At Kabuto, the specialty is Edomae Sushi, prepared traditionally. This style of sushi originated in the Tokyo area as street food nearly 200 years ago, and has evolved into a refined experience. Small pieces of raw or marinated fish are applied to bite size pieces of vinegar rice, in a style more commonly known as nigiri. These masterpieces of fresh fish are designed to be eaten as soon as the sushi master makes it. A great deal of Kabuto's fish is imported from Japan, which demonstrates their commitment to authenticity and quality. The menu provides two omakase choices, with each including an appetizer, warm dish, sashimi, nigiri, hand roll, miso soup and dessert. One omakase choice also includes a selection from the grill. Located in Chinatown just west of the Strip, Kabuto is well worth the short drive.
Recommended for Sushi because: The acclaimed sushi at Kabuto is expertly crafted from high-quality fish, much of it imported from Japan, served omakase style.
Terrisa's expert tip: Reservations are an absolute must and are accepted up to one month in advance via telephone or through Kabuto's online reservation system. Seatings are at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Winning rave reviews from diners and critics, Sen of Japan is a favorite of locals and visitors. The finely prepared food is served in tasteful but comfortable surroundings, and its off-the-Strip location helps keep the prices reasonable, although not cheap. The former head chef from Nobu at the Hard Rock (now Virgin Las Vegas) opened Sen of Japan, and his expertise is obvious in the delicious food. Diners will find an impressively large selection of all types of sushi as well as sashimi. Fans of sushi rolls will find several delicious options, including favorites like the spicy tuna roll. Entrées include a filet mignon, organic chicken, fish, lobster and shrimp. Sen of Japan may be a little out of the way, but once you arrive, you'll be glad you made the drive.
Recommended for Sushi because: Sen of Japan is a hidden gem serving some of Las Vegas' best sushi along with a menu full of flavorful dishes.
Terrisa's expert tip: Sen of Japan also offers take-out service from a dedicated carry-out menu. Menu options include nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls along with several other items like tempura, salads and entrées.
Located in the growing Arts District community in downtown Las Vegas, YU-OR-MI Sushi has quickly gained a reputation for their quality dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Their expansive menu offers nigiri, sushi and sashimi along with a host of other Japanese and Asian dishes. Look for menu items like the miso butter salmon, yakisoba, and chicken teriyaki. Shareable dishes include shishito tempura, chilled oysters, bluefin tuna caprese and rock shrimp tempura. Beef options include a four-ounce ribeye yakiniku, and New Zealand lamb chops are offered as well. YU-OR-MI is also known for its fine Japanese whisky and a menu of premium sake. The restaurant's interior offers a comfortable, contemporary aesthetic that fits perfectly in this mural-filled neighborhood.
Recommended for Sushi because: YU-OR-MI Sushi in the Las Vegas Arts District gives guests a menu full of expertly prepared sushi, nigiri, sashimi and other Japanese dishes.
Terrisa's expert tip: YU-OR-MI Sushi makes their own soy sauce, aging it with aromatics and sea kelp to develop its flavor. The carefully crafted sauce accentuates their fresh fish.
Kumi's style gives Japanese food a Korean-American twist, courtesy of Akira Back, the restaurant's chef. The menu offers cool and warm shared plates, like the bluefin tuna pizza, spicy rock shrimp, signature rolls and sushi or sashimi. Dishes are created with sustainably sourced ingredients. Creative signature rolls bring on new flavors, like the Hot Mess, made with crab, sashimi poke and Screaming O Sauce, or the Kumikaze, created with spicy salmon, masago, cucumber, negi, avocado, sliced lemon and ponzu. A full selection of entrees is also available, which include steak, Jidori chicken and fish. The dining room is beautifully designed with an abundance of natural accents and eye-catching features, providing a lovely backdrop to go along with the notable food.
Recommended for Sushi because: The stylish and inventive Kumi offers an abundance of sushi prepared with a distinctive approach.
Terrisa's expert tip: The Chef's Tasing Menu at Kumi is a great deal at $105 per person. It includes an assortment of Kumi's classic small plates like bluefin tuna pizza and spicy rock shrimp, choice of an entrée (New York Strip steak, grilled salmon, or Jidori chicken) and dessert.
Zuma at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas features modern Japanese cuisine and world-class cocktails, all served in a sophisticated but comfortable environment. The inspiration here is the informal izakaya dining style, which is something like a Japanese pub or a tavern. The food is served in a shareable, tapas-style way. Dishes are available from a sushi counter, main kitchen and a robata grill. Sushi and sashimi options include rolls and specialties, while Zuma's signature dishes include things like roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter, rib eye steak and a rice hot pot with wild mushrooms, black truffle and Japanese vegetables. The robata grill offers fish and beef, including A5 Wagyu.
Recommended for Sushi because: Zuma's casually upscale atmosphere fits perfectly with its menu of modern yet authentic Japanese dishes.
Terrisa's expert tip: Social Hour happens at Zuma from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Guests can enjoy discounts on drinks and food, which includes a selection of sushi rolls.
