Raku, Las Vegas

Reviewer: Foodnut.com

Raku Las Vegas Exterior Decor

Why did we dine here? – Raku is a popular Japanese restaurant in Las Vegas. Some friends loved this place and suggested we dine there. Raku are located about 15 minutes from the strip, right in the middle the Chinatown strip mall area. Chef Mitsuo Endo has been packing them in for many years.

Insider Tip – Make reservation ahead of time

Cuisine – Japanese Izakaya
Location – Las Vegas
Opened – 2008

Service – Raku had very good service. The folks know the menu well and can help steer you to the favorites.
Verdict – Raku impressed us. Excellent food, real binchotan charcoal, wide variety at reasonable prices. Better Japanese Izakaya than most places in the San Francisco Area. Cheaper and way better than Pabu in San Francisco. No wonder it is a late night favorite of chefs. Get in a cab and get off the strip now!

Keep some room. Be sure to visit sister dessert place: Sweets Raku in the same strip mall complex. That restaurant smells like a warm cookie shop. Yum!

Sweets Raku Las Vegas Mount Exotic

Try their 2 course set menu dessert for $15.

The egg batter Fried Olives ($4) are unique and a must try.

Reservations by phone only. Coming to Los Angeles in 2015.

Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Yes.

Raku Signature Dishes – Tofu, Foie Gras Egg Custard, Skewers, Scallops, Kobe Beef Outside skirt

Raku’s Menu is pretty wide ranging. Everything from house made tofu to foie gras fusion dishes. Lots of the usual Izakaya skwers too. A chalkboard with specials is also presented.

Website Raku Menu

Raku Food Picks:

Raku Las Vegas house made tofu

Raku’s Tofu (Half $3.50) is a steal at this price. Home made, cold, and acommpanied with add-ins like bonito shavings, ginger and chives.

Raku Las Vegas sashimi salad

Sashimi Salad ($14) was a fusiony affair. Spinach salad with lots of fresh fish on top.

Raku Las Vegas yellowtail carpaccio

Yellowtail Carpaccio ($12) 7 pieces of perfectly sliced fish topped with one of 2 items plus a sauce on the side. The closest you get to sashimi here. Very pristine.

Steamed Foie Gras Egg Custard ($10) was silky smooth but interesting. Very rich, almost too much so. Better love foie and chawan mushi.

Raku Las Vegas foie gras don

Foie Gras Don ($18.50) hit the target for sauteed foie fans. Foie on a bed of greens with rice and some soy sauce underneath. Awesome.

Raku Las Vegas grilled rice balls

Grilled Rice Balls ($5) included 2 different styles including one with some egg batter and seaweed.

Yummy Miso Soup ($3.80) was unique in that it was made with egg, giving it a creamer taste.

Raku Las Vegas poached egg uni

Poached Egg with Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe ($9) was a runny, gooey, mixture of goodness. Perfect for fans of uni.

Raku Las Vegas chicken breast

Chicken Breast wrapped with Chicken Skin ($3) 3 chunks with some salt and a lot of juicy tenderness.

Raku Las Vegas skewers

Kobe Beef Fillet with Wasabi ($12) was not too spicy, but definitely was made of quality meat.

Raku Las Vegas kobe beef skewer

Kobe Beef Outside Skirt with Garlic ($7.50) another recommendation that kept it more straightforward with meat flavor.

Duck with Balsamic Soy Sauce ($4.50) is a signature dish that also is highly recommended. Reasonable price.

Portabella stuffed with Ground Chicken ($4.50) was made with egg and made for a meaty skewer.

Raku Las Vegas Scallops

Butter Sautéed Scallop with Soy Sauce ($7) was recommended by the server. One medium sized scallop, still in its shell. Fresh and clean.

Raku Las Vegas Asparagus

Asparagus ($2) were 2 small skewers. Very good with a spiced flavor.

Raku Las Vegas Mushrooms

Mushroom ($1.50) were plan looking but juicy and worth ordering.

Eringe Mushroom ($4) was another variety of mushroom.

OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None

Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None

Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?

Raku Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Restaurant Map:


Overall Rating: (Excellent 3)

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