KYU Las Vegas

KYU at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas combines flavorful dishes and inventive cocktails with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that offer captivating views of the Strip

Arriving into Las Vegas from Toronto, I knew that there was one thing I wanted to do: book a Las Vegas dinner. Now, dinners in Las Vegas are special. Yes, coming from Los Angeles, I have pretty much the same restaurants a short drive away. But, I wanted something actually interesting and worth the price paid to eat on the Strip.

When Terrin suggested that I make a reservation at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas restaurant KYU, I was intrigued. So, that morning, while at the airport lounge in Toronto, I attempted to get a reservation. One thing led to another and I had to call the Fontainebleau directly, because Seven Rooms, their reservation platform, wasn’t working properly. I highly suggest this, as it led me to getting the restaurant reservation I wanted – at a time that Seven Rooms didn’t even show available.

Now, I must say – the Fontainebleau was absolutely gorgeous. Walking through the casino from the parking lot to the restaurant, I was reminded of how I felt about the Wynn when it first opened.

Arriving at KYU, I instantly loved the decor and design. But, what really got me to say “wow” was the huge windows that looked onto the Strip. It was phenomenal to have a casino restaurant actually have natural light streaming into its building.

First up, the ALWAYS MONEY IN THE BANANA STAND (banana infused eldorado 15 rum. chocolate bitters, fresh coconut water ice) cocktail. This was essentially a banana old fashioned.

Next up was an order of TUNA CRISPY RICE (smoked chili) while I waited for my partner to join me from his convention.

This dish was a delightful twist on the classic crispy rice preparation. Each bite-sized piece was perfectly seared to create a light, satisfying crunch, while the rice itself was warm and slightly sticky, forming the ideal base for the fresh, high-quality tuna on top.

In fact, it was so nice that I ordered the HAMACHI CRISPY RICE (wasabi) to follow.

The hamachi was incredibly fresh and tender, with a delicate, buttery texture that melted in my mouth. The addition of wasabi provided a subtle, aromatic heat, enhancing the fish’s flavor without overpowering it.

The GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM! (don julio reposado tequila. Vietnamese cold brew, galliano espresso, antica formula, vanilla. chicory), which was a fancy way of saying “delicious espresso martini” was delicious to sip as we caught up and talked while waiting for the main course.

The KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN (chili butter, braised spinach) is the reason why this restaurant should be at the top anyone’s Las Vegas eating to-do list. This dish is truly outstanding—each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, with a succulent, tender interior that’s bursting with flavor. The chicken is coated in a rich, spicy chili butter that adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the natural flavors of the meat.

It was absolutely outstanding.

Dinner at KYU was everything I could ask for in a restaurant, especially one nestled within a stunning hotel on the Strip. The ambiance was rich with energy, blending sleek decor with a warm, welcoming vibe. The food was an unforgettable experience, with flavors that were bold, innovative, and perfectly balanced. Every dish felt like a work of art, from the meticulous presentation to the deeply satisfying taste, capturing the essence of modern dining while staying true to its Asian-inspired roots.

What made the evening even more memorable was the unexpected introduction to a stunning art installation by Breakfast (the artist) right outside the restaurant’s doors. The piece added a touch of modern, interactive beauty to the environment, drawing you in with its vibrant design and intriguing details. It was a perfect complement to the whole experience, making KYU not only a place for incredible food but also a spot where art and culture are seamlessly woven into the fabric of a memorable night out on the Strip.

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