Smile Shota AYCE Sushi — Restaurant in Spring Valley

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smile Shota in Las Vegas, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the city. Located at 8610 Spring Mountain Rd within the vibrant Cheongdam Food Hall, this all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi spot delivers exceptional quality, variety, and atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, the retro-style decor and lively ambiance set the tone for a memorable meal. The staff greeted us warmly, and the energy of the food hall, with its mix of culinary offerings, added a unique and exciting vibe. Smile Shota stands out as a gem for sushi lovers and anyone looking for a fun, flavorful dining adventure. The menu at Smile Shota is a sushi enthusiast’s dream, offering an impressive array of nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls, and specialty rolls that cater to every taste. The freshness of the fish was undeniable—each piece of yellowtail, salmon, and ocean trout melted in my mouth with a clean, delicate flavor. Standout dishes like the Yuzu Yellowtail and Seared Lemon Salmon were bursting with creative flair, balancing citrusy notes with the richness of the fish. The AYCE format is a steal, especially given the premium quality, with options like customizable hand rolls and even non-sushi items like Japanese curry and pork belly for those craving variety. The portions are generous, and the presentation is as beautiful as it is appetizing, making every dish feel like a treat. Service at Smile Shota is another reason this place deserves five stars. Our server, Ron, was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu, offering recommendations that elevated our experience. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the staff ensured our orders arrived quickly—often within 15 minutes—and checked in regularly without being intrusive. The team’s passion for hospitality shines through, creating a welcoming environment that makes you want to linger. Whether you’re a solo diner or with a group, the service strikes the perfect balance of efficiency and warmth, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. The ambiance of Smile Shota adds a layer of charm that sets it apart from other sushi spots in Las Vegas. The retro-inspired design, paired with the communal energy of the Cheongdam Food Hall, creates a trendy yet approachable vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a casual meal with friends or celebrate a special occasion. The moderate noise level keeps things lively without overwhelming conversation, and the clean, well-maintained space reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality. I also appreciated the option to sit and eat within the food hall or take food to go, offering flexibility for different dining preferences. In conclusion, Smile Shota is a must-visit for anyone in Las Vegas seeking top-notch sushi and an unforgettable dining experience. The combination of fresh, high-quality food, outstanding service, and a vibrant atmosphere makes it a standout in the city’s culinary scene. I’ve already been back twice since my first visit, and each time has been just as delightful. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Smile Shota delivers on every front, earning its place as my new go-to sushi spot. I can’t recommend it enough—make a reservation, bring your appetite, and prepare to leave...

We went there on a Wednesday night and were seated promptly at dinner time. It wasn't too busy but parking spots were still hard to find because it's a small parking lot for a food hall.

The AYCE restaurant's fish to rice ratio on their sushi is better(less rice) than most other restaurants in town but I wish they didn't over do it with sauce on their nigiri. Everything starts to taste the same and it's a shame because the flavor of the fish is lost. The food was mostly too sweet, a little salty or wet because it was covered with too much sauce.

For example, the mackerel and eel nigiri were way more flavorful without any sauce on it. We asked to not have our nigiri sauced and it was done correctly by the chef but a service person saw that it wasn't sauced and took it off our table back to the kitchen..... to sauce it, but only to return it back to us by the kitchen without sauce. He apologized and said he took it because he thought it wasn't prepared right. The awkward experience made me wonder why he would spot the food on tables like that.

They have uni, amaebi, tobiko, salmon belly and ocean trout premium items on the menu and a good selection of tuna, salmon, yellowtail and other fish. The uni didn't taste as fresh and could have been better. The salmon belly and ocean trout were good though. The portion ratio was perfect and it's good when they don't sauce it.

I also tried the unagi hand roll and it was overly dripping with eel sauce, and it overpowered the delicate texture and taste of the eel. The miso soup was on the salty side. Their mini cup ice cream desserts are pleasantly different.

The restaurant atmosphere is modern and clean. The tables are roomy for 2-4 people. The service staff was very friendly. They have a $5 discount if you check-in on yelp, which makes their AYCE a good bargain. I'll try it again to see if the next time is better but this visit was a miss for us.

I would recommend that they reduce overly saucing their dishes to allow the food to taste...

Every single time we come here, we are greeted with smiles, great food, fast service and nothing short of a perfect date night out! We have even come back two days in a row and with all of the variety you have to pick from, it’s easy to want to come back for more. Their food is reasonably priced especially for their superior quality, there is always plenty of parking and they are service dog friendly. I highly recommend coming here if you are looking for a fun, delicious and safe night out! The colors, atmosphere, decor and cleanliness will transport you to another world and helps keep you immersed in the world of Smile Shota!

I wanted to also give a shout out to the new manager at Smile Shota who always treats us well, greets us and gives us our favorite spot! He’s attentive, friendly and always makes us feel welcomed. There is also always another gentleman who busses our table and is always making us smile when we get to see him, is very attentive and works extremely hard. This restaurant will make you want to comeback with how they treat you like family! I would recommend Smile Shota to anyone trying to find their new go to sushi spot especially with their all you can eat deals! You won’t regret it.♥️

I wanted to update this by saying that my partner and I had another amazing date night here! Not only was our food all on point, our server was friendly, funny, entertaining, and attentive. You'll be happy to run into Lyssette on her shift, Smile Shota never...