Sushi Roku

Sushi Roku Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: This edition of Innovative Dining Group's (Boa Steakhouse, Katana, Robata Bar) upscale sushi chain features the kind of trend-conscious design and imaginative fare that was for years reserved only for cutting-edge places like Beverly Hills' Matsuhisa. But this restaurant---filled with polished stone, rich woods, bamboo and water features---offers an aesthetically presented contemporary menu that is equal to its stylish environment and cool clientele.

Food & Drinks: The ultra-fresh and deftly prepared traditional sushi reliably satisfies, often thoughtfully plated (e.g. toro topped with shaved truffles, crab offered with a miniature pan of beurre blanc). But be sure to sample some of the more innovative dishes as well, such as sea bream sashimi dusted with black sea salt or cups of phyllo filled with dill caviar-crowned tuna tartare, served with balsamic sauce. People who insist they can't find anything to eat anywhere near a sushi bar will be overwhelmed with intriguing possibilities---even carnivores can find a respectable filet mignon in ginger-teriyaki sauce. A wide saké selection is offered, along with some decent sushi-friendly wines. Desserts tend to point West, such as banana bread pudding or a petite chocolate lava cake.