Fresh, seasonal fish is flown in every day at the Bellagio's Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant. In the hands of the skilled staff at Yellowtail, that fish becomes sushi, sashimi, tempura and rolls. Look for specialty rolls like Angry Salmon (avocado, cucumber, serrano) and Yellowtail Scallion in addition to an array of traditional options. In addition to a full sushi and sashimi menu, omakase is offered. Other dishes include appetizers such as seared albacore, tempura lobster and grilled eggplant skewers. Entrees like Jidori Chicken and Kobe Beef round out the culinary options. The upscale ambiance at Yellowtail features the Fountains of Bellagio in the background, and the restaurant's elegant interior design includes a wall filled with a bronze yellowtail's tail, its bronze "scales" glittering under the lights.
Recommended for Sushi because: The fresh fish at Yellowtail is flown in daily and used to create finely crafted, delectable sushi, sashimi and other dishes.
Terrisa's expert tip: In addition to an extensive wine, beer and spirits list, Yellowtail also serves unique, hand-crafted cocktails. Look for drinks like the Spicy Avocado, made with tequila, habanero and cilantro syrup, lime, avocado and togarashi.
At SUSHISAMBA, you get sushi with a South American touch. Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese styles combine on the menu here, offering diners a blend of many culinary styles. An extensive sushi and sashimi list gives you a full selection of fish and seafood, as well as several types of rolls. A special selection of Samba Rolls offers combinations like the Neo Tokyo: bigeye tuna, tempura flake, and aji panca. Other menu options include small plates, tiradito, robata, and tempura. Full-sized entrees chicken teriyaki or a steak offer something for bigger appetites. Located at the Palazzo in a beautifully designed space, SUSHISAMBA's warm colors and curvy shapes give diners a striking décor to complement the innovative food.
Recommended for Sushi because: SUSHISAMBA brings together flavors from Brazil, Peru and Japan, creating dishes with tasty twists.
Terrisa's expert tip: SUSHISAMBA offers vegan and gluten conscious menus. A substantial number of the restaurant's dishes are vegan or are naturally gluten free, and they can also modify dishes for these preferences.
One of the Strip's most visually striking restaurants, Mizumi offers guests a taste of "new Japan" in a garden-like setting. In addition to sushi and sashimi selections, diners can choose from entrees, teppanyaki or robatayaki dishes prepared over an authentic Japanese charcoal grill. In addition to the more traditional menu items, Mizumi also offers a 2.5-pound grilled Maine lobster and A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Fried Rice, which is prepared with the famous beef. While the menu alone is sure to delight, part of the attraction is the eye-catching décor - Mizumi's atmosphere is truly magnificent. No matter where you're seated, you can enjoy a view overlooking gardens that include a koi pond and a 90-foot waterfall. The food and ambiance will transport guests from the desert to the Far East.
Recommended for Sushi because: Mizumi offers an elegant décor and a menu full of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese delights.
Terrisa's expert tip: Mizumi's wine and sake list is curated by a certified sake sommelier and features selections which are exclusive to Mizumi. More than 60 types of sake are offered.
Yui Edomae Sushi is located in the thriving restaurant community that's grown in Chinatown, which has spread outward from its original center along Spring Mountain Road. Yui Edomae is focused on traditional Japanese omotenashi service, which embodies a culture of guest-centered hospitality. The restaurant is also certified with the Japanese Food and Ingredient Supporters group, which requires restaurants to use a preponderance of Japanese food and beverages. The sushi list is as impressive as you would expect. Other menu highlights include Kansha, or the superior omakase course, with Kanpai Champagne, a premium appetizer, Owan soup, a sashimi platter, a charcoal grilled platter, nigiri, handroll and dessert (for $210). The chef here is well-respected, with other notable sushi restaurants to his credit before Yui Edomae. Simple, yet extravagant at the same time, a meal here is an experience to be savored.
Recommended for Sushi because: The authentic Japanese dining experience at Yui Edomae includes the restaurant's acclaimed sushi.
Terrisa's expert tip: Yui Edomae offers four omakase options, ranging from the $120-per-person deluxe omakase to the "Yui" premium omakase with sake pairing for $270. The excellent value here is well worth the short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
Nobu at Caesars Palace is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's largest restaurant. Located in the Nobu Hotel within Caesars Palace, it offers more than 325 seats. The restaurant provides a sophisticated yet whimsical experience and features a sushi bar, exclusive private dining area and an impressive selection of dishes. Chef Matsuhisa is an acclaimed sushi chef, and the menu offers both classic and modern styles of sushi. Other popular Nobu's items include the Rock Shrimp Tempura, black cod with miso and squid 'pasta' with light garlic sauce. Nobu also offers three teppanyaki tables--the only U.S. location with this feature--as well as brick-oven dishes. An omakase menu is also available and includes a vegetarian option.
Recommended for Sushi because: Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is a noted sushi chef, and Nobu at Caesars Palace offers not only a selection of sushi but also many other dishes.
Terrisa's expert tip: The dessert menu at Nobu at Caesars Palace is filled with delightful options like the Vanilla Miso Tart, Green Tea Lime Cheesecake or the Japanese Whisky Cappuccino.