1755 N Vermont Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 953-8900

West Hollywood: (323) 654-6200
West LA: (310) 470-2661‎

This might look like a cheap sushi place – and it is, technically – but Niko Niko isn’t messing around when it comes to sweet, unique combinations of flavors. The Los Feliz location and the slightly more upscale West Hollywood location share a few menu items, but also have their own unique creations, such as the Niko Express, a tasty WeHo roll smothered in batter-fried onions. They’re liberal with the eel sauce and spicy mayo, they’re willing to add avocado to anything (which is a huge point in our book), and a handful of rolls feature juicy, delicious mango. Also unique to them is butterfish – aka ono, or white tuna. Just get a couple sushi slices of that and you’ll be happy.

The haiku version:

Los Feliz sushi
Is like heaven for a dime
And they have ono

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8000 W Sunset Blvd #131A (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 848-8583

www.sushidanla.com

A favorite of the Hollywood locals, Sushi Dan (motto: “Rockin’ Sushi”) offers a mysterious and elegant atmosphere with inventive rolls and tasty appetizers you can actually afford. The sheltered outside patio provides a view of the colosseum-like shopping center it inhabits, and the staff is fun, quick and courteous. The place’s rock and roll calling card is mostly reflected in the names of the rolls, but your taste buds will probably do a little air guitar anyway. Best appetizer: the yammi crunchy, which is a mound of tuna, tomatoes and herbs on a fried wonton. Best dessert: the green tea tempura ice cream. Rock.

The haiku version:

Rockin’ service and
Rockin’ rolls are headlined by
The Yammi Crunchy

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1999 N Sycamore Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 466-5125

www.yamashirorestaurant.com

Originally built in 1914 as a private estate and later converted into one of Los Angeles’ favorite sushi restaurants, Yamashiro’s history is as diverse as its menu. Located on a hillside overlooking all of Hollywood, the restaurant offers far-flung views of the city from its glassed-in front porch area, plus elegant garden surroundings for diners in its inner courtyard. Menu-wise, the chefs use mango, macadamia nuts, coconut, mushrooms and other unusual sushi ingredients to create light, delicately flavored rolls, appetizers and entrees. We recommend the Hawaii Five-O, a yellowtail roll with a mango twist, or one of the flavorful fish entrees for a light, classy dining experience. Parking is valet-only, so come prepared.

The haiku version:

Japanese cuisine
Elegantly served in a
Japanese palace

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811 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2100 (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 236-9600

www.takamisushi.com

Located on the 21st floor of a downtown high rise, Takami is one of the most elegant, unique Los Angeles sushi restaurants you don’t have to mortgage anything to try. The expansive dining area wraps around three sides of the building’s penthouse, including a glass-walled, partially open outer area where diners can absorb close-up city views, and an inner dining area for those who get cold more easily. The dinner menu has its unique selection of rolls, flavorful entrees, and one of the best examples of spicy tuna on crispy rice the city has to offer. Strange creations like the poki martini (spicy tuna and accompanying garnishes in a martini glass) add some originality. The restaurant also shares the floor with the Elevate Lounge, for after-dinner partying.

The haiku version:

Sushi debonair
In a classy, urban space
High above L.A.

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7181 W Sunset Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 436-7999

www.bossanovafood.com

Bossa Nova, which is the Portuguese phrase for “new trend” (and also the surfer expression for “awesome”) is a small Brazilian place just west of Sunset and La Brea. Their menu is an odd mix of South American and Italian dishes, sometimes combined on the same plate. This results in tasty, unusual dishes like the Chicken Brochette, which featured deep-fried, bacon-wrapped chicken (or shrimp) in a gorgonzola cheese sauce, with a side of Italian bread. Whatever they’re doing, it’s popular, because you can usually expect a 15-20 minute wait for a table during the dinner rush. But it’s worth it for the gnocchi, and what is definitely one of the best Caesar salads in Hollywood.

The haiku version:

Brazilian spicy
Meets Italian savory
In L.A. crazy

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Damn, this restaurant is now closed!

412 N Fairfax Ave (map)
Los Angeles, CA‎
(323) 658-7611‎

www.mrpizza323.com

The late night pizza crowd is especially familiar with this by-the-slice establishment, which stays open until 4 a.m. on weekend nights. Unlike other late-night pizza joints, this one has real tables, and even a friendly, patient wait staff to take your order. The menu contains possibly every pizza topping known to man, and they don’t skimp on the slice size, or the ranch and marinara. The nice, big chunks of garlic bread will also help you soak up that alcohol.

The haiku version:

Order your pizza
Any way you can think of
At, like, 4 a.m.

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7408 W Sunset Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-7924

www.elcompadrerestaurant.com

With its prime location on Sunset just west of La Brea, El Compadre is a fun neighborhood place to grab a burrito, enchiladas, or some chips and guacamole with friends, family or a date. Part of the place’s appeal is the old Mexican atmosphere, complete with red vinyl, dark wood and the mariachi band that plays nightly at 8 p.m. Plus, the bar is well-stocked, and the margaritas are everything they’re touted to be. Expect a 20-minute wait if it’s busy, or go for the slightly cramped bar seating.

The haiku version:

Neighborhood haunt with
Old Mexi atmosphere and
Mariachi band

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10250 Santa Monica Blvd. #220 (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 789-1000

www.pinktaco.com

Crazy delicious Mexican food combines with a décor that could be described as voodoo-psycho-low rider in this savvy restaurant-bar, located on the second level of the Century City shopping area. Diners can stare at stylized statuettes of the Virgin Mary while consuming nachos and burritos under huge, golden piñata-like stars. The menu covers the standard fare with style, adding interesting touches like their pickled pink onions, jalapeno mayo and brandy chipotle cream sauce. You can order from nine specialty margaritas and a host of other cocktails, plus whatever secret creations doubtless exist off the menu. The outdoor patio can seat your large party, and the service is more on top of things than Cheech at a sorority function. Ask for server Jake, he’s the bomb.

The haiku version:

Nachos and tacos
That know how to kick your ass
Macarena-style

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11755 W Pico Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 312-2090

www.donantoniosla.com

Listen closely: Get the fajitas. Beef, chicken or shrimp, it doesn’t matter (ok, the beef’s the best). The fajitas are the best thing about Don Antonio’s, followed closely by the margaritas and the chips, both of which come out nice and toasty. The food isn’t the only inviting thing about this restaurant, though – the dark, richly decorated atmosphere and the ivy-lined back patio make it a fun place for friends, or a romantic hideaway for a date. Try to get a seat in the cave, and check out the huge tropical aquarium on your way out.

The haiku version:

Fajitas go well
With famous margaritas
Try them in the cave

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205 Broadway (map)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-2500

www.bbfood.com

Buddha’s belly makes exquisite eastern cuisine accessible to the working crowd, providing unique, carefully planned dishes without charging you into a second mortgage. The clean, modern and slightly upscale atmosphere hints at exorbitant prices, which thankfully don’t make an appearance on the menu. Exotic entrees include oriental-themed steaks, seafood and salads, as well as creative appetizers and affordable drinks. That, combined with the genuine, friendly service, creates a singular dining experience you can’t find much of in LA. Go with the ahi tuna burger (with sweet potato fries) and have a lychee martini while you’re waiting.

The haiku version:

Fine eastern cuisine
But still south of your budget
Asian with a ‘tude

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