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$$$ | |
When chefs name their idol, more than a few will cite French Laundry chef Thomas Keller, the star behind this stunning, capacious French bistro in the Venezia Tower. Soaring Palladian windows, antique lighting fixtures, a pewter-topped bar, and colorful tile lend a sophisticated take on French country design, a fitting setting in which to dine on savory, rich cuisine. Menu options include classics such as escargots de Bourgogne, steak frites, mussels with white wine, and an extensive seafood bar, and selections of cheese and caviar. Finish with profiteroles or crème caramel. A charming garden outside is perfect for an alfresco dinner or postmeal stroll. Return for brunch from 8 am to 1 pm Thursdays or 8 am to 2 pm Fridays through Sundays, when you might try roasted chicken with a bacon-chive waffle, Croque Madame, or seared foie gras. There's a freestanding Bouchon Bakery near the Venetian Theatre, offering breads, pastries, and confections.
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Thomas Keller's bistro interpretations
- Classic French-bistro atmosphere
- Patio overlooking Venezia Pool
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Wed.
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$$$ | |
The best Italian food in Las Vegas these days might be at Esther's Kitchen, a hip and lively restaurant in the Las Vegas Arts District southwest of Downtown. Chef James Trees, a Las Vegas native, churns out house-made pastas such as rigatoni carbonara with guanciale, tagliatelle with braised duck, and black fettucine with lobster. Pizzas change nightly, and the fried cauliflower appetizer is addicting. Locals also swear by brunch items such as the ricotta pancakes and the pork and beef meatball sandwich. At the bar, mixologists deliver spins on classics and seasonal drinks made with what's fresh. Trees named the restaurant after his Aunt Esther, who wrote the check for him to go to culinary school.
1130 S. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89104, USA
Known For
- House-made pasta
- Creative cocktails
- Long wait times for those without reservations
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$$$ | East Side |
This simple Thai restaurant has attained near-fanatical cult status, leaving some to wonder what all the fuss is about. It's simply that everything is so very good: Don't miss the starter of garlic prawns, sautéed with shells on; for a main course, try dishes like charbroiled beef liver mixed with green onion and chile, or the chicken and vegetables with Issan-style red curry. Be warned—several plates here can be some of the spiciest food you'll ever try. But another of Lotus's surprises is the phenomenal wine list of 300-plus choices, on which you might find a vintage to cool your palate. The original Commercial Center location at 953 E. Sahara Ave. was undergoing extensive renovations in early 2023 with plans to return, and a third location opened in Red Rock Resort in early 2023.
620 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89104, USA
Known For
- Spicy Issan Thai cuisine
- Garlic prawns
- Cult following
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Tues.--Thurs.
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$$$ | |
Anima means “soul,” and the unique fusion of Italian and Spanish cuisine found at this upscale eatery certainly has it. The boldness of the menu is mirrored by the eye-popping octopus mural that adorns a dining room wall and a charcuterie bar positioned in the front of the house. In the The Gramercy apartment complex, Anima is the latest creation from the team behind the acclaimed EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine in Chinatown, and some favorites originating there can be found at Anima, including the "Bikini" (a pressed ham and cheese sandwich). A delectably eclectic tasting menu underscores the restaurant’s pan-global approach, from squid ink spaghettini to Hawaiian tuna sashimi. Entrees include vegan mushroom risotto as well as the the must-try braised short ribs, served with semolina gnocchi, maitake mushrooms, and black pepper sauce. There’s also a spirited selection of spirits, from a deep wine list with an emphasis on Italian and Spanish offerings to an extensive array of amaro varieties to try.
9205 W Russell Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89148, USA
Known For
- Eclectic, Italian-Spanish fusion cuisine
- Charcuterie bar
- Chic decor
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$$$ | |
This casual restaurant from James Beard–nominated chef Nicole Brisson offers a panoply of tapas-inspired dishes from around the world in a slightly funky, highly energetic atmosphere. Bring a friend or four and share dishes such as roasted beets with charred oranges, local arugula salad with goat-cheese-stuffed peppers, or seafood paella. There also are cheese and salumi boards, pizzas, and sandwiches.
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Nicole Brisson's take on tapas
- Multicultural menu
- Fun, energetic atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Wed. No lunch
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | |
This pub serves up some of the best comfort food Vegas has to offer. Dishes include a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich; chicken and waffles; a prime rib dinner; and loaded nachos with corn chips, black beans, jalapeños, and your choice of meat. Citizens, as it's known, also offers a mélange of side dishes and signature cocktails. Try the Sam's mac and cheese, or maple bacon coffee cocktail. This handy space between the hotel and convention center is lively but casual; sometimes it can get loud during peak hours.
