Friday, June 02, 2006
|
This is a saved page of Eat This! (Las Vegas CityLife) This is a copy we made of the page on 03-Jun-2006. The original page may or may not still be availible and pictures and text may have changed since then. Click Here to view the original page at the original website. |
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, June 02, 2006 |
| . | |
|
Eat This!
Eat This! is a list of recommended restaurants based on reviews by current and former CityLife critics. If you know of an establishment worthy of inclusion, contact Listings Editor Bev Bryan at 702-871-6780 ext. 309 or listings@lvcitylife.com. Restaurants occasionally switch locations or close on short notice, so please call before visiting. AMERICAN AJ'S STEAKHOUSE Hard Rock Hotel, 693-5500. Meat is still king at this whimsically nostalgic, old-school Vegas supper club with summertime pool views. Dress like the Rat Pack. BAGEL CAFE 301 N. Buffalo Dr., 255-3444. This combination bakery/cafe is pretty upscale for a bagel place, which suits its patrons just fine. BAGELMANIA 855 E. Twain Ave. (in the center on the southeast corner of Twain and Swenson); 369-3322. It's almost like a New York neighborhood diner, especially weekend mornings. Wonderful. BALLY'S STERLING BRUNCH Bally's, 795-3990. Sunday brunch inside Bally's Steakhouse. One of the finer dining experiences of its kind in Las Vegas, fabulous food and tons of it. BIG MAMA'S RIB SHACK 2230 W. Bonanza Road, 597-1616. As they say: "Barbecue as tender as a mother's love." Coleslaw, beans, mac & cheese and cobbler, too. BLACK MOUNTAIN GRILL 11021 S. Eastern Ave., 990-0990. A sporting lodge in the desert, complete with dead animals on the wall and a relaxing Japanese-style decor. Worth visiting if you are in the southeast area. BLEU GOURMET 8751 West Charleston Blvd., 363-2538. A gourmet food and wine retail outlet with casual in-store dining. The retail atmosphere may not be to every customer's liking but the food is good. BOO BOO'S CREAMERY & CAFE 8609 W. Sahara Ave., 240-3361 The desserts, which include a sundae served in a plastic dog bowl, are clearly the main draw at this family-run operation. But the European-flavored cafe menu is also worth checking out, offering plenty of quick healthy alternatives to the typical lunchtime fare. BOB TAYLOR'S RANCH HOUSE 6250 Rio Vista St., 645-1399. The best place to get a steak in Vegas. Ribs, chicken and fish round out a simple, superb menu. BOSTON PIZZA 1507 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 385-2595. One of the city's best old-time pizza joints. Don't order "extra cheese" unless you really mean it. THE BROILER Palace Station, 702-367-2411; also Boulder Station, 432-7777. Belly up to the vast salad bar before diving into tasty entrees like mahi mahi and bouillabaisse. BURGER BAR In Mandalay Bay, 632-9364. This restaurant allows diners to create their own burger from the ground up. Plenty of places have made half-assed runs at the same idea -- but Burger Bar succeeds because its choices are so extensive, and at times so ridiculously decadent, that they can tempt even the sanest of patrons to shell out some cash for a once-in-a-lifetime burger. CAVALIER 3850 E. Desert Inn Road, 451-6221. In a city where a new bar and grill opens every day, the Cavalier has a reputation stretching back decades. The dining room offers standard meat and potatoes fare, with low prices and inventive daily specials. CHEESECAKE FACTORY Caesars' Forum Shops, 792-6888; also 750 S. Rampart Blvd., 951-3800. One of the largest and most interesting menus in town. And then there are the desserts. CHICAGO HOT DOGS 1078 N. Rancho Dr. (just north of Washington), 647-3647. This is as close as you're gonna get to a real Chicago hot dog joint. CLAIM JUMPER 1100 S. Fort Apache Road, 243-8751; also 601 N. Green Valley Parkway, 933-0880. It's a chain and there is usually a wait, but it has an ample selection, helpful wait staff and huge portions. