Artistic sushi for the Arts District
Written: May 12 '00 (Updated Aug 19 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fantastic, artistically presented sushi
Cons: Expensive, somewhat hard to find, iffy parking
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| jerryla323's Full Review: R-23 |
LOCATION/DECOR
R-23 is a wonderful Japanese restaurant in the heart of the downtown Arts District, right down the street from Little Tokyo, which can be difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for, as it perfectly blends in with the surrounding warehouses. The interior is spectacular, in a trendy sort of way, very dramatic, with beautiful abstract artistic porcelain platters hung on the wall behind the sushi bar, displayed as the art which they indeed are. The chairs are rather funky, made from what appears to be multiple layers of corrugated cardboard, but are actually sturdier and more comfortable than they sound.
FOOD
The main attraction here is the sushi. Definitely elect to sit at the sushi bar. The sushi chefs are all very outgoing and friendly, and love it when you leave the ordering to them, once they get some idea of your basic likes and dislikes, and level of sushi experience. Having gone with a group of devout sushi lovers, and being one myself, it wasn't long before we gave ourselves up to the fabulous choices of our effervescent sushi chef. I was introduced to the joys of ankimo (monkfish liver), which at its best, as it is served here, rivals the best French fois gras for a taste experience. All of our chef's specially-made sushi was outstanding in both taste as well as artistic presentation. We let him continue laying his artwork out for us to eat until we all yelled "uncle"!
As you might imagine, this sushi treat was not cheap, but the quality compares favorably to some of the best sushi in town (namely sushi Nozawa in Studio City), at slightly less expensive prices.
SERVICE
Service is very quick, as long as you're sitting at the sushi bar. Otherwise, service can be a little slow from the wait staff, who are generally young and not too experienced.
MISCELLANEOUS
Parking can be tricky at times, but the restaurant is rarely crowded, except for occasional weekend nights. This is a great place to take your sushi-lover friends who are in the mood to drop a sizable chunk of well-spent dough on an evening. Visa/Master Card are accepted. I believe reservations are accepted, but they are rarely required, except maybe on weekends. I have never had to wait to be seated here.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jerryla323
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Member: Jerry
Location: Chicago
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 27 members
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