One of the most iconic restaurants in Las Vegas has to be Piero’s Italian Cuisine. This classic Italian restaurant rests squarely in the echelon of the Golden Steer and the Peppermill, imparting a sense of old-school Vegas while maintaining high standards and a long clientele list consisting of the movers and shakers in Las Vegas, as well as celebrities, locals and convention-goers. Piero’s is family-owned, and father-and-son team Freddie and Evan Glusman are well-known around the valley.
There are plenty of charming elements that give your night a great start, and one is valet parking (it’s required, no self-parking allowed). But it is also close enough to the Strip that you could park at properties like Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian and walk there. Piero’s has been in its current location on Convention Center Drive since 1982 and looks a lot like a small house. Inside, that small house can seat more than 300 guests in six dining rooms.
One of the favorite places here is around the bustling bar, where classic cocktails, like a huge Gibson or an espresso martini, get the Piero’s touch. Order that cocktail “up” and you will definitely taste the spirits in the generous pour (cue that sigh of satisfaction) as you gaze at custom portraits adorning the walls.
Piero’s has all the best Italian appetizers, from a creamy burrata, with heirloom tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and pesto, to Pat’s meatballs, served with whipped ricotta. If you prefer carpaccio or charcuterie, you can have those, too, and shrimp cocktail is always a fun way to go.
Osso buco
There are pasta dishes aplenty, including linguine and middle neck clams in white wine and garlic; rigatoni in Sunday gravy with meatballs, sausage and ricotta; and baked ziti with house-made Italian sausage. For a substantial entrée, if you are lucky, the osso buco will be on special, but you can get New York steak, filet mignon and a massive veal chop anytime. Recently, a bone-in ribeye was on the specials menu, and if you find it, it’s a fine specimen of meat. Plus, salmon and sea bass give you lighter options.
Eggplant Parmigiana is a favorite of mine, and the huge platter of baked, cheesy, tender slices with pomodoro and mozzarella leave you plenty to take out. (Thank goodness, or I might need to eat here every week!) And there’s a good range of sides, from baby portobellos to silky olive oil whipped potatoes.
Dessert choices that are presented to you will certainly be tempting. Order a gelato or sorbet if you want to go lighter, but tiramisu and cannoli are two sure bets. And thank your lucky stars if you get the Paris Brest, cream-filled puff pastry—it’s perfect to end any night with.
355 Convention Center Drive, 702.369.2305
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