Bar Zazu elevates tapas dining in Las Vegas

When Resorts World Las Vegas opened in 2020, it was missing one thing in its lineup: A tapas bar. Well, that problem was solved when Bar Zazu opened in late 2021, right next to its sister restaurant, Brezza, in The District, with both presided over by respected, award-winning chef Nicole Brisson.

The exterior of Bar Zazu showcases a wall of wines, tempting patrons in with a variety of possibilities to enjoy at table or bar. Inside, Bar Zazu creates a lush, dark atmosphere with elevated booths, tables tucked away into an intimate dining area, and art surrounding you on the walls. That art creates one of the most striking elements in the restaurant, with ornately framed paintings coming to life as the ladies within flit from frame to frame, each arrayed strikingly in food-inspired garb that melts away as you watch. Be careful not to stare too long, as you might miss the dishes arriving at your table!

Although dining hours begin at 6 p.m., do stop by the bar for a predinner cocktail. Catch the buzz of the Honey Bee, with Monkey 47 gin, lemon, honey, rose syrup and aquafaba, or try the Vogue, with Citadel and Etsu gins, lemon, white cranberry, Cointreau, kaffir syrup and aquafaba. 

Once seated, you may want to order sangria for the table. Sangria blanco combines white wine and fruit, while sangria rojo adds Brandy de Jerez to red wine and fruit. Then order your tapas, and since they are generally small portions, feel free to be liberal in your choices. Charred Spanish octopus with chorizo and Romesco sauce is almost a must for the group. Ordering both meatballs and arancini makes sure everyone has a ball or two.

For a variety of cheese and meats, El Grande Salumi offers up prosciutto, chorizo, coppa and lomo, the beefy saucisson, Idiazábal sheep’s milk cheese, brie and Mahón. Selections could change due to availability. Rustic chickpea hummus comes with veggies for dipping, and a shared pizza is never a bad idea.

Heading to bigger entrées, Bar Zazu offers the Zazu burger with Gorgonzola mascarpone and house-made potato chips, a Cape Grim skirt steak, roasted bone marrow for two, Chilean sea bass and Mahón mac and cheese. And as befits a Spanish-style restaurant, seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, clams and bay scallops is amazing. Plus, patatas bravas are a side you will probably need two or three of.

You may not have room for dessert by this point, and that’s OK. A smooth latte or strong coffee is an excellent way to complete your repast. But if you long for something sweet, the mango popsicle, raspberry chocolate torte or pistachio mousse are solid choices to sample with an after-dinner port or sherry.

• Enjoy live music nightly during dinner hours.

• Bar Zazu hosts monthly cocktail class through the end of the year, and this week shows you how to create an espresso martini (7 p.m. Oct. 10, $45 per person, opentable.com).

Resorts World Las Vegas, 725.233.8381. rwlasvegas.com

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