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and just about any other entree you would want. COFFEE PUB 2800 W. Sahara Ave., 367-1913. Sandwiches, salads, quiches and desserts, all fresh and tasty. One of the best outdoor dining places in the city. A top power-lunch spot, with routine celebrity sightings. COLD STONE CREAMERY Various locations. Break down and have the Cold Stone experts build a sinfully caloric ice cream treat -- and to boot, put it in a chocolate-coated waffle bowl. Not for the lactose intolerant. COMMANDER'S PALACE In Desert Passage at the Aladdin, 892-8272. This Cajun and Creole eatery presents an assortment of delicacies. The original restaurant was founded in the 1800s in New Orleans. Reservations recommended. CROWN & ANCHOR 1350 E. Tropicana Ave., 739-8676. Great food, nautical decor and English-accented servers give an authentic Britishness to this favorite spot. DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE The Venetian, 414-3737. Straight-ahead and gimmick-free elegance, with excellent service. DIARDI'S Inside Scores, 3355 S. Procyon St.; 367-4000 Located directly off of the main floor of Scores, the club's steak house offers a fantastic view of the stage entertainers, as well as a voyeuristic peek at other people's lap dances. Unfortunately, it also offers little insulation from the blaring sound system. D'MUSTARD 2225 Village Walk Dr. (in the District), 434-7477. A wide variety sausages and dogs with a choice of rolls and nearly two dozen toppings. Even the specialties are priced under $4. A rare affordable lunch in Green Valley. THE DOWNSTAIRS BAR 11261 S. Eastern Ave., 407-8600. The new addition below Henderson favorite Viaggio provides a combination of California and Pacific Rim cuisine in small snack-sized portions, and serves food until 2:00 a.m. THE DRAFT HOUSE 4543 N. Rancho Dr., 645-1404. Brats, beer and a warm decor make this Wisconsin-themed bar and restaurant a favorite for Midwesterners and locals. The original property in the Big Dog's chain. THE EGG AND I 4533 W. Sahara Ave., 364-9686. Down-home atmosphere makes this breakfast spot a nice alternative to the national chains. FATBURGER Various locations. Stacked with tomatoes, onions, relish and pickles, Fatburger makes the world a better place. And the onion rings and shakes make life almost perfect. GOLDEN STEER 308 W. Sahara Ave. (two blocks west of the Strip), 384-4470. Old-style men's club decor, stuffed animal heads and huge portions make this the perfect place for carnivores and one of the last refuges for people nostalgic for old Vegas. GORDON BIERSCH 3987 Paradise Road (in Hughes Center), 312-5247. Great atmosphere and great beer. Meet the yuppie of your dreams. GRAND LUX CAFE The Venetian, 414-3888. This upscale cafe offers a diverse menu providing comfort food. Some tables offer a full view of the decadence of Las Vegas. THE GRILL ON CHARLESTON 241 W. Charleston Street, 380-1110. Owner Eugene Keslowe imports his favorite food from his native North Jersey to the Arts District, introducing Las Vegas to Newark "delicacies" like an the "Italian hot dog." Portions are big, prices are low and the grub is as close as you can get to the original without joining the cast of "The Sopranos." HASH HOUSE A GO GO 6800 West Sahara Ave, 804-4646 Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Hash House A Go Go promises "twisted farm food," which means that their chef puts a classy spin on down home favorites. Their real trademark, however, is monstrous portions. The lunch menu includes one-pound stuffed burgers, while dinner entrees are big enough to feed a family. HAMBURGER MARY'S 4503 Paradise Road, 735-4400. The Vegas version of the famous chain. Serves sandwiches, salads and pizzas. HILL TOP HOUSE 3500 N. Rancho Dr. (one block north of Cheyenne), 645-9904. Old-style supper club serving up a little piece of the past. Besides the steaks, Hill Top is famous for its pan-fried chicken and