Pizza has become a hot commodity on the Las Vegas Strip, with casino resorts competing to bring fresh new flavors and gourmet twists to this collectively beloved food favorite. But there’s never been a pizzeria on the Strip like 800 Degrees, and in 2014, Las Vegas is getting two of them.
In the fall, SLS Las Vegas makes its debut where the iconic Sahara once was, bringing the second Strip installation of this popular Southern California pizza concept. But you don’t have to wait. The Monte Carlo refreshed its restaurant lineup this year and assigned a plum Stripside location to this authentic Neapolitan eatery. You can’t miss it, and you shouldn’t.
In some ways, 800 Degrees Neopolitan Pizzeria is the fast-food version of a pizza shop. You’ll stand in a quick moving line, choosing from traditional and unorthodox toppings for your very own fully customizable pie, and by the time you reach the register to pay, your pizza should be finished. 800 Degrees’ patented, almond-wood burning ovens are exactly that hot, and then some, with temperatures reaching around 1,100 degrees in the oven’s upper dome. That allows each hand-stretched, thin-crust beauty to cook in less than two minutes. The result is crispy, chewy, slightly blistered bliss, the perfect foundation for a simple, traditional margherita (just tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and parmigiano reggiano) or something wild from your pizza-loving imagination.
But don’t let the speed, convenience and casual atmosphere at 800 Degrees lower your expectations. This is high-quality pizza, fashioned in the style of Italy’s original pizza makers. It’s a much lighter meal than what you’re accustomed to, paving the way to include some intriguing side dishes to your order. You can build your own burrata, pairing the soft, creamy cheese with anything from beets and balsamic vinegar to artichoke tapenade. Roasted broccolini with garlic, an indulgent antipasti plate and irresistible meatballs round out the small plate options.
Burrata with beets and balsamic
But back to those pizzas. Don’t feel ashamed if you decide to try 800 Degrees for lunch and come back for another sublime disc for dinner. The list of toppings seems infinite, from spicy soppressata to manila clams; the protein selections are full of flavor. There’s bacon jam, rosemary ham and rock shrimp, too, plus tantalizing veggies such as kalamata olives, baby eggplant and sweet, slightly spicy peppadew peppers.
At some point, you’ll need to try a few of 800 Degrees’ specialty pies. The tartufo is built with truffle cheese, mushrooms, arugula and roasted garlic. For those in need of heat, the piccante pairs that savory soppressata with Calabrian chili and garlic. And the amazing, cheeseless Napoletana packs it on with anchovies, shrimp, capers, garlic and oregano. These creative masterpieces have the power to redefine the way you think about pizza while simultaneously reaffirming all the reasons we love pizza so much.
Monte Carlo, Opens at 11 a.m. daily. 702.730.7777
