SD › Las Vegas › Best Restaurants
Updated: March 24, 2022
By Santorini Dave
See Also
The 25 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas
1. Restaurant Guy Savoy – Caesars Palace
The Strip is loaded with high-end French fine dining restaurants, and Guy Savoy may be the best of all. It’s the only U.S. restaurant by the eponymous chef, who’s famous for putting modern touches on traditional French recipes. The dining room is tucked away from the chaos of Caesars Palace in the hotel’s Augustus Tower, offering a quiet, refined experience with large windows overlooking the bright lights of the Strip from the second floor. What really sets the restaurant apart from its French competitors is the service team. Multi-course menus are the preferred format here, but you’ll never wait long between dishes. It’s crazy expensive, but if you’re going to blow some cash on one meal, this is the way to do it. The wine list is carefully curated and the Krug chef’s table allows parties of up to six a bit of privacy while watching the kitchen team in action.
Location: Caesars Palace’s Augustus Tower (close to Bellagio, Cromwell, Flamingo and Paris)
Must-Try Dishes: Artichoke & Black Truffle Soup, Colors of Caviar (layered appetizer served in a glass), Wild Squab with Foie Gras2. Vetri Cucina – The Palms
With a multi-million dollar renovation, the Palms looks like a brand new resort these days. One of the most welcome additions is Vetri Cucina, an Italian restaurant on the 55th floor of the Ivory Tower. The panoramic views of the Strip are worth a visit alone. Even better, the food by Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri delivers on every level. The handmade pastas are enhanced with delicate ingredients and seasonings without the heavy sauces that Americans might typically expect for Italian fare. The dining room has a rustic feel with cobblestone floors, wood decor and dramatic angled floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize those views.
Location: The Palms (a few blocks west of the Strip and easy to reach by car, cab, or ride-share)
Must-Try Dishes: Almond Tortellini, Lobster Saffron Fusilli, Grilled Seafood Misto3. Sparrow + Wolf – Chinatown
This home-grown concept by Chef Brian Howard is hard to describe at times. The menu is a combination of Asian-influences, wood-fired meats and vegetables, and gourmet European touches. Daily specials are exceptional, making return visits especially attractive. Dishes are manageable, so order a few to share among your table. A playful take on a bento box, makes it easy to try a few things at once. Cocktails often experiment with complex flavor profiles, straying a bit from classic recipes.
Location: Chinatown (not far from the Wynn, Venetian, and Palazzo, although a ride-share or taxi is required)
Must-Try Dishes: Bone Marrow Dumplings (or the latest seasonal dumpling modification), Lamb Tartare, Miso-Rubbed Porterhouse4. Mott 32 – The Palazzo
Mott 32 gives traditional Cantonese dim sum a fine dining edge in a magnificent and spacious dining room. Ideally, guests will mix smaller bites with larger dishes like the signature Peking Duck, which takes a couple days to prepare and usually requires advance notice to order. Iberico pork makes frequent appearances in recipes large and small. Cocktails incorporate Asian modifications (like house-made sesame syrup), but for something different, ask about the eclectic baijiu selection. If you just want to sample a few things with minimal investment, the bar area is unusually large and a good place to stop by for a quick bite.
Location: The Palazzo (part of the Venetian resort and close to the Wynn and Treasure Island)
Must-Try Dishes: Peking Duck, Iberico Soup Dumplings, Bamboo Green Forest (a combination of Greek Yogurt and cake that’s one of the best desserts on the Strip)5. Joël Robuchon – MGM Grand
Think of this as two restaurants in one. The eponymous Joël Robuchon pays tribute to the late chef with a quiet, upscale dining room that almost feels like an exclusive visit to a private mansion. The next-door L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is more casual and a bit less expensive with counter seating preferable to tables for an up-close view of the kitchen preparing your meal on the spot. Both options are excellent, featuring Robuchon’s acclaimed French recipes, often prepared with foie gras, truffles, and heavy cream. Even the mashed potatoes are semi-famous. So are the pastries.
Location: MGM Grand (near the south end of the Strip and close to the New York-New York and Mandalay Bay)
Must-Try Dishes: Le Caviar Imperial, Langoustine Ravioli with truffles and foie gras, anything from the pastry cart6. Esther’s Kitchen – Downtown Arts District
As the Arts District continues to grow as a thriving downtown hub, Esther’s Kitchen remains its most popular attraction. Strip veteran James Trees opened the restaurant as an answer to the neighborhood dining scenes of California and comes through with fresh and flavorful farm-to-table Italian dishes. Everything is made in house, from pastas to addictive sourdough bread (served with anchovy butter), and the menu evolves frequently with the availability of seasonal ingredients. The prices are more than reasonable and every glass on the regular wine menu is just $10 or less.