pan-fried frog legs. HOUSE OF BLUES Mandalay Bay Resort, 632-7607. One of the funkiest restaurants in the city, featuring walls covered with mind-blowing folk sculptures and artifacts. The cuisine is Delta-inspired contemporary. HUSH PUPPY 7185 W. Charleston Blvd., 363-5988; 1820 N. Nellis Blvd., 438-0005. Top-notch Southern-style seafood in a wonderfully odd setting. ISLAND FINE BURGERS AND DRINKS 10810 W. Charleston Blvd., 360-3845. This California chain made a cameo in the 1994 landmark Pulp Fiction. There are soup, salad, taco and veggie patty options in addition to the elaborate hamburgers. JOEY'S ONLY 7450 W. Cheyenne Ave., 395-4313; 3445 S. Durango Dr., 242-2888. Appetizers are a real bargain at this chain, which offers a surprising range of menu items and an environment that's a step or more above the competition. KATHY'S SOUTHERN COOKING 6407 Mountain Vista St., 433-1005 The decor is simple and the service can be slow at times. But Kathy's offers incredible Southern food that's earned it a sterling reputation. If you're looking for basics like fried chicken or meat loaf, it simply doesn't get much better than Kathy's. KAHUNAVILLE Treasure Island, 894-7390. Kahunaville is a roadhouse of the sea, replete with tropically influenced drinks and grub. Choose the noisy front room or the intimate sunken back room. KATHY'S SOUTHERN COOKING 6407 Mountain Vista St., 433-1005. Kathy and her family cook flawless catfish, homemade gravies and rich mac and cheese in a friendly atmosphere. LANDRY'S SEAFOOD HOUSE 2610 W. Sahara Ave. (across from Palace Station), 251-0101. An extensive menu of southern-influenced seafood dishes. Good but overpriced. LAWRY'S THE PRIME RIB 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy. (facing Flamingo in Hughes Center's Restaurant Row), 893-2223. They may have the simplest menu in the world of sit-down restaurants, but they're good at what they do: prime rib. LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE Various locations. Has taken the place that Sizzler once held in providing a high-quality yet affordable steakhouse experience. LUCILLE'S SMOKEHOUSE BARBECUE The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2245 Village Walk Dr., 257-RIBS. You can smell the meat smoking throughout The District at Green Valley Ranch, which might explain why there's nearly always a wait for a table at this barbecue restaurant. For fans of slow-smoked barbecue, however, it's worth the wait, and the slow service. LUV IT FROZEN CUSTARD 505 E. Oakey Blvd., 384-6452. The lone remnant of a once common creature: the independent ice cream store. It makes its own delicious custard. MATTEO'S 1305 Arizona Street, Boulder City; 293-0098 Tucked away in the quaint Boulder Dam Hotel in Boulder City, Matteo's offers a solid meal when you decide to get out of town for a while. The food is primarily Italian. Make sure you get there early, since Boulder City tends to roll up the sidewalks when the sun goes down. MCCORMICK & SCHMICK 335 Hughes Center Dr. (Flamingo & Paradise), 836-9000. Pure Northwest Victoriana: dark wood, leaded glass, rich fabrics and mosaic tiles just like the original in Portland. Amazing array of fresh seafood daily. And reasonably priced to boot. MEMPHIS CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE Various locations. Wonderfully realized, upscale barbecue joint. MESA GRILL Inside Caesar's Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 731-7731. Inventive, rich Southwestern food in a lively atmospere. Good, friendly service. High-end but comfortable. MICHAEL MINA'S The Bellagio, 693-7223. Quaint, elegant (and pricey) fish house with origins in San Francisco. Fresh gourmet seafood and lavish desserts are coupled with an excellent wine list and an attentive wait staff. MIMI'S CAFE 1121 S. Fort Apache Road, 341-0365; 596 N. Stephanie St., 458-0726. Part of a corporate restaurant chain sandwiched in the Denny's/Carrows category for its extensive hours