Katana Review: This Former Celebrity Sushi Haunt Is Still a Place to Feel Famous in West Hollywood | Eater LA

"Once a paparazzi-swarmed celebrity hangout, this Japanese lounge has mellowed, with a dark, semi-industrial interior that opens to a see-and-be-seen patio overlooking Sunset Boulevard. It isn’t quite the chic Nobu experience or the party-like Koi situation down the block, but the food is arguably better than most restaurants in the genre, and you should expect to shell out at this high-end West Hollywood dinner spot. Yellowtail serrano arrives in domino-sized cuts with tangy ponzu, and maguro carpaccio layers shaved Parmesan around a tangle of arugula—both solid sashimi starters small enough to feel like amuse-bouches. Popcorn shrimp are crisp and piping hot, the kind of snack that disappears fast. Grilled king crab legs come laced with bonito aioli; a squeeze of chile-flecked lime adds a spicy, tangy punch. Rolls are practically required to fill up after picking at tiny pieces of seafood, and they don’t use too much of the surprisingly well-seasoned rice here, so go a little overboard; the White Lotus, with seared albacore and truffle soy, is a banger with layered textures from fish roe and shrimp tempura. Cocktails are surprisingly stiff and well crafted despite name-brand spirits—Heat of the Dragon was a favorite for a kumquat-tinted take on a margarita, while the Sunshine Spritz, made with Red Bull watermelon, lychee, and Giffard’s pamplemousse, makes an easy sipper. For value, the tasting menus are a smart move: the $85-per-person option includes eight savory courses, from sushi and the White Lotus roll to seabass and aged ribeye robata skewers, while the $125-per-person version ups the luxury with Kobe beef and toro nigiri." - Matthew Kang