Studio City

It's a bit of a hike out in the valley, but Kiwami, which comes from the original Katsuya team, has all the appeal of the original Katsuya Studio City location with a bit more atmosphere. Try to snag a reservation for the omakase with Katsuya himself—pricey, but worth it.

This might just take the cake for the least spectacular strip mall exterior: Funny, because it belies the cozy décor and Michelin-starred sushi and small plates inside. It's all exquisite, whether you order from the menu or opt for one of the three omakase menus. "A", "B", and "C", range from expensive to extravagant, but they're all worthwhile treats. It's possible to walk-in (and wait) on a week-night, but reservations are essential on weekends.

The eponymous burger here warrants the elusive name, which refers to the fifth taste in Japanese. You'll find a sleek interior and fantastic burgers, plus inventive sides and sauces. Not to mention, they grind their own meat, process their own cheese, and pickle their own veggies. Because why not? With multiple locations throughout LA area, you can't, and shouldn't, miss this. Other locations: Arts District, Downtown, Burbank, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Thousand Oaks