Like many of the restaurants at Encore Resort, Wazuzu, which means “nine dragons” in Chinese, serves up food with flair in a unique atmosphere. This Asian bistro boasts a magnificent décor; awash in red, the small but intimate dining room overlooking the casino features a giant crystal dragon hanging from the back wall. This beautiful 27-foot centerpiece glitters with over 90,000 Swarovski crystals and 2,400 flickering lights. Cozy, plush golden booths allow for comfortable dining, and round enclaves in the ceiling with large, round light fixtures hanging from them add to the coziness of the environment. Though the restaurant has entirely too much red going on, it certainly complements the spiciness of the cuisine.

Helmed by celebrity chef Jet Tila, Wazuzu offers a variety of dishes representing the best of Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine. Sushi, sashimi, and rolls are a popular highlight of the menu, which features familiar favorites like Spicy Tuna Roll as well as exotic creations such as the Live Lobster Sashimi. Starters, Dim Sum, Pan-Asian specialties, rice and noodles, and desserts are also available. For a fun appetizer to share with friends, try the Steamed Edamame, dusted with sea salt, or the spicy-sweet Wazuzu Hot Wings. For a satisfying entrée, try Chef Jet’s signature Thai Barbecue Chicken, a thai herbed marinated half chicken served with sweet chili sauce. The Thai Spicy Basil Stir-Fry is another tasty classic dish, served with Thaii sweet basil, onions, bell peppers, white pepper, and your choice of chicken, shrimp, or beef.

One unique element Wazuzu offers is the ability to control the spiciness of your food; servers ask you to rate, on a scale from one through five, how spicy you would like your dish. One comes out extremely mild, three comes out moderately spicy, and Four and Five are very spicy and extremely spicy.

Since Wazuzu possesses a small dining room and is particularly popular, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check on the wait before stopping by. Open for lunch and dinner, Wazuzu features a relaxing but sophisticated environment as well as a refreshing and exotic menu that’s perfect for an evening out.