Kuro at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Ranked Nationally No. 1 Hotel Restaurant by USA TODAY 10BEST

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City's Japanese craft kitchen, Kuro, was recently honored with the title of USA TODAY 10BEST'S Best Hotel Restaurant. The restaurant ranked in the top three in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. USA TODAY 10BEST nominations are carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before being voted on by the public.

Led by Executive Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro features contemporary artisanal dishes using locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan. Menu items boast complex and balanced flavors that are designed with sharing in mind. Menu items include premium grade sushi, sashimi and hand rolls, A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef, a variety of Robata Charcoal Grill skewers, and delectable desserts. Designed to accommodate all guests, Kuro also features a selection of gluten-free and vegan dining options.

Kuro's bustling beverage program includes handcrafted cocktails using fresh ingredients in modern recipes with hints of classic flavors that are divided into five sections based on the five basic tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. Guest favorites include the sweet cocktail, Shi, made with blackberry jam-infused tequila, ginger, and pineapple and the salty Pinku, perfectly balanced with vodka, mezcal, watermelon, lime, and ichimi salt.

"We are so proud of Executive Chef, Leslie Daniel, Kuro's General Manager, Samantha Phommalyia and our incredibly talented Kuro team for achieving this prestigious honor," said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City. "The team at Kuro consistently stands out for their culinary passions and commitment to creating a truly unique dining experience for our guests."

Chef Leslie, affectionately referred to as "Chef Too Hype" by his team, is a beloved member of the Atlantic City community and frequently participates in local charity events including the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City's Let's Get Cooking event and ACCC's Annual Restaurant Gala. Chef Leslie has also been featured on The Food Network appearing in "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing" and "Guy's Grocery Games," where he was crowned the winner.

Along with the regular menu available Wednesday to Sunday, Kuro invites guests to experience a "Taste of Kuro" every Thursday. Expertly curated by Chef Leslie, "Taste of Kuro" a $65 five-course tasting menu featuring Miso Soup, Eda-Shi platter with edamame and Niwa salad, Wagyu Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Soy Lemon Salmon and more. Additionally, Kuro offers "Sushi Sundays" each week, an Omakase-style menu featuring a chilled tasting of Toro Tartar, Salmon Bowl, Hamachi Pepper and Ceviche, specialty rolls, sashimi and more. Reservations to dine at Kuro are recommended and can be made at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com.

Media Contacts: 
Lizzy Moss, Cashman and Associates
(305) 431-4935
[email protected]

Sharon Pearce, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
(609) 449-5078
[email protected]

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City