and huge menu, yet a cut above the rest when it comes to innovative dishes and colorful atmosphere. MONTE CARLO BREWPUB Monte Carlo, 730-7420. One of the more interesting dining rooms in town. Fresh beer and good service, with good food. MR. LUCKY'S Hard Rock Hotel, 693-5000. Awesome diner. Quick, cheap, tasty, friendly and hip. The way Vegas could've been. N9NE The Palms, 933-9900. This contemporary steakhouse offers a compelling menu of Chicago-style steaks and chops, combined with an internationally diverse menu for those with something else in mind. Reservations are suggested. OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY 721 Mall Ring Circle (behind the Galleria Mall), 458-0845. It serves several family-pleasing Italian dishes. OMELET HOUSE Various locations. Longtime favorite breakfast spot. We'll let you guess what its specialty is. ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE Various locations. Probably the city's best restaurant for breakfast. You haven't lived until you've ordered an oven-baked German pancake. OUTSIDE INN 9941 W. Charleston Blvd., 933-1100 A stone's throw from Red Rock Canyon, the tasty drinks and meals make this mountain lodge themed restaurant a fine choice for an after hike stop. PARADISE CANTINA 4480 S. Paradise Road, Suite 1250, 434-0031 This bar/restaurant across from the hard rock doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. The vibe is part surfer hangout, part sports bar and part biker bar, while the menu combines Mexican and basic American bar food. But food and a daily happy hour make it worth a visit. PASTA PIRATE The California hotel-casino, 385-1222. The silly name and bizarre decor don't take away from the quality Italian dishes, steaks and simple seafood churned out. Hookah lounge is attached to the restaurant. PEPPERMILL INN 2985 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 735-7635. An absolute Vegas treasure. This '70s-era coffee shop will keep you fed and happy until Dan Tanna returns. PRIMO'S The Suncoast, 636-7111. If you're looking for a classic steakhouse without all of the trendy frills, then try Primo's. The excellent service, food and dessert are noteworthy. QUARK'S BAR Las Vegas Hilton, 697-8725. Wonderful Star Trek-themed restaurant that, despite all the costumes and sets, serves tasty food. RAINBOW'S END 1100 E. Sahara Ave. (two blocks west of Maryland Pkwy.), 737-1338. One of the few good places in the valley catering to vegans and vegetarians. Try the Greek pizza. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL 4480 Paradise Rd., 898-3525. The local version of L.A.'s Sunset Strip landmark features a dining room that's a nearly exact replica of the original with food available for their rocker crowd around the clock. RED HAWK 2634 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, 617-8691. The great Northwest provides the mood for this mountain hunting lodge. Try hand-battered walleye fish-n-chips, mountain man sirloin tips or specialties from the BBQ pit. "Over the Limit" martinis rule. RED ROBIN Various locations. Some say this chain serves the best sit-down burgers in town. Maybe yes, maybe no, but there's a wide selection of entertaining food available. REDWOOD BAR & GRILL The California hotel-casino, 385-1222. Traditional American special-occasion dining in a wonderful room. R.M. SEAFOOD Mandalay Place, 632-9300. This fine seafood restaurant can boast a celebrity chef that actually works there and a wide variety of excellent, if pricey, dishes. Friendly service completes the experience. ROSEMARY'S 8125 W. Sahara Ave., 869-2251. Chef Michael Jordan, who worked for years under celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, went out on his own with this sublime bistro. SAMMY'S WOODFIRED PIZZA Various locations. This fast-expanding chain serves weird-but-excellent pizzas and salads. SAMUEL'S 2744 Green Valley Pkwy., 454-0565. With an overwhelming selection of sandwiches and