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, USA
Known For
- Tasty comfort food
- Convenient location right off the casino
- Fun sides such as loaded nachos
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$$$ | |
You’ll know you’ve arrived at Genting Palace, Resorts World’s premier restaurant, simply from the elegant, elaborate entry of dark wood with green accents. Inside, there’s a decidedly contemporary feel and a wide-ranging menu of such traditional delicacies as bird’s nest soup and Peking duck but also plenty of vegetarian options, including crispy vegan spring rolls. The extensive menu includes dim sum, barbecue (including pork belly and duck), and live seafood in various preparations, plus poultry, pork, and beef. The six-course tasting menu has such dishes as crispy Peking duck skin filled with foie gras and chilled drunken chicken.
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Classics like bird's nest soup
- Sophisticated Asian decor
- Live seafood
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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$$$ | Summerlin South |
This smart neighborhood restaurant that relocated to the downtown Summerlin shopping district serves food intended to coordinate nicely with the restaurant's interesting, affordable, and plentiful (as in, nearly 30 selections by the glass) wine list and craft beer selection. The menu features salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and seafood, as well as traditional dishes such as short ribs and chicken Parmesan or marsala. Desserts range from austere Stilton and port to positively decadent dark-chocolate fondue. The dining room is brick-lined and candlelit; the counter is a great spot if you're dining alone, and there's a patio for pleasant evenings (if you don't mind the urban-center view).
2120 Festival Plaza Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89135, USA
Known For
- Varied menu
- Wines by the glass
- Romantic dining room
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$$$ | West Side | Eclectic
Frequented by local professionals and ladies-who-lunch, this spacious suburban spot serves farm-to-table–inspired dishes. Expect to see a lot of free-range poultry, whole grains, and seasonal produce on your plate. Chic, rustic decor—soft hues, reclaimed wood, and antique mirrors—lends a casual airiness to the dining room and conveys sophistication, despite its gingham-clad waitstaff. Appetizers, sides, and salads are stars here: "My Wife's Favorite Salad" combines locally sourced greens with duck confit, pine nuts, and pomegranate, crowned with a sunny-side-up egg, if you wish. In addition to caramelized sea scallops, charred filet mignon, and Nana's Chicken Curry, there are several offerings for the lighter appetite (and budget). Indulge in the Brown Bag Baked Apple Pie for dessert. A happy hour menu available from 3 to 6 pm bridges the gap between lunch and dinner.
Rampart Commons, 1031 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89145, USA
Known For
- Farm-to-table food
- Brown-bag apple pie
- Convivial atmosphere
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$$$ | |
The brainchild of restaurateur Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla, Honey Salt is, quite simply, a fun place to eat a meal. The atmosphere is convivial, dishes are designed for sharing, and a creative kids' menu encourages diners to bring the whole family. Stand-out dishes include savory monkey bread, a salad with duck confit, and chicken curry. At weekend brunch, try the pumpkin pancakes or breakfast nachos. Even the desserts are noteworthy: you'll be thinking about the Brookie, a blend of chocolate chip cookie, brownie, and ice cream, for weeks. This is one of the places where chefs in the Vegas Valley come on their days off.
1031 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89145, USA
Known For
- Creative kids' menu
- Weekend brunch
- Open and festive decor
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$$$ | |
The food at this Roman-styled see-and-be-seen restaurant/nightclub often is overshadowed by the roaring club scene, but it's worth a stop—especially if you go early to avoid the thump thump of the music upstairs. Many of the dishes are meant to be shared. You might see such substantial starters as tuna tartare, a one-pound meatball, and a spinach and artichoke brick-oven pizza. Entrées might feature brick oven salmon oreganato or cavatelli bolognese. For brunch from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends, try the seafood salad or eggs florentine.
3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Celebrity sightings
- Funky atmosphere
- Menu far beyond red-sauce choices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch
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$$$ | West Side |
This French bistro-cum-wineshop is in a quiet master-planned neighborhood that winds around its own lake (!), a remnant of the era when Las Vegas cared even less about running out of water. The tranquil setting and view are rivaled by a wine list nearly 1,000 bottles deep, and tastings and wine dinners are held regularly. You can buy a bottle at retail prices in the store and then drink it on the premises ($10 corkage fee). Seating is in either the cozy dining room or on the expansive lakeside terraces, which have misters for summer use and fireplaces for winter. When you're ready to eat, start with a cheese or charcuterie tray and move on to seared foie gras with poached seasonal fruit or a roasted beet salad. Entrées might include a classic steak frites or blackened sea bass. Hear live music on select nights. Marché Bacchus also has specialty cocktails and a 4–6 pm happy hour.
2620 Regatta Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89128, USA
Known For
- Serene view of lake and swans
- Updated French classics
- Nearly 1,000 wines
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$$$ | |
The sunlit Primrose perfectly reflects the all-about-nature theme of Park MGM and is a great place to stop for a quick morning coffee or pressed juice, a bountiful breakfast, or sparkling rosé all day (or at least until 2 pm). Breakfast ranges from the traditional to the likes of deep-dish pancakes with almond whipped cream, with pastas, poultry, burgers, and salads for later on.
