Nomikai, a vibrant new sushi restaurant and speakeasy at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, draws its name from the Japanese term for “drinking party,” embodying a spirited tradition of connection over food and drink. Opened in Spring 2025, this multi-dimensional dining destination marries the artistry of Japanese cuisine with the electric pulse of Las Vegas, offering two distinct experiences: a lively sushi counter and a hidden, intimate speakeasy. As a former jazz singer with a palate tuned to the rhythms of flavor, I approached Nomikai with the same curiosity that once led me to the MGM Grand in the 1990s, seeking the hidden magic behind Sin City’s latest culinary gem. Here’s my journey through Nomikai’s world of sushi, sake, and soulful ambiance.
A Tradition Reimagined
In Japan, a nomikai is more than a meal—it’s a cultural ritual where friends and colleagues gather to unwind, share stories, and forge bonds over food and drinks. The Venetian’s Nomikai captures this essence, a new restaurant transforming itself into a Las Vegas spectacle that feels both authentic and innovative. Located on the resort’s iconic Restaurant Row, alongside heavyweights like Delmonico Steakhouse and Yardbird, Nomikai is part of a $1.5 billion reinvestment project that’s reshaping The Venetian’s culinary landscape.
The restaurant’s dual identity sets it apart. Up front, a sushi counter hums with Tokyo-inspired energy, serving freshly cut rolls, sashimi, and nigiri to guests on the go. It’s a quick-serve haven for those darting to a show or meeting, with seating for 20 and a menu that balances speed with sophistication. Behind a discreet door lies the speakeasy—a dimly lit, moody retreat where premium sushi, rare Japanese whiskies, and inventive cocktails create an after-hours escape. This contrast mirrors Las Vegas itself: fast-paced dazzle meets intimate allure.
The Culinary Masters
At Nomikai’s heart are twin brothers Yongjun (Jun) An and Yongju (Nick) An, whose culinary prowess elevates every dish. Jun, the culinary director, and Nick, the executive sous chef, bring a pedigree from Las Vegas’s most celebrated sushi restaurants, including Nobu, Blue Ribbon Sushi, and SUSHISAMBA. Trained at the prestigious Mokpo Culinary School in Korea, the brothers infuse Nomikai with a blend of tradition and creativity.
Their menu reflects a deep respect for Japanese craft. Sushi flown in daily from Japan and California ensures pristine quality, with offerings like yellowtail sashimi, tuna tataki, and poke bowls at the counter, and more intricate nigiri and sashimi in the speakeasy. The brothers’ innovative take shines in dishes that marry authentic flavors with modern flair, though specifics remain tantalizingly elusive until you’re seated. “Nomikai is true to its spirit, marrying food and connection,” says Julian Griffiths, senior vice president of food and beverage at The Venetian.
Guiding the speakeasy’s vision is sushi chef Setsuji Mitsui, whose Japanese heritage informs a dynamic menu that feels like a performance. Mitsui’s mastery is evident in every slice, each piece a testament to precision and passion. His presence adds a layer of authenticity, making Nomikai not just a meal but a cultural journey.
Nomikai is true to its spirit, marrying food and connection
Julian Griffiths, Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage, The Venetian
Nomikai’s Space That Sings
Nomikai’s design, crafted by PUNCH Architecture, is a symphony of textures and tones. The sushi counter buzzes with vibrant energy, its walnut and oxidized white oak cladding paired with basketweave green ceramic tiles. In the speakeasy, the mood shifts to sultry elegance, with dark abyss black tiles, hot-rolled steel, and red neon lighting casting a seductive glow. A colorful mural by Las Vegas-Tokyo artist Sush Machida ties the spaces together, blending Nomikai’s unique identity with The Venetian’s aesthetic.
As a jazz singer, I’m drawn to spaces that resonate like a well-tuned chord. Nomikai’s speakeasy feels like a late-night jam session—intimate, soulful, and full of surprises. The 50-seat dining room, cocktail bar, and private dining room create a sense of exclusivity, while the open sushi counter invites everyone to the party. It’s a balance that echoes the improvisational spirit of Las Vegas, where every moment holds the promise of something extraordinary.