a full breakfast menu Samuel's will satisfy even the most exacting fan of Jewish delicatessens. SIMON KITCHEN & BAR The Hard Rock hotel-casino, 693-4440. Whimsical food in an elegant atmosphere. A variety of entrees from many cultures combines to produce a unique 21st-century American dining experience. Reservations recommended. SHUCK'S OYSTER BAR 9338 W. Flamingo Rd., 255-4890 In addition to the basic raw-bar staples, Shuck's offers a full menu of seafood, sandwiches, pasta, Southwestern dishes and the feel of a beachtown seafood joint. SMITH & WOLLENSKY 3767 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (between Harmon & Tropicana), 862-4100. This stand-alone Strip steakhouse is part of the New York chain. Their simple and expensive steaks are served snootily, but it's a good place to impress certain sorts of people. SONOMA CELLAR Sunset Station, 547-7898. Its elegant setting and gourmet steakhouse menu put Station Casinos on the fine dining map. SOUL 2 SOUL 2101 N. Rainbow Blvd. Suite #102, 791-2433. This quaint little restaurant bills itself as southern, Cajun and Caribbean fusion, but has plenty of straightforward examples of each type of cuisine. STACK Inside The Mirage, 792-7800 The Light's Group's sister restaurant to Fix at the Bellagio, Stack offers a similar look and menu. Chef Brian Massie is at his best when putting a grown-up spin on childhood comfort foods, with dishes like bacon & brie tater tots and kobe chili cheese dogs. Dinner even includes a free pass to the Jet nightclub. STAGE DELI Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, 893-4045. Many think this is the city's best Jewish-like deli. We agree. THE STEAK HOUSE CircusCircus; 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 794-3767 This hidden gem in the Circus Circus offers classic steak house decor, huge slabs of meat and great service, for a few bucks less than you'll pay at comparable places around town. No wonder it's developed a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. TENAYA CREEK RESTAURANT & BREWERY 3101 N. Tenaya Way (between Smoke Ranch and Cheyenne), 362-7335. A sort of cross-cultural modern steakhouse with a brewery. Very popular with the northwest crowd for lunch, after work drinks, and noisy group dinners. TIFFANY'S 1700 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (inside White Cross Drugs), 444-4459. The former Liberty Cafe is back and serving American-Greek diner food like always. THE TILLERMAN 2245 E. Flamingo Rd., 731-4036. This landmark seafood house is a great choice for a romantic evening. TINOCO'S BISTRO 103 E. Charleston Blvd. (in the Arts Factory), 464-5008; 310 E. Warm Springs Road, 263-7880. Chef Tinoco continues to charm with his straightforward classic dishes. TODD'S UNIQUE DINING 4350 E. Sunset Rd., 259-8633. As good as any gourmet restaurant on the strip, at notable lower prices but it's the service that helps distinguish the place as a great neighborhood restaurant. Unique, casual fine dining. TRIPLE 7 BREWPUB Main Street Station, 387-1896. One of the better brewpubs in town. Great beer and good food. TRIPLE GEORGE GRILL 290 North Third St., 384-2761 Patterned after a classic seafood and steak house, it offers a large selection of steak, chops and seafood as well as numerous more casual choices. There's even a piano lounge where you can enjoy an after dinner drink. TWO GALS 1632 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, 293-1793. Since the mid-'70s, this has been a friendly small-town place with fresh, healthy food. Serves breakfast, lunch and dessert. Try the silly-named omelets. VILLAGE SEAFOOD BUFFET The Rio, 252-7777. High-end buffet catering to seafood lovers. VENNI MAC'S M&M SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT 3923 W. Charleston Blvd., 453-7685. This is the place if you're in the mood for some excellent-tasting meatloaf, collard greens and mashed potatoes, and the most delicious banana pudding in Vegas. VOODOO