I don't see a lot of Chinese/Japanese places in Southern CA. We have plenty of both I guess... Anyway, I can only comment on the Japanese side; the sushi in particular.
I like sushi bars when I'm traveling since you can usually sit at the bar solo and not feel uncomfortable or out of place like you can when you're alone at a table. Benichopsticks was great for this and the sushi chef was very nice. The waitress who took my drink order was also attentive and friendly. The only short-coming was the overall quality of the sushi. The fish itself seemed fresh enough, but the nari (seaweed) was just a little chewy. Sort of like when you eat leftover sushi the morning after you bring it home. Certainly not enough to keep me from finishing it, but by LA standards this was just on par.
Not sure when I'll be back in the area but if the mood hits more for sushi, I'll probably be back. The service really was way above average.