A new Japanese sushi bar and restaurant has taken over the former Ben Affleck/Matt Damon-owned Continental in Beverly Hills. Hokusai restaurant, named for a Japanese impressionist painter and wood engraver, is no longer a dark and musty lounge but rather a sleek, contemporary space with white linen-covered tables, multihued woods, and soft leather banquettes. In the middle of the dining room, a mirrored tower is etched with Japanese words for the elements and seasons. The executive chef and sushi chef travel to the fish markets daily for the freshest seafood; in addition to sushi offerings, the kitchen turns out Euro-Japanese dishes like braised Kobe cheek stew, foie gras with eggplant and miso, and lobster with sliced truffle and cherry vinaigrette. There’s also a lounge with a full bar and daily happy hour specials. The entire space holds 95. —Lesley Balla
Posted 03.26.07
Posted 03.26.07
