Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has arrived, and its restaurant lineup is nothing short of fascinating. While several new-to-Vegas concepts and operators are naturally part of the opening offering, three of the dining destinations that anchored the property when it was known as the Hard Rock Hotel have come back to life in new-and-improved forms.
One Steakhouse (702.522.8111) is the next evolution for storied restaurateur brothers Michael and David Morton, who originally teamed to bring MB Steak to the Hard Rock. One Steakhouse expands on that concept by adding more personalized service and tableside preparations to the menu of warm and familiar steakhouse cuisine, and the restaurant has literally expanded as well. A cozy new lounge was built out of the bar space, extending a welcoming hand into the casino and grabbing attention with a beautiful ceiling-spanning chandelier installation.
The original Nobu Las Vegas (702.693.5090) has always been a landmark restaurant at the Hard Rock, and the Virgin version is updated with fresh energy and décor while maintaining the time-tested culinary innovations imagined by the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa. Having this intimate eatery back in the mix also creates a happy dilemma for Vegas visitors and locals who can once again opt for this more serene Nobu experience or head to Caesars Palace (702.785.6628) to dine a one of the biggest and most dynamic Nobu restaurants in the world, where a masterful teppanyaki menu is added to the offerings.
The third remaining restaurant at Virgin is the energetic Pizza Forte (702.693.5000), a quick and convenient spot to grab a tasty slice for lunch or a late-night snack, with New York-style and Roman pizza among the options. Its continued popularity is partially due to its owners’ dedication to quality and authenticity, not surprising when you learn this is the same family behind the legendary Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (702.364.5300), just across the street from Virgin on Paradise Road. Ferraro’s recently expanded its hours as it gets back to closer-to-normal operations and is ready and waiting with signature dishes like red wine-braised osso bucco, handmade pastas and decadent tiramisu when your cravings for homey Italian food strike.
On the Strip, a favorite hip hangout is back in action at Park MGM. Celebrity chef Roy Choi’s Best Friend (702.730.6770) reopened recently with plans to serve its bold Korean barbecue and Los Angeles-style fusion dishes like short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice and eggplant schnitzel during the weekends only. But the restaurant’s return was welcomed with such enthusiasm, it quickly returned to a five-night schedule.
On the north end at The STRAT, PT’s Wings & Sports (702.380.7777) continues to establish itself as one of the best places on the Strip to catch the game and enjoy elite bar food. It recently introduced some Canadian-inspired dishes available during Vegas Golden Knights games throughout the NHL season. The PT’s Power Play box includes cheese curd-covered poutine, beaver tails (fried dough served with cinnamon, sugar and maple butter), cheese sliders, two pounds of chicken wings and more, enough to satisfy any sporting appetite.
If you’re ready to get off the main drag and discover something new in the neighborhood, cruise east on Flamingo Road until you get to Tortas Ahogadas Y Birria el Chacho (702.832.2683), a small but mighty Mexican eatery building almost instant buzz for its two specialties: a deliciously authentic rendition of the Guadalajaran staple, the torta ahogada, a roasted pork sandwich drowned in tomato-and-chile sauce; and rich, long-simmered beef birria, available as a stew or in cheesy griddled tacos. Both dishes are worth the trip.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. As part of your subscription, each week via email you will receive the latest edition of Las Vegas Magazine, full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
