Travel Guides Culinary Vacations
Melanie Hamilton
You’re in Vegas, baby! Full of world-class entertainment and casinos, the City of Sin is also chockfull of great places to eat. Fancy steakhouses set in glitzy casinos (some of which host the occasional celebrity); darling little French bistros right next to the Eiffel Tower replica; kitschy, crass burger joints; and fine-dining Chinese restaurants are just a few things to look forward to.
You might expect to feel a little overwhelmed deciding which resort pool to lounge next to or which nightclub to leave at sunrise, but equally important are the meals in between. Spend a day testing your luck in any of the strip’s many casinos, then go for filet mignon and fine wines at Top of the World to take in the city from above. Or maybe you want to see more of the entertainment side of Vegas – Cirque du Soleil or Penn & Teller magic show, anyone? In that case, go to Blackout Dining before or after for an immersive dining experience sure to wow you. Either way, have your Google maps pins ready, as these are the coolest restaurants to add to your Las Vegas bucket list.
Top of the World
High up at the top of the Stratosphere Tower is the aptly named Top of the World. More than 800 feet above the street with stunning panoramas in all directions, Top of the World is perfect for those who like to have dinner with a view — but you’ll want to make a reservation in advance.
Get dolled up and go for cocktails and dinner. Start with a classic old-fashioned or espresso martini, then make a pick from any of their raw bar selections. Just be sure to save room for the prime tomahawk chop — we are splurging, aren’t we? — or the braised bison short ribs and a selection from the world-class wine menu. For a nearby pre-dinner activity — albeit a little macabre – the Haunted Museum is set in a supposedly ghost-ridden mansion and makes for great fun.
Mon Ami Gabi
Want to dine in a classic French bistro setting that feels more City of Lights than City of Sin? Head to Mon Ami Gabi, a charming little spot located in the Paris Hotel and Casino, not far from the Eiffel Tower replica itself.
Channel your inner Amelie and go for lunch. The floor-to-ceiling windows make for perfect people-watching on the strip, while the mosaic tiles and petite bistro tables add a Parisian touch. Start with a classic onion soup au gratin, then move on to some old-school steak frites. Alternatively, Mon Ami Gabi does a delicious weekend brunch with breakfast cocktails, French toast, and eggs benedict galore. If you decide to go for the brunch, hop over to Le Boulevard at Paris for some shopping, followed by a trip up to the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck.
Wakuda
Run by double Michelin-starred chef Tetsuya Wakuda, Wakuda’s food is nothing short of sublime. Expect to find world-class sushi — some innovative, some traditional — and other Japanese delights, along with an incredible lineup of whiskey and sake to bring it all full circle. But beyond the delectable menu, the atmosphere absolutely wows with two dueling sumo figures framed by cherry blossom trees and swanky bar seating with mood lighting.
Located inside the Palazzo at The Venetian, it makes a great sequel to a visit to nearby Madame Tussauds. To really splash out, the Omakase dinner option, especially when leveled up with a sake or wine pairing, is an experience in and of itself. Be sure to seal the evening with the pink sudachi, a delectable dessert made from white chocolate citrus mousse. Just don’t forget to make your reservation in advance.
Lakeside
When you think of scenic restaurants in Las Vegas, you probably imagine the neon lights of the strip under the night sky or a fiery sunset. But at Lakeside, they had a different scene in mind. Located inside the Wynn, this seafood-forward restaurant is situated right along the Lake of Dreams, allowing guests a front-row seat to some of the best entertainment in the city.
Make a reservation and wear your Sunday best to enjoy a delicious dinner as the Lake of Dreams performers leap and twirl in their carnival-like colors. Start with the shrimp cocktail and a glass of Riesling before moving on to any of the seafood mains. For something hearty, opt for the dry-aged big-eye tuna chop. To still get that city view though, take a ride on the High Roller ferris wheel right down the road.
Picasso
Located in the Bellagio, original Picasso works, stunning views of the Bellagio Fountains, and an award-winning menu and wine list are just a few of the things Picasso has going for it. With its onsite wine cellar, Picasso regularly has 1,500 labels available for connoisseurs and newbie aficionados alike. What’s not to love?
Make a reservation for a fountain view and decide between the prix fixe or degustation menu options — a vegan menu is also available. You can’t go wrong with the prix fixe, which currently includes options like poached oysters or warm quail salad for the first course, and poached Maine lobster or deer medallions. Not sure how to choose a wine pairing from so many options? A sommelier pairing can be arranged. To stay on the European theme of French food and Picasso, throw some Italy in there with a gondola ride at The Venetian.
Delilah
Located inside the Wynn and fitted with glitzy details that would make Gatsby blush, an evening at Delilah feels like stepping back in time. Dedicated to the city’s showrooms of yore, Delilah is all things glam and old Vegas — it feels like a place where people wear feather boas and smoke Cubans.