Location: Downtown Arts District (a short cab ride from the Strip and an even shorter cab ride from Fremont Street)
Must-Try Dishes: Any seasonal pizzas or pastas (although the Rigatoni Carbonara is a consistent favorite), Charred Squid, Porchetta7. Le Cirque – The Bellagio
Le Cirque has seen a few chefs come and go, but its reputation remains stellar, and a bit of an under-the-radar secret considering newer restaurants at the Bellagio have a higher profile. The dining room feels a little worn-in with a subtle circus theme, which is part of the charm, and windows that overlook the Bellagio fountains. The menu has evolved dramatically over the years, featuring modern recipes that go far beyond the expected escargot and sliced duck. Much of the service team has been around for years with a somm who knows exactly which wines to recommend.
Location: The Bellagio (sandwiched between the Cosmopolitan and Caesars Palace, and across the street from Bally’s)
Must-Try Dishes: Maryland Blue Crab (with a smoky presentation), Seared Foie Gras with Strawberry Compote, Scallop with caviar8. Raku – Chinatown
Raku was one of the first restaurants to make off-Strip dining a priority for tourists. The Chinatown staple is best known for its charcoal robata-grilled dishes, finished off with house-made soy sauce. Options range from the familiar (chicken breast, kobe beef) to the adventurous (pork ear or intestine). Round out the dinner with soups, cold seafood, and seaweed salads. To make decisions easy, just go with one of two omakase options. Both are good values for all the food you receive. A sister restaurant, Raku Sweets, specializes in sandwiches and desserts and is also worth your attention.
Location: Chinatown (easy to reach via cab or ride-share from the Strip)
Must-Try Dishes: Anything from the robata grill, Steamed Foie Gras Egg Custard, Kobe Beef Liver Sashimi9. La Strega – West Valley
La Strega is always busy, feeding off a locals-oriented energy while still remaining comfortable and elegant. Chef Gina Marelli favors delicate recipes and bright, vibrant flavors that reflect the varied regions of Italy. A good example is the honey baked into the pizza crust or the preserved lemon in the linguini. The restaurant’s name translates to “the witch” and the dining room has something of a good-and-evil split identity. The main area is bright and light. A smaller room (dubbed “the patio” although it’s indoors) is dark and moody. A good destination that feels like an event without large crowds or over-the-top Strip pricing.
Location: West Valley (near Summerlin by the Town Center Drive exit off the 215 — a bit of a stretch for Strip tourists, but very convenient for anyone staying at the Red Rock Resort or another westside hotel)
Must-Try Dishes: Linguini and Clams, Salmon Crudo, Pesto & Truffle Pizza10. EDO – Chinatown
Vegas has a fantastic, often overlooked Chinatown that isn’t always defined by Asian dining and culture. A perfect example is EDO, a Spanish tapas restaurant that leans heavy on Iberico pork and other imported ingredients. Prices are reasonable so ask for the multi-course tasting menu, which can be modified for dietary restrictions. The cocktails from the gin and tonic cart pack a punch, so pace yourself. The dining room is small, but charming with a hand-painted Barcelona-style mural on the wall.
Location: Chinatown (on Spring Mountain and Jones, which marks the western edge of the neighborhood, a bit farther away than other Chinatown restaurants)
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Crostini, Iberico Paella, any charcuterie11. Estiatorio Milos – The Cosmopolitan
The menu focuses on Greek and Mediterranean dishes, but the seafood is some of the freshest you’ll find in Las Vegas. It’s ordered daily and delivered by air within 24 hours of being fished from the water. The daily catch is on display in a “market” near the kitchen and typically prepared one of the three ways: as fresh sashimi, flame-grilled, or baked whole in a salt-crust. Stop by for lunch, where the prix fixe menu is an especially good deal that even draws locals to the Strip.
Location: The Cosmopolitan (near the Bellagio and CityCenter with the Aria and Waldorf Astoria)
Must-Try Dishes: Greek Salad with feta and tomatoes, Tzatziki Spread with zucchini and eggplant, fresh catch of the day12. Ambra – MGM Grand
Ambra is a full-on revamp of the MGM Grand’s in-house Italian restaurant, to fabulous results. Pastas are the main focus, prepared by hand without heavy sauces to hide the delicate seasonings and natural al-dente textures. Steaks are marinated in a seasoned hot butter bath, breaking down the collagen before they’re finished off on the grill. Tasting menus are a surprisingly good value. Making things more fun is the secret speakeasy, dubbed Privata, tucked away in the back of the restaurant. The wine is great, but the cocktails are perfectly executed with glassware to match.
