Raku far exceeded my expectations and has definitely been added to my list of favorite restaurants out in Vegas area!
My friend Christina T. had recommended Raku for years because she had known that I frequented Vegas quite often. Unfortunately, Raku is off the strip so not super convenient if you do not have transportation but not too far off depending on where you are staying. Sure, the place may not match the glitz and the glamor of places on the strip, Raku definitely hides some great foodie gems.
I would highly recommend getting reservations if you want to make sure you get a seat. I had tried to make reservations about a week before but was told that the only available seats were at 10:30! To make sure my friend and I could get seats we went to wait for the restaurant to open thirty minutes before opening. When we first arrived, there was just one group ahead but soon after there was a growing line of people.
Instead of poring over the menu, my friend and I ordered the premium omakase which ended up being eleven plates chosen to be the best sampling of what the restaurant had to offer. If you have the money to spare and hungry, I would highly recommend this!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Raku's tofu - silky smooth fresh tofu with few embellishments to lightly flavor
Butter Sautéed scallop - I rarely like scallop but this was soooooo good! The natural butteriness of the scallop cooked to a nice consistency
Fried whole fish in dashi - A nice sized fish fried and nestled in a warm soy sauce broth
Kobe beef filet skewer with wasabi - A meaty beef skewer that has the signature fattiness of Kobe beef matches well with heat from wasabi
Green tea creme brûlée - by far, one of my favorite desserts I have had in a long time! I am a fan of green tea and the execution as a creme brûlée was superb. I just wished I could continue scooping this forever.
MEH:
Foie gras don - Overhyped for me because it was laid thick with a sweet syrupy sauce. There was a good amount of foie but I couldn't get past that sauce. Nice concept though.
Parking can be a little difficult to find in this very packed plaza! Luckily found a parking spot but you may have to find parking elsewhere and walk over. Service was pretty spot on.
Overall, Raku provides a great high-quality Japanese cuisine that is definitely worth leaving the Vegas strip.