CAFE The Rio, 252-7777. Southern/Caribbean style restaurant on the 42nd floor of the Rio. Even if the food wasn't good, the view of the city would make up for it. YUKON GRILLE Arizona Charlie's West, 258-5172; also Arizona Charlie's East, 951-9000. Fine facsimile of an intimate Northwest hunting lodge, without the stuffed heads. If you want a steak in a romantic setting, this is the place. Z'TEJAS 9560 W. Sahara Ave., 638-0610. Chain that pioneered bringing Southwestern food to a broad public. INDIAN GANDHI INDIA'S CUISINE 4080 Paradise Road, 734-0094. The city's oldest Indian restaurant and also the most expensive. Vegetarian and meat-eater dishes. GAYLORD INDIA RESTAURANT Inside the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., 777-2277. A high-end Indian restaurant with a great atmosphere, good service and excellent food. The combination of these justifies the somewhat higher price tag. The menu offers a huge selection of vegetarian options. INDIA OVEN 2218 Paradise Rd., 366-0222. Simple decor, classic menu, good service and reasonable prices. INDIA PALACE 505 E. Twain Ave., 796-4177. Perhaps the best traditional Indian food in town, and a good value compared with its competitors. SAMOSA FACTORY 4604 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 6, 258-9610. A large menu that includes more than 20 large, perfectly spiced entrees. Warning: The place closes relatively early on the weekends. SHALIMAR 3900 Paradise Road, 796-0302. Beautiful room, great food and good service. AFRICAN MESKEREM 252 Convention Center Drive, #8B, 732-4250. Adventurous diners should look up this hidden gem. The staff is extremely friendly and accepting of neophytes to Ethiopian cuisine. CHINESE AMLEE GOURMET 3827 E. Sunset Road, 898-3358. A little more expensive than most other Chinese restaurants, but the food lives up to the prices. CAFE NOODLE 4355 Spring Mountain Road, 220-3399. An elaborate bar and extensive menu, including some of those adventurous dishes that many Americans run screaming from, make this a solid Chinese option. CATHAY HOUSE 5300 W. Spring Mountain Road, 876-3838. Better-than-average Chinese food and great service in an elegant setting. The restaurant's east wall is made up entirely of plate-glass windows, providing a wonderful view of the Strip's parade of lights. CHINOIS Caesars' Forum Shops, 737-9700. Wolfgang Puck owned, Chinois offers traditional Chinese food. But be daring and try the "Chinois Entree Classics." Great service, loud atmosphere. DIAMOND CHINA 3909 W. Sahara Ave., 873-6977; 2239 N. Rampart Blvd., 363-8262. Our top pick for late-night Chinese food; open until 5 a.m. HARBOR PALACE 4275 Spring Mountain Road (in Chinatown), 253-1688. An open, bright atmosphere surrounds the fresh food and fast service. A wide variety of seafood, chicken and beef selections are supplemented with an interesting fruit drink menu. HO-HO-HO CHINESE GOURMET 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd., 876-6856; also 10217 W, Charleston, 838-7628. HHH has an extensive menu that busts with bold flavor. LITTLE BUDDHA The Palms, 942-7777. The local version of the famous Buddha Bar in Paris serves French, Japanese and Chinese fusion cuisine in luscious surroundings. SAM WOO BARBECUE 4215 Spring Mountain Road (in Chinatown), 368-7628. Chinese-style barbecue that ranges from rather odd to wonderful. TAO Inside the Venetian; The Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian, 388-8338 The nightclub half of this $20 million venture at the Venetian has been getting most of the press. But the beautifully decorated restaurant is worth a visit for a pan-Asian menu that boasts brilliant sauces, large portions and prices that won't completely break the bank. JAPANESE BENIHANA VILLAGE Las Vegas Hilton, 732-5111. Japanese tabletop cooking at its finest. The chefs deliver great steaming-hot food, as well as an entertaining show. HAMADA OF JAPAN Various locations. A Vegas favorite and