Uchi

On our list of the best special-occasion restaurants in Los Angeles.

James Beard winner Tyson Cole brought his Austin-born Uchi west for its first West Coast location, setting up a sushi bar, dining room and patio in West Hollywood's Design District. The menu leans toward inventive combinations over straight nigiri — a live scallop dish called muki hotate, and hotate no tataki paired with strawberry and XO sauce. Reservations are accepted but walk-ins are welcomed too, and corkage is allowed for those who bring their own bottle.