Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steaks & Snow Crab
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If I spent a single night in Vegas and had to pick the one restaurant I could never pass up, it’d have to be Joe’s Seafood, Prime Streaks & Snow Crab! It’s simply that exceptional. The food, the ambiance, wine and cocktails — and the phenomenal old-school service — reign supreme at this classic American eaterie, conveniently situated at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace since 2004. What to order? You can’t go wrong with anything on the mouth-watering menu, but they’ve been famous for their stone crab since first opening in Miami Beach in 1913. Surf ‘n turf it, because the steaks are just as incredible as the seafood. And do not pass up on the crab bisque! Let your server guide the fine dining experience, and you may find you’ve discovered a new fave cocktail, like a grapefruit margarita that’ll blow your mind. As hard as it will be, try to save room for a slice of heaven, aka their famous key lime pie!
Delilah
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Wynn Las Vegas presents the modern-day supper club, Delilah, which will leave you asking: why, why, why haven’t I tried this place before? According to their website, “Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas offers a true supper club atmosphere, inspired by the earliest showrooms of Las Vegas in the 1950s. The venue has multiple environments for guests to dine and socialize, with live music and special performances, DJs, and Sunday Night Jazz.” The dress code is upscale casual chic, but if you’re thinking of bringing the tots, DON’T! Children under 12 are not permitted, lest they disrupt the elegant and timeless atmosphere. And the menu has something for everyone. However, I have to mention the premium shellfish and delicious King Crab “Caesar.” If you got lucky at the tables, splurge on the Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye, for $350!
Carbone
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Paying homage to the classic Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century — “an era of glamour, showmanship, and tableside service” — comes Carbone, located within the Aria Hotel. Before we get started on the delicious food, we’d be remiss not to mention their impressive Rum Cart, where you can savor the sublime tastes of rums from around the world. From the get-go, Carbone knocks it out of the park with a mouth-watering bread basket filled with soft and delicious tomato bread, garlic bread, and a sliced sesame loaf. What to order? You simply cannot leave this superb throwback restaurant without trying their world-famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka. And for a zesty dessert, the Lemon Cheesecake finds the perfect balance between a lemony citrus flavor and a Big Apple-style cheesecake akin to Junior’s NYC classic.
Bardot Brasserie
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There’s another culinary knockout at the chic Aria, and it’s worthy of bombshell Brigitte Bardot’s surname. So get ready to be reintroduced to the sensual delights of classic French cuisine! “The menu features iconic French comfort food and an array of both New World and Old World Wines,” boasts its website. So sit back, enjoy the live music, and try the Beef Wellington (a showstopper meal for two that’s a perfect marrying of beef, mushroom duxelles, ham and puff pastry, and comes with a side of tasty truffle mashed potatoes). The decadent desserts do not disappoint, but here’s a tip: order in advance — especially if you crave the mouth-watering Warm Almond Pithivier, which takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare.
Best Friends
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Head over to Best Friend at Park MGM, where Chef Roy Choi has created a masterful mash-up of a bodega, bar, and restaurant. Choi, famous for his LA-based Kogi food truck, brings his greatest hits from various restaurant ventures and remasters them in a fresh, cool way for a lively Vegas culinary experience. Be sure to come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on the Cowboy Chop — a 34 oz. (yes, that’s not a typo) Bone-In Ribeye. Or stop in to get first-hand knowledge of what perfected Korean-Italian fusion tastes like by trying the Kimchi Carbonara, made with garlic, parmesan, cilantro, and bacon. A resident DJ spins vinyl, helping keep the scene upbeat throughout the night. It’s certainly a vibe, and the best spot on the strip to immerse yourself in the flavors and the music of Koreatown and beyond.
Nobu Caesar’s Palace
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It’s almost impossible to get a reservation at Nobu in Malibu, with so many Kardashian/Jenners and other famous Hollywood types taking up all the space, so why not try your Vegas luck at Nobu Caesar’s Palace on The Strip? From succulent sushi to the Nobu Caviar tacos (they also offer lobster, wagyu, and vegetable tacos), there’s something for everyone. As for dessert, sweet treats include Vanilla Miso Tart (shortbread crust, whisky mascarpone cheesecake, vanilla ganache, white chocolate glaze, red miso dulce de leche), Japanese Whisky Cappuccino (coffee creme brulee layered with a coffee crunch, milk ice cream and Japanese whisky foam), Green Tea Lime Cheesecake, the Bentu Box (flourless chocolate cake, ceremonial green tea ice cream), and Coconut Haupia (dark chocolate glazed pudding, toasted coconut, coconut nougatine). Yum! And here’s a tip: after the main dining room closes for the night, the stylish Nobu Lounge serves up menu items not available at any other Nobu location!
Esther’s Kitchen
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Ever tried pistachio pesto? You should! Located in the Las Vegas Arts District in downtown Las Vegas, Esther’s Kitchen is a seasonal Italian neighborhood restaurant that’s worth straying off The Strip. Start your meal with their famous Homemade Sourdough Levain Bread with Butter and you’ll find yourself compelled to leave a 5-star Yelp review right off the bat. You can even get it with a 3 choice spread (the fegatini, burrata, and cannellini beans will blow your mind). Can’t decide what else to order? It’s all great, but you can’t go wrong with any of the delicious wood-fired sourdough pizza choices. And don’t be afraid to go the simple route with the exceptional Mortadella Pizza, which famously features their signature Pistachio Pesto!
Bazaar Meat
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Nothing bizarre about Bazaar Meat at the Sahara, branded “Gold Best Strip Restaurant” by Best of Las Vegas 2023. Award-winning chef Jose Andre’s “wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous” is a hungry meat lover’s dream come true. “I will eat whatever makes me feel like a lion!”, roars the proud head chef. As for seafood, don’t skip the oysters, shrimp, and caviar from the Raw Bar, but also hit the Meat Bar for specialties such as The Classic — beef sirloin, Savora mustard, egg yolk, HP sauce, anchovy and Parker House rolls. There’s even a special section of the menu titled “Tasting In Japan” where offerings include selected cuts of certified Japanese Wagyu beef from various Prefectures, such as Miyagi, Gifu, and Shiga. What a trip!
Joel Robuchon
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Have you been watching The Bear on TV and want to see what the Michelin Star buzz is all about firsthand? Head over to this fancy French restaurant at the MGM Grand! Boasting accolades galore, including Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond, Wine Spectator’s Grand Award, and the pièce de résistance — it’s the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Sin City! Naturally, the sinfully delicious upscale food is top-notch at this romantic eatery, designed to resemble a luxurious Art Deco townhouse, complete with a lush garden terrace and marble floors. Indulge in the seasonal tasting menu and be prepared to fine dine like royalty. Live a little and order caviar served atop king crab! Enjoy the bread cart at the start, a dessert trolley finale, and experience a meal you’ll never forget!
Kabuto-Edomae Sushi
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Located off The Strip, Kabuto-Edomae Sushi is one of the premier sushi spots in all of Las Vegas. Much of their fish is imported directly from Japan, and the staff is sure to spend time with you in choosing the perfect sake to go with your sushi pairing. Their nigiri premium selection is vast, and some of the highlights include Kamashita (marbled fatty tuna), Isaki (three-line grunt), Akami (lean tuna), and Akaebi (velvet shrimp). And you can’t go wrong with their dessert trio: mochi filled with anko (red bean paste) and topped with cinnamon kinako, yuzu sorbet, and green tea cheesecake. Vegas locals know where to go for great sushi, and now you do too!