3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Rosé all day
- Light, airy atmosphere
- Casual spot for coffee or a quick bite
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$$ | |
Take a break from shopping and step into this dimly lighted restaurant and lounge that's part of a growing chain with a menu of both sushi and cooked entrées. Delicious sushi rolls might include the Gojira (with shrimp tempura, crab mix, cream cheese, and cucumber) or the Crazy Monkey (stuffed with smoked salmon, mango, and cream cheese and topped with avocado, red tempura bits, cashews, and sweet eel sauce). Heartier fare includes chicken, shrimp or steak yakisoba or black pepper New York strip. The happy hour specials here are popular with the locals. Late-night noshers appreciate that it's open until midnight, 1 am on Friday and Saturday.
3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Plenty of classic sushi
- Far-from-classic rolls
- Contemporary decor
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$$$ | South Strip |
The Rainforest Cafe moved out of its longtime berth in the MGM Grand in 2015, but its current location just up the Strip on Harmon Avenue still has plenty of animatronic animals. The menu offers an eclectic mix of classic American food like fried chicken and pot roast, with a mix of seafood, pastas, and burgers with Caribbean and South American influences. The atmosphere is kind and includes weather and jungle sounds, as well as a 25-foot faux boa constrictor, Julius Squeezer. The menu is kid-friendly, too, with selections like Python Pasta and Jurassic Chicken Tidbits created just for them.
3717 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Animatronic wildlife
- Periodically changing (indoor) weather
- Family-friendly food
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$$$ | East Side |
A longtime off-Strip favorite for the business crowd got a bit of tweaking to both menu and decor when it changed hands in 2022. But it remains an intimate, modern-American favorite with an atmosphere resembling something you'd find in California wine country. Under chef Joe Valdez, the menu has shifted its focus to seafood dishes and daily specials, but the pizzas and pastas it's long been known for are still present. And it continues to be one of the few off-Strip eateries that's as busy with power lunches as it is during the dinner hour.
600 E. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, USA
Known For
- Power lunches
- House-made pastas
- Contemporary decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
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$$$ | |
Isolated from the busier parts of Wynn, this bright, airy breakfast-and-brunch restaurant overlooks a serene pool and well-manicured garden off the gleaming Tower Suites lobby. For something lighter try the steel-cut Irish oatmeal with golden raisins and almond milk, or sliced fruit with Greek yogurt. Or indulge in the short rib Benedict, French toast with stewed apples and brown-sugar crumble, or a lobster burger with Gruyere.
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Quiet refuge
- Opulent breakfasts and brunches
- View of resort pool
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$$ | |
The tunneled vestibule of this nightclub-cum-bistro is lined with stone tubs filled with water and rose petals, leading patrons—including lots of celebrities, some of them hired to host—into the dim, lavishly decorated space. The pan-Asian menu is almost endless, with dishes from sushi to dim sum and everything in between, but most people come more for the experience than the food. Decor includes black cobblestones, bamboo, and Buddhas (one that's 20 feet tall is seated above a koi-filled pool). The quintessentially Asian decor complements the expertly prepared sushi and sashimi. Reserve a table early to enjoy dishes (Spring Mountain Roll with spicy crab and lobster, lobster wontons with shiitake ginger broth, Peking duck for two) in tranquility before loud, young crowds and thumping music descend from the nightclub upstairs. Diners receive complimentary access to the nightclub, so ask your server for a stamp to stick around for cocktails, dancing, and celebrity-spotting. Dinner and bottle-service nightclub packages also are available.
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Celebrity-sighting hot spot
- Dramatic Asian decor
- Lots of offbeat dishes and options to lower the price point
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$ | |
From restaurant-industry veteran and Smashburger founder Tom Ryan, this gastropub bridges a space at New York–New York between the casino and the Brooklyn Bridge that runs along the Strip, delivering great views of the action. The large menu of drinks and beers is matched by an extensive food menu, including burgers, pizzas, and other entrées. It's a good spot to try the salted caramel skillet French toast or crispy chicken and cornbread pancake for brunch, and butter-poached lobster and shrimp tacos or Tom's Famous Prime Rib dip for lunch or dinner. It's also open late (till 2 am) on Friday and Saturday.
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, USA
Known For
- Varied menu of gastropub favorites
- Huge selection of drinks
- Great Happy Hour deals
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$$$ | Summerlin South |
Once you get past the bland office-park setting, you'll find that this sumptuously decorated spot near Red Rock Resort has plenty to recommend in the way of contemporary Mediterranean fare. A Spanish- and Italian-influenced menu is enhanced by a large selection of wines by the glass. Start with one of the wood-fired flatbreads, or an item such as pan-seared crab cakes with tarragon cream and roasted peppers. From here the menu branches out to sandwiches, pastas, meat, and seafood. A highlight is the bouillabaisse with mussels, clams, red snapper, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. As the restaurant's name suggests, there's an impressive wine list here—and wonderful cheeses and charcuterie. At midday, look for the power-lunchers who escape the beaten path. On nice evenings, ask for a table on the outdoor patio, where the view is better than you might expect.
10100 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89135, USA
Known For
- Broad cheese selection
- Varied menu
- Outdoor dining area
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
