Overview

Nestled inside the swanky Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Zuma isn’t your run-of-the-mill sushi bar. This is polished Japanese dining with a sultry edge. The concept, born in London but raised across the globe, takes the informal, shareable essence of a traditional izakaya and gives it a cosmopolitan (no pun intended) facelift. Think bold sushi presentations, grilled skewers sizzling from a Robata, and plating that has you instinctively reaching for your phone.

But make no mistake: Zuma isn’t just a pretty face. The food is outstanding, and we’re not the only ones saying so—Google reviews give it a hearty 4.5 stars out of nearly 850 guests. We had the full Chef’s Premium Omakase experience and walked out with stars in our eyes and a vow to return. If you’re looking for somewhere to splurge on sushi and sip some seriously good wine, Zuma delivers a Las Vegas dining experience that feels like an event.

About the Chef

Rainer Becker may have started his culinary career in the humble town of Bernkastel-Kues, Germany, but today his name is synonymous with modern Japanese dining worldwide. From his early days mastering his craft in Germany and Sydney to his meteoric rise at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, Becker built a career on precision, innovation, and a knack for knowing what diners crave before they even do.

His biggest breakthrough? A barber-shop introduction to investor Arjun Waney in London. That meeting led to the creation of Zuma in 2002, which turned the traditional concept of izakaya on its head and introduced Robata grill cooking to the global fine-dining scene. The accolades followed fast and furious—Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and countless spots on “best of” lists across Europe and Asia.

Today, with over 35 restaurants across the globe (including sibling brands Roka and Inko Nito), Becker’s empire is thriving, and Zuma Las Vegas is one of its crown jewels. His ethos remains simple: beautiful food, precise technique, and an atmosphere that buzzes.

Ambiance

Zuma Las Vegas feels like the Tokyo skyline took a weekend trip to Miami and decided to settle in the desert. It’s modern, moody, and effortlessly cool. Located on the third floor of the Boulevard Tower at The Cosmopolitan, the space is a multi-sensory blend of warm woods, stone textures, and intimate lighting. It manages to strike that elusive balance between trendy and timeless.

The vibe is lively—especially on weekends—with a crowd that’s a blend of dressed-up tourists and chic locals who know where the real party is. There’s an energy here that makes you feel like you’re part of something exciting, even if all you’re doing is sipping Sancerre and sneaking another bite of Wagyu.

Our Meal and Wine Pairing

We went all in with the Chef’s Premium Omakase ($185 per person), and trust us, this was no average prix-fixe parade. This was a culinary journey across flavor, texture, and impeccable presentation. Every course—from the glistening sashimi to the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu—was dialed in. The dessert course capped things off with flair and fun. One of those “you had to be there” moments.

But here’s where things got really fun: the wine. Since outside alcohol isn’t allowed (Zuma’s official Cork & Journey rating: nope, bring your appetite instead), we leaned into their stellar by-the-glass list, courtesy of Head Sommelier Alexander Vahramian.  Here’s what we drank, shared, and happily passed back and forth throughout the night:

Wines by the Glass:

• Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles, Burgundy – Clean and bright, a perfect match with the early sashimi courses.
  
• Domaine Vacheron Sancerre – Vibrant, citrusy, and oh-so-right with anything from the raw bar.
  
• Domaine de la Charbonnière “Cuvée Mourre de Perdrix” Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Earthy and complex; stood up well to richer dishes.
  
• Spottswoode Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon – Big, bold, and beautiful with the Wagyu. A mic drop of a pairing.
  

Creating our own pairing gave us flexibility, and to be honest, it is always fun. If you’re even a little bit into wine, take the time to explore this by-the-glass list.

Corkage Fee

Well, there is no corkage fee because, as mentioned above, outside alcohol isn’t allowed. While this might be a bit of a buzzkill for those who like to bring their favorite bottle along, trust us when we say you won’t miss it. The in-house wine list is carefully curated, and the staff knows their stuff. From Burgundy to Napa, you’re in good hands.

Conclusion

Zuma Las Vegas is more than just another hip restaurant; it’s a destination in and of itself. With a chef who has transformed modern Japanese cuisine on a global scale, an atmosphere that makes every night feel like a celebration, and food that dances the line between refined and craveable, Zuma hits every high note.

Yes, it’s a splurge, but none of that really matters when you’re in the middle of a dining experience this good. The service (aside from a lukewarm front desk greeting) was fantastic, the sommelier absolutely nailed it, and the omakase left us speechless in the best way.

Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to have your expectations surpassed.