LA Restaurants

This modest little Japanese bistro prides itself on having the best modern and traditional dishes around town, as well as the largest selection of daily specials on the planet. Exotic specialties include tofu steak in a mixed mushroom sauce ($6.50), crispy sautéed seabass ($9.50), as well as flaky, steamed rock cod with Chinese sauce ($8.50). Complete the experience with green-tea or red-bean ice cream. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. Beer and wine; takeout; catering; parking; reservations accepted. AE, DC, DIS, MC, V.

This place serves excellent Japanese food. Oh, you want details? Let's talk about Kippan's ocean-fresh baby calamari, sautéed with Japanese chile and a dash of brandy ($5.80). Or, how about the super-tasty, soft-shell crab, fried crispy and garnished with pistachio slices and creamy pepper sauce ($6.80)? And if your stomach isn't growling yet, consider the scintillating sushi bar, with a great selection of yellowtail, tuna, toro, marinated albacore and more ($3.90-$5). Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner seven nights. Beer and wine; takeout; reservations accepted. AE, CB, DC, MC, V.