VIBE

Rock star sushi chef Katsuya Uechi has teamed up with rock star designer Philippe Starck to create the trendiest of trendy sushi joints (in the trendiest of trendy towns). Starck contributed his signature quirky look: expect oversized-to-creepy-proportions photos of luscious geisha lips and eyes on the walls, and shockingly basic wooden tables paired with voluptuous white sofas. Uechi’s sushi is as delish and creative as it’s ever been–this is the guy who started the crispy-rice-and-spicy-tuna craze–though the beautiful people crowd often seems more interested in the scene than the eats.

CROWD

Ultra trendy. A mix of celebs and pre-clubbing cool kids. Some business diners at lunch time.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go glam and trendy, like a sexy little party dress, or skinny jeans, killer heels, and glitzy top.

GO HERE WITH

A date; girlfriends – for a glam pre-clubbing meal

WHY WE LIKE IT

Love it or hate it, the Starck design is an experience, and the dolled up cool kid crowd it attracts is hot. The sushi rocks too.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The portions can be puny, depending on the plate (best ask your server).

GOOD TO KNOW

Sister chainlet Katsuya was chef Katsuya Uechi’s first and much more low-key venture; the two original locations, one in Encino and one in Studio City, are still open. If you’re jonesing for some Katsuya eats but don’t have time to stop by, you can order takeaway online through their website. We went at lunchtime which was mostly dead.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Glendale; Brentwood; Downtown Miami; Las Vegas

CLOSEST COMPS

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

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