Morimoto Las Vegas recently underwent a significant renovation and the results are sensational. This fancy Japanese restaurant is open and welcomes diners to experience an elegant, reimagined space and updated menu. From sophisticated new design decor to new food items and a noteworthy cocktail program, Morimoto Las Vegas is the spot worth visiting.
Located inside the MGM Grand, famed chef Masaharu Morimoto, star of Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Iron Chef Japan, has created a top-notch restaurant serving artistic Japanese fusion cuisine. “The next era of Morimoto at MGM Grand harmonizes the soul of Las Vegas and Tokyo’s electric designs, buzzing streets and our shared love for the art of food,” Chef Morimoto said in a statement. “I love Las Vegas as a palette to express my creativity without limits in service to travelers who come from around the world to pursue moments that will stay with them for a lifetime.”
Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
The look and feel of the revamped eatery is upscale but also fun. Diners arrive through a radiant portal composed of Japanese script and an entrance inspired by the high-energy of the buzzing Shinjuku entertainment neighborhood of Tokyo. Images of Tokyo neon pop in magenta, vermilion and vibrant violet rise above the massive sushi bar. The main dining room combines Tokyo’s rain-slicked streets with charred wood, a nod to Yakisugi craftsmanship, and pleated red lanterns cast a soothing glow from above—creating a sexy mood for dinner.
The refreshed menu mixes new dishes with classic Morimoto fare. A highlight that is a must-order is the Land & Ocean Roll, which consists of a smoked sushi roll with F1 wagyu beef, sweet shrimp, crab, and tobiko. Every bite was delicious and the addition of wagyu beef on top of the sushi roll was smart and very satisfying. The Land & Ocean Roll was presented in a beautiful stained glass window box that elevated the dish.
Another new menu item is the Lobster Bao Bun. The pillowy bao was filled with juicy lobster tail and a spicy aioli. The portions of the lobster were generous and the meat was thoughtfully seasoned. Overall this fusion dish combining a traditional Chinese steamed bun (bao) with American-style lobster roll filling is a great appetizer. For those not interested in lobster, there’s pork belly swaddled in bao that’s served with lettuce and cucumbers. There’s also the toro tartare appetizer that came with wasabi, nori paste, sour cream and sturgeon caviar.
Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
When The Knockturnal recently visited Morimoto Las Vegas for a tasting, we were served the roasted Atlantic salmon dish and the Japanese A5 wagyu as our main entrée. The wagyu was cooked on a hot stone and the meat literally melted in our mouth. It was extremely rich and had a smooth silky texture. It almost felt like butter. We could eat this everyday if we could. The portion size was small and we wanted more.
For dessert, the new bento box is a winner. It includes an assortment of mini desserts to share, that contained hazelnut tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, coconut panna cotta, pistachio profiterole and yuzu meringue tart. This bento box is pure joy and it’s absolutely splendid.
The new cocktail collection amplifies drinks from around the world with Morimoto’s favorite spirits, syrups and juices, creating tasty concoctions. Highlights include the following:
• Emerald Dragon: Peach Soju shaken with midori, yuzu juice, lime juice and yuzu white peach soda.
• Morimoto Kofu “Old Fashioned”: Iwai Japanese whisky combined with Kuro Aato and Japanese brown sugar.
• That’s The Tea: Haku vodka stirred with ceremonial matcha, lemon juice and mint.
• Hibis-Kiss: Flecha Azul reposado mixed with yuzu juice, hibiscus and orange liqueur.
Morimoto Las Vegas is open 5pm–10:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 5pm–10pm Sunday through Thursday. Overall, Morimoto delivers an formidable dining experience with its refreshed space and updated menu—affirming it’s a place you must visit while in Vegas.