Autumn in Vegas is a little different from other places. Instead of temperatures heading toward freezing, you find temperatures in the 90s and occasionally dipping into the 60s overnight. In other words, it’s the perfect time to indulge in al fresco dining.
Mon Ami Gabi at Paris (702.944.4224) has long been considered one of the prime places in Las Vegas for breakfast or lunch, due partly to its menu of French favorites and partly to its exquisite location Stripside with a great view of the Bellagio fountains. Order a Croque Monsieur or steak frites and St. Germain spritz to complete your repast.
Right next door at Paris you’ll find Hexx Kitchen + Bar (702.331.5100), with the same stellar view of the fountains, enormous roll-up glass panel doors opening up the patio and a relaxed American menu. The Cinnaroll waffle is marvelous for brunch, and braised short ribs with creamy polenta will fill you up at dinner.
At Border Grill (702.632.7403), Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger bring a twist to Mexican food that’s pretty fabulous. Pair that with seating on a two-story patio that overlooks the lazy river of Mandalay Bay’s pool complex and it’s a weekend brunch destination. Spicy chicken tamale and eggs or chilaquiles go great with the green corn tamales every table gets.
The patio area at Aria’s Salt & Ivy Café and Patio Bar (702.590.9899) is a perfect early morning spot, with greenery dotted throughout a relaxing space. Eat healthy here with a kale, mushroom and cage-free egg frittata; or an upside-down parfait with blueberry, dragonfruit, strawberry and goji berries. The Dutch Baby pancakes come in several varieties and might feed the whole table.
Over at Fashion Show, the huge cloud structure facing the Strip plays host to plenty of restaurants on several levels: Benihana (702.820.3030), El Segundo Sol (702.258.1211) and Ra Sushi (702.696.0008) are just a few. At Benihana, enjoy weekday lunch or dinner every day. Start with vegetable tempura and move onto beef gyoza dumplings, Hibachi chicken rice and items like the spicy lotus tempura roll. El Segundo Sol’s Mexican cuisine is perfect before wending your way through Fashion Show’s retail offerings. And the energetic vibe at Ra Sushi is a great backdrop for not only sushi, but ramen, salad and small plates.
The Bromberg brothers imported their New York-state-of-mind restaurants to Las Vegas in several Strip restaurants, but expanded to the outskirts with Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at Red Rock Resort (702.797.7777). In the Kanpai Beer Garden, you can chill out while enjoying sushi platters, sashimi and sake. And beer, of course!
It’s a Italian style at Bottiglia Cucina Enoteca at Green Valley Ranch (702.617.7075), where the picturesque Tuscan dining room spills over to patio dining. For weekend brunch, order a glass or two from the extensive wine list, an $18 bottomless mimosa or Aperol spritz and lobster Benedict. Now you’re living!
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