Sen of Japan

In Japanese, the word sen means fresh. And Sen of Japan brings fresh Japanese cuisine to a restaurant and bar with a comfortable ambiance and well-deserved reputation of delectable dishes. Moreover, the off-Strip location keeps the prices reasonable, without sacrificing quality.

Sen is best known for the sushi (Chef Lorraine Blanco Moss, Huntington Press publisher Anthony Curtis, Thrillist writer Robert Kachelriess and marketing consultant Tom Wszalek all recommend it in this category.) And the variety at the sushi bar is better than at many Strip spots. Foie gras, octopus, smelt egg, sea urchin and kanpachi entice those with more adventurous palates, while quality albacore, salmon, mackerel and shrimp are delightfully familiar.

Yet there’s far more on the menu, courtesy of Chef Nakano Hiromi -- a former head chef at Nobu at the Hard Rock. Cold and warm appetizers, grilled, braised and fried small plates, kushi-yake skewers and tempura give diners plenty of non-sushi options. And at $60 for six courses and $90 for seven, the omakase tastings are pretty amazing deals.