Around the corner from sister restaurant Sushi Roku, the newest addition to the fam (Sushi Roku, BOA, Katana) is Robata Bar, the Japanese-style neighborhood gastropub.

Giving this Intimate with a capital I (it’s only 1,000 square feet) Dodd Mitchell-designed nomiya an opium den-ish vibe, Westsiders will first notice the 5,000 custom-made gold tassels hanging from the ceiling.  Diners and drinkers dine and drink on either the 20-foot walnut bar or on one of the few dark leather booths that line the narrow space.  Flanking the walls are photos of Tokyo’s Harajuku residents—Gwen Stefani was a tame version—giving Robata Bar an underground Japanese feel despite it being a stone’s throw away from the Santa Monica Promenade.

With the individual servings (and the easy-on-the-wallet prices), Robata Bar is perfect for groups or singles wanting to sample a variety of dishes. Some definite give-‘em-a-gos are the whitefish ceviche with Shichimi (or light caramel) popcorn, the Chilean Seabass skewers and—for the daring—the oyster with quail egg and uni shooters.  Robata Bar's Sweet with a capital S cocktails, like the Kyoto rose martini with white tea Bulgarian rose petals, are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette and don't forget to try their exclusively made draft beer, Red Sun.  Dressing up is no must—the casual sensibility of Robata Bar makes it easy to stop in post-shopping/errand-running to meet up for a bite and a drink. — Alexis Johnson