It’s no surprise that there are a variety of Las Vegas venues offering an elevated sushi experience, but you might not know that some of the highest-quality cuisine in this category is being served in refined, comfortable environments outside of the major casino resorts.
Yui Edomae Sushi (702.202.2408) in Las Vegas’ Chinatown District is renowned as one of the top restaurants of its kind anywhere in the country. Chef Gen Mizoguchi revolutionized sushi in Las Vegas when he opened Kabuto on Spring Mountain Road in 2012 before taking the next step with Yui, where rare fish from Japan is flown in regularly and served as simple, exquisite bites in specialized tasting menus. This memorable meal includes some of the most pristine sashimi you’ll ever taste as well as hot and grilled items, with each bite leaving a lasting impression.
For equal quality in a slightly less-formal atmosphere, check out former Strip hotel chef John Chien Lee’s Soho Japanese Restaurant (702.776.7778) in the southwest valley. Once a neighborhood secret frequented by local restaurant industry hot shots, Soho is now an overall favorite for sushi and seafood innovations like bluefin tuna otoro with foie gras, cured Atlantic salmon with a poached quail egg, Kumamoto oysters with uni and ikura and many more delectable dishes. Look out for specials and fresh fish arrivals when dining at Soho, and put yourself in the capable hands of these creative chefs.
Of course, off-Strip landmarks like these and other local dining scene evolutions would not have occurred through the years without the pioneering spirit of some of the world’s top chefs and restaurateurs and their desire to set up shop in Las Vegas.
When it comes to sushi, Nobu Matsuhisa’s name is at the top of the list, and there are two prominent Nobu locations creating that fantastic foundation in Vegas. The original spot at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (702.693.5090) was recently renovated along with the resort and is the rare Vegas restaurant that has survived and thrived despite major changes to the overall property. It remains one of the best places in the city for an intimate, customized meal with plenty of chef interaction and Nobu’s signature creations like spicy tuna with crispy rice, black cod with miso and creamy, spicy rock shrimp tempura. Caesars Palace (702.785.6628) is the home of one of the world’s largest Nobu restaurants—not to mention the very first Nobu Hotel—and this regal dining space brings all those classics to your table as well as teppan offerings, an expansive cocktail menu and sake selection and a lot more.
“Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto is another legend who couldn’t wait to establish a presence on the Las Vegas Strip. Morimoto Las Vegas (702.891.3001) at MGM Grand is one of the city’s epicenters for sushi and sashimi, where a team of specialized chefs practices old-world techniques in preparing the finest fatty tuna, freshwater eel, yellowtail, Japanese red snapper and other popular and rare varieties. Morimoto also serves fantastic noodle dishes, prime steaks and entrées like crispy whole fish with papaya salad and kakuni pork and caramelized rice cooked at your table. It’s a complete experience, but one unique to Las Vegas.
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