Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill Review

An Upscale Sushi Experience in the Heart of the Strip

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill brings New York's acclaimed culinary excellence to the Las Vegas Strip with a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. Located within The Cosmopolitan's vibrant dining corridor, this establishment combines traditional sushi craftsmanship with modern American flair.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

The restaurant features a sleek, contemporary design with dark wood accents, intimate booth seating, and an impressive sushi counter where diners can watch master chefs at work. The lighting is moody yet functional, creating an upscale but not overly formal atmosphere. The open kitchen concept adds energy to the space, though noise levels can rise during peak hours.

Culinary Excellence

Blue Ribbon's menu showcases exceptional quality fish sourced from both local and international waters. The Omakase experience ($125 per person) is a standout, featuring chef-selected seasonal specialties. Signature rolls like the 'Rock Shrimp Tempura Roll' ($22) and 'Blue Ribbon Roll' ($28) demonstrate creative fusion while maintaining respect for traditional techniques. The grilled items, particularly the Miso-Marinated Black Cod ($32), are perfectly executed with beautiful caramelization.

Service and Hospitality

Service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, though can become slightly rushed during dinner rushes. The sushi chefs are particularly engaging when seated at the counter, often explaining preparation methods and ingredient origins. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining.

Value Assessment

While pricing aligns with other high-end Strip sushi establishments, the quality justifies the expense. The lunch bento boxes ($28-35) offer particularly good value, including miso soup, salad, and multiple protein options. Portions are generous for premium sushi, though à la carte ordering can quickly escalate the bill.

Special Features

What sets Blue Ribbon apart is their extensive sake selection featuring over 30 varieties, with knowledgeable staff able to provide perfect pairings. The late-night hours (until 1 AM) make it an ideal post-show destination, and the private dining room accommodates groups up to 20 for special events.

Recommendations

For couples: Request counter seating for the full interactive experience. The chef's tasting menu with sake pairing makes for a memorable date night.
For business dining: The private booths provide adequate privacy for meetings, and the impressive presentation makes a strong impression.
For families: While children are welcome, the sophisticated atmosphere and pricing make it better suited for older children or special occasions.

Practical Information

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5 PM-11 PM, Friday-Saturday 5 PM-1 AM
Parking: Valet or self-parking at The Cosmopolitan (validation available with minimum spend)
Dress Code: Resort casual (no swimwear or tank tops)
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with ramp entry and spacious seating