The competition for the unofficial title of most extravagant casino on the Strip is fierce. One of the most important components is fine dining, one Resorts World clearly takes seriously.
Kusa Nori, its stylish Japanese bistro with a sushi bar and teppanyaki grill, could help the resort’s lineup rise to the top. The dimly lit modern space is an experience of its own. Diners will be enchanted by the oversized fish and paper crane sculptures hanging overhead, along with the painting of a black octopus stretching its tentacles behind the sushi bar.
Begin your evening with the kanpachi carpaccio ($28), a refreshing starter with fresh slices of the Hawaiian yellowtail along with grapes, watermelon radish, ponzu, micro shiso, shiso oil and squid ink. Another great starter is the crab Kryptonite ($28), a mouthwatering mix of king crab and snow crab with tobiko, shiitake mushrooms and pearl and green onions in spicy mayo. The crab meat dynamite is set inside the carapace of a crab, creating a memorable visual experience.
Dive into the main event with the nori sashimi moriawase ($75), a selection of the chef’s choice of 10 pieces of sashimi. Featuring bright shades of orange and creamy pinks, this dish will confirm just how fresh Kusa Nori’s seafood offerings are.
There’s a solid selection of maki and specialty rolls. Take a break from the California roll and try the Silver State ($32) instead, with king crab, avocado, cucumber, arare rice cracker, tobiko and premium sweet soy. Or consider the Battle Born roll ($34), which includes seared yakitoro, Japanese cucumber, Welsh onion, toro tartare, chili garlic and yuzu aioli. This section of the menu will have diners humming, but don’t skip over the entrées.
The misoyaki black cod ($38) took chef Ryan Nuqui seven years to perfect, and the result is worth the wait. It offers pleasing tastes and textures, tender fish covered in a crunchy wakame arare crust, with yuzu sake foam, edamame, carrots, pearl onions and hajikami (salted, pickled ginger).
Add the Cherry Blossom cocktail to your meal, built on Japanese Roku gin and as brisk as its name implies with a flowery finish. It’s the perfect drink for spring.
Then wrap it all up with the Rakkasei Layer Crunch Bar ($15), a decadent dessert with peanut butter layers, Valrhona cremeaux and praline crunch. It’s basically the fanciest Snickers bar you’ll ever try, with a bonus side of vanilla bean ice cream. You’ll be deeply satisfied after a night at Kusa Nori.
KUSA NORI Resorts World, 702-676-6965. Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
