Open since October 22, 2004, Sushi Roku has been seducing Las Vegas diners with its sexy food and cool, trendy décor for years. Sushi Roku is located in the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops, boasting exquisite views of the Las Vegas Strip. Inside, the restaurant’s contemporary spin on classic Japanese features creates an environment that is comfortable, chic, and visually appealing. The inspired menu of sushi, sashimi, hot appetizers, noodles, and entrees is similarly inviting as it caters to many palates. Sushi enthusiasts appreciate Sushi Roku’s comprehensive selection of traditional rolls and more modern interpretations; diners interested in heartier fare enjoy prime cuts of steak, chicken, and seafood. Did we mention the truly staggering Sake List? A sake sampler with your meal is only a visit away.
Read More ...Sushi Roku, located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Hotel Casino, is an oasis in the desert of Las Vegas. Roku is as appropriate for special prom night dates as it is for power lunches and upscale happy hours. Excellence in a town full of restaurants known for their celebrity chefs (from Emeril to Bobby Flay, Tom Colicchio, Wolfgang Puck, Todd English, and Mario Batali) takes consistently good food, and exemplary service – Roku efficiently exhibits both without unnecessary glitz or fanfare.
Sushi Roku opened its Las Vegas location in 2004, but its history begins in California. Roku’s first location in Hollywood opened in 1997, and remains the backbone for the group, which includes locations in Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Scottsdale. The Corporate Executive Chef for Roku (as well as BOA Steakhouse) in Las Vegas is Jose Aleman; he has risen through the ranks, beginning his culinary journey as a dishwasher, while learning and growing via the Everest Room, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris before joining Roku and BOA in 2004.
The other ‘star’ of Roku is its General Manager, Kenji Tamida. Neatly attired, and unfailingly friendly as well as professional, his name is fondly associated with tens of informal comments on a variety of websites attesting to the quality of Roku diners’ experiences. He guides Sushi Roku much as an expert driver might control a Ferrari performance vehicle – deftly, and seemingly effortlessly.
Approaching Sushi Roku, there’s a podium with greeters in front of the restaurant. The entrance is to the right. Walking through a short corridor, a half wall affords diners some privacy from the entrance. The pocket-sized bar that is further down the corridor is situated immediately to the left, and the kitchen is stage right across the dining room. The bar has the requisite big screen television mounted on the wall, as well as earth-toned tapestries draped across the ceiling. The bar and adjacent bar seating (with comfy leather stools) are softly lit, adorned with candles and bamboo plants in crystal decanters – it’s all very soothing.
In the dining room, the walls are decorated with bamboo sticks with lights at the top. Iron artwork hangs from the ceiling around the muted chandeliers, and mirrored columns are covered with stone accents. The wall colors are earth tones, from tan to deep umber, and large black Japanese characters are painted on the walls. The carpeting is simple black. Dodge Mitchell Design is responsible for the interior design, and they deserve the nod of respect for a project well executed. Not unlike the bar, the impact is calm – this is not a kitschy restaurant with loud music, flashing neon signs and singing wait staff. It’s relaxed, and designed to welcome diners to come, sit and enjoy.
Roku is an invitation to relax, and remain. The table settings are very simple. Each blond wood table is set with a teapot, a candle, a small soy sauce plate, and black placemats with linen napkins holding chopsticks. In contrast, all menu items arrive on gleaming white plates. We dined at Roku on a Friday evening with an early reservation. It was very quiet when we arrived, but filled rather quickly. Their busy time is later, about 8:30 and after, particularly when the shows let out. Roku is approximately 7,000 square feet, but the tables can be rather close. It’s a big place, and can be high-spirited when full.
Kenji, our new friend, walks us through the most popular menu items Roku serves. Service for each table begins when the server delivers two ceramic bowls, one empty, and the other filled with warm edamame. The edamame are tossed with sea salt, and are served whole. They are frankly addictive.
Teased with the edamame, my palate is now tickled with the Pear Blossom cocktail and the Lychee Mojito. Roku has a selection of more than 35 sakes: hot, cold, small, and large, by the glass or the bottle. Their emphasis is clearly on sake and cocktails more than wine. Their sake selection is impressive, and a source of obvious pride.
We begin our meal with the Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with diced Chiles, and the Tuna Sashimi Carpaccio with Sesame Soy and Garlic Chips. Each plate is garnished with shredded daikon radish salad. The portions are generous, with approximately fifteen neatly sliced pieces of fish on each plate. My husband (an admitted Ohio born fish-phobe) accompanies me to dinner, and intrepidly dives into the world of sushi. His preference is the yellowtail sashimi. It is mild, served warm, and the chiles add a fresh component to the dish. In contrast, I love the tuna sashimi, served chilled – it’s more assertive, and the sesame soy and garlic chips make each bite pop with flavor.