hangout for the city's beautiful people. Traditional Japanese food and sushi bar. KOTO 9400 S. Eastern Avenue #103; 221-1600 This family-run restaurant from the chef who helped open the first two Hamada locations offers a small but varied menu of traditional Japanese dishes. A full selection of noodles and house specialties like yellowtail collar are available for those who prefer their food cooked. MAKINO 3965 S. Decatur Blvd., 889-4477. Reasonably priced Japanese seafood buffet is consistently fresh and delicious all the way from sushi to dessert. OSAKA 4205 W. Sahara Ave., 4988; also 10925 S. Eastern, 616-3788. With well-trained, award-winning chefs and seafood not available elsewhere in town, this Japanese restaurant is the place to go if you want a civilized meal. RA SUSHI Fashion Show Mall, 696-0008. Ra is a great place to eat sushi and have a few drinks -- and well worth a trip to the Fashion Show Mall. SUSHI HOUSE MANDA 4790 S. Fort Apache Rd., 382-6006. All you can eat. The best place in town to figure out what you like and don't like about sushi and sashimi. SUSHI MON 9770 S. Maryland Parkway, 617-0241. Fresh and authentic delicacies. Try the all-you-can-eat dinner. SUSHI ROKU Inside the forum shops at Ceasars, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 733-7373. The sushi is fresh and well-prepared, but Sushi Roku goes far beyond the basics. A great view of the strip, cool decor and large selection of creative hot and cold dishes from the land and sea more than justify the steep price tag. SWISH 7875 W. Sahara Ave. # 105; 870-7947 Swish offers shabu shabu, in which customers cook their own meat, seafood and vegetables in a pot of broth, and sukiyaki, where the same foods are cooked in a flat pan with sauce. Both are easy for newcomers to enjoy, and the restaurant's staff is more than willing to lend first timers a hand. TERIYAKI Various locations. Time-short, health-conscious lunchers love the teriyaki bowls, which follow a simple formula: meats (chicken and beef) in a sauce (teriyaki) served with steamed vegetables and rice. TOGOSHI RAMEN 855 E. Twain Ave., 737-7003. It has the visual charm of a bus station, but the huge bowls of noodles and rich broths make Togoshi the best Japanese ramen joint this side of Tokyo. KOREAN KING SE JONG 1500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 384-5264. Good, solid Korean food. It's hard to experiment here, because the menu is rather obscure. Stick with bool ko kee and noodles. KOREAN GARDEN BARBEQUE HOUSE 4355 Spring Mountain Rd., 383-3392. This tasty establishment departs from traditional Korean barbeque in that your server cook the meat for you at the table instead of allowing you to do it yourself. OK KOREAN 17 E. Oakey Blvd. (between the Strip and Main Street), 382-8415. Great atmosphere, with exotic dishes for the adventurous gastronome. THAI KOMOL 953 E. Sahara Ave. (in Commercial Center), 731-6542. One of the longest-lived and most-popular Thai restaurants in town. Watch out for the hot stuff, though. Even "medium" is blazingly spicy. LOTUS OF SIAM 953 E. Sahara Ave. (in Commercial Center); 735-3033. The emphasis at Lotus of Siam is on the food rather than the decor. Monstrous menu. MARNEE THAI 5600 W. Spring Mountain Rd., 873-4831. Damn good Thai food reasonably priced. THAI DAHRA 3430 E. Tropicana Ave., 364-8424. A fairly unassuming restaurant offering a good selection of Thai food with a bit of "pan Asian" cuisine tossed in for good measure. THAI ROOM 3355 E. Tropicana Ave., 458-8481. Moderately priced classical Thai food in a pleasant room. VIETNAMESE PHO SO I 4745 Spring Mountain Road, 252-3934. Everything on the menu here comes highly recommended. Specialties are beef noodle soups, spring rolls and beef salad. Try beer with your meal; it also serves wine that is best savored as a dessert. EUROPEAN CAFE HEIDELBERG 610 E. Sahara Ave. (behind Marie Callender's), 731-5310. One of the only real German eateries in town. It