VIBE

Glitzy zen. The ambiance is chilled-out feng shui with candlelight, bamboo gardens, Buddha heads, and trickling fountains galore, but the crowd is as sceney as they come. The spacious and serene back patio is where super-starlets hold court, while baying packs of paparazzi create a ruckus at the entry. Actor-in-waiting servers can turn from chill to chilly if it’s clear you don’t have any juicy parts to cast for, but in-crowd wannabes suffer it gladly for a chance to dine with the stars.

CROWD

Celeb-heavy–especially from the Young Hollywood set. A less high-profile albeit ever well-heeled group of hip 30- and 40-somethings also pack in. Popular date spot.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Aim for an effortlessly glam yet casual look, like a sexy skirt, a trendy top, and heels or hip flats.

GO HERE WITH

A date; girlfriends

WHY WE LIKE IT

The glam sceney-yet-zen ambiance is fun–great for people watching or intimate conversation. The fusion fare can really hit some high notes, too.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Servers who are too busy being seen to see to their guests. Also, the sushi is hit or miss.

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s valet parking.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Las Vegas; New York; Bangkok

CLOSEST COMPS

Katsuya (Los Angeles); Katana (Los Angeles); Morimoto (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles