Although Paris, France, may be the best-known City of Romance in the world, Las Vegas can certainly compete in that arena. If you have a gourmet for a sweetheart, you’re in luck this weekend: Las Vegas has enough beauty and world-class cuisine to satisfy even the most amorous food aficionado.
Alizé Photo by: Peter Harasty
If you’re fond of the air up there, try to score reservations at one of these exceedingly romantic destinations. Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris has an incredible view of the Fountains of Bellagio through high windows. As it should, Eiffel Tower’s menu highlights French cuisine; chef Jean Joho has added updated touches to a classic menu. The restaurant even offers a special Proposal Package, if that’s where you’re headed. Another French-inspired beauty located on high, Michelin-starred Alizé at Palms brings the creations of Andre Rochat to life. And on Valentine’s Day, Alizé offers a special prix fixe menu with five courses. At the top of the Strip, you’ll find Top of the World at Stratosphere. Views here encompass the entire Vegas Valley—the restaurant rotates 360 degrees over the course of your meal. The lights are spectacular … and the eclectic menu features steakhouse favorites with everything from Italian to Moroccan influences.
Although they’re not located at such high altitudes, you’ll find plenty of romance when you’re more down to earth.
At Caesars Palace, you can experience the elegant and refined Restaurant Guy Savoy, one of the best dining establishments in Las Vegas, where service and cuisine—and the artichoke and black truffle soup—have been rightly lauded for years. A special Valentine’s Day menu starts at $290.
Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand was the French chef’s first foray into the U.S. market, and it has retained its stellar reputation through the years, both for food and ambience. The plush intimacy of the venue matches the exquisite cuisine. (Can you imagine a rich cheese soufflé with morels?) And Aureole, celebrated chef Charlie Palmer’s Mandalay Bay outpost, features American cuisine with French inspiration, courtesy of French chef Vincent Pouessel. On Feb. 14, opt for the special prix fixe menu, where highlights include the foie gras crème brûlée. For the ultimate in romance, ask for a seat near the Swan Court, where, yes, swans float past throughout your meal.
Koi Photo by: Sabin Orr
For a more Eastern influence, head to Koi at Planet Hollywood Resort, with a lush, sleek dining room bringing a Zen-like feel to the night. The Japanese-inspired cuisine here reminds one of an art museum, gorgeously arranged.
And we mustn’t forget Italy. Portofino in The Mirage just opened last year but has already garnered a following for its rich cuisine and décor, channeling Tuscany’s romantic feel.
For some, perhaps, Valentine’s day is cliché, but for others it’s what the year leads to: a beautiful night of romance, begun with a fabulous dinner, wonderful wine and capped off with ... well, the rest is up to you.