Location: MGM Grand (on the south end of the Strip, close to the T-Mobile Arena, Luxor, and Excalibur)
Must-Try Dishes: Sausage and Kale Cavatelli, Citrus Ricotta Ravioli, Bone-In Tomahawk Ribeye13. Carson Kitchen – Downtown
Carson Kitchen leads the Downtown dining scene with a fresh take on classic American favorites. The basic strategy is to introduce unfamiliar ingredients in familiar dishes, like wild boar meat in a Sloppy Joe and foie gras cream over veal meatballs. The restaurant has a simple industrial-style space and casual atmosphere that carries over to a rooftop patio that’s open when the weather is appropriate. Flatbreads are always changing and the desserts are especially inventive.
Location: Downtown (just one block south of tourist-driven Fremont Street)
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Chicken Skins with honey, Bacon Jam Spread, Butter Burger14. Sushi Kame – Chinatown
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Chinatown is also one of the most well-rounded. Enjoy an omakase meal in a private dining room (where fewer than 10 people sit at a counter) or “go casual” in the main area with a sushi bar. Chef Eric Kim is known for sourcing fresh unique seafood and certified Kobe beef, crafting a meal that never drags from beginning to end. Ask for “what the chef recommends” and just let the food arrive. The desserts and cocktails, often an afterthought at Japanese restaurants, both exceed expectations here.
Location: Chinatown (on the east side of the neighborhood in the Lotus apartment building, close to the Strip and Interstate 15)
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Sashimi topped with caviar and gold flakes, Seared Kobe Beef, Seafood Hot Pot15. Eiffel Tower Restaurant – Paris Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is a tourist favorite that lives up to the hype, sitting midway on the half-size Eiffel Tower replica at the Paris resort. The perch allows for sweeping views of the Vegas Strip, including an up-close look at the Bellagio fountains across the Street. The menu focuses on traditional French favorites and New American classics, all made with hearty portions and careful attention to detail. Views are stunning at night, but work just as well for the daytime weekend brunch. Make a reservation in advance to request a window-side table. Definitely a restaurant experience with wow factor.
Location: Paris Las Vegas (across the street from the Bellagio and near Caesars Palace, Bally’s the Cosmopolitan, and the Cromwell)
Must-Try Dishes: Slow-Roasted Salmon, Venison Medallions, Caviar16. Bazaar Meat – The Sahara
Vegas loves a good steakhouse and this José Andrés restaurant puts an expansive new twist on a familiar concept. Meat is sourced from around the world, from full Spanish pigs to fresh Gulf seafood, and cuts of Prime beef from Midwest ranches. Playful touches include a cotton candy foie gras appetizer on a stick. Beware the tableside beef tartare. It’s great, but heavy and could fill you up in the middle of a large multi-course meal. The bar has its own special menu of small bites for a more casual experience.
Location: The Sahara (near the north end of the Strip by The Strat and not far from the Wynn or Palazzo).
Must-Try Dishes: Bison Carpaccio, Bone-In Ribeye, Whole Suckling Pig17. Zuma – The Cosmopolitan
Zuma is a great combination of sizzle and spectacle, proving that traditional Japanese dishes can be elevated in a high-end contemporary setting. The drinks come with a few gimmicks, like a gin & tonic served in a plastic bag and a whiskey cocktail smoked tableside. But you’re really here for the food, ranging from fresh sashimi and sushi rolls to Wagyu beef and elegant seafood dishes. A private dining room is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Strip.
Location: The Cosmopolitan (between the Bellagio and Vdara, and across the street from Planet Hollywood and Paris)
Must-Try Dishes: Sake-Marinated Chicken Wings, Torched Salmon Nigiri, off-menu Golden Toro Maki Roll18. Pizza Rock – Downtown
Pizza Rock serves up the best pizza in Las Vegas. Multiple award-winning chef Tony Gemignani slings a wide variety of pies: Napolitana, Roman, classic American, classic Italian, Sicilian, Detroit, thin Chicago, ‘Grandma style’, the list (incredibly) goes on. Gluten-free crust, vegan cheese, and a great happy hour are all on the menu. Italian entrees and burgers, too. The original Downtown location has a late-night to-go window. There are two additional locations at Alleigant Stadium and the Green Valley Ranch casino in Henderson.
Location: Downtown (On East Ogden; one block north of the Fremont Street Experience and next door to the Downtown Grand hotel)
Must-Try Dishes: Cal Italia pizza, New Yorker pizza, La Regina pizza, Classic Meatballs in Marinara19. Metro Pizza – Multiple Locations
In a town where things come and go quickly, Metro Pizza has been a locals favorite for nearly four decades. The concept was founded by John Arena, whose roots are buried deep in his family’s New York pizzeria. Yet Metro Pizza is eager to embrace other styles as long as authenticity is preserved. Managing partner Chris Decker is always ready with some creative, playful pies, so feel free to ask about the daily specials. Metro also bakes its own bread, which is sold to other restaurants in Vegas.
