Capturing the vibe and energy of Tokyo’s Golden Gai district in the Shinjuku neighborhood, Wakuda’s entrance of bright neon and glowing lanterns gives way to a modern dining room. What awaits inside this restaurant at the Palazzo is Michelin-recognized chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s delicate menu of fine sushi and excellent cocktails.
The vibe: From the neon entrance to the bespoke art, Wakuda emits Shinjuku energy. The 110-seat main dining room is divided into two spaces by renowned manga artist Katsuhiro Otomo’s sumo sculptures, which grapple beneath a custom Tawara fixture. There is also a small, private dining space, an omakase room, a secret speakeasy, and a large terrace overlooking the Strip.
The food: The sushi menu is loaded with options–some familiar and some less so—allowing diners to not only tuck into freshwater eel or sea urchin but also geoduck and tuna belly. Squid, king crab, and whole lobster can be found on the tempura part of the menu, while Wagyu gyoza, tofu steak, and shichimi-crusted duck breast served with an edamame cilantro pesto hit on the hot side. There is also a robatayaki grill for meat and seafood lovers.
The drink: The Japanese whisky collection here is among the best in the city. Ideal for sipping on the patio or inside the Golden Gai Cocktail Club, where you can find both citrus-forward drinks using lychee, yuzu, honey, and ginger or boozy drinks like the Ancient Lore, which combines Toki Whisky and a French herbal liqueur with absinthe and bitters.
Time Out tip: Want to really treat yourself? Make a reservation for the eight-seat omakase room and tuck into the 10-course menu while sipping rare Japanese whisky and small-batch sake.