The dynamic dining scene that has drawn millions to Las Vegas and inspired and excited local residents as well has come back to life. Many neighborhood restaurants stayed open throughout the temporary closure by serving spectacular takeout and delivery options before reopening for dine-in service in May. And casinos across the valley opened their doors on June 4, bringing back many more fine-dining and casual options.
At Bellagio, memorable meals have always been a big part of the Vegas experience. Chef and global restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s steakhouse institution Prime Steakhouse (702.693.8865) leads the diverse array of eateries available at the iconic resort, serving the finest beef, seafood, lamb and more with fantastic sauces and sides. You can’t beat the views of Bellagio’s fountains from Prime or at Lago (702.693.8865), chef Julian Serrano’s innovative take on Italian flavors located just a few steps away.
Speaking of Italian cuisine, the legendary Wolfgang Puck’s sparkling Cucina (702.238.1000) has returned to The Shops at Crystals, located near the Aria and Vdara resort complex. Rustic pasta dishes and woodfired pizzas await. At The Venetian, celebrity chef Lorena Garcia’s groundbreaking menu at Chica (702.805.8472) encompasses brunch and dinner with influence from Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The vibrant international flavors continue next door at The Palazzo, where Mott 32 (702.607.3232) is serving an authentic taste of Szechuan, Cantonese and Beijing cuisines.
For something new, visit Harrah’s Las Vegas and enjoy “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro’s latest creation, PizzaCake (702.214.9110). This fast-casual concept is right on the Strip and is designed to replicate a New Jersey pizzeria with the addition of Las Vegas’ first cake ATM machine, loaded with slices from the famous Carlo’s Bakery.
You can find your favorite restaurants from your favorite chefs on the Strip once again. Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen (702.731.7373) at Caesars Palace is ready to re-create the TV competition show experience with fun and refined flavors, including that famous beef Wellington, while Bazaar Meat by José Andrés (702.761.7610) is back in the swing of things at the freshly renovated Sahara Las Vegas.
Longtime locals’ favorite restaurants such as the Summerlin-area Honey Salt (702.445.6100), the wildly creative Sparrow & Wolf (702.790.2147) in Chinatown, hip downtown hang Carson Kitchen (702.473.9523) and Thai food institution Lotus of Siam (702.735.3033) are all ready to welcome you back. If you’re looking for homey Italian food, search no further than Ferraro’s (702.364.5300), just east of the Strip, or get out into the southwest neighborhood of Mountain’s Edge to discover the sizzling-hot Locale (702.330.0404). Try the blue crab black spaghetti and the meatballs with Calabrese peppers.
Healthy and delicious Mexican hot spot El Dorado Cantina (702.333.1112) has two locations with the recent opening of its expansive Tivoli Village restaurant. Enjoy tableside guacamole and those filet mignon tacos from two different patio dining spaces at this cozy new destination.
And if you want to try the brand-new spot all the local foodies are buzzing about, it’s called Johnny C’s Diner (702.263.0146). Located in the southwest valley, it’s the brainchild of longtime Strip fine dining executive chef Johnny Church, and he’s dishing up breakfast and lunch classics like bacon-stuffed pancakes, biscuits and gravy, omelets and burritos.