The next starter to arrive is the Filet Mignon Wrapped Asparagus with Soy Mirin Sauce. Very simple, this unpretentious dish is seared filet wrapped around asparagus spears. The sauce gives it punch. It is savory, meaty, and topped with a tomato relish and parsley.
Next to arrive is Roku’s Chilean Seabass in Yuzu Butter. The presentation is very understated – a piece of fish, on sauce, topped with tempura. A complete knockout, it is sweet, and the fish is tender. The sauce is complex, sweet, savory, and makes both of us want to lick the plate clean. The seabass is garnished with tempura-battered shredded peppers.
Our final starter is Lobster Tempura with Miso Glaze. The presentation is a blast of color. The plate is blinding white, with a banana leaf lying on it. On the banana leaf is the glazed tempura lobster. On top is an empty lobster tail, and parsley. It is an elegant presentation, and the taste has as much impact as the appearance. As an aside, it is served as all tempura items should be and so few are – piping hot. Anything served lukewarm would be an insult, and those at Sushi Roku know this. The tempura is fresh, hot, and gone in record time. The miso glaze is sweet and succulent, and each taste is more seductive than the last.
Already quite full, our sushi arrives. Our pleasant and obliging server, Jessica, brings us a platter with three sushi rolls: the Shrimp Tempura with Asparagus, the Baked Lobster with Creamy Miso Sauce, and the signature Katana Roll.
The shrimp tempura sushi is simple, tasty and well rounded. It’s what I want from sushi, a complement of tastes and textures. The sticky rice is nicely firm; the tempura is crunchy, with a creamy sweet shrimp inside; and the snap of asparagus tops it off. It’s a great variety that is cleanly and sharply presented. All three sushi rolls are presented on a banana leaf, and are garnished with the spicy sauce on one side, and wasabi and pickled ginger on the other. The baked lobster roll is cooked, as was the shrimp, and it is served hot topped with the miso sauce. It is a world of contrast from the traditional shrimp roll. The lobster is warm, and topped with the sauce and baked until steamy hot. It’s a very rich, creamy, hot, savory, and altogether decadent roll.
Roku’s Katana Roll (formerly known as the Nemo Roll), is a signature. It is filled with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura, and topped with tuna and yellowtail. Spicy sauce is served beside the roll. It is as alluring to the eyes as it is to the tongue. The ingredients taste fresh, the tempura is hot, and the sauce is piquant.
We complete our meal with desserts. Roku’s desserts are included on the drink menu. Kenji delivers two: The first is the Chocolate Volcano, which is a chocolate soufflé with strawberries and vanilla ice cream. The soufflé is like smooth and silky velvet. The plate looks like artwork. Unlike the entrees, desserts arrive on contrasting whimsical plates that are clear in the center and colorfully bordered. The soufflé is on a plate that is dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate. Sliced strawberries are beside the soufflé, and the dish is garnished with mint and a raspberry. Finally, a crisp cookie (shaped like a banana slice) and vanilla ice cream complete the ensemble.
The second dessert is the Banana Flambé, and it is as different from the soufflé as the lobster is from the edamame. It is served in a pastry ring, and covered with mixed berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The plate is dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with a raspberry coulee, a sprig of mint, and a few berries. The bananas are soft and creamy, and the berries add a tart contrast. Each dish we taste feels complete; as though it has been practiced until it is just right every time.
The strength of Sushi Roku lies in the unparalleled commitment to service, as well as the quality and refinement of the menu. It is as unpretentious as to be a standing ‘go to’ place for bachelorette parties, prom dates, and visitors to The Strip. The food genuinely reflects the executive chef’s values, and the quality shows a rigid commitment to excellence. Roku is a thriving restaurant, and is infinitely worth the trip and the cost. It is a dining experience not to be missed. I will certainly return.
Copyright © Restaurant Agent Inc.
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku
Asparagus with Filet Mignon and a Soy Mirin Sauce
Garnished with Tempura Shredded Peppers
Served with Fresh Berries & Raspberry Coulee
Third Floor above the Strip
Garnished with Diced Chiles
with Miso Glaze
Sushi Roku
Baked Lobster Roll, Katana Roll, Shrimp Tempura with Asparagus Roll
Tables in the Dining Room
Went here for our 10 year anniversary. Loved the view and loved the food even more. We decided on the tasting menu and it was the best. I will definitely be returning to this restaurant again.
