The beautiful decor of the Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill is like stepping into a 1940s Cuban speakeasy. The atmosphere is relaxed but the interior is sophisticated and detailed. The food matches the intentional decoration and was included as one of the finalists for the Best New Restaurant award in 2011 from James Beard.
In this review, you’ll learn all about the Old Havana-inspired menu and the atmosphere that comes with it, as well as key info you’ll want to know before you go.
Looking to make a reservation for an upcoming visit to Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in the Venetian? Sugarcane uses the Opentable restaurant reservation platform. Make your reservation today!
The Fresh Taste of Sugarcane
At the Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, you’ll find a well-balanced mix of Latin American flavors with contemporary classics. The award-winning chef Timon Balloo serves up the dishes from three different kitchens including an open-fire grill, a raw bar, and a traditional kitchen.
The Menus at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill Menu – Venetian Las Vegas
Appetizers
To start your elevated dining experience at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, order some of their signature appetizers. A true global mix of cuisine can be found from Korean Chicken Wings to Homemade Empanadas. More adventurous eaters will try out the BBQ-Spiced Crispy Pig Ears.
Some of these options are taken from the sister restaurant in London like the corn ribs and crispy polenta. You can expect to pay anywhere from $13 – $17 for one of the apps.
Raw Bar
Besides the entree section, the raw bar is really where Sugarcane starts to shine. You’ll find items you would expect at a raw bar like the Shrimp Ceviche and Poke Bowl, but you’ll also find innovative combinations like the Hamachi Pizza and Yellowfin Tuna Tartare make this area exciting.
Seasonal oysters are available but if you want to go all out then a shellfish tower should be your go-to. Although expensive at $120 for 2-3 people or $225 for 4-6 people, they come with lots of oysters, shrimp, mussels, lobster, and opilio crab. Rounding out the raw bar is a choice of fresh seafood with crispy rice.
Entrees
Tucked away into the entree section is a small choice between two salads. The Sugarcane Caesar and Wedge Salad offer healthy options to start off your journey into the delicious entrees. You can add some protein to your salads if you want to turn them into full meals.
What the restaurant is best known for is the Duck and Waffle which includes a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. Another staple of the menu is the Beef Short Ribs but you can’t go wrong with any options here. The Duck Fried Rice, Australian Grilled Lamb Chops, Spanish Octopus, and Pig Ear & Papaya Pad Thai will all leave you feeling full and satisfied.
While you’ll find some options hovering around $17, most of this section is between $25-$30. The prices are actually very reasonable compared with some of the other restaurants located around the strip.
Desserts
An impressive dessert menu awaits all those who left a little room at the end of the meal. Latin-inspired treats like the Torrejas, which is dulce de leche soaked french toast that comes with cinnamon ice cream and maple caramelized apples, or the Sugar Churros, which comes with Mexican hot chocolate, make you feel like you’re eating on the streets of Cuba.
You don’t have to get something exotic though, key lime donuts, housemade ice cream, and a Nutella sundae make sure there’s something that can please any appetite.
Cocktails/Drinks
You might not get the large list of cocktails, beers, or wines by the glass that you might see at other establishments, but Sugarcane includes just enough to please your palette.
The wine selection includes sparkling, whites, reds, and rose, but it has a somewhat limited selection of each unless you’re opting for a bottle.
The cocktails here will have you feeling like a true local with the Banana Rum old-fashioned and Reserve Mai tai. There’s a Rum ‘N Bramble as well as an Aloha Daiquiri. Rum is obviously the star of the drink menu but you can find other signature libations too like the Garden Essence made with gin or the Mexican Lemon Drop made with tequila.
The menu also includes a few beers including canned and draft. When your meal is over, Sugarcane has some after-dinner drinks like the Grasshopper or Deja Brew which can either get you ready for the night or settle you in for the evening.
Reservations at Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
Sugarcane restaurant in the Venetian uses the Opentable restaurant reservation platform, making it easy for diners to find availability, make a reservation, receive confirmation, and edit/cancel a reservation if plans change.
Opentable doesn’t require you to create an account, but if you do, you can earn points each time you make a reservation and complete your dining experience. Points can be redeemed for various perks including Amazon Gift Cards!
The Elevated Ambiance of Sugarcane
From the moment you walk in through the black gate entrance that has the word Sugarcane displayed above, you feel as though you’re entering a different time and place. The decor is modern and inviting with classy checkered floors and leaf-shaped fans above. The open bar extends the entire length of the initial dining floor and gives off a welcoming atmosphere that stays lively with conversation all around.
There’s a separate dining room for more guests that is vibrant with color and matches the Cuban sensibility better. Private parties even have access to a separate room that is modern and fits up to 20 people. Guests are invited to relax and spend some time at the restaurant so you’ll never have to feel rushed sipping your rum cocktail just like you were in Cuba.
Things To Know About Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in the Venetian
Location: From the casino, head southeast to the waterfall atrium which includes the LOVE sculpture. Continue to the east corridor that leads into Restaurant Row. Take your first right and the Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill will be on your left-hand side.
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Thurs | 8:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Fri – Sat | 8:00 am – 12:00 am
- Sun | 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Brunch | Open – 4:00 pm
- Dinner | 4:00 pm – Close
- Happy Hour @ Bar | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Hours subject to change
Dress Code: Casual dress code but cover ups are required for beachwear. Must have a shirt and shoes to receive service.
Price: For two people you should expect to pay between $120 – $180 including a couple of alcoholic drinks. This price can easily increase if you choose more expensive options like the shellfish tower or ribeye.
Grazie Rewards Dining Perks: The Venetian and Palazzo have a player’s rewards program that offers all kinds of benefits including those for dining if you’re a member. Membership is free. You can find more information here at Grazie Rewards.
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in Summary
With lively decor and an innovative menu, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill is an experience that transports you to Old Havana in Cuba. The menu is filled with fresh and delicious seafood options but there’s also a mix of traditional dishes that anyone can enjoy. I hope this review gives you everything you need before heading to Sugarcane and thank you for using The Las Vegas Report!
If you’re looking for more dining options at this amazing resort, check out our complete guide to restaurants in the Venetian and Palazzo Las Vegas.
Here’s our list of the best seafood restaurants in Las Vegas.
