This celebrated off-Strip restaurant is for lovers of true edomaezushi (Tokyo-style sushi -- you won't find any rolls on the menu here) that serves fresh seasonal fish, many of them straight from Japan (houbou, renko dai, isaki …), prepared by serious sushi masters. Seating is limited and the decor of simple natural wood. Guests are encouraged to pair their dinner dishes with sakes recommended by the restaurant.
This restaurant was reviewed in the November 2013 LVA; some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate. Kabuto is considered the best sushi restaurant in Las Vegas, something akin to Lotus of Siam for Thai or Raku for Japanese. This isn’t a bargain play, unless you’re comparing tuna to tuna on the high end. In which case, a bargain it truly becomes. That’s because the $48 nigiri course, $80 yoroi course, or $120 Kabuto course provide the same quality sushi and sashimi that you’d get in an ultra-fancy sushi house like BarMASA, only at about a quarter of the price (that’s not an exaggeration). There’s no reason go any other route than ordering one of the three set courses. It’s called omakase, which means “I’ll leave it to you,” and that’s exactly what you do. You won’t get rolls with cream cheese and ponzu sauce. Heck, you won’t even get soy sauce unless it comes (in a micro portion) with what’s being served. Rather you should expect the likes of o-torro (premium fatty tuna), inada (young yellowtail), and kohada (shad). The fish is flown in fresh from Japan (on Tuesdays and Fridays) and the selection changes daily. Which course should you choose? The lowest-priced nigiri course will be plenty for most. Pay more and get more, but the offerings also become more diverse, so you may wind up getting more of things that you like less. We’ve tried all three and the $48 play is our favorite. If you’re still hungry after, you can add individual orders of your favorites for $2-$7 per piece (not per order of two). Kabuto is located in the same awesome food plaza as Raku. It’s a bare storefront with no sign on the door, and inside there are only 24 seats. Hours are 6-11 pm, Mon.-Sat. and you almost have to make a reservation—ask for seats at the bar, where you can watch the sushi chefs work.