Las Vegas is famous for its monumental architecture, as well as the different forms of entertainment it offers –– from luxurious casinos to spectacular musical performances. In order to attract as many visitors as possible in a highly competitive city, however, resorts have also taken to opening acclaimed and often extravagant restaurants, sometimes run by the best chefs in the world.
This has turned Vegas into one of America’s most vaunted food cities –– but it’s also made it difficult to know where to start when looking for a place to eat! So in this piece we’re going to take a look at some of the best restaurants to visit in the city.
NoMad Library at Park MGM
The traditional Park MGM has been featured in popular media countless times, from The Amazing Race to The X-Files. In addition to its towering structure and well-known, luxurious rooms however, the hotel also hosts NoMad Library –– a restaurant at once wholly unique and quintessentially Las Vegas. It’s a striking place modeled after the famous Library at NoMad in New York. As for the food, a fine-dining American menu keeps visitors guessing with regularly updated ingredients and menu items according to season. Though there are some regular dishes as well, with Las Vegas Weekly having highlighted the stuffed roasted chicken for two as a signature
Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian
This luxurious hotel is famous for taking inspiration from the beautiful Italian city of Venice, replicating numerous landmarks like the Piazza San Marco and the Lion of Venice Column. When visitors are not taking romantic walks next to the artificial canals (or gondola rides on them!) though, they can eat at one of the best steakhouses in the U.S.. Delmonico’s meals start with a delicious piece of bread and a light dish, and end with a traditional steak meal cooked to perfection. Some visitors will also appreciate the fact that this steakhouse is part of the restaurant empire of Chef Emeril Lagasse. Lagasse is a lovable celebrity chef well-known for appearances on Top Chef –– some of which are so endearing that an ode to the show at The Ringer dubbed Lagasse “a saint.”
Aqua at The Bellagio
The Bellagio is famous for being featured in the film Ocean’s Eleven, hosting the first World Poker Tournament in 2002, and, of course, for its stunning fountains and accompanying light shows. However, it also has one of the best restaurants in Vegas. At Aqua you will find excellent dishes that take advantage of the fresh fish caught in the Mojave Desert. A spot in this elegant space has to be booked in advance, but if you manage to get a table, you will be able to enjoy your meal while watching the aforementioned, iconic fountains –– the same ones George Clooney and Co. gazed upon in Steven Soderbergh’s career-defining film.
Voodoo Steak at The Rio
The Rio is best known these days for hosting the World Series Of Poker, which it most recently did last fall. Thousands of players and spectators alike showed up for 88 events’ worth of poker, though it was all something of a finale, with the WSOP set to move on from the venue next year. If anything though this should make the resort a little bit calmer for the average visitor to enjoy. And while the WSOP is moving on, Voodoo Steak –– another outstanding Vegas steakhouse –– remains. Great steaks, the best lobster bisque in the city, and a 51st-floor setting with an incredible view and live piano music make it a must on your Vegas restaurant itinerary.
Restaurant Guy Savoy at the Caesars Palace
While Caesars Palace is an especially gaudy, over-the-top resort, Restaurant Guy Savoy is subtle and intimate by comparison to a lot of great Vegas restaurants. The three-Michelin-star establishment welcomes visitors with simple but beautifully decorated tables and gourmet but experimental dishes with elegant and sometimes spectacular presentations. There’s also a spectacular collection of wines, which a knowledgeable staff can help you to look through in search of the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
Las Vegas provides one of the most dynamic experiences you can find at any major destination. In addition to all of the headline attractions though, the restaurants are as good a reason as any to visit.
Thanks for reading, and for more on some of the best places to eat during your travels, take a look through our Restaurant Section.