I thought that Sushi Roku was one of the most amazing sushi restaurants I've ever been to! I visited Nobu in NYC (Tribeca) as well, and was far more impressed with Sushi Roku. The atmosphere sold me. The lighting was darker, the music was softer, and the seating was comfortable. I loved it
The service, meal selection and ambiance was great. Took customers there and they loved it.
The food and service were excellent. I really liked the ambiance - we went for a low-key dinner for a bachelorette party and had a blast. It wasnt too loud or too quiet - just right. And, the views were amazing. Would recommend requesting a booth as it overlooks the restaurant floor and you get a nice view out the window. Service was great too.
EVERYTHING WAS TOP NOTCH, GREAT SPOT
EVERYTHING WAS EXCELLENT AT THAT JAPANESE RESTAURANT IN LAS VEGAS...QUALITY FOR THE MONEY IS EXCEPTIONNAL
The place was great
I had a wonderful meal, the food was outstanding and the service was first rate. My waiter made suggestion and all of them were top notch. I would recommend anyway who enjoys great sushi to visit Sushi Roku
I had a wonderful meal, the food was outstanding and the service was first rate. My waiter made suggestion and all of them were top notch. I would recommend anyway who enjoys great sushi to visit Sushi Roku
Fantastic!! Will definately be back!! Great food, great service!
Strongly recommend the banana flambe for dessert - this will forever be an impression in our minds of the 'perfect' dessert.
Sushi Roku creates the best dining experience; we were extremely pleased with the quality of food and wine; the service was impeccable, ambiance spectacular, and would certainly recommend this restaurant as one of the best in Las Vegas. We are looking forward to our return next year. Outstanding!!! 10 Stars. The Wrights
This was a great restaurant. They have lots of different Asian dishes to try, and their bar menu was outstanding. Loved the Mango Margarita. A fun place to go and unwind.
This was a great restaurant. They have lots of different Asian dishes to try, and their bar menu was outstanding. Loved the Mango Margarita. A fun place to go and unwind.
My husband made the reservation for my 50th birthday. Due to hotel delays, we were nearly 2 hours late and they held our reservation. We walked right in and were greeted with their sake sampler. For appetizer we had the Ebi and the Toro sushi, and although the Toro was a bit pricey, it was so fresh and delicious it was like biting into butter. I had the New York steak and it was-melt in your mouth pure goodness. I must say I do not know what they called the desert they served us as it was complimentary but it was custardy and had fruit and we devoured it quickly. So Yummy! We will for sure be back the next time we find ourselves in Vegas.
We let the server work with their chef and had them bring us suggested plates. It was fantastic. If you care for sushi, go there!
The experience was great. Food,atmosphere, staff etc. While I thought everything was good, my girlfriend said it was the best sushi she'd ever had !
Loved the food! The waiters recommended drinks and dishes. They were all great!
The food, service and selection was great. The view of the strip is arguably the best in Las Vegas. A great place for a date while you're in Vegas.
I never ate sushi but my wife loves it so we went there for her birthday. Waitress was awesome. Sushi was great and I never had a better steak! Couple nights later we tried the sushi place in the golden nugget and it wasn't even close to as good. Thank you. I never wrote a review before. I was impressed!
I had an all around great experience. Great view of the strip. Great Service. Great Sushi. Great Cocktails (BOA 405).
The ambiance was terrific and the decor was really inviting. The music was upbeat and our server was excellent. The food was melt in your mouth delicious and the drinks were perfect. My only regret is that we had a show to attend afterwards and had to leave right after we finished our meal. I definitely plan to be back. This was my first time dining at Sushi Roku but this could easily now be my favorite restaurant in Las Vegas!!
Our reservation was made easily online a month in advance. We had noted it was our anniversary & were greeted will well wishes upon our arrival. We were wanting a nice leisurely meal & our waitress caught on quickly. We felt at ease to take our time, never feeling rushed. Service was attentive & courteous. The music was played at just the right level so not to drown out conversation & the large plate glass windows provided lots of natural light until sunset. The food was delicious & creative. We'll definitely go again!
Best service and sushi in Vegas!
It was my birthday and I had the time of my life! My husband and I ordered the chef's choice and every course was amazing! The sushi was so fresh and I couldn't have asked for a better dinner. We finished our meal with bread pudding adorned with a sparkler to celebrate my big day. We will definitely be back!
We went to Sushi Roku for our first time for my husband's birthday. They sat us at a wonderful table, and everyone we came into contact with gave us excellent service. Our waiter was top notch, very attentive and personable... and the FOOD!!! OMG! It was excellent! Everything we had was fresh and fabulous. We'll definitely go again.
Food was great.... service was very subpar.
great atmosphere and nice selection of food.
