The drinking party has begun.
Nomikai, a sushi counter, sushi restaurant and speakeasy, are now open at Venetian. Nomikai can be translated from Japanese as “drinking party.” More generally, the term refers to a cozy collegiality driven by food and drink.
Culinary Director Yongjun (Jun) and his identical twin brother, Yongju (Nick), the executive sous manager, contributes to the cozy when leading the food program in Nomikai.
On the menu
The sushi counter on the front offer two parts sushirs, yellow star sashimi, tuna tataki, a poke bowl, sushi rolls, shit and more. A companion to go out the window sends out two parts sushi, poke bowl, rollers and cocktails.
Speakeasy and the restaurant are behind the sushi counter, down a modest hall. The restaurant has small plates, sashimi, nigiri and clips rolls. Some of the objects: spicy tuna chips, chilled snow crab claws, bluefish tuna pizza, kusshi oysters, A5 wagyu nigiri, tuna tataki with ginger, hirame (japanese flounder) with sea salt and sea trout with yuzu kosho chili pastor.
James Manos Helms A Mixology Program inspired by Japanese ingredients and flavors, with cocktails like a Negroni with Nikka Coffee Gin and Sushi Rice, an old-fashioned with Sesame Oil-Washed Akashi Japanese whiskey, and a neon travet who calls Midori, Juni, Juni, Juni, Juni, Juni, Junmi, Junmi, Junmi.
More restaurant openings
A 6-foot statue of a Samurai in a golden case is guarded at the entrance to the restaurant and speakeasy. Space seat 50 and has a cocktail bar and a private dining room. Walnut, oxidized white oak, green and black tiles, rolled steel accents and red neon lighting help compose a moody vibe. There is also a lively mural by artist Sush Machida.
Nomikai is the latest in the culinary development at The Venetian, which began in December with the opening of Gjelina from LA and is expected to continue in 2025 with debuts from Cote Korean Steakhouse from New York City, via Food Hall with its big names, out-of-T-Town Talent and Bazaar Meat which moves to the lower level in Palazzo.
Visit nomikaisushi.com.
Contact Johnathan L. Wright at jwright@ theplayerlounge.com. Follow @jlwtaste on Instagram.
