Katsuya prepares Japanese cuisine for the American palate. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

After an enlightening two-mile “Haunted Hollywood” walking tour, my friend and I stopped for dinner at Hollywood’s Katsuya restaurant. It’s an ideal spot to recap tales of the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” mayhem and romance.

We were greeted warmly with “irashaimase” as we were led into the dining room. The eye-catching art by world-renowned designer Phillippe Starck is “Face of Japanese” themed. This Katsuya location has bold and provocative photographs of illuminated geishas. We sat at a table near a massive piece, and we could see every eyelash and detail of the geisha in traditional white makeup.

Some of the original Katsuya creations remain on the menu, including crispy rice with spicy tuna and miso glazed black cod.

The restaurant is named after Katsuya Uechi, the CEO and owner of Katsu-ya Group Inc. He is one of a small select group of master sushi chefs in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, he is known for his distinctive food style and crafted execution. He has created some of the major culinary trends in the world of Japanese cuisine. Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors for the American palate.

When chef Katsuya opened his first restaurant, Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City in 1997, the success led to his opening of “KOI” restaurant in West Hollywood, a modern zen-inspired restaurant. He opened a second Katsuya in Encino, before collaborating with global hospitality and entertainment company, SBE. Together they share Katsuya’s vision and Japanese delights all over the world. Currently, Katsuya has 25 restaurants with Katsu-ya Group Inc. and SBE, which include several concepts ranging from fast casual to elegant dining.

We started with lightly salted edamame and piping hot bowls of miso soup with soft cubes of tofu, sliced green onions and strips of seaweed floating on top.

The restaurant offers unique rolls that include the “Katsuya” made with tuna, hamachi, salmon, scallop and crab wrapped in cucumber slices. Other specialty rolls are the Corn Crunch wrapped in soy paper with crispy corn tempura and shrimp. The sushi Moriawase is a specialty roll capped with Santa Barbara uni and eight premium nigiri rolls. Thinly sliced toro, salmon and hamachi topped the rectangle shape of rice.

A Katsuya specialty of the day was avocado on crispy rice that tasted just like guacamole on a crisp, yet chewy rice base.

An open-air Katsuya Beer Garden with seating for 400 guests will be opening soon at Westfield Century City. This venue will feature a terrace providing Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills views, while enjoying creative Japanese fare.

For a fun evening out, and with Halloween approaching, take an Experience First Haunted Hollywood walking tour to learn about Hollywood’s history and ghostly tales. The two-hour tour begins in front of The Pantages Theatre, with stops at The Roosevelt Hotel and The Hotel Knickerbocker. Tickets are available at exp1.com. $$-$$$ 6300 Hollywood Blvd, katsuyarestaurant.com. (323)871-8777.