Las Vegas dining has added two significant destinations: WAKUDA, a Japanese restaurant helmed by Michelin-recognized Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, and CHICA, a Latin American concept with one of the city's most extensive agave spirit collections.

WAKUDA: Tokyo Meets the Strip WAKUDA emerges from a partnership between Chef Tetsuya Wakuda and restaurateur John Kunkel of 50 Eggs Hospitality. The concept draws inspiration from Tokyo's Golden Gai district, translating its eclectic energy into exquisitely prepared cuisine, intimate ambiance, and provocative art. Chef Wakuda has earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and Relais & Chateaux's Chefs Trophy, with past restaurants ranked in the top five on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List. The menu emphasizes ultra-rare specialty products sourced directly from Japan's premier purveyors and globally renowned fish markets via exclusive cold-chain pathways. The restaurant houses an exclusive eight-seat Omakase Room and the Golden Gai Lounge, an intimate bar featuring rare spirits and sake pairings. For summer service, WAKUDA offers a special Summer Journey menu at $120 per person—a five-course tasting showcasing Chef Wakuda's contemporary Japanese approach through dishes like Kanpachi Carpaccio, Seabass Tempura, chef-selected sushi, and Mocha Coconut Miso Soft Serve.

CHICA: Fire and Agave Spirits CHICA centers on live-fire cooking and a beverage program directed by Daniel Navarro, a Level 2 certified Conocedor de Tequila from the International Tequila Academy. The restaurant stocks over 80 tequilas and 35 mezcals—claimed as one of the most extensive and curated collections in Las Vegas, ranging from rare small-batch artisanal mezcals to ultra-premium extra-añejo tequilas. Signature dishes include the Woodfired Parrillada (prime skirt steak, al pastor baby back ribs, chorizo, oaxacan chicken, tenderloin pinchos, and seasonal vegetables), a 42oz Tableside Tomahawk, and desserts including The Flaming Skull (warm chocolate lava cake with horchata anglaise) and The Corn (strawberry corn cheesecake molded as elote). Signature cocktails feature tequila and mezcal bases: the Paleta, Chica-Rita, Palomita, and Jalisco Old Fashioned. CHICA operates signature brunch service and late-night programming, positioning itself as a venue blending dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Both restaurants are preparing activations for Kenny Chesney and Backstreet Boys residencies and Formula 1 events.

Why It Matters

For Las Vegas operators, these concepts represent two distinct operator playbooks: Wakuda leverages chef credentials and ingredient sourcing as content and differentiation; CHICA builds experience around beverage curation and culinary technique (live-fire). Both signal continued maturation of Vegas dining beyond commodity table-turn models.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors