Chowhound: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

While Las Vegas is home to many fantastic restaurants, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has not only breathed a breath of fresh air into city’s dining scene since opening but perhaps even raised the bar for what is to come in the future.  At the famed hybrid restaurant from New York courtesy of brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill serves some of best cuisine in Las Vegas.

First thing to point out is the restaurant is not just a sushi and seafood house but has a rather eclectic menu with something for everyone.  In fact, Blue Ribbon’s Fried Chicken is the most popular dish!  Crispy deliciousness served with a side of honey-wasabi dipping sauce and you may think you’ve died and gone to heaven (stop in late night for their Chicken Wings too).  A few other excellent non-seafood dishes include the Duroc Pork Ribs, Oxtail Fried Rice and Braised Short Rib.

Now when it comes to seafood, Blue Ribbon is your spot.  With the restaurant receiving daily deliveries from Japan, it’s no wonder you’ll be enjoying some of the freshest seafood anywhere including the best Mackerel and Albacore Tuna I have ever had.   If you are a big sushi fan and with a good group of people who share the same tastes, I’d recommend the Blue Ribbon Special platter which is massive and features a selection of all the top fresh sushi, sashimi and rolls.  Some other favorites of mine include the Yaki Hama (baked clams in miso butter), Hamachi Tataki (yellowtail tartare), Salt & Pepper Shrimp and the Okra and Oyster Tempura.

And when it’s time for dessert, there are a handful of great items but really there is only one thing you should be ordering, Ginger Bread Pudding.  A flavorful piece of the gooey bread pudding is topped with rich caramel sauce and a scoop of ginger ice cream. You can thank me later.

As for the dining experience itself, the restaurant is very sleek and warm with a heap of natural woods used throughout and accents of Asian décor in the mix as well, creating an Asian-American concept.  Also if you are looking for a more formal environment, ask to be sat in the main dining room (which also has a sushi bar) for a little more peace and quiet.  If you want to feel the pulse of the restaurant opt for the lounge in the front where there is a live DJ, comfy seating, a good size sushi bar and a great bar where you can enjoy some fantastic sake and Japanese beer as well as dine if you choose too! Added bonus, they are open and serve food until 2 a.m. so next time you are at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and have a late night hunger… Viva Las Vegas!!