Sleek, chic sushi at Katsuya at the SLS Hotel on South Beach

Valerie Nahmad Schimel7/9/2012

The goods. LA-based Katsuya brings chic Japanese eats to South Beach.

Ambience. SoBe chic at its peak. A sleek, Philippe Starck-designed black and white foundation is accented with oversized Geisha photos and a hot pink staircase leading to the buzzing Dragon Lounge.

The grub. High-end Japanese eats. Start with new classics like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno (pictured), baked crab handrolls or crispy rice with spicy tuna. Then move onto specialty rock shrimp tempura or sunset rolls, obligatory (and delicious) miso-marinated black cod, Kobe rib eye and robata veggie, poultry, beef, seafood or bacon.

Dessert brings mochi, chocolate “lover” cake with vanilla ice cream and crème brulee. Wash it all down with a watermelon cucumber mojito or an ocean fizz blending gin, pressed rosemary and Moscato d’Asti.

The verdict. Equal parts scene and substance in the heart of South Beach.