Katsu-ya

Katsu-ya Restaurant Review:

There's lots of competition on this stretch of Ventura Boulevard, but Katsu-ya is one of the best venues on Studio City's crowded sushi row. The décor of this strip-mall eatery is not particularly distinctive, but the menu is intriguing and the execution first-rate. In addition to high-quality traditional sushi, the omakase (chef's choice) --- reasonably priced compared to some of L.A.'s flashier Japanese restaurants --- might include such items as jalapeño-topped hamachi, caviar-anointed salmon, seared tuna with mustard sauce, or a generous plate of Kobe beef that arrives at the table sizzling in butter. You can go to chef Katsuya Uechi’s slick Philippe Starck-designed showplace in Brentwood, but many of the same dishes --- including his signature, oft-copied crispy rice topped with spicy tuna --- are just as good right here in the original unassuming digs. Monday through Thursday there’s a good happy hour with $3-$7 appetizers and large beer or saké for $5. Also located at 16542 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-788-2396.