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 |
$$$$$ | French |
Most of the glitzy Las Vegas hotel resorts feature French
restaurants, but Andre Rochat's latest contribution is exceptional.
Extreme fine dining here includes fresh seafood, poultry and
vegetarian dishes - don't miss the signature dish, Scampi
André, or perhaps try the Rack of Colorado Lamb. Andre's is
known for its excellent stocks and sauces, as well as its fine
pastry. Open daily, reservations essential.
Address: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd.
E-mail: info@andrelv.com
Telephone: (702) 798 7151
| Pamplemousse |
$$$$$ | French |
Just 500 yards from 'The Strip', Pamplemousse provides a quiet
dining oasis reminiscent of a cosy French country inn, with soft
orchestral music in the background to accompany the gourmet fare.
There is no menu. Waiters knowledgably recite the specialities of
the day, which usually include the renowned Hobo Steak, Norwegian
salmon, roast duckling, veal medallions, filet mignon and spring
lamb. The appetisers and desserts are just as mouth-watering
including the famous trademark Basket of Crudités.
Reservations are essential. Open daily for dinner. Dress smart
casual (no jackets required, but appreciated).
Address: 400 East Sahara Avenue
E-mail: pamplemousse@cox.net
Telephone: (702) 733 2066
| Golden Steer Steakhouse |
$$$$$ | American |
The Steer, about a mile from 'The Strip', is the oldest steak
house in Las Vegas having been in business in the same spot since
1958, and still a favourite with thousands of loyal diners.
Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley
frequented the Steer to enjoy the large and perfectly grilled
traditional steaks, especially the Diamond Jim cut of prime rib.
Fish, chicken and some Italian dishes are on offer too, and a
selection of interesting appetisers - try the seafood stuffed
mushrooms. Lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner Saturdays and
Sundays.
Address: 308 W. Sahara Avenue
Telephone: (702) 384 4470
| Marrakech |
$$$$$ | Moroccan |
Exotic and exciting dining is offered in a cosy Middle-Eastern
tent where diners lounge on cushions on the floor, or on comfy low
couches, to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Robed waiters
explain the six-course fixed-price menus, while belly dancers
gyrate provocatively. The meals are accompanied by homemade
Moroccan bread and, if offered, be sure to try the filet mignon
(marinated and grilled in Moroccan spices). Algerian wines are
available. Open for dinner nightly. Reservations required.
Address: 3900 Paradise Road
Telephone: (702) 737 5611
| Mon Ami Gabi |
$$$$$ | French |
Few restaurants can claim sidewalk space on the famous Las Vegas
Strip, where diners can watch the passing parade. Mon Ami Gabi,
emulating a Paris brasserie, does just that with not only an
outdoor section, but a glass conservatory and several indoor dining
rooms as well. The cuisine on offer is mainly classic French steak
frites and fruits de mêr with flavoursome sauces. Their
braised pork shank, and the steak with blue cheese sauce, are
subliminal. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 3655 S. Las Vegas Boulevard
Telephone: (702) 944 4224
| Rosemary’s Restaurant |
$$$$$ | American |
Husband and wife team, Michael and Wendy Jordan, share their
passion for cooking with guests at their award-winning restaurant,
named after Michael's mother, on the Las Vegas West Side. The
cuisine spans all regions of America but leans heavily to the
southern side, with signature dishes being roast lamb, brick
chicken and Texas barbecued shrimp. The fish dishes are renowned,
the appetisers unusual and the desserts delicious. Lunch Monday to
Friday, dinner nightly. Reservations suggested.
Address: 8125 West Sahara Avenue
Telephone: (702) 869 2251
| Chicago Joe’s |
$$$$$ | Italian |
Italian restaurants abound in Las Vegas, both on and off The
Strip, but for really good home-cooked food and excellent value,
the unimposing brick building housing Chicago Joe's, in the
residential downtown area, is a sure bet. The pasta sauces are
renowned among locals, all reputedly recipes handed down by the
owner's family through generations. Try the pasta with eggplant
(aubergine/brinjal) or white clam sauce, or perhaps the Lobster
Joe. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday; Saturday
dinner only.
Address: 820 South 4th Street
Telephone: (702) 382 5637
Overlooking colourful gardens and a lush waterfall at the Wynn
Hotel, Okada's simple and minimalistic décor creates the
perfectly Zen environment for tasty and delicious Japanese dining.
Feast on traditional sushi and teppenyaki while sipping on a glass
of sake and soaking up the ambience. Open daily for dinner only.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Telephone: (702) 248 3463 or 1 888 352 3463
| Gonzalez y Gonzalez |
$$$$$ | Tex-Mex |
With just about as much Mexican flair and spice that can be
conjured up, Gonzalez y Gonzalez is the perfect place to knock back
a few margaritas, dive into a plate of tacos, tamales or
quesadillas and enjoy the Mexican energy in the outdoor dining
courtyard decked with lanterns and piñatas. Open daily for
lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.
Address: New York-New York Hotel and Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Telephone: (702) 740 6455
| California Pizza Kitchen |
$$$$$ | Pizzeria |
It may not be fancy, but the pizzas at the California Pizza
Kitchen will keep you coming back for more. Home of the original
BBQ Chicken Pizza, these hearth-baked pizzas topped with unique
taste combinations make the perfect dinner for diners wanting a
hearty and affordable meal in Las Vegas. Start with the Singapore
Shrimp rolls before sending your taste buds to sensory heaven with
the Pear and Gorgonzola pizza with caramelized pears, gorgonzola,
Fontina and Mozzarella cheese, caramelized sweet onions, chopped
hazelnuts, topped with field greens tossed in a Gorgonzola ranch
dressing. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings
recommended.
Address: Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Telephone: (702) 791 7357
Le Cirque which is located in the luxurious Bellagio Hotel and
winner of the prestigious AAA Find Diamond rating, is decked in
vivid orange, reds and pinks with elaborate and colourful artworks,
conjuring a unique and accurate feel of what it must be like to
dine under a big top. Boasting a world-class wine list of more than
900 international selections highlighting wines from France's best
wine regions, you can be sure the food is just as mouth-watering.
Try the Coeur de Filet de Boeuf served with sautéed
foie-gras, smoked serrano potato Croquette and sweet onion compote,
while those with a sweet tooth will love the classic Tahitian
vanilla bean crème brulée. Open Tuesday to Sunday for
dinner only. Bookings essential.
Address: Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
E-mail: compagnone@bellagioresort.com
Telephone: 1 877 234 6358
| Mr Lucky's |
$$$$$ | American |
If there's one place in Vegas you're going to find a Rock 'n
Roll themed restaurant, it'll be in the Hard Rock Hotel. Diners can
enjoy a good, old-fashioned American hamburger while gazing at the
restaurant's 50s and 60s rock memorabilia. A good place to grab a
greasy bite to eat, like the Sirloin Burger, after a long night at
the slots or tables. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Address: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 4455 Paradise Road
Telephone: (702) 693 5000
