The 38 Essential Las Vegas Restaurants, July 2013

SEE ONEALL

ABRIYA RAKU
Every chef in town stops by Mitsuo Endos tiny 48-seater that serves up Japanese robataki
dishes, small portions cooked over a charcoal grill, that can change your life.
5030 W. SPRING MOUNTAIN RD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146

WEBSITE

AMERICAN FISH
Michael Minas newest Vegas restaurant takes its inspiration from the great outdoors in the look
and the cuisine. Salt baking, wood grilling, cast-iron griddling and ocean-water poaching
techniques are used in this restaurant that looks like a 19th century lodge.
3730 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89158

(702) 590-8610
WEBSITE

BARMASA
Despite a cold but modern interior, BarMasa still serves up some of the best sushi in Las
Vegas. Fish caught with 24 hours in Tokyo Bay make their way to this pricey restaurant from
Masa Takayama. To experience this best, have an expense account and order omakase, a
chefs choice, multi-course meal.
3730 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89158

1-877-230-2742
WEBSITE

BARTOLOTTA RISTORANTE DI MARE

Paul Bartolottas namesake restaurant at Wynn is a homage to the chefs love for Italian
cooking. Two and a half tons of seafood is flown in from the Mediterranean weekly and simply,
but expertly prepared. The Sardinia-esque room and overlooks an idyllic lagoon lined with
cabanas. For the uninitiated stick with the tasting menus to get a true feel for what they are
going for, a traditionally fashioned Italian seafood meal.
3131 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(888) 320-7110
WEBSITE

BOUCHON BISTRO
Put together the cuisine of Thomas Keller with a La Belle Epoque setting and you have the
perfect recipe for French cuisine. Breakfast here is a treat with flaky croissants and more. Keller
sources his ingredients from boutique purveyors.
3355 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 414-6200
WEBSITE

CARNEVINO

Mario Batalis outpost at the Palazzo dry ages steaks for six to eight months, bringing out the
flavors of these pieces of beef you can order by the inch. The pastas and Italian dishes are
some of the best in town.
3325 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 789-4141
WEBSITE

CHADA THAI & WINE

Bank Atcharawans Chada Thai & Wine brings Southern Thai food to Chinatown. The former
sommelier of Lotus of Siam brings his award-winning list of 150 to 170 wines that skew toward
Rieslings and global whites. Many of the dishes on the 50-item menu carry prices in the $10
range. Many are meant to be shared much like tapas, so expect to order several to get a grasp
of the menu that features mild, medium and hot dishes.
3400 S. JONES BLVD., #11A, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146

(702) 641-1345
WEBSITE

CHINA POBLANO
Go for Chinese or Mexican at this cheeky restaurant from Jos Andrs. Chef Shirley Chung
makes her noodles in a showcase kitchen at the front of the restaurant. But feel free to order a
little from each side of the menu with a group of friends.
3708 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 698-7000
WEBSITE

COMME A
Chef Brian Howard has shown hes willing to take risks with his Bistronomy menu that takes
diners on a French culinary journey. Charcuterie made in-house and locally purveyed foods
highlight this fun menu. Be sure to try the cocktails at the bar as well, a nod to the Prohibition
era.
3708 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 698-7910
WEBSITE

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK

Wolfgang Pucks best restaurant in Las Vegas serves up a mean bone marrow flan. Critics
consider this one of the best steakhouses in town.
3325 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 607-6300
WEBSITE

DUE FORNI PIZZA & WINE

Two ovens here cook up Roman and Neapolitan pizzas with an ingredient list featuring the best
products from Italy. A mozzarella bar is a must-order, while other dishes from chef Carlos
Buscaglia use those same ovens to conjure up imaginative entrees.
3555 S. TOWN CENTER DRIVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89135

(702) 586-6500
WEBSITE

DW BISTRO
Dalton Wilson takes his Jamaican roots and combines them with his New Mexican upbringing
for some spicy dishes. Brunch here is a must.
6115 S. FORT APACHE ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89148

(702) 527-5200
WEBSITE

EAT
Natalie Young can be considered a pioneer of downtown, opening her breakfast and lunch spot
far from others to open up a whole new area for restaurants. Her beignets, truffle egg sandwich
and roast beef sandwich are must-orders.
707 E. CARSON AVE., LAS VEGAS, NV 89101

