ONE FISH. TWO FISH. LUCKYFISH.

Innovative Dining Group (Sushi Roku, Katana, Boa Steakhouse, Robata Bar) has brought their flare for all things “sushi” to Beverly Hills. Not that the 90210 needed another sushi spot to compete with the likes of Matsuhisa or Bond St. L.A., but this time IDG decided to go for something completely different: hip, yet casual, kaiten-zushi; which isn't so typical for BH. The BH dining scene is one that thrives on the not-so-quick dining experience. One usually would expect to spend anywhere from an hour or more at a BH restaurant – often times slowly eating and drinking, engaging in all sorts of banter, and – if you could score a table on the sidewalk – people-watch. At Luckyfish, however, you still get all the frills that comes with other BH-ish restaurants – but you (1) wait less, and (2) are usually out of there almost as quickly as you went in.

Luckyfish is located alongside a slew of other eateries and shops in the business district of BH; a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from Rodeo Drive. The kaiten-zushi establishment is a sushi restaurant where patrons will find plates of sushi (and other food items) traveling along on a rotating conveyor belt that winds through the dining area, passing every table and/or counter seat. Luckyfish also offers items that must be ordered through waitstaff, but – for the most part – the draw comes from the dishes that are made available for the taking on the belt. Items are priced according to color-code, and all plates are colored accordingly.

The freshness of the food is ensured through an RFID tag embedded in each plate. The system allows the restaurant’s lead sushi chef to program a unique ID for each dish. The belt then automatically “dismisses” any plate that has been on rotation for longer than an hour.

Don’t expect the flavors of Sushi Roku or Katana at Luckyfish. While they are all sister restaurants, Roku and Katana pride themselves more with ambience and serving overly-priced, yet moderately decent, sushi and other Japanese fare. Luckyfish is much more casual, and you will note this in the food as well. Flavors fall a little short of IDG’s only moderately-flavored tastes (as one will find at their other establishments), but it's workable for that quick meal during your lunch break. Fun “finger” foods such as popcorn shrimp, gyoza, edamame, and chicken kara age are perfect accompaniments to the sushi, sashimi, and cut or hand rolls available. Cut rolls come at four pieces each, and you’ll find all the usual suspects: crunchy spicy tuna, California, toro jalapeno, and soft shell crab to name a few. Sushi/Sashimi favorites include shiro maguro, ama ebi, hamachi and uni. You’ll also find “firecracker rice,” with shrimp or seasonal veggies; yakisoba, salads and miso soup. Beer, sake and wine are also available.

The waitstaff is super-attentive, and the restaurant manager is very friendly and accommodating. The little space attracts a mixed crowd of suits, office groups, hipsters, and shoppers stopping in for a quick bite. It may not be anything to write home about, but it's worth a visit or two. At Luckyfish, the experience of having food via "conveyor belt" in a hip and trendy spot makes for great conversation. With the right company, you'll probably find yourself back again.

---

Luckyfish, 338 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310.274.9800