Chef Katsuya Uechi and SBE have built on the success of their three Philippe Starck-designed restaurants by opening a branch of Katsuya at L.A. LIVE on June 25. Katsuya Downtown now occupies 7,500 square feet at AEG’s experience driven mixed-use development. Clint Clausen, the SVP of SBE Restaurants, described L.A. LIVE as “a logical place for Katsuya – with the abundance of entertainment and sporting venues, we have a ready made and diverse clientele at our fingertips.”

The entrance features twin boulders and a glass façade adorned with images of the eyes and lips of a geisha. You’ll also find an outdoor patio, a 33-foot-long bar, a rectangular sushi bar and plenty of flat-screen TVs. Clausen said, “While remaining true to the style, design and menu of the Katsuya brand, this location will offer a more relaxed, approachable environment reflecting the L.A. LIVE destination.”

The core menu is similar to what you’d find in Brentwood, Hollywood or Glendale, but Chef Katsuya did create a Happy Hour Menu that’s specific to L.A. LIVE. “We have ‘simplified’ and made this menu much more approachable to the type of guest that we anticipate frequenting Katsuya LA LIVE,” said Clausen. “Sports fans and concert goers will be more familiar with some of these items and, we believe, this will allow Katsuya to compete with several of the other restaurants.” Expect options like mini Kobe burgers, spicy chicken wings and Rakumori, a Japanese-style seafood platter.

SBE is by no means through with the brand’s expansion. Clausen said they’re looking to take the concept nationwide.