We used to resent the notion of going out for dinner only to be forced into doing all the cooking ourselves. We've since worked through those issues of resentment and embraced the fun.

Sometimes a fun, low-key evening requires only jeans, clean proteins and fresh vegetables. And the do-it-yourself thing at Gyu-Kaku does encourage conversation for low-key first-daters, office lunchers or a dreaded dinner with the in-laws. But what to cook? The selection of meats and seafoods to slap on the circular grill in the center of the table is fairly extensive and might be too overwhelming for uncertain DIY virgins. Luckily, the "geisha" and "samurai" courses round up some good stuff for an easy-order dinner for two. Both include miso soup, edamame, ahi poke, harami miso, shrimp garlic, kalbi tare, vegetables and more—and, for dessert, s'mores. The more extensive "samurai" also has foil-wrapped salmon and U.S. kobe with ponzu. Don't know what any of those things are? Friendly servers are always nearby to explain the food, adjust grill temperature, provide cook-time suggestions and, when things get too gunky, replace the grill entirely. There are six Gyu-Kaku locations in Southern California; check the website for info on current deals before visiting. Food is often discounted at certain times, and drinks like sake and wine have been offered at buy-one-get-one-free prices. —Lonny Pugh