Sushi has become synonymous with hipster fashion. Here in LA you can?t go a week without seeing a celebrity step out of old-faithful Koi or new hotspot Katsuya. In Las Vegas, RA Sushi has brought the trendyness of sushi to the Strip. In a rich and vibrant setting, RA combines freshly prepared sushi and Japanese-fusion dishes in an upbeat, energetic atmosphere at an affordable price. The result is a place that is both unpretentious and fashionable at the same time.
Since opening in October 2004, RA Sushi has become more than just another sushi joint, providing an exceptional experience for people both with a hunger for superior cuisine and a desire to be seen at one of the most energetic restaurants on the Vegas Strip. At RA the music is pumping, the mood is upbeat and the atmosphere is as rousing as a big bite of wasabi. The 4,500 square-foot restaurant features a traditional sushi bar adjacent to the table dining area, as well as a separate, full cocktail bar and lounge with Asian inspired spirits. The interior is adorned with deep reds, rock, and bamboo. Water features, rich lighting and a fusion of contemporary and Japanese design elements enhance the mood. As the night wears on, the lighting dims to create a cozy Asian love den among the black leather booths. And it comes with a view: A heated dining patio looks directly on to the Strip and directly faces Wynn Las Vegas.
From traditional to progressive, RA Sushi offers a wide selection of fresh sushi sliced to order, signature rolls and sashimi dishes along with plenty of outstanding Japanese fusion ?hot dishes.? With food this good it?s no wonder the head chefs are experts in their fields. Executive Chef Tai Obata, a native of Japan, debuted in Las Vegas after spending 26 years perfecting his skills under world-renowned sushi chefs in Japan, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles. Obata enjoys creating dishes with flare using flavors of the Pacific-Rim. Head Sushi Chef Moon Kim, originally from Korea, moved to Las Vegas six years ago and has been with RA LAS Vegas since its opening. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in culinary arts management from UNLV in 2004. Kim values the energetic atmosphere and loud, fun music of RA as he rolls his sushi at the bar.
RA?s menu is based on freshness and quality and is updated often with new and stimulating dishes. We were recommended to try the signature Viva Las Vegas Roll, and it did not disappoint. A sushi masterpiece, the roll is rich in flavor with kani kama and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, then lightly tempura battered and topped with spicy tuna, crab mix and sliced lotus root, finished with eel sauce and spinach tempura flakes. Amazing. Everything else we tried was just as delicious, including the decadent claw crab cakes and the spicy teriyaki Udon noodles, which had just the right blend of sweet and spice. And everyone must give in to temptation and try the cinnamon tempura ice cream, a lightly battered ice cream treat finished with a rich chocolate-raspberry glaze.
While the fare is certainly delish, it is definitely not the only reason for dining in the RA. It?s a great place for tourists to start before heading out for a night on the town. The wait staff is full of Vegas gems, in-the-know locals who know the nightlife and want to share the inside scoop, tips and tricks with you. Plus its restaurant/lounge/bar combination makes it the perfect place to cut loose with friends, toss back a few, and enjoy some of the best sushi the Strip has to offer. Every Sunday through Thursday night, RA hosts events with food and drink specials accompanied by the hottest music spun by local DJs.? Locals and tourists alike turn out every week, making RA one of Vegas?s hottest spots to kick off an evening in the City of Sin. Speaking of which, SIN Sundays (Service Industry Nights) offers specials for all people in the industry. On EFFEN Mondays, DJ Rocqin spins and all nightclub industry employees receive a complimentary bottle of Effen Vodka. Tuesdays?enhance the Asian flavor with Tokyo Tuesday, a.k.a. House of Geisha in honor of the house music spun by special guest DJs. On Wednesdays, RA offers undiscovered DJs a chance to perform live on the Strip with their open turntable night. Rounding out the week with a bang, world-renowned DJ Robert Oleysyck and DJ Chuck Nice spin the best of the 80s on Thursday nights with 80s movies featured on RA?s television screens. Great sushi and a great time, what more could you ask for!
RA Las Vegas
3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
www.rasushi.com
