Katana Robata & Sushi Bar

The Scene
The team behind Balboa and Sushi Roku has put its muscle into this stylish Japanese restaurant and lounge. The decor verges on ''Blade Runner'' territory, with ultramodern touches such as steel I-beams substituting for traditional teak rafters, and security grills standing in for Japanese lattice. A swanky patio overlooks the Strip.

The Food
The encyclopedic Japanese comfort-food menu can be overwhelming. Get your bearings over fragrant red miso soup, then turn your attention to the specialty of the house, robata. The traditional Japanese skewers are roasted over an open flame, infusing the meat, fish or vegetables with a smoky essence. Served in dainty portions, the choices range from chicken breast to a more ambitious sea bass marinated in ponzu. Other inspired dishes include giant scallops and shiitake mushrooms loaded with minced chicken. The chefs also turn out gems like the lobster roll loaded with broiled meat and the buttery toro roll.