Skybox Sushi
Once we stepped behind 100-year-old wooden gates into a tranquil Japanese garden and were greeted warmly at Gonpachi, we looked up and were suddenly and somewhat explicably reminded of being at Staples Center. No, it wasn’t a Pau Gasol sighting, and more on that in a moment. Gonpachi is a gem that stands out from the old school vibe (Lawry’s, Benihana, anyone?) on La Cienega’s established restaurant row, just north of Wilshire.
Although it’s been around for several years, run by the folks behind Monsoon and Cafe La Boheme, the restaurant recently held an “opening” bash to give guests a taste of the fare overseen by executive chef Chris Behre. with samplings from the Edo-Mae (Tokyo style) sushi bar, meat from the Robata Grill, handmade Soba noodles and perfectly done tempura, accompanied by sake and other spirits. Gonpachi also does a $28 all you can eat served meal. And about that Staples feel, the restaurant features a second level of private booths, reminiscent of sky boxes, that look down on the action, which includes a chef rolling out dough for the fresh-made soba noodles.
Gonpachi, 134 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 659-8887
