Dinner near Hilton Universal City

[Scotty]

I've been drafted to find a great Sushi Bar or Steak and Lobster place for a business dinner for 5-6 people on a Wednesday night after a long meeting. Price can be on the high end. The Hilton is at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive and a short drive is required.

[mehfactor]

If you're in the mood for Italian, a nice place called Ca Del Sole is VERY close by on Lankershim, just past Gate 3 at Universal. It would be a nice spot for a business dinner as well.

[Das Ubergeek]

I concur. The patio is lovely, or if it's colder, sit inside by the fireplace.

[Scotty]

Thanks a lot!! So,Asanebo or Tama for sushi. Or Mortons if we go with beef.

Are we being too limiting with only sushi/steak? Is there anything else we should consider?

[Das Ubergeek]

Asanebo or Tama for sushi. Nozawa is excellent sushi, but it's bar seating only and not exactly the ambiance for a business dinner.

[ladius]

Right on, Nozawa is no frills for sure. Yes, Tama would be much better. It's been years since I've been to Asanebo but I remember it being kinda dingy inside... things must've changed since then.

[revets2]

it's not that nozawa is no frills. the food is frill enough. but the seating and the emphasis on turn for this tiny restaurant, well, let's just say it wouldn't thrill nozawa-san.

[Scotty]

Well...we went to Tama and it was great!

3 of us went to dinner. None of us have had sushi that much and I think we were all sort of showed it. (for example, not knowing the response to the Japaness greeting on walking in)

based on reading this board I did know to get the Omina...(you know, the chief chose what you get). I got the $40 one.

I wish I could remember exactly what I got, but I liked them all. The one I do esp. remember is the monk fish liver. Very non-fish like. I would make a point of getting monk fish liver again.

Nice setting and friendly service. I'll go again next time I'm in the area or anythime I want good sushi.

Thanks for the chowhound advice!

[revets2]

agree with the above poster. nozawa is no place for lingering business dinner. ASANEBO is very good. i also like TAMA.

11920 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, 91604
[phone]
Cross Street: Laurel Canyon Blvd.

they have cooked food as well as sushi and can be accessible to those sushi preferences on almost every level. katsu-san is a gem and a sushi master.

[mehfactor]

I would not go to Nozawa for a business dinner. Eating there is a hurried experience, to say the least. I don't think I've ever had a meal last longer than 15 minutes. They don't take reservations, either.

Better to go to Asanebo, which is just a little further down the street on Ventura. Or Katsu-ya. For steak and lobster, there is a Morton's in Burbank.

[ladius]

Nozawa is down the street (~5 mins) in Studio City.