Japanese-People Approved Best Japanese Restaurants in Las Vegas
Sin City received its nickname from the many human vices that the city has to offer. Gluttony is one of the newer sins that Las Vegas has become known for. There are an increasing number of Japanese restaurants on and off the Strip. Here are our 10 picks that can satisfy both Japanese ‘salarymen’ and visitors from all over the world seeking the best Japanese food!
- Kabuto (Sushi)
- Yui Edomae Sushi (Sushi)
- Sekushi Japanese Restaurant (Sushi)
- Mizumi (Teppanyaki)
- Marugame Monzo LV (Udon Noodles)
- Hachi (Izakaya)
- Raku (Izakaya)
- Yu-Yu (Izakaya)
- Nobu (Japanese Fusion)
- Japanese Curry Zen (Curry)
1. Kabuto
Sushi
You wonder how can we eat fresh sushi in the middle of the desert? Then you stumble upon Kabuto, a small sushi bar off the Strip with 22 seats. Their fish is flown in from both Tsukiji Market in Tokyo as well as from all over the world, up to 6 days a week. How’s that for freshness? Not only fresh, but Kabuto serves masterfully prepared Edomae style omakase, which starts at a surprisingly reasonable price of $48. It comes with aperitif sake, amuse, 10 pieces of igari, a hand roll and dessert. There are also $80 and $120 omakase as well as a la carte.
What to order:
$48 omakase at this quality is a steal. You can always order more at the end of the course.
2. Yui Edomae Sushi
Sushi
When Chef Gen Mizoguchi opened Kabuto (the other best Japanese restaurant on this list), he changed the landscape of Vegas omakase sushi forever. Chef Mizoguchi continues to raise the bar with Yui, focusing on omotenashi (genuine warm hospitality) and a luxurious omakase meal. Nowadays, many restaurants fly their fish from Japan. Mizoguchi goes to the next level and flies rice in from Japan unpolished, then polishes it right before he cooks it to achieve the best texture for sushi. The aperitif sake is also made in house and their premium omakase course includes wagyu beef with a certificate of authenticity.
What to order:
Omakase starts at $68.
3. Sekushi Japanese Restaurant
Sushi
If you are in town with a group of friends or co-workers, Sekushi Japanese restaurant at Paris Las Vegas is the perfect Japanese restaurant. There’s everything for everybody, from a fun bar to try their “Samurai shots” to authentic wagyu beef served as either sushi or steak. Looking for something decadent? How about foie gras sushi? Sekushi may not scream ‘authentic Japanese experience,’ but the quality is first class and you are in Vegas, so why not add a little bit of “sexy” to your life?
What to order:
Upgrade your California roll. There’s real Alaskan king crab in King Cali Roll at Sekushi.
4. Mizumi
Teppanyaki
What to order:
King crab hand roll is seasoned with sweet mayo and wrapped in sesame soy paper and it’s a fun way to start or end the meal. Pick robata if you like yakitori, or choose teppanyaki, for the Benihana-like experience.
5. Marugame Monzo LV
Udon Noodles
One of the newest additions to Asian foodie heaven, Spring Mountain Road. A popular LA udon noodle outpost serves both authentic and creative udon, tempura and some tapas dishes. You can see the making of udon from kneading to cutting in the restaurant, and you can taste the freshness! If you have eaten regular udon at other restaurants and thought, “meh,” try Marugame Monzo’s house made udon. They are supple, chewy and fun to eat both warm and cold, in rich or light broth. You can definitely taste the difference!
What to order:
If you want something creamy, their signature Miso Carbonara, Sea Urchin Cream Udon or Udon Gratin are great options. Looking for light(er) and authentic? Beef and Kitsune udon comes in dashi broth and are both classics.
6. Hachi
Izakaya
What to order:
Yakitori and beer to start the meal, then order karaage, Japanese style fried chicken that Las Vegas Weekly called “heavenly.”
7. Raku
Izakaya
What to order:
Anything from the robata menu, but make sure the order includes Tsukune, ground chicken served with a side of poached egg for dipping. Foie gras don (over rice) is also a popular dish.
8. Yu-Yu
Izakaya
Just like Americans, Japanese people love fried food, and Yu-Yu deep fries everything. Yu-Yu specializes in kushiage, food on bamboo skewers that are panko breaded and deep fried. There is no limitation to what they can fry. Mini tomatoes, pumpkin, okra, avocado, bacon wrapped mozzarella, moch, and even pear. Kushiage is accompanied by curry and chili salt, a light tonkatsu sauce for dipping and cabbage to cleanse the palate, as well as to aid with digestion. The menu includes equally delicious sushi, sashimi and izakaya staples such as karaage, Japanese style fried chicken.
What to order:
If you can’t decide on what to order, assorted kushiage is a great start. Battera style sushi is also a unique dish to order. It’s a pressed sushi originated in Osaka, Japan along with kushiage.
9. Nobu
Japanese Fusion
What can we add to Nobu, arguably the most famous and celebrated Japanese restaurant in the world? From London to Paris to New York, it’s a synonym for quality Japanese food. Caesar’s Palace hosts the largest Nobu restaurant. What made Nobu famous is the great balance of traditional Japanese cuisine and fusion style. At Nobu Las Vegas, in addition to Nobu style tacos and New Style Sashimi, there’s the Nobu teppanyaki menu, which includes Nobu’s signature sashimi salad and wagyu taco. There’s also a 7 course Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Banquet, which requires a 24-hour notice and costs $688 per person. There’s also another Nobu location at Hard Rock Hotel on the other side of the Strip.
What to order:
Nobu’s signature yellowtail with jalapeño. It has been copied and imitated by Japanese and Asian fusion restaurants everywhere. Also, their rock shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce can be eaten like popcorn shrimp.
10. Japanese Curry Zen
Curry
Although Vegas dining is all about luxury, sometimes you want a fast comfort food and you don’t have to settle for the food court teriyaki chicken. Original Curry at Japanese Curry Zen costs $5.95, which makes Zen the cheapest option on this list. Japanese curry is a comfort food for Japanese people, and every household has its own recipe. It has a thicker consistency than Thai or Indian curry and a milder heat. Zen makes their curry using their homemade gram masala (a mixture of over 10 spices) with vegetable broth. You can choose the spicy level from their 10 levels of spicy-ness.
What to order:
Original Curry is white rice with a curry roux. Chicken or pork katsu (cutlet) is a popular topping item. Curry pan, a deep fried dough with curry paste in the middle, makes a great snack.
*All prices, numbers and menu descriptions mentioned in the article are from the time of this article’s publishing. So keep in mind, they may have changed since then.