Make a reservation for a Sunday evening when the live jazz music and DJ really bring the place to life. Start with the ossetra caviar served with a medley of tiny blini pancakes and the works. For the main, you can’t go wrong with a classic filet mignon. Have a little surf and turf, and top it up with a side of blue crab Oscar, Maine lobster, or jumbo prawns. Whatever you decide, don’t leave without trying Grandma’s Gooey Butter Cake smothered in fresh whipped cream, berries, and lemon verbena. Afterward, test your luck in the Wynn Poker Room or keep the party going at Bar Parasol.
Nobu
Known and loved in its many locations around the world for its creative Japanese-Peruvian fusions and swanky ambiance, few places wow quite like Nobu. Here you’ll not only find world-class dishes and service but also teppan tables. This makes for a one-of-a-kind experience known as teppanyaki, a traditional dining experience that entails preparing and eating a variety of meats from a table with a grill at its center.
Prepare for a night of culinary adventure and opt for the traditional teppanyaki experience, but be sure to book the table in advance. While there, try any one of the three rare sakes from Sado Island in Japan. Post-dinner, live it up in the rest of Caesars Palace by splashing in the Garden of the Gods pool or playing any one of their 185 table games.
Wing Lei
Another Wynn — or shall we say Wynn-ing — destination to dine at while in Las Vegas is none other than Wing Lei. This Michelin-starred spot is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Chinese delicacies native to Cantonese, Shanghai, and Szechuan cuisines. The ambiance doesn’t hurt, either, with its flashy gold interior and jade accents that make it feel like you’re actually dining in China.
Start off with the honey-glazed spare ribs or the garden dim-sum loaded up with beets, corn, and spinach. For the main, the Peking duck experience is an absolute must. Choose between mouth-watering options like Duck Shu Mai made with water chestnuts and black truffles, or the table-carved Peking duck served with mandarin crepes. Keep the magic going afterward with a visit to Vegas’ latest form of immersive entertainment, The Sphere, or a show of aquatic ballet at Wynn’s Lake of Dreams.
The X Pot
Housed inside the Venetian Resort, this uber posh Asian-American fusion all but guarantees an amazing evening. Its creative spins on beloved hotpot provides a truly immersive dining experience. At The X Pot, they’re all about the senses, with interactive entertainment and mesmerizing light shows throughout the meal meant to engage more than just taste.
All of their menu offerings are great, from the VIP tasting menu to the a la carte, but for the whole shebang, go for the Chef’s Menu option. Customize your mini hotpot and choose from delicious appetizers like wagyu tartare and other add-ons like bone marrow bibimbap and braised foie gras. Polish the evening off by clinking a glass or two of anything from their impressive single-malt scotch collection. Afterward, head to the nearby Atomic Saloon Show to catch a Wild West performance.
Blackout Dining
In the way that X Pot is about engaging all the senses, Blackout Dining seeks to eliminate all others except taste. Set in a completely blacked-out restaurant just off the strip, Blackout Dining aims to give guests a unique experience where the focus is solely on the unique flavors of the meal. Guests are asked to leave their phones in lockers. They are then guided by staff to their tables before dining on seven courses in complete darkness.
Only adding to the excitement is the mystery menu. It changes seasonally, is always plant-based, and can be altered to accommodate allergies or dietary needs. Looking to kickstart the thrill pre-meal but want to do something other than gamble in Vegas? Dose up on adrenaline at STRAT Hotel’s SkyJump.
é by José Andrés
One of the best-kept secrets of Vegas’ dining scene is é by José Andrés, an intimate space seating just nine people hidden in The Cosmopolitan. At the helm of it all is José Andrés himself, a Michelin-starred chef and one of Time’s top 100 most influential people, hailed as “a culinary icon.” É is all about exclusivity, and we’re all about transparency — you’ll need to book about three months in advance and set aside about $300 per person for this ultra-fine Spanish dining experience.
Vegas is a city of extremes, so after an evening of intimate, almost clandestine dining, it’s time to hit the town. Play your best at Planet Hollywood, clink a few glasses at The Chandelier, go traipsing down Fremont Street, or see who’s on at the MGM.
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Sometimes, you want the upscale steakhouse with white tablecloths and candlelight. And other times, you want the Caribbean kitschiness of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Spread across three levels with six bars, reservations aren’t really necessary, but a laid-back attitude is.
Go on Friday or Saturday to catch live music and feast on Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya or fish tacos. Be sure to try the watermelon margarita and the signature key lime pie while you’re at it. Once you’ve had your fill, test your luck in the Flamingo casino right outside. To keep the tropical vibes going, hop — or fly? — on over to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat just behind Margaritaville.
Hell’s Kitchen
Based on the famous series of the same name, Hell’s Kitchen is a concept thought up by the infamous celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The space is complete with the signature red and blue décor, alongside the pitchfork fit for the devil chef himself and a menu that includes many iconic dishes from the show.
Feast on the oven-roasted octopus or pan-seared scallops to start, then for the main, you’re going to want to go for the classic beef Wellington featured in the original reality show. Don’t miss out on the specialty cocktails either, like the Lavender Muse infused with Absolut citron and lavender syrup. Afterward, hop across Vegas Boulevard to Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub for a night of cocktails and dancing, or over to Ceasars Palace Poker Room for a classic game of cards.
