Weekend Picks: Red-carpet worthy dining

In advance of Oscar night, enjoy a little show business. Here are three restaurants that could be nominated for art direction and set decoration, even special effects. All they need is a red carpet.

Insignia is a big, glittery place for excellent steaks, sharp sushi and a scene that resembles an ensemble performance. The kitchen keeps the theme going. Recommended: all dry-aged steaks, colorful sushi rolls, whole fish such as Dover sole and red snapper and sweets including cinnamon doughnuts and blondie-bottom banana cream pie.

Insignia, 610 Nesconset Hwy., Smithtown; 631-656-8100, insigniasteakhouse.com

Nisen Woodbury could be equal parts theater and cinema, with a boldly designed interior, flashes of color and opulent food. Yes, you expect the volcano roll to erupt. Try the Kobe sliders trio, miso black cod lettuce wrap, roast duck, rack of lamb and the over-the-top sushi compositions.

Nisen Woodbury, 7969 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury; 516-496-7000, nisenwoodbury.com

Four Food Studio in Melville has vivid lighting, an eye-catching layout from bar to back and spirited social scene. Sample braised pork tacos, spicy sambal chicken lollipops, an update on surf-and-turf with braised short rib, crisp pork belly and littleneck clams. Wait till the cotton candy arrives.

Four Food Studio, 515 Broadhollow Rd., Melville; 631-577-4444, fourfoodstudio.com