The hot spot for new dining is a few miles north of the Strip, suddenly alive at the very spot where the city of Las Vegas began. Circa Resort & Casino made its debut last week at the corner of Main and Fremont, creating a game-changing destination in the heart of downtown. Its first phase of opening includes an expansive casino and sportsbook (with the hotel tower opening later this year), but most importantly, Circa’s diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars are grabbing the spotlight.

Barry’s Downtown Prime (702.726.5504) is a one-of-a-kind steakhouse in a city known for top-tier options. The classic menu from veteran Vegas chef Barry S. Dakake stars chilled shellfish platters, beef tenderloin tartare, 40-day dry-aged steaks in your favorite cuts and over-the-top side dishes like the whole Maine lobster macaroni and cheese, all the makings for a sure-thing memorable meal. The vintage décor and multitude of private dining experiences will have you wondering if that elevator ride down to Barry’s secluded site was a time machine transporting you to the glory days of Vegas past.

On Circa’s second floor, you’ll have to choose between delicious casual options with various flavors. There’s peerless delicatessen fare at Saginaw’s (702.247.2258), corned beef and pastrami and all your favorites crafted by one of the founders of Michigan’s legendary Zingerman’s, the ultimate game-time cuisine at Victory Burger, and cutting-edge Asian street food at 8 East. And outside under the Fremont Street Experience canopy lives Project BBQ, serving up smoked meat bliss at lunch, dinner and late night.

Back on the Strip, time is running out to revisit one of the most beloved restaurants at Caesars Palace. Bobby Flay’s iconic Mesa Grill (702.650.5965) is closing on Nov. 14 to make way for the celeb chef’s next culinary concept, the new Italian seafood and pasta emporium Amalfi. Get into Mesa Grill to enjoy the ancho chile and honey glazed salmon, cornmeal-crusted relleno and other signatures one last time.

Two other Strip favorites are serving up fresh experiences. Top of the World (702.380.7711) at The STRAT has introduced new dishes from chef Bradley Manchester including a 12-ounce Tajima wagyu ribeye from Australia, a tomahawk for two with assorted sauces, pan-roasted sea scallops and raviolo stuffed with ricotta creamed spinach in brown butter balsamic sauce. And the Cosmopolitan’s Italian eatery Scarpetta (702.698.7960) has launched a new Chef’s Table group dining experience starring the old-world recipes of chef Michael Vitangeli. Gather your friends to share homemade burrata with prosciutto, roasted peppers and fresh crisini, jumbo prawn scampi over homemade pasta and heirloom tomatoes, and porchetta with apple mostarda and horseradish cream. You’ll hear the chef’s personal stories behind each dish while you enjoy a truly unique dinner that includes views of Bellagio’s fountains.

Whether you’re downtown or on the Strip, Las Vegas clearly continues to provide fine food and lavish restaurant experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world.

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