Gyenari

In Short
Yet another addition to downtown Culver City's resto revitalization, this sprawling space is ideally situated on the pedestrian stretch next to Rush Street and just a stone's throw from the historic (and happening) Culver Hotel. Walk past the sidewalk patio and the first things you'll notice are the cool front bar--stacked with just about every buzz-inducing beverage imaginable and set in its very own lounge area--and the back wall lit by an enormous lemon-colored mural of gyenari blossoms. After the quasi-industrial scene is absorbed, (exposed ceiling ducts, unfinished brick walls, yada yada) your eye will be drawn to the 32 individual grilling tables where local families, casual couples and hungry yuppies cook meat without any worry of smelling like a smokestack (thanks to the underground air-sucking grills that outfit this joint). The menu--spearheaded by executive chef Robert Benson (Jack N' Jill's, Le Creperie)--has everything from family style barbecue replete with traditional banchan (side dishes) to a la carte options like the deliciously tender glazed black cod.