The sexy scene includes a glowing red column in the middle of the otherwise dimly lit dining room with a fireplace suspended in the center, high above the dining area. On one wall, a huge photo of a Japanese street scene is sharply backlit, reminding diners of the authenticity of this sensual restaurant. A birds-eye view of the main dining room can be gleaned from the second floor, where tables rim the perimeter.

Geisha House is a modern Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and sake lounge, where flavors of traditional Japan are found everywhere on the menu. On a recent Thursday night, waitresses in tank tops catered to a small crowd around 7:00pm, until the pace got quicker when the place filled up at 8:30. At one booth, four 20-something girlfriends sipped drinks and gabbed; another table was filled with a half dozen young businessmen, seemingly wrapping up a long day. Several couples were scattered about, mostly dressed in the sexy high heels, mini skirts and shabby chic denim/designer t-shirt combos that speak of the Hollywood club scene. But this is no pick up joint, it’s a sophisticated but playful dinner spot where you’ll spend a few bucks on quality food. Pop music plays at a fairly loud level and the wait staff are perky and bright.

Sake-infused martinis are a best bet for cocktail sipping at Geisha House. There’s a full list of sakes and additional libations too, so don’t be shy about trying a new drink.

For starters, after, of course, you have your way with a dish of edamame, dig into the maguro carpaccio salad, a divine plate premium tuna and organic arugula topped with shaved Parmesan. It’s fresh, light and full of flavor, no ordinary house starter salad. Next, go for a Geisha House sushi roll, of which there are several. Standards like spicy tuna and dynamite are included, but more adventurous eaters will want to try the gorgeous red samurai roll, a combination of spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, tuna, grape tomatoes, Serrano peppers and vinaigrette. Every bite is a surprise, with the cool avocado and tomatoes sometimes taking center stage, and the spicy peppers coming to the forefront at other times with a spicy jolt. All manner of Geisha-titled rolls appear, from the frightened geisha, a spicy tuna and albacore roll with torched salmon, spicy cream sauce and eel, sauce, to the geisha’s vice, a king crab based creation. Robata is also part of the menu and the skewers are sizzling with juicy flavor. For the best sampling of the full Robata spectrum, try “Robata World”, an offering of eight skewers of chicken, beef, salmon, asparagus and tofu-tomato.

Main course options include grilled Alaskan salmon teriyaki, baby Japanese eggplant and grilled filet mignon.

It isn’t easy to find a hip Hollywood eatery that you’d also take your mom to, but Geisha House is it. Discover the sensual wonders of Japan with the slick vibe of movie-town.

Located at 6633 Hollywood Boulevard. For reservations, call (323)460-6300.