Los Angeles - October 08, 2007

Domo Arigato, Mr. Robata

Robata Bar Readies to Open

You’re always looking for an excuse to say, “Throw another shrimp on the barbie.”

While that’s not really a good thing, Robata Bar is. The new low-key Japanese pub from the team behind Sushi Roku, Katana, and Boa fires up the grill tomorrow for the first time.

A few tables, booths, and stools make seats for 50, and a giant bar’s home to the charcoal robata grill, sushi chef-run raw station, and beverage department.

To open, they’re working a preview menu; only the delicious will survive. For robata yaki (or meat-on-a-stick), that may mean chicken with scallion, Chilean sea bass, and aged rib eye. Salmon, snapper, and mango tartare; whitefish ceviche with shichimi popcorn; and wasabi Bloody Mary oyster shooters could also make the cut. Contemplate their fates over a Poochi-Poochi sake or an Echigo microbrew.

Take note: They don’t accept reservations.

But you shouldn’t have any going in anyway.

Robata Bar, 1401 Ocean Avenue, enter on Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica (310-458-4771).