Takumi Izakaya

Former Mirage and Venetian sushi chef Takashi Nakamura debuts Takumi Izakaya in southwest Las Vegas | Eater Vegas

"Near the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Robindale Road, I visited Takumi Izakaya, a compact southwest spot launched by Takashi Nakamura and now helmed by a former chief sushi chef at the Mirage and the Venetian. The restaurant encourages diners to share izakaya-style tapas and also offers a sushi, nigiri, and sashimi menu similar to the one Takashi ran at his now-shuttered Hidaka Sushi on the eastside. Guests can sit facing the sushi chefs or at individual tables and order appetizers of octopus and wasabi, kakuni black pork, and shark bone with plum sauce; among the small plates are cold tofu, egg omelet, baked yellowtail cheek, grilled mackerel, and butter mushrooms. The long menu also features chirashi bowls, plenty of rolls, and bento boxes for lunch. Chef Takashi’s resume includes Mikado at the Mirage, Tsunami Asian Grill & Sushi Bar at the Venetian, local chain Xtreme Sushi, and Sushi Takashi on Spring Mountain Road. Phone 702-462-6723; open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m." - Bradley Martin