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Katana
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Katana
8.3
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This buzzy robata grill combines dramatic ambiance with quality Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails. The elevated energy and creative menu make it perfect for business lunches that need to impress without being overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Popcorn Shrimp, Robata Grilled Items, Premium Omakase
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dramatic robata grill atmosphere with innovative Japanese-fusion cuisine
Who should go: Creative professionals and entertainment industry clients
When to visit: Weekday lunch service or happy hour
What to order: Robata items, miso popcorn shrimp, specialty rolls
Insider tip: Sit at the robata bar for the most engaging experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited - metered spots fill up quickly
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - jeans ok if paired with nice top
Noise level: Energetic buzz - can converse but may need to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, reservations recommended for groups 4+
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - substantial options including vegetable robata, tofu dishes, and creative rolls
Vegan options: Limited but available - 3-4 items including vegetable robata and modified sushi rolls
Gluten-free options: Yes - staff trained on modifications, tamari available, separate prep on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for confident daters who enjoy energy and conversation starters from the robata show, but skip if you prefer intimate quiet settings
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch is possible but dinner requires reservations - try bar seating as backup or call day-of for cancellations
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for teens/tweens - the robata grill creates entertainment but the energy skews adult professional
Best For
Better for: Business meals that need to impress, groups who want interactive dining experience, and post-work drinks with colleagues
Skip if: You want traditional quiet Japanese dining, need budget-friendly options, or prefer intimate romantic settings
Katana
8.4
Distinctively energetic Japanese restaurant combines modern sushi and authentic robata grilling with dramatic candlelight and live DJ ambiance. The elevated terrace overlooking Sunset Strip creates a seductive setting perfect for special occasions and impressive date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase, Wagyu Skewers, Volcano Cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Dramatic Sunset Strip setting with live DJ and robata grill theater
Who should go: Couples seeking vibrant energy and scene
When to visit: Dinner for full experience, happy hour weekdays
What to order: Robata skewers, premium omakase, signature cocktails
Insider tip: Request elevated terrace seating for best Sunset Strip views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking extremely limited - use rideshare recommended
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - nice jeans ok but cocktail attire preferred
Noise level: Lively but conversational - live DJ keeps energy up without overwhelming talk
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - creative vegetable sushi, tempura, and robata options
Vegan options: Limited but doable - vegetable rolls, edamame, some robata vegetables
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, many sashimi options, GF-aware kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - impressive setting and lively atmosphere breaks awkward silences, but book the terrace for best impact
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely on weekends - try arriving right at 5:30pm opening or check for last-minute cancellations at the bar
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children - late-night scene, live DJ, and cocktail-focused atmosphere better suited for adults
Best For
Better for: Dramatic date nights and celebrations - the Sunset Strip views and live energy create an unforgettable experience
Skip if: You want intimate quiet conversation, family dining, or traditional omakase focus over scene and ambiance
Katana
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Live Music Showtime
This dramatic Sunset Strip hotspot combines modern sushi with authentic robatayaki grilling using imported bincho charcoal. The multi-level space features live DJs, candlelit ambiance, and elevated terrace overlooking the Strip, creating LA's most energetic Japanese dining scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Skewers, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Premium Omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Dramatic multi-level space with robata grill and Sunset Strip views
Who should go: Night-out groups seeking energetic scene with quality food
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 5:30-7pm for best deals
What to order: Wagyu skewers, robata items, signature rolls
Insider tip: Request elevated terrace for Sunset Boulevard views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking nearly impossible after 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - think date night attire, no shorts or flip-flops
Noise level: Loud - live DJs make conversation challenging, better for groups than intimate talks
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually accommodated, 15-20 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, robata vegetables, and rice bowls
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including vegetable rolls and grilled vegetables
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, many sashimi options, staff knowledgeable about prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love energetic scenes - the live DJs make intimate conversation tough, better for established couples who want to party
Can I get a table without a reservation? Try the bar for walk-ins, or arrive right at 5:30pm opening - after 7pm weekends forget it without a booking
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - the late-night party vibe and loud music make it better for 21+ crowds, especially after 8pm
Best For
Better for: Scene and atmosphere - unmatched Sunset Strip energy, impressive dates, celebrating with friends who want to see and be seen
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, are on a tight budget, dining with kids, or prefer traditional sushi experiences over nightlife venues
Katana
8.2
This Sunset Strip hot-spot combines robatayaki grilled over imported Wakayama bincho charcoal with creative sushi in a scene-making atmosphere. The elevated terrace overlooks Sunset Boulevard while DJs spin and dramatic candlelight sets the mood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-Marinated Robata Shrimp, House Special Crab Roll, Kurobuta Sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Robatayaki specialty with imported bincho charcoal and Sunset Strip views
Who should go: Scene-seekers and groups celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 5:30-7pm at the bar
What to order: Robata skewers, specialty crab rolls, Izakaya Feast
Insider tip: Valet inside the garage structure with validation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 with validation in garage structure, street parking nearly impossible after 6pm on Sunset
Dress code: Trendy upscale - dark jeans ok but pair with nice top/blazer, no athletic wear
Noise level: Loud - especially on terrace with DJs, better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple vegetable robata options plus veggie sushi rolls
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable robata can be modified, ask server about preparation
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi and robata available, but request gluten-free soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the loud atmosphere and scene-y vibe make conversation difficult, plus high prices set expectations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends, try weekday happy hour at the bar (5:30-7pm) or put your name down and grab drinks nearby while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - late-night party vibe with DJs, better for teens 16+ or adults only
Best For
Better for: Scene and atmosphere unmatched for celebrations, best robatayaki technique with authentic bincho charcoal, prime people-watching on Sunset
Skip if: Want authentic quiet Japanese dining (try Asanebo), on a budget (try Sugarfish), need family-friendly (try Benihana)
Katana
8.3
Perched above Sunset Strip with a dramatic entrance staircase, this scene-making hotspot combines imaginative Japanese cuisine with robatayaki grilling. The elevated terrace overlooking Sunset Boulevard pulses with DJ beats and Hollywood energy nightly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kobe Beef Robata Skewers, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Garlic Lobster Noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Sunset Strip's most glamorous Japanese dining with celebrity sightings
Who should go: Scene-seekers and celebration groups
When to visit: Sunset happy hour for terrace cocktails
What to order: Robata skewers, signature rolls, Matcha cocktails
Insider tip: Request terrace seating for best Sunset views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15-18, street parking nearly impossible after 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Upscale casual - designer jeans ok but lean dressy, no athletic wear
Noise level: Loud - DJ and crowd energy make intimate conversation difficult
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only from 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable sushi rolls, tempura, and robata options
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 rolls can be made vegan, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, many naturally GF options marked
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want to impress - the scene and noise make conversation challenging, but the wow factor is undeniable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends - try for bar seats or come early (5:30-6pm). Weeknights more flexible after 9pm
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - late night club vibe, loud music, and party atmosphere better suited for adults
Best For
Better for: Scene and celebrity spotting beats Nobu, views trump most WeHo spots, cocktails rival dedicated lounges
Skip if: You want authentic edo-style sushi or quiet conversation - try Sushi Park or Matsuhisa instead