(702) 534-1515
WEBSITE

FUKU BURGER
These Japanese-inspired burgers are worth tracking down this mobile food truck. Check the
schedule online for locations, but they make regular appearances on Friday at the Downtown
3rd Farmers Market.
201 N. THIRD ST., LAS VEGAS, NV 89101

WEBSITE

HONEY SALT
Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla have a gem on their hands with the newest place on the
west side to see and be seen. The sea scallops and brick oven chicken are must-orders, but
keep Honey Salt on your radar for lunch and brunch on the weekend.
1031 S. RAMPART BLVD., LAS VEGAS, NV 89145

(702) 445-6100
WEBSITE

IN-N-OUT BURGER
Ask a tourist one of the first places they stop after landing and many will say they truck over to
In-N-Out for a double double. Sure, its a chain with nine locations in Vegas, but the burgers
stand up.
4888 S. DEAN MARTIN DR., LAS VEGAS, NV 89103

(800) 786-1000
WEBSITE

JALEO
Jos Andrs finally brought his divine tapas and paellas to Vegas, but its Bar inside that gets
all the buzz. Try to nab one of the eight seats at this exclusive multi-course meal that has
foodies buzzing. Otherwise, dine on tapas and be sure to order his paella.
3708 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(877) 293-2003
WEBSITE

JOL ROBUCHON
Yes, you may be dining next to Chuck Norris as celebrity pics seriously line the opulently
decorated space that is a cross between the inside of a Faberge egg and the boudoir of Marie
Antoinette. The exquisitely crafted fare from the chef of the century does however in fact stand
up to the rooms dcor. Its French grandiosity meets Asian refinement. Be sure to request a
complimentary pick up and a MGM limo will be dispatched to deliver to the private entrance.
3799 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

702-891-7925
WEBSITE

JULIAN SERRANO
Perhaps Las Vegas best tapas restaurant comes at the hands of Julian Serrano, the Spaniard
whose name adorns the restaurant. He brings his native dishes to life.
3730 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89158

(702) 590-7111
WEBSITE

KABUTO
By far some of the freshest sushi you can find in Las Vegas, and it wont break the bank. The
10-piece nigiri goes for $40. Here, its more a matter of whether you can land a table in this tiny
18-seater.
5040 W. SPRING MOUNTAIN ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146

702-676-1044

WEBSITE

L'ATELIER DE JOL ROBUCHON

Watch the artistry of executive chef Steve Benjamin and his team when you pull up a seat at the
bar overlooking the kitchen of the Jol Robuchons more casual approach to dining that is still
through the stratosphere. Tapas, a tasting menu and wines from around the world highlight the
menu here.
3799 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 891-7358
WEBSITE

LE CIRQUE
Go for classic and contemporary French cuisine from the Maccioni family replete with a circus
tent designed by Adam Tihany. Executive chef Paul Lee pushes the food to over-the-big-top
status. This is a must-visit during truffle season.
3600 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 693-8100
WEBSITE

LE THAI
Dan Coughlins tiny Thai restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas has amazing noodles, magnificent
curries at all spice levels and a packed room. Get there early to beat the crowds.
523 FREMONT ST., LAS VEGAS, NV

(702) 778-0888

WEBSITE

LOTUS OF SIAM
Arguably the best Thai food in Vegas. Saipin Chutima specializes in Northern and Eastern Thai
food. Pair your meal, where you can request a degree of hotness, with the excellent list of
Reislings, a perfect balance to the spice.
953 E. SAHARA AVE., LAS VEGAS, NV 89104

(702) 735-3033
WEBSITE

MARCH BACCHUS
After struggling with different chefs over the years, Marche Bacchus seems to have found the
perfect fit with Dave Middleton, a protege of Alex Stratta, the former consulting chef here. Look
for dishes such as steak tartare, torchon of foie gras and handmade pastas such as red and
green tagliatelle with lobster, sea urchin and roe. The wine shop at the front, where guests can
pick up bottles to accompany dinner for a $10 corkage fee, features selections from France,
Spain, Italy and California. The 120 seats here overlook Lake Jacqueline on the terrace.
2620 REGATTA DRIVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89128

