DJ played awesome RnB tunes on the landing gave the venue more like a trendy nightclub than a restaurant. It was a cold summer night but there were plenty of outdoor heaters for warmth. We sat outside on the balcony area overlooking the street & LA skyline in the distant. It was our first time in West Hollywood & this restaurant was recommended by our hotel. It was our 11 years anniversary so we thought Japanese would be ideal because it’s our favourite cuisine.
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