Kabuto restaurant is easily lost in this small strip mall in China Town Las Vegas. Inside this very humble looking restaurant are 22 seats — 10 bar and 3 tables of 4. Reservations only, don’t plan on just showing up and getting a seat.
My wife and I did however show up without a reservation. Happened to find the place online while looking for a good Sushi restaurant a few nights before, but by the time I called they already filled up all their reservations. We were told that sometimes people cancel and we’d be able to take their spot. We showed up right at 6pm and asked if we could wait to see if there were any cancellations.
It was looking pretty grim as the other guests arrived and took their seats. At about 6:20pm the waitress told us that there was a cancellation for their 8pm seating. Our prayers did not go unanswered! We returned promptly at 8pm and were immediately seated in the center of the bar. The server was super knowledgeable of the current offerings and was very kind and accommodating. The restaurant is well lit and very clean. Everything has a bamboo like appearance and really does give you the impression that you have just been transported to Japan. Very quiet and well kept.
The menu is very simple and consisted of three levels. The Nigiri course ($48), Yoroi course ($80), and the Kabuto course ($120). We both decided to go with the Kabuto course — go big! The Kabuto course includes aperitif sake, appetizer, sashimi platter (5 kinds 10pc), grill platter (5 varieties), nigiri (12pc), hand roll, miso soup, and dessert.
Kabuto Omakase Course
First Course — Aperitif Sake
Second Course — Appetizer
Third Course — Sashimi Platter
Fourth Course — Grilled Platter
Fifth Course — Nigiri
10 piece nigiri omakase and 2 of your choice
Sixth Course — Toro Handroll w/Scallions
I forgot to take a picture of the handroll. It consisted of chopped up Toro scraps, scallions, and sushi rice wrapped with toasted seaweed.
Seventh Course — Miso Soup
You can choose for it to come with either mushrooms or fishbone.
Eight Course — Dessert (Tiramisu or Custard)
Summary
The restaurant is well lit, clean, and has great ambiance. All the fish is fresh due to Kabuto serving fish in season and importing from good sources. The sushi chefs are well trained and have excellent attention to detail. Everything tasted great from beginning to end! Will definitely return next time we get the chance.