The sweet spot between respect and reinvention is where chef Chris Santos builds his menus. His latest chapter is Stanton Social Italian, where classic Italian cuisine gets a distinct twist. Picture New York City’s Little Italy with the energy of the Strip.
Santos made his name with the original Stanton Social in 2005, serving globally inspired small plates on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The Caesars Palace location opened as Stanton Social Prime, a steakhouse concept, in 2023, but this latest Italian evolution feels just right. The restaurant maintains the communal, shareable spirit that made the original a destination, but now channels it through Italian-American comfort food with Santos’ signature playfulness.
The menu opens like a love letter to familiar Italian-American classics, then veers into unexpectedly delightful territory. Steak tartare Piedmontese, pictured, arriving flavored with olive oil, lemon and truffle arancini. Hamachi crostata reframes antipasti through a Japanese lens. House-made cavatelli shows up dressed in wagyu Bolognese, because truly, what dish couldn’t use a wagyu upgrade?
“This fresh and whimsical approach to the menu maintains the balance of creativity and familiarity that defines the brand’s communal dining experience, while embracing a style of cuisine that’s universally loved,” Santos has said.
Tableside, there’s all kinds of magic going on. Extra crispy chicken Parmigiana is finished with a pour of mozzarella fondue, the kind of dramatic presentation that makes people at the table next to you crane their necks. Then there’s the Super Tomahawk, built to steal every bit of attention in the room: It’s prepared tableside and cognac flambéed right before your eyes. (Oh, the drama! Subtlety left the building approximately three courses ago.)
And don’t skip dessert. Limoncello tiramisu layers lemon curd with citrus mascarpone mousse for a bright finish, while the Spumoni “Milkshake” arrives as an edible chocolate cup filled with pistachio mousse, cherry compote and brownie bites. No matter how old you are, this one’s a crowd pleaser.
Stanton Social Italian understands what generations of New York Italian restaurants have always known: The best meals happen when the table is crowded and nobody’s in a hurry to leave. Bring your people and stay awhile.
Caesars Palace, 702.650.5985. caesars.com
Feel like a true Vegas insider with the free Vegas2Go app! Discover the best of Las Vegas—right at your fingertips. From must-try restaurants and top shows to nightlife, attractions, and offers, Vegas2Go puts the city’s hottest experiences in the palm of your hand. Download for free on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store today.
