Restaurants in Las Vegas
There was a time when Las Vegas' restaurants were known more for
quantity than cuisine. This was due to the legendary casino buffets
which offered mountains of food for modest prices on the well
calculated assumption that diners would hit the tables or slots
machines to work off their meal. Today however, Las Vegas has a
large selection of world-class eateries, with Italian trattoria,
classic French fine-dining and luxury steakhouses especially well
represented. Some of the country's top chefs are now based here and
exciting new restaurants open weekly. In addition, Vegas is home to
several world-class sommeliers. All this increasing activity and
greater competition means that Vegas offers decent value for money
compared to other large cities. The net result is that the former
capital of the 99c shrimp cocktail is now a regarded as a global
cuisine capital. When it comes to eating at least, the odds are
really in your favour.
| Andre’s at Monte Carlo |
$$$$$ | French |
Most of the glitzy Las Vegas hotel resorts feature French
restaurants, but Andre Rochat's latest contribution is exceptional.
Extreme fine dining here includes fresh seafood, poultry and
vegetarian dishes - don't miss the signature dish, Scampi
André, or perhaps try the Rack of Colorado Lamb. Andre's is
known for its excellent stocks and sauces, as well as its fine
pastry. Open daily, reservations essential.
Address: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd.
E-mail: info@andrelv.com
Telephone: (702) 798 7151
| Pamplemousse |
$$$$$ | French |
Just 500 yards from 'The Strip', Pamplemousse provides a quiet
dining oasis reminiscent of a cosy French country inn, with soft
orchestral music in the background to accompany the gourmet fare.
There is no menu. Waiters knowledgably recite the specialities of
the day, which usually include the renowned Hobo Steak, Norwegian
salmon, roast duckling, veal medallions, filet mignon and spring
lamb. The appetisers and desserts are just as mouth-watering
including the famous trademark Basket of Crudités.
Reservations are essential. Open daily for dinner. Dress smart
casual (no jackets required, but appreciated).
Address: 400 East Sahara Avenue
E-mail: pamplemousse@cox.net
Telephone: (702) 733 2066
| Golden Steer Steakhouse |
$$$$$ | American |
The Steer, about a mile from 'The Strip', is the oldest steak
house in Las Vegas having been in business in the same spot since
1958, and still a favourite with thousands of loyal diners.
Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley
frequented the Steer to enjoy the large and perfectly grilled
traditional steaks, especially the Diamond Jim cut of prime rib.
Fish, chicken and some Italian dishes are on offer too, and a
selection of interesting appetisers - try the seafood stuffed
mushrooms. Lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner Saturdays and
Sundays.
Address: 308 W. Sahara Avenue
Telephone: (702) 384 4470
| Marrakech |
$$$$$ | Moroccan |
Exotic and exciting dining is offered in a cosy Middle-Eastern
tent where diners lounge on cushions on the floor, or on comfy low
couches, to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Robed waiters
explain the six-course fixed-price menus, while belly dancers
gyrate provocatively. The meals are accompanied by homemade
Moroccan bread and, if offered, be sure to try the filet mignon
(marinated and grilled in Moroccan spices). Algerian wines are
available. Open for dinner nightly. Reservations required.
Address: 3900 Paradise Road
Telephone: (702) 737 5611
| Mon Ami Gabi |
$$$$$ | French |
Few restaurants can claim sidewalk space on the famous Las Vegas
Strip, where diners can watch the passing parade. Mon Ami Gabi,
emulating a Paris brasserie, does just that with not only an
outdoor section, but a glass conservatory and several indoor dining
rooms as well. The cuisine on offer is mainly classic French steak
frites and fruits de mêr with flavoursome sauces. Their
braised pork shank, and the steak with blue cheese sauce, are
subliminal. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 3655 S. Las Vegas Boulevard
Telephone: (702) 944 4224
| Rosemary’s Restaurant |
$$$$$ | American |
Husband and wife team, Michael and Wendy Jordan, share their
passion for cooking with guests at their award-winning restaurant,
named after Michael's mother, on the Las Vegas West Side. The
cuisine spans all regions of America but leans heavily to the
southern side, with signature dishes being roast lamb, brick
chicken and Texas barbecued shrimp. The fish dishes are renowned,
the appetisers unusual and the desserts delicious. Lunch Monday to
Friday, dinner nightly. Reservations suggested.
Address: 8125 West Sahara Avenue
Telephone: (702) 869 2251
| Chicago Joe’s |
$$$$$ | Italian |
Italian restaurants abound in Las Vegas, both on and off The
Strip, but for really good home-cooked food and excellent value,
the unimposing brick building housing Chicago Joe's, in the
residential downtown area, is a sure bet. The pasta sauces are
renowned among locals, all reputedly recipes handed down by the
owner's family through generations. Try the pasta with eggplant
(aubergine/brinjal) or white clam sauce, or perhaps the Lobster
Joe. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday; Saturday
dinner only.
Address: 820 South 4th Street
Telephone: (702) 382 5637
