Mia Sushi

Mia Sushi Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Once-sleepy Eagle Rock can count the hip Mia Sushi, which looks like it belongs in Venice or Hollywood, among restaurants fueling the community's dining renaissance. Eagle Rocker Rudy Martinez named the place after his daughter, and designer Mary O'Grady dressed up the chocolate walls with gold-stained carvings of Buddha faces, while tall figurines watch over the sushi bar. Red votive candles cast a sexy glow on the intimate dining room; the music --- a not-so-soothing techno-beat --- is a bit too loud. Out front, a contemporary fountain graces the patio, where guests chatter over saké and specialties like the Eagle Rock roll (tempura-fried spicy tuna and asparagus roll served with lemon cream sauce).

Food & Drinks: There are other creative sushi rolls as well as items like albacore sashimi with crispy red onions, or seared pepper tuna with a creamy vinaigrette. For those shy of seafood, look for a filet mignon with balsamic teriyaki sauce and chicken teriyaki. For dessert, stick with the tempura-fried bananas. In L.A., we've been spoiled by some truly great sushi masters, so much of the traditional sushi here fails to impress. A special happy hour menu is served Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.