Heaven on a stick

Robata -- the grilling of savory meats and vegetables on a skewer over an open charcoal flame -- is an age-old Japanese style

and a rare L.A. treat.

Katana

Looking for robata so fresh and hot you can taste the husky bite of an open flame? Sit at this joint’s

bustling robata bar and choose from the selection on ice beds in front of you: succulent filet mignon daubed with bitter foie gras,

tender and sticky Chilean sea bass, or skewers of salty, silky shiitake mushrooms.

Chilean sea bass, $4.50. 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-8585

Katsuya

Created by a triumvirate of cool (Philippe Starck designed it, Sam Nazarian is CEO, Katsuya Uechi helms the kitchen), Katsuya’s a hipster magnet with a scene that won’t quit. Come for the eye candy, stay for the duck breast with yuzu pepper or king crab legs with garlic-soy butter.

King crab legs with garlic-soy butter, $16. 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, (310) 207-8744

Izakaya Haru Ulala

This unpretentious Little Tokyo favorite prides itself on its menu of “Japanese-style tapas” and “comfort food.” Sit at the U-shaped counter to watch the cooks grill up traditional favorites like sliced pork ribs in spicy miso paste, crispy chicken skin, or garlic and korobuta pork.

Sliced short ribs in spicy miso paste, $3.95. 368 E. 2nd St., L.A., (213) 620-0977

Geisha House

“Blade Runner” fans will find a second home at this restaurant, with its red, dimly lit interior and futuristic fireplaces set into a giant red tube in the middle of the split-level dining room. (The place boasts a thumping Hollywood bar scene with DJ and dancing.) Get as crazy as the decor and order the full monty: eight juicy skewers of chicken, beef, asparagus and tofu-tomato dubbed “Robata World.”

Robata World, $26. 6633 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 460-6300

Minx

A high-concept restaurant and club located in an unlikely Glendale locale packs ‘em in on weekends and features a wraparound patio. Robata is not the focus of the menu, but if you opt to sit in the bar you can order tasty filet mignon robata lettuce wraps with a Korean BBQ glaze and cilantro hoisin-peanut dipping sauce.

Filet mignon robata lettuce wraps, $12. 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, (818) 242-9191