The Japanese tradition of Shabu Shabu has finally gone mainstream in Hollywood, invading the Hollywood & Highland Mall in the form of Koji's Sushi and Shabu Shabu. This elegant restaurant is spacious yet cozy, with high ceilings and bar seating that provides for a sociable and friendly environment. For those longing for a more intimate evening of dining, a few booths are available. Wherever you choose to sit, a personal electric stove and boiling pot of water are present, for patrons must cook their own food in this fun and interactive affair. Thin slices of beef, chicken or shrimp are served raw with uncooked veggies and noodles, all of which cooks in seconds. Everything is accompanied with a bowl of sticky white rice and two traditional dipping sauces. Appetizers of Sushi and rolls and a few traditional Japanese desserts are on the menu as well.

Noura Cafe
8479 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.651.4581

The Noura Café in West Hollywood provides an exotic Middle Eastern experience, drawing a chic crowd with its modish and intimate atmosphere. Patrons order food at a fluorescent cafeteria style counter, which provides a quirky contrast to the rest of the elegant and dimly-lit restaurant. Food is then served by waiters at each plush-seated and candlelit table. Mirrors and plants are tastefully placed about the venue, and the diverse and somewhat unpredictable music is never too loud. The outdoor garden and bar, smartly adorned with an abundance of greenery, contains more cushioned seats and tables, and heating lamps and fire pits are available for those cool evenings. The menu presents warm pita sandwiches and lunch and dinner plates served with rice and veggies. Included in the various entrees are chicken and lamb shish-kebabs and a fabulous falafel. Fresh salads and Middle-Eastern desserts such as Baklava are also available.