While sushi’s history goes back more than a dozen centuries in Japan, it was about five decades ago that the culinary idea made its way to the U.S. Since then, one would be hard-pressed to not find a sushi restaurant in every state in the country—and in thriving metropolises, there might be one on every block. It isn’t hard to understand why: The balanced combination of simplicity and complexity creates that perfect bite. In honor of sushi, we’ve rounded up nine rolls that best represent the long-standing traditions, but with a twist suitable for all the glitz of Las Vegas—be it the price, ingredients, creativity or presentation.
Tao Rainbow Roll with Lobster & Caviar
Tao Asian Bistro at The Venetian
Indulgent and creative sushi rolls run the gamut at one of the most beautiful, and long-running restaurants on the Strip, Tao Asian Bistro. The best example is the Tao Rainbow Roll, a roll that combines some of the best fresh fish and umami ingredients. Recipe: Lobster salad with sweet butter aioli and jicama wrapped in soy paper and topped with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, shrimp and avocado and garnished with caviar and micro wasabi
Asevichado
Sushi Samba at The Palazzo
Combining the cuisine of Japan, Brazil and Peru might seem like a culinary puzzle, but Sushi Samba figures out a way to do it and make each sushi creation brilliant. Give your tastebuds something to shout about with the Asevichado, a roll that incorporates a classic Peruvian ceviche into the maki roll. Recipe: Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, white fish, avocado, cucumber, red onion, sweet potato, cancha corn and aji amarillo leche de tigre
Lobster Tempura Roll
Nobu at Caesars Palace
The name Nobu Matsuhisa is synonymous with sushi, and he spreads his culinary knowledge all over the city, with three locations of his eponymous brand. But it’s at the Caesars Palace outpost where you can indulge in one of his most popular and creative rolls, the Lobster Tempura Roll. Recipe: Lobster tempura, masago, avocado, scallions and honey-truffle aioli wrapped in paper-thin daikon
Crazy Monkey Roll
Ra Sushi at FSLV—Fashion Show Las Vegas
Now that the weather is fine, Ra Sushi is the ideal spot for outdoor dining on the mall’s Stripside plaza. You’ll enjoy rolls that have unique flavor profiles by way of creative ingredients. The perfect example is the Crazy Monkey Roll. Recipe: Smoked salmon, mango, cream cheese, avocado, red tempura bits, sauteed cashews and mango and sweet eel sauces
Spider Roll
Rikki Tiki Sushi at Westgate Las Vegas
Sometimes the simplest rolls have the most delicious flavors and this is the case with Rikki Tiki’s Spider Roll. It doesn’t hurt that this is one of the coolest sushi bars to dine at—the immersive surroundings drop you right in the middle of Asian culture. Recipe: Crab, asparagus, wagyu beef tataki and spicy miso
A5 Wagyu Surf & Turf Roll
Catch at Aria
It’s a see-and-be-seen restaurant where it has the goods to back it up with its culinary offerings and that includes its sushi. Catch’s A5 Wagyu Surf & Turf Roll combines the best land and sea meats and takes it one step further with aromatic and drool-worthy add-ons. Recipe: Maine lobster, A5 wagyu, crispy potato, truffle aioli, sweet ponzu, chimichurri and tempura flakes
Popping Spicy Crab Roll
Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio
Michelin-star chef Akira Back’s eatery continues to dominate the Strip with its authentic Japanese food with a Korean twist. It doesn’t hurt that their restaurant also sits on Lake Bellagio, so get ready for perfect views of the fountain show. This place also scores points for its creative, fun twists on sushi rolls, hence the Popping Spicy Crab Roll. Recipe: Spicy crab, cucumber, asparagus and Pop Rocks candy
Vegan Two Timing Tuna
FUHU at Resorts World
This one makes our list because it stands out from the rest—and most other sushi rolls offered in Las Vegas for that matter. The Vegan Two Timing Tuna Roll’s creativity is truly impressive. No fish here, but it’s delicious and enjoyed by vegan, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Recipe: Roasted pepper, negi tempura and ponzu caramelized onion
Seven Deadly Sins Roll
Kumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar at Mandalay Bay
This one makes our list as one of the most expensive sushi rolls in the whole city—$150! So if you really want to splurge, put the Seven Deadly Sins Roll on your list. The price tag is justified with what’s rolled up with that rice. Recipe: King crab, wagyu, Kizami truffle, foie gras, Osetra gold caviar and 24K gold flakes
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