Dining Pick of the Week: Shizen Japanese Restaurant

Shizen Japanese Restaurant

JW Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., 702-869-7900

Shizen offers upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. The small entry opens to the fresh fish display area, where chefs in traditional outfits serve up nigiri and sashimi sushi as you watch. Deeper within the restaurant is a cavernous interior with table seating toward the back. The windows overlook the manicured grounds of the hotel, and the sounds of the Rampart Casino seem far away. The decor mixes dark colors with a splash of red, such as the chairs that hug the curved sushi bar. Sports fans will appreciate the big-screen TVs. A teppanyaki table — where chefs slice and dice food, preparing it right in front of diners — can seat more than 12 comfortably. Teppanyaki choices start at $21 for vegetarian. Other selections include lobster, salmon, scallops, chicken, steak and filet mignon. All teppanyaki meals come with miso soup, a house salad, fried rice and vegetables. The menu includes signature sushi rolls starting at $9, noodle bowls (with the option of the gluten- and carbohydrate-free shirataki noodles) and all-you-can-eat Sushi Sundays for $28 per person. Also on the menu is a wide choice of sushi items, such as octopus, scallops, sea urchin, yellowtail, garlic tuna, salmon and squid. Sushi rolls come in more than 24 varieties, including spicy almond roll, California roll, eel roll, spicy crab roll and shrimp tempura roll. Not a fan of sushi? The menu also has yakisoba, with the vegetarian option featuring toasted tofu, as well as teriyaki chicken or beef, seafood ramen and miso-glazed salmon. The menu notes which choices are vegetarian and/or gluten free. Shizen is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.