Morimoto
Revered chef Morimoto's imperial chain of Japanese restaurants, which he opened after perfecting his craft as head chef at NYC's Nobu, extends to Las Vegas' MGM Grand, this time with an emphasis on teppanyaki: a hibachi iron griddle method that allows chefs to cook in front of their guests (think Benihana). His haute fusion takes shine: Yellowtail "pastrami" with gin creme fraiche, oyster foie gras, and duck meatball soup with duck confit fried rice. A cocktail exclusive to this location, fusing vodka and sake, draws glasses to thirsty lips. Perhaps the most buzz-worthy sip, however, is Morimoto's Wagyu Manhattan. That's right, the cocktail is made with beef: fat is rendered and added to Japanese whiskey before being mixed with walnut liqueur, bitters, and garnished with burnt orange peel. Where's the beef? In your drink.
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Masaharu Morimoto became an Iron Chef in Japan, helped bring the concept to America, and now has an empire of Japanese restaurants throughout the world. His self-titled Morimoto at the MGM Grand has a little bit of everything, from fresh sushi and sashimi to A5 Wagyu grilled Teppanyaki-style. And if you want to light up your Instagram feed, whip out your camera phone and order the square-shaped Maki Rolls. Morimoto is also the only restaurant in Las Vegas to serve the chef's own line of sake. Ask for a taste served neat or in a cocktail.
How to book: Call 702-891-3001 or book a reservation via SevenRooms.
Masaharu Morimoto's Las Vegas restaurant brings Japanese and Western influences together for a host of unique flavors. The original Iron Chef made a point to have a teppanyaki grill for a wide array of hibachi-style dining, but don't overlook the sushi menu, which includes an elevated soft shell crab roll (in which the crab is deep fried and rolled with asparagus, tobiko, avocado, and scallions with a spicy sauce) and the Chef's Combination (also known as "Morimoto Stained Glass Rolls"), blending tamago, tuna, cucumber, rice, and nori into a rectangular, picturesque work of art. The restaurant is the only one on the Strip to serve Chef Morimoto's own line of sake, wine, and shochu.
How to book: Call 702-891-3001 to make a reservation.
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