There was a point in time when eating sushi was an adventure. Far from being in the mainstream of American cuisine, sushi was seen as a way to justify eating raw fish for the thrill of it. Now, sushi has become a staple of fine dining restaurants and buffets alike, its unique charm coming from its simple presentation, its exotic nature, and its divine taste.

For some terrific, first-class sushi, try The Hump, which is located looking over the Santa Monica airport runway. The chefs were all handpicked from some of Los Angeles finest sushi restaurants to come together and form the ultimate sushi restaurant, and for the most part, the effort was a success. Adventurous guests can which the chef filet the fish right in front of them, while those who would rather avoid such a show can sit at a candlelit table. All in all, The Hump, with its elegant ambiance and excellent food, is one of the best sushi joints in L.A.

If you want reasonable prices for extraordinary sushi, look no further than Asanebo on Ventura Blvd. In Studio City. The service is friendly, especially the chefs, and their wistful dishes are artfully served and completely delicious. Regulars are treated especially well, so if you keep coming back, as you most certainly will want to do, the experience gets better and better. Asanebo is a fantastic choice for the budget-conscious yet discerning eater.

Some sushi in Los Angeles is masterfully done, but only four chefs in the Los Angeles area can call themselves master sushi chefs, and one of them is Chef Katsuya. His restaurant, aptly named Katsu-Ya, is one of the most trendy sushi stops in L.A. and one of the finest as well. A mural of a geisha's face catches the eye and creates a stunning visual environment that is irresistibly exotic. Inventive takes on modern Japanese fare as well as traditional Americana favorites make Katsu-Ya's menu distinctive. Katsu-Ya has locations in Studio City and Encino with a third location coming soon.