Location: Throughout the Las Vegas valley, including the airport and Ellis Island Casino just east of the Strip
Must-Try Dishes: 86th Street Sicilian Pan Pizza, Roman-style Margherita, Classic New York Cheese20. Partage – Chinatown
Another example of Chinatown’s diversity, Partage is a French restaurant that often matches the quality of more high-profile counterparts on the Strip, but with a more casual atmosphere and lower prices. Tableside presentations are common and the food is best enjoyed in multi-course tasting menus, most of which change every few weeks. Ask for a booth in front of a window that looks into the kitchen.
Location: Chinatown (in a crowded Strip mall where parking is tight, so strongly consider a cab or rideshare instead of driving yourself)
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Turnip Ravioli, Duck Breast layered with foie gras, vegan soups and cheeses21. é by José Andrés – The Cosmopolitan
One of the most exclusive restaurants in Las Vegas is also one of the most rewarding. Turked away in the back of Jaleo (an exceptional Spanish restaurant in its own right), é by José Andrés is a small private dining room with countertop seating that serves less than a dozen people during two nightly servings (5:30 and 8 p.m.). Chefs guide guests through a multi-course tasting of inventive dishes that mix Spanish and French cuisine with innovative gastronomic techniques. The format breeds a social, energetic atmosphere, so get ready to make friends quickly with everyone else at the table.
Location: The Cosmopolitan (near the Aria, Waldorf Astoria, Planet Hollywood, and Bellagio)
Must-Try Dishes: Wonder Bread (a foie gras spin on a PB&J), Dungeness Crab Broth, Asparagus with egg yolk pearls and caviar are highlights, but you’re really in the hands of the kitchen team, so sit back and enjoy whatever shows up22. Catch – Aria
Catch is a trendy restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood, often with an Asian touch. It’s also a spectacle, which is what people frequently want in Las Vegas. Dishes are not only delicious, but photogenic and the floral tunnel near the entrance is one of the most popular selfie spots on the Strip. Fortunately, the food matches the hype. Sushi rolls are a combination of vibrant flavors and the whole branzino comes stuffed with fresh greens. Be prepared for high prices, but you’re investing in an experience. Catch is geared toward large groups looking for a big night out, like bachelorette parties and business executives with unlimited expense accounts.
Location: Aria (in the heart of the CItyCenter complex with Waldorf Astoria, Vdara, and Shops at Crystals, and next to the Cosmopolitan
Must-Try Dishes: Truffle Sashimi, Mango Shrimp Roll, Whole Branzino23. Hell’s Kitchen – Caesars Palace
Gordon Ramsay has five restaurants in Las Vegas, but Hell’s Kitchen may be the most complete package. Inspired by the TV show of the same name, the restaurant even looks a bit like a TV studio, with bright lights shining down on multiple food stations in an open kitchen. The decor is modern and contemporary with a menu that covers all the bases for new American classics: steaks, seafood, and flatbreads.
Location: Caesars Palace, outside in front of the resort (across the street from the Cromwell and near The LINQ, Flamingo, and Bellagio)
Must-Try Dishes: Beef Wellington, Diver Scallops, Sticky Toffee Pudding24. Honey Salt – West Valley
A locals’ favorite that mixes rustic decor with a contemporary American menu. The restaurant is the signature spot for Chef Kim Canteenwalla and wife, restaurateur Elizabeth Blau. Much of the food is familiar, but prepared with organic ingredients and farm-to-table touches whenever possible. Regular special-event dinners are typically served family style. The main dining room is next to an open kitchen and gets loud quickly, but that only adds to the energy. An unusually spacious private dining room is perfect for large parties, while a small outdoor patio out front is ideal for brunch on weekends.
Location: West Valley (near Summerlin, Tivoli Village, and JW Marriott)
Must-Try Dishes: Pan-Seared Salmon, Farm House Meatloaf, Brookie (a dessert that combines a brownie with a chocolate chip cookie)25. Lakeside – Wynn Las Vegas
This colorful restaurant mixes vibrant scenery with delicious seafood, including fresh fish flown in direct from Hawaii. Patio doors open wide, overlooking a man-made lake surrounded by trees and a waterfall. Start off with raw bar favorites like oysters and shrimp and work your way up to whole lobsters and steaks large enough to share. Weekends are home to the Jazz Brunch, a tradition at the Wynn resort that combines live music with an indulgent menu in which all dishes are available for a fixed price. Like all Wynn restaurants, special attention is given to vegan dishes, making Lakeside a good choice for large parties with different dietary restrictions.
Location: Wynn Las Vegas (near the Venetian, Palazzo, and across the street from the Trump International and Fashion Show Mall)
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster and King Crab, Hawaiian Snapper, Chilled Shellfish Platter
About Santorini Dave