VIBE

A smoking scene and sizzling eats–open flame charcoal grill cooking (“robata-yaki”) is just one option on an overwhelmingly large, swank Japanese menu. The décor goes for a mod science fiction look, all steel beams and glistening surfaces, but the focal point is the flocks of beautiful people on the velvet-roped, see-and-be-seen terrace.

CROWD

The crowd is très Hollywood (expect A-listers and film industry bigwigs), mixed with a smattering of tourists keen to get a glimpse of their scene.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Glam it up: pull something from the Carrie Bradshaw section of your closet, like a slinky (yet sophisticated) dress and killer heels.

GO HERE WITH

The girls–with plenty of clubs in walking distance, this is a great place to start a night out.

WHY WE LIKE IT

They’re not shy about being all-out Hollywood sceney, which is fun. Also, we’re impressed that despite the hype, they still manage to cook up decent Japanese fare.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The service is spotty, and the hostesses lose points for getting so caught up in the scene that they forget to host. They WILL try to snub you with a less-than-desirable indoor table, unless you are either famous or ultra-persistent. Life’s too short for that attitude, we say.

GOOD TO KNOW

If possible, try to score a table on the terrace–the views and the scene are divine. (As an alternative, the Tea Room is where the power set hangs out.) If you can’t get a booking, try the sushi bar–they often take walk-ins. If you’re actually here for the food instead of the scene, definitely ask your server for suggestions–with three working kitchens and a gigantic menu, the offerings can be overwhelming.

CLOSEST COMPS

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

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