(702) 804-8008
WEBSITE

METRO PIZZA
Would you miss Metro Pizza if it was gone? Yes, you would. This pizza chain from founders
John Arena and Sam Facchini has been making damn fine pies for 32 years. With six locations

across Las Vegas, Metro Pizza represents a place where you can always find good pizzas and
dish over a slice.
1420 W. HORIZON RIDGE PKWY., HENDERSON, NV 89012

(702) 458-4769
WEBSITE

MICHAEL MINA
Executive Chef Benjamin Jenkins helms this, the original restaurant of its namesake, and brings
to life the creative visions Michael Mina has. Look for a fusion of flavors and indulge on the
caviar cart if you can afford it.
3600 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV

(866) 259-7111
WEBSITE

MIZUMI
One of the hottest new Japanese restaurants on the Strip features Devin Hashimotos take on
traditional dishes. A 72-hour braised American Wagyu short rib kakuni with creamy satsuma
potatoes, fava bean and shitaake ragout and red wine miso sauce are not to be missed.
3131 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

WEBSITE

MONTA JAPANESE NOODLE HOUSE

Monta serves up Kurume-style ramen in a pork broth on its 10-item menu. Critics call it the
Raku of noodle joints in town, and fortunately, it sits right next door to the vaunted Japanese
restaurant.
5030 W. SPRING MOUNTAIN ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146

(702) 367-4600
WEBSITE

NAKED CITY PIZZA SHOP

The Guinea Pie caught the eye of Guy Fieri, who featured it on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, but
foodies in Vegas have been stopping in this joint within Moon Doggies since it opened for fresh
ingredients. Coming soon: a second stand-alone restaurant on the east side of Vegas.
3240 S. ARVILLE ST., LAS VEGAS, NV 89104

(702) 243-6277
WEBSITE

PICASSO
This is one of the few restaurants in the world where you can dine with an original Picasso
hanging next to your table. Julian Serrano marries French and Spanish cuisines at this gem that
also sports 1,500 varieties of wine in the cellar.
3600 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 693-7223
WEBSITE

RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY

Though the aesthetic is more modern and there is a kitschy view of the Eiffel Tour (you cant
actually see the real one from the rue Troyon in Paris), the cuisine is identical. The most
traditional presentations of all the citys bastions of French cooking are found here and their
cellar contains more wine then rest of the hotel combined.
3570 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 731-7286
WEBSITE

SAGE
Shawn McClain serves up imaginative fare with inventive twists in an Art Deco dining room at
Sage. While the menu changes with the seasons. The foie gras creme brulee is a must-order.
Belly up to the bar for a cocktail in a speakeasy setting or order up one of 10 types of absinthe
from the roving cart.
3730 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 819158

(702) 590-7111
WEBSITE

SETTEBELLO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

Pizzas cooked in wood-fired brick ovens in one minute with a crisp crust that you have to tear
apart by hand bring in families from all over the valley. It doesn't get more authentic than at
Settebello. Coming soon: a second location on the west side of Vegas.
140 S. GREEN VALLEY PKWY., HENDERSON, NV 89012

(702) 222-3556
WEBSITE

SPAGO
Wolfgang Puck's original Las Vegas restaurant ushered in an era of celebrity chefs in Sin City.
The seared duck breast and smoked salmon pizza are must-orders.
3500 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(702) 369-6300
WEBSITE

SW STEAKHOUSE
Executive chef David Walzog makes a decadent affair out of aged Nebraska corn-fed beef at
this gem with outdoor dining overlooking the Lake of Dreams. Impeccable service is a
trademark here.
3131 LAS VEGAS BLVD. S., LAS VEGAS, NV 89109

(888) 320-7110
WEBSITE

TODD'S UNIQUE DINING

Chef and owner Todd Clores wine dinners are the toast of the town and sell out quickly at this
restaurant with a neighborhood feel but gourmet fare. Clore manages to change up the menu to
keep foodies coming back while satisfying regulars.
4350 E. SUNSET ROAD, HENDERSON, NV 89014

(702) 259-8633
WEBSITE

TWIST BY PIERRE GAGNAIRE

Certainly the most molecular of all the citys elite French rooms, the approach here is to take a
modern twist to more classical French fare. Chef Pierre Gagnaire spends 33 days a year in
house to ensure that this culinary mission is achieved and the experience matches the
extraordinary Strip views seen from the spaces 23rd floor perch.