Me and my man had a reservation for 10:15pm on a Friday night, we were soo excited to try this place. I found the restaurant on here and thought we should give it a try. Once we got to the restaurant, the hostess sat us promptly and we were amazed at the environment! We sat in the booths and we had a great view of the strip. The waitress was very friendly and helped us figure out which rolls we wanted. We also were able to order off the menu which was a plus! The food=superb! Freshest sushi I've ever had.The rolls were priced very well for Vegas sushi. The con=ordering off the menu equals paying big bucks! $27 for a dragon roll? :-o lol but I'd definitely will come back, we will just ask how much before we order! :)
Overall very nice experience. BH
Great Sushi! Would go there again!
In a beautiful room that overlooks the strip, was an oasis of unique/special food..done exquisitely with a knowledgable and attentive wait staff. Must have the kobe steak on the grill.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Sushi Roku. The service was wonderful. The ambience and view were great, and the food was delicious!
As I'm from the uk the portion sizes were to my liking & the flavours were outstanding. Good service & very helpful staff. Lots of options on the menu but I did feel the wine prices were expensive. All in all great place to eat with great atmosphere & location.
The menu was great for pleasing a larger group that had verying tastes and allerigies. We had sushi lovers, vegetarians, a beef eater and someone allergic to shellfish - Sushi Roku worked for everyone. Service was excellent and food was delicous and presentation was lovely.
Beautiful restaurant, amazing food, friendly staff. Not the best drinks or prices for them. Cheap wine selection.
The rolls are a lil small but it's tasty. The atmosphere in the restaurant is really nice.
Sushi was great, service was average, price was average, atmosphere and location were excellent. Would definitely recommend to anyone going but be prepared to bring your wallet, it is not cheap, like everything else in Vegas.
Went to Sushi Roku to celebrate both my birthday & my boyfriends birthday. The atmosphere was casually elegant; perfect for taking my 10 & 16 year old daughters to. We all enjoyed the nice strip view & atmosphere. We liked everything we tried except the Kobe Beef Skewers; small portion which worked out ok since none of us liked the flavor. The Filet Mignon & Salmon were especially good but Salmon portion could have been bigger. Great Sake list and great Sashimi; rolls were very tasty too & good portions for price. Our waitress was very helpful in assisting me on picking a Sake I would like. We really loved the complimentary Birthday dessert complete with Sparklers! Overall a very positive Birthday Dinner & we'd go there again in the future.
The food was great. The price was fine. We had a waiter from hell.
While our meals were good, I feel that there are better options for this type of cusine.
Upon arrival we were seated at a table five feet from the mall entrance. We looked around and saw that the restaurant was nearly empty yet we were given a wonderful view of people shopping. The menu seemed to have a lot of options but very few details. It became very off putting to have to ask our waiter what was in every single sushi roll. I eat sushi a couple times a month and in every city I visit yet I often found myself shrugging as to what to expect if I ordered something. Sake selection was diverse but rather expensive for a restaurant located in a mall.
The sushi is 10 out of 10 but the service by the waiters is 0 out of 10. We ate at 3pm so the restaurant was quiet and despite there being numerous waiting staff we were ignored to the point where the sushi chef had to place our drinks order for us and when we finally managed to place a 2nd drinks order with our waiter he forgot it then we could not get his attention to get the bill so had to go and ask the maitre d for it. The sushi is unbelievable so if they can sort out their appalling service we would go again and again.
Have eaten much better sushi for a much smaller cost.
Pros: Very nice view, and the sushi quality was pretty good (although the pieces were fairly small). Cons: I had mentioned when I made the reservation that I was celebrating my 30th birthday, and I didn't get anything, not even a "happy birthday" (I thought that maybe this restaurant doesn't do anything special for birthdays, but patrons at three other tables that night received sparklers for their birthdays). It also took half an hour for us to receive our check, which caused us to miss a show I wanted to see.
We had terrible sushi! The rice was hard and dried out! The sashimi was full of membranes, it did not melt in my mouth! everyone in your party that had sushi and sashimi felt the same. And when I told the server it wasn't good he said "that's too bad" he didn't offer to get new food or remove it from the bill. Also while we were at the airport leaving Vegas we over a group talking about their trip and they said the worst restaurant of the trip was sushi roko. I had to laugh and had yo but in to their conversation to agree. In their redemption, one person in our party didn't have sushi, he had the Chilean sea bass and it was very good. Also we had the chocolate lava cake which was very good too! But if you looking for good sushi and sashimi this is not the restaurant! Go to Rice!
I would never refure anyone to go to this restaurant ever. Bad service. The people don't know how to wait on large partys. We all got over charged for things we did not order. Never ever go here again or send someone I know. One of our family members said we would have been better off going to fast food if we wanted service like what we had.
