Katsuya @ LA Live - Los Angeles, CA

Now that I am a sushi connoisseur, I thought I'd test out the "go big or go home" of sushi restaurants. For sure a little on the pricy side, but if you go with a group of 4 you should be able to split a few things and save some money. Kelin and I dined her prior to a concert at the Staple Center. A great place to pass time and get a great meal in the area. There are many locations and I would be willing to test the others out based on my experience here.

     Pictured Above: Outside of Katsuya in LA Live, Main Dining Room (photos provided from google), Popcorn Roll (my fancy photo work)
        For more menu items and info visit :Katsuya's Website for L.A. Live

• Cuisine: Sushi - Robata Meat and Seafood, Rolls, ... if you don't like fish you could still enjoy this place.

• Favorite Food Items: Popcorn Roll (special), Edamame (you don't need to order your own as they give you a decent size for free), Sunset Roll

• Price: $$$- One of the pricers places to find sushi, but if you've never been I'd say the food is good enough to dish it out. Starter plates range from $6-16, including soups and salads, as well as seafood apps and veggies. Sushi rolls will be between $5 for a cucumber roll to $18.50 for a rainbow rolls which includes a "chef's assortment of sashimi". Main dishes for other cuisine selections such as beef or chicken are in the $15-32 range, and other seafood options will run you about the same. There is also the option for a fixed plate selection set at $25 per person.

• Ambience:  True to LA fashion, this location at LA live was fairly sized. The space was divided into a main dining room,a bar for meals and drinks, lounge area for happy hour, and outside dining for those warm summer nights. The decor had a white base with dark wood and rock accenting. Modern art with Asian influence throughout. 

• Dress Code: Trendy to Upscale, however on the night of a Laker game, I hardly think they would refuse service to someone wearing a jersey. On the other hand, I don't think you would feel out of place if you sported that little black dress either. 

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -The food was delicious, the service was efficient and I enjoyed the vibe. A fun spot for a night out in the LA Live area- perhaps before a concert or sporting event, as it is located right across from the Staples Center. I was seated at the bar as we did not have a reservation, but the lounge spots for happy hour looked inviting and I would be interested in dining at one of the other Katsuya locations such as The Americana in Glendale, or perhaps downtown LA near Hollywood and Vine.