I first went to Saketini for a social gathering a couple years ago, and I have been going regularly ever since. I have yet to have an item on the menu that didn't completely satisfy. Not only do I drive out from Hollywood on a regular basis to enjoy the fine cuizine and serene setting on my own, but I always bring dates and friends to show them this fantastic restaurant. One friend who is a food connoisseur (ok, food snob) and worked at another upscale Pan Asian restaurant on the West Side said Saketini beat her restaurant as the best tempura calamari she has ever had. The Lunch Specials menu is an amazing deal for your money (the specials are also available for diner Sunday through Thursday), and the menu is written with hilarious sincerity. The California Rolls are stuffed to the brim with genuine crab meat. And the butterfish is to die for (try it in sushi or carpaccio form, either way you will love it). You don't even need soy sauce or wasabi with it! If you're interested in drinks, they have a fine selection of Japanese beer, wine, and sake, including some hard to find examples. The ""saketinis"" are made with real fruit (not just fruit syrups). The lyche saketini uses imported lyche fruit, and the apple saketini is made with real fuji apples, and the strawberry saketini always gets rave reviews. Owners Miki and Sung and the rest of the staff are always kind and welcoming, and they take care of the regulars and new clientele like they're family. I have no hesitation in reccommending Saketini to anybody who values fine cuisine, intimate settings, and good service. Oh, and don't be surprised or starstruck by the random famous faces you may see dining alongside you.
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