Katsuya adding location in Laguna Beach

Katsuya by Starck, a Los Angeles sushi hot spot, is coming to Laguna Beach.

After nearly five years of scoping the area, the SBE Restaurant Group finally found its fifth location at 858 S. Coast Hwy.

Executive Chef Daniel Elmaleh is looking forward to the new restaurant, which the group plans to unveil in June.

Elmaleh is the executive chef for all SBE restaurants, including Gladstone’s, Abbey Food & Bar, Hyde, Industry, the Colony and Cleo.

“We’re so excited about this location,” he said. “I think it’s the only Katsuya we have that’s so close to the beach.”

Katsuya has locations in Brentwood, downtown L..A, Glendale and Hollywood. They’re opening two more locations in Miami and Houston in the coming months.

Known for sexy, lounge-style interiors and a diverse menu of Japanese cuisine, many patrons of their L..A locations aren’t surprised to catch a celebrity while enjoying their rainbow roll.

Philippe Starck, the architect behind the renowned modern Katsuya exteriors, is lending his hand to Laguna Beach’s design. Elmaleh said the Laguna location will be similar to their first Katsuya, in Brentwood, which was based on a bento box.

A good distance from their urban locations, Katsuya by Starck in Laguna Beach will offer a new interpretation of the restaurant, catering to the unique coastal clientele.

Elmaleh noted one fun addition to the restaurant: a Robata bar.

Robata is a Japanese charcoal grill that will offer its own menu as well as some entertainment, as patrons watch their entrée prepared in front of them. The only other location that has one is Brentwood.

“Sushi is very visual. It’s a show,” Elmaleh said. “Robata is going to add to that as well.”

He also mentioned that Robata offers some approachable items for kids who might not be ready for raw fish.

However, he said, don’t worry about the staples — such as the crispy rice with spicy tuna or the spicy albacore with crispy onions. They’ll be on the menu as well.

For more information, visit sbe.com/katsuya.