text: Julius & I have actually traveled to Tokyo's district of Shibuya.  Dubbed the NYC Times Square of Japan, Shibuya is electric, bustling, and sexy, just like its namesake restaurant in Las Vegas.  We've passed by Shibuya many times while walking MGM Grand's Studio Walk, and the scene was always the same: hoards of people crowding the hostess trying the get a table, and the sound of lively chatter coming from the restaurant.  Julius & I swore the next time we had the opportunity, we would come here for sure.  The opportunity struck the weekend we went to Vegas for the Pacquiao-Mosley fight!\n\nROUND 1\nUnfortunately, I can't say the night started off on the right foot.  We arrived early for our reservation, so we requested seats at the sushi bar.  The hostess told us there would be a little wait, so that was cool, until I saw her give the next 2 seats away to a couple of guys that arrived after us.  Low blow!  I TOLD Julius to be the one to talk to her, since he was a guy!  Scorecard:  0 Shibuya\n\nROUND 2\nJulius & I finally got seated, and enjoyed a nice bottle of sake, alternating toasts to Pac-Man as well as our early 10 year wedding anniversary :)  We took in the energetic atmosphere where techno music was playing and everyone around us seemed to be celebrating a special occasion.  What really reminded me of the city of Shibuya was the huge video display covering the entire back wall of the sushi bar (not to mention the wait staff walking around at a brisk pace like they do in Japan!)  The restaurant's party atmosphere was a knockout.  Scorecard:  1 Shibuya.\n\nROUND 3\nWhen we looked at the confusing menu (divided into hot & cold dishes, plus a separate tasting menu), I wasn't super impressed.  I think I was expecting either really eclectic or authentic Japanese fare, but the offerings were pretty standard. I guess it's because this was Vegas, and they had to cater to the masses.  We ordered a salad (a very simple, miso infused salad), oyster sampler (cute presentation of just 4 tiny oysters - you have to have a really refined palate to taste the difference between them!), the soft-shell crab tempura (surprisingly, the batter wasn't a light panko typical of tempura.  Instead, it reminded me more of the thick New Orleans-style batter), and the shishito peppers (delicate and spicy/sweet - probably the best thing of the night!)  So the food was good, but unfortunately, not really memorable (I had to Google the menu to jog my memory!)  Scorecard:  .5 Shibuya.\n\nROUND 4\nExcept for the hostess at the entrance, service was pretty good.   Our server was very attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu.  What sealed the deal for me was the little treat they presented at the end of our meal - complimentary green tea and chocolate mochi, beautifully plated, with a \"Happy Anniversary\" message on piece of white chocolate.  Dessert to me is usually the Main Event, so Shibuya was saved by the bell!  Scorecard:  1 Shibuya.  \n\nAfter our meal, we headed out to the MGM Grande Garden Arena to watch Pacquiao beat Mosley (woohoo!) Was Shibuya victorious as well?  Compared to other Japanese restaurants we've been to, not sure if Shibuya's food is a contender.  I think to fully appreciate the place, you have to dine at the Teppanyaki bar.  But if we're judging on ambience and d\u00e9cor, Shibuya is a heavyweight champ.  Final Scorecard:  3 Stars.