I recently had the pleasure of dining at a hidden gem that has left an indelible mark on my culinary experiences. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was inviting and the staff greeted us with warm smiles, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable meal.
We started with some classic dishes: miso soup, seaweed salad, and a sashimi platter. While these are staples in many Japanese restaurants, what set them apart here was the chef's extraordinary touch. The miso soup was perfectly balanced, with a depth of flavor that hinted at hours of meticulous preparation. The seaweed salad was crisp and refreshing, with a delightful hint of sesame that complemented the natural flavors of the seaweed.
The sashimi was the star of the show. Unlike the thin slices you often get elsewhere, these pieces were thick and long, showcasing the quality and freshness of the fish. Each bite was a revelation, bursting with flavor and melting in our mouths. The presentation was immaculate, reflecting the chef's attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
One of the most surprising aspects of our visit was the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty. Given the exceptional quality of the food, we were shocked that more people weren't flocking to this place. It almost felt like we had discovered a secret that we couldn't wait to share.
The chef's hospitality added another layer to our delightful experience. He graciously gifted us some tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), and it was divine. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, it was a testament to the chef's versatility and skill. We devoured every dish, not leaving a single crumb behind, which is a true testament to how delicious everything was.
After such an extraordinary meal, we couldn't resist trying the dessert, and we opted for mochi. It turned out to be the best dessert ever. The chewy layer on the outside had the perfect consistency and thickness, with just the right amount of flour so it didn’t stick to our mouths or teeth. The mango flavor was outstanding, tasting incredibly real and fresh. The same goes for the strawberry and green tea flavors. We enjoyed the mochi so much that we ordered another round. It was a delightful end to our meal, leaving us thoroughly satisfied and already planning our next visit.
Despite being from Houston, we couldn't help but wish this restaurant was closer to home. If it were, we would undoubtedly become regular patrons. Its location, a bit off the beaten path from the Strip, might deter some visitors, but I assure you, making the trip is more than worth it. Missing out on this culinary treasure while in Las Vegas would be a regretful oversight.
In summary, this restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that goes beyond just good food. It's about the passion and craftsmanship of the chef, the warm hospitality, and the authentic flavors that transport you straight to Japan. Whether you're a local or a visitor, do yourself a favor and make this place a priority on your dining list. You won't be...
Read moreI am told that a great work of art is never truly finished, that the work never ends. After just one visit to Soho Japanese Restaurant, I now understand what that means.
Clearly the great Yelpers of Las Vegas have collectively cried out the praises of this understated little gem in the southwest valley. Not only does it rank top among sushi restaurants in Las Vegas, it ranks tops among ALL restaurants in Las Vegas. That little tidbit has to be making some of this town's "legendary" chefs red in the face. Someone should tell those people at Michelin they are dinosaurs - no wait, never-mind, let them figure it out.
You see when it comes down to it, it's quite simple - if you do something great, people will notice. And it's clear, Soho does great better than anyone in Vegas.
The first thing you notice when you walk into Soho is that no world renowned restaurant decor consultancy group was brought in to "class the place up", like they do in most 5 star restaurants. Soho is a simple, friendly, comfortable and welcoming environment - a 5 star restaurant that won't make you feel like you're not good enough to be there (what a concept.)
The staff are regular people, just like you and me. But management is obviously treating these people with a little respect because it's quite clear they all love working there - it shows in absolutely everything they do. Imagine great service at a 5 star restaurant from friendly people who don't look down their nose at you (are you guys starting to see a trend here?)
But you really don't appreciate how good you have it until the food arrives. It's easy to get so comfortable here that you can forget you are about to partake in one amazing meal. All that changes once you take the first bite. For us it was the Uni Trio - just Wow! (Thank you sir, may I please have another.)
I know what you're thinking, what does a boy who grew up in Fargo, North Dakota know about sushi? Wouldn't he be dead last on the list of people you should trust on the subject? (Hey Buddy, you forgot to cook this!)
Fair enough.
The truth is, you're just going to have to decide for yourself. No amount of banter from me is going to change your mind,so I'll leave that up to the marvelous people at Soho, they are better suited...
Read moreI loved this place. It's been my go to restaurant for so long. I take family and friends here. I encourage anyone who asks for dinner recommendations to go.
Having said that I have noticed the quality slipping over the last few months. It wasn't terrible, it just wasn't as good as it use to be. Until today.
My friend and I decided to order takeout. We ordered tempura shrimp, the plate not a roll, bang bang shrimp, lamb chops and gyoza. Simple enough. The waitress specifically asked if we wanted a tempura roll or plate. I said not the roll please, a plate.
We got our food. I should have checked but I didn't. That's my fault. We get home and the first box we open is the tempura shrimp roll. I specifically said no roll. Checked the receipt, it said roll. Then the bang bang shrimp, my absolute favorite dish on the menu. I don't know what it was they gave us but it wasn't bang bang shrimp in addition to the fact that it was so spicy it was inedible. I get this dish all the time. It's never looked or tasted like this before. The lamb chops come with confit potatoes. Again whatever spicy sauce they are using made the potatoes inedible. We threw it all in the trash except the gyoza. $60 in the trash.
Maybe not a big deal to some people but $60 is a big deal when it just goes straight to the trash. We went to the Chevron and got chicken. At least with them I know the quality I'm expecting.
I loved this place so much but again the quality has been slipping and this was just it for me. I won't go there anymore and I won't...
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