Las Vegas restaurants were long famous for shrimp cocktails, Caesar salads and prime rib, and while those dishes are still a staple here, the menu at many old-school restaurants has been expanded to include everything from French cuisine to Chinese dim sum and smoked salmon pizza. For modern foodies, these standout establishments are a great link to the past.
Sterling Brunch at BLT Steak (Bally’s, 702.967.7258)
For more than 30 years, this extraordinary Sunday morning dining experience has entertained and thrilled guests. Waiters pour never-ending glasses of sparkling champagne as chefs create a stunning spread filled with Gruyére popovers, yogurt parfaits, eggs Benedict, sushi, lobster tails and much more.
Spago (Bellagio, 702.693.8181)
Situated above the lovely Fountains of Bellagio, über-celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s marquee Strip restaurant has been a culinary star for 28 years. (It recently moved from its original Forum Shops location.) Chinois chicken salad, handmade spaghettini and Wiener schnitzel are must-tries. Splurge with Kaluga caviar on a signature smoked salmon pizza.
Oscar’s Steakhouse (The Plaza, 702.386.7227)
Take a seat in this swanky glass dome overlooking historic Fremont Street and get your evening rolling with appetizers like chilled king crab with zesty cocktail sauce and savory Italian-style meatballs with house-made ricotta. Then, branch out with grilled lamb chops and fragrant mint demi-glace.
The Steak House
The Steak House (Circus Circus, 702.794.3767)
Stepping into this hideaway’s evocative atmosphere, it’s easy to imagine the Rat Pack clinking glasses at a nearby table. Start your own celebration with oysters on the half shell and a timeless Waldorf salad. Then it’s on to mesquite-grilled, 21-day-aged cuts of Midwestern beef like the ribeye, and the filet mignon with tri-color peppercorn sauce is legendary.
Triple George Grill (201 N. 3rd St. No. 120, 702.384.2761)
Countless business deals have been sealed in Las Vegas over the years, and this downtown nook is ideal for power lunches. Surrounded by a wood-toned San Francisco chophouse ambience, its American specialties, like crab cakes, chicken pot pies, meatloaf with gravy, and steaks, are impressive.
Ping Pang Pong (Gold Coast, 702.247.8136)
Love roving carts brimming with shumai, BBQ pork bao and other Cantonese delicacies? This lively establishment has been a favorite for nearly 20 years. In addition to impeccable dim sum selections, extravagant entrées like night market fried rice, Manila clams with black bean sauce and braised duck fill the adventurous and abundant menu.
Top of Binion’s Steakhouse (Binion’s, 702.382.1600)
Perched high above neon-lit Downtown, this 24th-floor destination is famous for its succulent, only-in-Vegas chicken fried lobster with Béarnaise sauce. Want to pair your surf with some turf? Slow-roasted prime rib with a side of creamy potatoes au gratin is a top choice. The breathtaking city view beyond makes for picture-perfect gourmet dinners.
Siegel’s 1941 (El Cortez, 702.385.5200)
If you’re in the mood for matzo ball soup, a Cobb salad or a pastrami sandwich, head to this welcoming eatery and soak in its vintage vibe. Open 24/7, its walls are decorated with nostalgic black-and-white Sin City snapshots. As a bonus, night owls can fuel up on Belgian waffles, corned beef hash and omelets from the overnight menu long before the sun comes up.
Mon Ami Gabi
Mon Ami Gabi (Paris Las Vegas, 702.944.4224)
“Vive la France” meets “Viva Las Vegas” at this longtime Gallic gem in the bustling heart of the Strip. Beneath the beautiful Eiffel Tower, share baguettes with friends on the patio and revel in gastronomic treasures like quiche Lorraine, escargots de Bourgogne, trout almondine and profiteroles. Plus, it’s a magnifique setting for people watching.
