EAST OF THE STRIP. The charismatic chefs at Benihana do hibachi, and they do it well. This Japanese-style steakhouse is the type of place tourists flock to, and for good reason. The food, prepared on teppans (griddles) right in front the diners, ranges from seasoned steaks to spicy shrimp to flavorful chicken, with a handful of hot vegetables and pillow of fried rice thrown in for good measure. Nearly as good as the food is the show that the chefs put on, whether it's their own stirring rendition of "Happy Birthday" or a wild game of "catch the shrimp." A plant-lined stream flows through the seating area, giving the place a touch of the exotic.

EAST LAS VEGAS. An east side standard for more than 20 years now, Geisha offers diners a traditional Japanese steakhouse setting, complete with the quintessential hibachi tables, flashy chefs, and large portions. Families especially enjoy watching the chefs do their thing ­ creating fabulous sesame chicken, steak, scallop, shrimp, and lobster teppan-yakis. Best of all, their prices are much more reasonable than some of Vegas's other Japanese steakhouses.

NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS. Gently whirring ceiling fans, soothing water features (including an underground, glass-covered pond), and bamboo accents readily indicate Hannah's interest in French Colonial-era Vietnam. The food, however, is more eclectic, a pan-Asian selection that touches on sushi, satay, salads, and seafood. Although the lovely dining room is a strong draw, the patio is also an appealing prospect, whether you gather there to sample the famous garlic noodles or choose roasted Dungeness crab, Vietnamese roast chicken, crab fried rice, or pan-roasted lamb chops. Plenty of options, plenty of price points at this neighborhood favorite.

THE STRIP. Pronounced "yah-COO-me," this flashy Caesars Palace eatery serves up a variety of raw, steamed, and cooked Japanese fare. From sushi and sashimi to brilliant teppan yaki-style dishes. The waitstaff, clad in traditional Japanese garb, caters to your every need with a friendly professionalism that defies description. The sushi bar, a terrific place to enjoy a cold glass of Sapporo or some hot sake, overlooks the trendy Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub, one of the Strip's most noteworthy places to see and be seen.

THE STRIP. The New York and Chicago locations of Japonais now have a Vegas sibling. With views of the Mirage casino, it's a stunning space that boasts a fire wall, an onyx bar, water features, a dramatic tree sculpture, and lots of dark woods and glass. The overall effect is of stylized exoticism, and the environment is an absolutely fitting complement to the carefully crafted food. The sushi bar delivers delicacies like a spicy octopus roll and sweet ceviche with avocado mousse; cooked entrees include chestnut chicken, Peking duck, and grilled hamachi. The delicious food is a fantastic prelude to desserts like green tea panna cotta or cocktails like the "floating orchid" ­ pear and lemon juices, vodka, Cointreau, and an orchid that you can eat!