Las Vegas | I Visited Raku Again After a Year 🎎

Raku has long been a beloved hotspot in Vegas. I was so impressed after trying it last summer that I had to return exactly one year later! ✨ The sashimi was the biggest surprise this time! Though I was a bit disappointed that the fatty tuna was sold out, the amberjack's refreshing and firm texture completely changed my perspective on white-fleshed fish. 🐟 The sea urchin was incredibly rich and creamy—its quality could easily rival any dedicated sushi bar! 🌊 The cold appetizer platter appears in almost every review for a reason! Beyond the reliably fresh ingredients, the okra and mountain yam added a unique sticky-yet-crispy texture that made it truly memorable. 🥒 The grilled mushrooms were as juicy and flavorful as I remembered—one of the main reasons I couldn’t stop thinking about this place! The okra and asparagus were also perfectly prepared. If you prefer more kick, I was pleasantly surprised to find chili powder on the table to spice things up! 🌶️ The grilled shrimp was simply seasoned, and while decent, it wasn’t outstanding—you can probably skip it. The signature foie gras rice and wasabi wagyu skewers are both delicious but quite rich. The rice portion is small, but the foie gras is generous. Honestly, the sweet sauce mixed with fragrant rice and scallions stood out more than the foie gras itself! 🍚 The wasabi and wagyu don’t blend intensely in flavor, and even with that sharp kick, the skewer was a bit too fatty for me—half was plenty! Interestingly, oysters aren’t on the menu, but we spotted them behind the bar and decided to try. Served with just lemon and dipping sauce, the fishiness came through a bit too strongly. Not really worth it, in my opinion. 🦪 The drink menu features familiar North American options, but their special sake selection is exceptional—almost all we tried were hits! 🍶 Highly recommend the yuzu sake: fresher and crisper than most store-bought brands. The sparkling sake, with its fruity notes, is like a Japanese Moscato—so enjoyable! 🥂 They offer three desserts, but the two we tried were just okay. The "fluffy" cheesecake was mostly dense cream cheese, similar to supermarket versions. The pomegranate shaved ice was a simple, slightly bitter ice block. Maybe skip sweets here. 🍰 Overall, most menu items deliver, and the signature dishes still impress! Great for drinks, late-night eats (open till early morning!), and a lively vibe. Just don’t expect much from the desserts. Have you been to Raku? What’s your favorite late-night spot in Vegas? Share your go-to dishes below! 👇🥢 #Foodie #MustReturnRestaurant #LasVegasFood #LasVegasTravel #GreatVibeRestaurant #JapaneseCuisine #SakeLover #LateNightEats #VegasEats #FoodReview #HiddenGem #RakuVegas