The Art of the Sip
Nomikai’s cocktail program is as much a star as its sushi. The speakeasy’s bar, stocked with an extensive collection of premium sake and rare Japanese whiskies, offers a curated experience for connoisseurs. The cocktail menu, described as “one-of-a-kind,” surprises with sushi-inspired libations that complement the food. Imagine a drink that captures the briny essence of uni or the delicate sweetness of toro—each sip a harmony of flavors.
At the sushi counter, crisp sake and Japanese beers provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rolls and sashimi. The speakeasy’s whiskey selection, however, steals the show, inviting guests to linger over drams that tell stories of Japanese craftsmanship. As someone who finds inspiration in the alchemy of flavors, I savored the chance to pair a smoky whisky with a buttery slice of nigiri, each enhancing the other in a duet of taste.
A Culinary Constellation
Nomikai is the latest jewel in The Venetian’s culinary crown, joining a lineup that includes Gjelina, Miznon, HaSalon, and the soon-to-open Cote Korean Steakhouse, Via Via food hall, and Bazaar Meat. This expansion reflects The Venetian’s commitment to redefining Las Vegas dining, with each restaurant offering a distinct narrative. Nomikai’s blend of accessibility and exclusivity makes it a standout, with the kitchen catering to both the hurried convention-goer and the leisurely epicurean.
The restaurant’s debut aligns with The Venetian’s broader reinvention, which includes revamped suites, a new nightlife venue in Voltaire, and a loyalty program, Venetian Rewards. Patrick Nichols, president and CEO of The Venetian, calls Nomikai “a multi-dimensional space where guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of connection and culture.” It’s a vision that resonates with my own love for Las Vegas—a city that’s always evolving, yet forever magical.
Early Guest Impressions
Since its soft opening in March 2025, Nomikai has garnered buzz for its innovative concept. Yelp reviews, though limited, praise its “newest addition to Venetian” status, with 54 photos capturing its sleek interiors and vibrant dishes. Guests appreciate the dual experience, noting the sushi counter’s convenience and the speakeasy’s allure. While detailed feedback is still emerging, the consensus is clear: Nomikai is a destination worth exploring.
My own visit left me enchanted. The sushi counter’s poke bowl, bursting with fresh tuna and creamy avocado, was a quick delight, paired with a chilled sake that cut through the richness. In the speakeasy, a nigiri trio—silky salmon, briny uni, and melt-in-your-mouth toro—felt like a culinary crescendo, each bite more soulful than the last. The cocktail, a yuzu-infused creation, danced on my palate, evoking the citrus groves of Japan. It was a meal that sang, much like the jazz standards I once crooned.
The Vegas Context
Nomikai arrives at a pivotal moment for Las Vegas dining. The city’s culinary scene has evolved from buffet-heavy excess to a global stage for innovative concepts. The Venetian, with its Restaurant Row, has long been a leader in this transformation, and Nomikai reinforces its legacy. As I wandered the tiled corridor, passing Chica and Yardbird, I felt the same thrill I did in the ’90s, when Vegas was a yellow-brick road of possibilities.
The restaurant’s spring 2025 opening coincided with other high-profile debuts, including Gjelina’s farm-to-table ethos and Voltaire’s star-studded performances. Yet Nomikai holds its own, offering a narrative that’s both universal and distinctly Japanese. It’s a place where a solo traveler can grab a handroll and feel part of the party, or a group can disappear into the speakeasy for a night of indulgence.
A Personal Reflection
As a writer who sees Las Vegas through the lens of wonder, Nomikai feels like a page from Oz—familiar yet fantastical. My love for cooking draws me to its precision, my musical soul to its rhythm, and my literary heart to its story. Like Dorothy, I’ve followed the city’s evolution, from the MGM Grand’s emerald glow to The Venetian’s canals. Nomikai is a new chapter, one that invites us to gather, savor, and connect.
For Vegas enthusiasts, Nomikai is a must-visit. Whether you’re craving a quick sashimi fix or a speakeasy soirée, it delivers. Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), it’s accessible yet exclusive, a balance that defines Las Vegas. Visit nomikaisushi.com for reservations or follow @nomikaisushi on Instagram for updates.
As I left Nomikai, a great book tucked under my arm, I felt the city’s magic anew. In a town of bright lights and bold flavors, Nomikai is a melody that lingers—a drinking party, a culinary symphony, a moment of connection in the heart of Sin City.