Heart Attack Grill
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Heart Attack Grill may seem a bit morbid — and that’s because it is. The theme here is hospitals, with a big red sign that reads “Over 350 lbs eats free.” Staff are dressed up like nurses who scribble orders onto Rx pads, and guests get to don patient gowns.
It’s a little satire, sure, but that’s all part of the fun, especially where the food is concerned. The menu is just as extreme as the theme. Choose from hefty plates like the Triple Bypass Burger, to which 15 strips of bacon can be added, or the Coronary Dog with Flat Liner fries. Go ahead and grab a Butterfat Shake, which Heart Attack Grill claims to have the highest fat content in the world, while you’re at it. For a different kind of heart attack experience, the nearby SlotZilla zipline takes visitors on an adrenaline-pumping aerial tour of downtown Las Vegas and doubles as the world’s largest slot machine.
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
The Eiffel Tower replica is emblematic of Vegas’ skyline, so why not eat there? Located on the 11th floor, with stunning views of the strip and Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant is a uniquely Vegas experience.
Put on your fanciest clothes and make a reservation for an evening of fine wines and carefully crafted signature dishes. Start with something fitting, like the Old World escargot or steak tartare — we are in Paris, non? For an entrée, the herb-crusted lamb or the filet mignon with foie gras and truffle make for excellent options. Finish it all off with one of their house soufflés or a trusty crème brûlée. Before dinner, be sure to carve out some time to stroll around the Arc de Triomphe Las Vegas, also modeled after its original Paris counterpart, and catch the Bellagio Fountains show, which is magical any time of day.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
For a fun and casual night, head to Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews. With license plates pinned all around, upside-down vintage trucks hanging from the ceiling, and big ol’ diner-style booths, it’s impossible to not have a good time here.
You’re definitely going for the burgers and beer, but don’t miss the Spare Parts appetizer platter of fried curds, fried jalapeños, and crispy onions. For the burger, you’ve got plenty of options, but if you like a kick, then the top choice is the Hot Mama topped with ghost peppers, peppered bacon, and sweet jalapeño jam. With more than 50 options on tap, the beer selections are just as impressive. Start with a pint of the Sickies House Amber to go with your Spare Parts, and then a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA to bring out the spice in the burger. On your way back to the strip, be sure to stop at the quirky and fun Pinball Hall of Fame right next to the ubiquitous Welcome to Las Vegas sign to keep the retro theme going.
TAO Asian Bistro
Located inside The Venetian, TAO Asian Bistro is an absolute sprawl of a space. It seats 400 and is complete with a koi-filled infinity pool and an array of Buddha statues. Highlighting the cuisine of China, Thailand, and Japan, the menu has a diverse range of rice and noodle dishes along with one heck of a sushi and dim sum menu.
Book a table and start off with a few picks from the sushi and sashimi menu, like the uni made with sea urchin, or the toro made with fatty tuna. Be sure to snack on one of the dim sum plates, like the pork potstickers, too. For a main, the drunken lobster pad Thai or the triple pork fried rice both make great choices. Many people don’t realize it, but Vegas has plenty of unique museums to offer beyond the typical gambling and nightlife fun. Not far from TAO is the Erotic Heritage Museum, which is worth paying a visit to based on the name alone.
Beijing Noodle No. 9
Located inside the one and only Caesars Palace, Beijing Noodle No. 9 oozes opulence with its not four, not five, but six enormous aquariums and dazzling bright white interior. On the menu, you’ll find a nice array of Chinese dishes to choose from, though the real draw, of course, is the noodles.
While the atmosphere is elegant, the attire is casual, so don’t fuss too much over your wardrobe — just come ready to eat. Start with Japanese seaweed salad or a warm bowl of the hot and sour soup. Then move on to the noodles of your choice, all of which are handmade in house. We recommend one of the noodle soups, like the duck and vermicelli soup, or the dan dan noodles slopped together with savory pork in a spicy sauce. Afterward, head up to Caesars Palace’s OMNIA Nightclub and dance until the sun comes up, or to Carnaval Court for a colorful night of bottle-trick bartending and great DJs.
Casa Calavera
Located inside the Virgin Hotel, Casa Calavera is a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired cantina with live music, a fully loaded bar, and tons of tasty Mexican bites. The chefs behind the menu have backgrounds from across Mexico’s culinary scene. They draw on their expertise to create unique dishes, while the vibrant neon sugar skulls and dancing skeleton murals only add to the atmosphere.
Go for the La Mañana brunch, complete with live mariachi music, brunch classics with a Mexican spin, and more than a few cocktails to choose from. The drinks include the scarlet-hued Poinsettia made with Cointreau and cranberry, and the Bloody Calavera that can be made spicy with hot Stoli and smoky with mezcal. It’s worth carving out time to go on their Taco Tuesday night, too, where you can enjoy drink specials and feast on all sorts of tacos, like carne asada, pork carnitas, and roasted achiote chicken. Calavara got ya ready to test your Latin dance skills? Then be-bop over to La Jolla.
