Los Angeles has enough restaurants to eat someplace different every day for the next ... well, for a long time. But finding someplace "different" among all those eateries is the hard part. To help, here are LA.COM's suggestions for the most unique dining experiences in the Los Angeles area.

UWINK

Nolan Bushnell, the founder and former CEO of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese (and creator of "Pong," the world's first mainstream video game), is at it again with this up-and-coming restaurant chain.

The gimmick? Every table has it's own two-sided computer screen where diners can order their food and drinks and play "social" games (think "Truth or Dare," not "Solitaire") against each other (see photo, right).

And there's still "Pong." A six-person, stand-up console version of the 1970s game keeps guests busy while they're waiting for their tables.

Westfield Promenade Shopping Center, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills; (818) 992-1100; www.uwink.com. Another location is set to open at the Hollywood & Highland center in May.

HADAKA SUSHI

OK, so she's not really naked; flowers cover all the important parts. Still, Hadaka Sushi (Hadaka means "naked" in Japanese) is the only restaurant in Hollywood where guests can eat spicy tuna rolls off a woman's thigh.

But before you call the health department, you should know: The food never actually touches the woman's skin. Instead, as is customary with the Japanese "Nyotaimori" service, banana leaves are placed on the woman's body and the sushi is served on top of that.

Nyotaimori service is only offered for private parties and costs about $1,500.

8226 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 822-2601; www.hadakasushi.com.

ENCOUNTER

To enter the newly renovated Encounter Restaurant, the spaceship-inspired structure jutting up from the grounds of Los Angeles International Airport, you have to be "beamed up" via a purple elevator that plays groovy space music.

Inside, lava lamps are scattered throughout the room, podlike booths overlook the airport's takeoffs and landings, and the bar's beer tap makes a laser-beam "Zap!" sound every time its lever is pulled. It was designed by Disney Imagineers, but it's all very "Jetsons."

And then there's the view. If you've forgotten the thrill of watching planes lift off, now's the time to refresh your memory.

209 World Way, LAX; (310) 215-5151; www.encounterlax.com.

THE MAGIC CASTLE

You know you're in for something different when you have to say "open sesame" for a bookcase to swing open and grant you entrance to the 100-year-old Magic Castle.

Once inside, a labyrinth of stairs and hallways connect its creaky bars, intimate showrooms and upscale dining areas. Dining at the castle means access to explore the surroundings and see any of the nightly magic shows.

Keep an eye out for surprises, not the least of which is a ghost pianist named Irma who takes requests.

It's a private club, but there are loopholes to gain entrance, namely being invited by a member or staying at the adjacent Magic Castle Hotel, where rates start at about $160 per night. Associate memberships also are available for nonmagicians for about $1,600 a year.

7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood; (323) 851-3313; www.magiccastle.com.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE

With a cast of comedic actors from The Groundlings and Second City improv groups, the Dinner Detective murder-mystery experience begins the moment you take your seat.

Performers may or may not be seated at your dinner table - but you won't know who's who until people start crying, "Murder!" (see photo, right)

Mayhem ensues, and prizes are given to the guest who comes closest to solving the crime.

Note: Children under 14 are not allowed in the show.

Cucina Paradiso, 3387 Motor Ave., Los Angeles; (866) 496-0535; www.thedinnerdetective.com.

GYU-KAKU

Tired of being served? At Gyu-Kaku, charcoal pits are built into every table, so you can cook your own meats and veggies Japanese barbecue style.

Multiple locations, including 14457 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 501-5400; 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 1010-B, Canoga Park, (818) 888-4030; and 24631 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, (310) 325-1437; www.gyu-kaku.com.

SUNSET RANCH DINNER RIDE

Beginning below the Hollywood sign in Franklin Canyon and wending its way over the hill into Burbank to the Viva Fresh Mexican restaurant, this four-hour horseback ride is great for those who like the idea of working off their dinner.

3400 Beachwood Drive, Hollywood; (323) 469-5450; www.sunsetranchhollywood.com.

HOUSE OF BLUES GOSPEL BRUNCH

Gospel choirs from around the world perform at this weekly buffet-style brunch.

8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 848-5100; www.hob.com.

DAR MAGHREB

Take off your shoes, sit down on the floor, and dine in a mosquelike Moroccan palace, belly dancers and all.

7651 Sunset Blvd.; (323) 876-7651; www.darmaghrebrestaurant.com.

MESSOB ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT

Food is served the traditional Ethiopian way - without utensils. And come on, that's just fun.

1041 Fairfax Ave., Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles; (323) 938-8827; www.messob.com.

Melissa Heckscher
(310) 540-5511, Ext. 329
melissa.heckscker@dailybreeze.com