THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Wa Sushi & Bistro Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Wa Sushi & Bistro Restaurant Review:

Founded by a friendly trio of Matsuhisa alums, this intimate sushi bar is tucked into the second floor of a nondescript mini-mall, where guests can enjoy a decent hillside view of the city. At prices much less than at the owners' alma mater --- and with the kind of personal service rarely found there --- Wa offers inspired dishes such as a caviar- and gold leaf-crowned terrine of ankimo (monkfish liver) and shrimp, accented with apple purée; octopus ceviche; abalone sashimi; seared scallop with artichoke hearts; and a lobster tempura martini in a sweet miso-infused cream sauce. Prepared on a beat-up range behind the sushi bar are creations such as Santa Barbara prawns with sea urchin in a velvety beurre blanc or Chilean sea bass cooked with roasted eggplant. For dessert, there is a chocolate soufflé on offer. It’s small, but extremely popular, so reservations are recommended, even on weeknights.