Photo by: Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
When Chris Santos opened Stanton Social Prime at Caesars Palace in 2023, it was an immediate sensation. Its warm environs, coupled with a creative menu that reflected Santos’ New York original, brought customers back time and time again, and its emphasis on shareable dishes continues with the space’s newest iteration, Stanton Social Italian.
Santos has kept some of the dishes that made the original a success, but he’s made sure to add some real surprises as well. Fans will not be disappointed at the new space, decorated in an art deco-inspired style that creates a truly whimsical feeling as you make your way to your table. You’ll be looking all around as you select your cocktail, and Santos has lined up some great twists on classics, as well as detailed descriptions where those classics originated. The Basil Smash variation, Green Flag, features Elyx single estate, Italicus Rosolio de Bergamotto, lime juice simple syrup, cucumber slices and basil leaves.
Starters include steak tartare Piemontese, served with olive oil, lemon and truffle arancini; Chef Grandma’s meatballs, smothered with marinara, basil ricotta and manicotti; and Italian cheesesteak sliders, topped with black truffle fonduta and caramelized onions. Vegetarians can enjoy the heirloom tomato salad, accompanied by whipped burrata, basil pesto and balsamic.
Photo by: Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
Main courses have something for every palate. Fans of fowl won’t want to miss the extra crispy chicken Parmigiana, one of the best versions this writer has yet tried, while seafood fanatics have their choice of grilled branzino, served with shaved asparagus, artichokes and lemon vinaigrette, or wild salmon, accompanied by warm zucchini and tomato panzanella.
And what would an Italian restaurant be without classics like penne alla vodka (this version uses pancetta, ricotta and Calabrian chilis), spaghetti carbonara (truly remarkable with bacon, pancetta, prosciutto, egg and pecorino) and cavatelli Bolognese (with fresh herbs and Parmesan)? You can also count on plenty of steak options, from an 8-ounce rib cap and 24-ounce bone-in ribeye to the beast of the menu, a super tomahawk that serves up to four and is carved at your table!
Do not skip the amazing sides! In addition to truffle whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus, Santos’ crispy eggplant will keep you coming back for more, while the Parmigiano crusted shoestring fries are so addictive, this is where you may break from that “sharing” concept.
Photo by: Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
No room for dessert? Tough! You would kick yourself for missing out on some of these doozies. The limoncello tiramisu is absolutely heavenly, thanks to its limoncello-soaked lady fingers, lemon curd and citrus mascarpone mousse, while the torta setteveli is a cake-lover’s dream with its blend of peanut butter mousse, devil’s food cake and chocolate mousse. And for Instagram fans, the spumoni “milkshake” would fit right in with an episode of Is It Cake? It looks just like a milkshake, complete with straw, but it’s entirely edible! Santos may have changed the name, but his reputation for quality shines through in every aspect of the rebrand. Bravo!
Caesars Palace. 702.650.5985 or 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.