offers all of the traditional dishes, plus good beer and a surprisingly complete deli and store. THE CARMEL ROOM Inside The Rampart Casino, 507-5955 The Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino is one of very few places in Las Vegas to offer traditional afternoon tea on the weekends. The meal itself is the traditional assortment of finger sandwiches and sweets offered with or without a glass of champagne, and the room provides an elegant setting complete with violin music. DANUBE CAFE 4865 S. Pecos Road, 454-5535. Just order something and enjoy -- whether it's pork chops, falafel, goulash or fish and chips. RED SQUARE Mandalay Bay, 632-7407. Classically upscale Russian food served in an almost-gothic space especially designed to encourage the consumption of vodka. SWISS CAFE 3175 E. Tropicana Ave., 454-2270. Lovely, tasty and unique: a Swiss-French bistro. FRENCH ANDRE'S FRENCH RESTAURANT 401 S. Sixth St., 702-385-5016; the Monte Carlo hotel-casino, 798-7151. Andre's is what people think of when somebody says "take me to the nicest place in town." Expect to spend a good part of your evening savoring some of the best food and wine in Vegas. BONJOUR CASUAL FRENCH RESTAURANT 8878 S. Eastern Ave., 270-2102. Prices are lower then at your typical French restaurant and the food at this cozy, casual spot is delicious. Beware the large portions. DANIEL BOULUD BRASSERIE Wynn Las Vegas, 770-3310. Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud has created a casually elegant gourmet tavern that's a bit more affordable than his eponymous New York eatery. Menu choices ranging from a pair of hamburgers to four types of caviar are available in a beautifully modern dining room overlooking Wynn Las Vegas' manmade waterfall. DRAI'S Barbary Coast, 737-0555. One of the more sophisticated and comfortable rooms in the city, with an old Hollywood flavor. The lounge alone is worth the visit -- couches and overstuffed chairs surround a fireplace that crackles in a wall of bookshelves. LE PAMPLEMOUSSE 400 E. Sahara Ave., 733-2066. This venerable French bistro in a converted house maintains its sophisticated air while being friendly and attentive. Not for the budget-conscious diner. Reservations required. MON AMI GABI The Paris hotel-casino, 946-4433. This Parisian-style steak and shellfish house offers perhaps the best setting in town: 18th century-style dark wood and soaring elegance inside, and a glass-roofed conservatory looking out on Bellagio's fountains. MEDITERRANEAN CHANDELIER MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT 2980 St. Rose Parkway., 456-8643. This Seven Hills area Mediterranean restaurant stretches the meaning of "Mediterranean" cuisine to include Greek, Italian, French, Moroccan and even Indian, so there's something for everyone. After your meal, make it a point to grab a smoke at the hookah lounge in the back. GYRO TIME 5239 W. Charleston Blvd. 878-6393; 7660 W. Cheyenne Ave. 658-9729. Gyro Time adds a little variety to the fast food world by offering Greek dishes rather than burgers and tacos. The menu features gyros, souvlaki and falafel as well as side dishes of spinach or cheese pies. Good enough for those times when you're probably going to eat fast food anyway. OPA 2550 South Rainbow Boulevard; 876-3737 Opa offers the most extensive Greek menu you'll find in town. Hellenic delicacies are served in a nice dining room with live music. Make sure you get the flaming saganaki appetizer: a baked slab of kefalograviera cheese flambeed tableside. PAYMON'S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 4147 S. Maryland Pkwy., 731-6030; 8380 W. Sahara Ave. Bustling cafe offering tastes from across the Mediterranean. A happening lunch spot. The exotic hookah lounge is attached to the restaurant. IRISH J.C. WOOLOUGHAN J.W. Marriott, 869-7777. Even though the hotel it is in has changed hands several times, this finest of real Irish pubs is still doing it right. SEAN PATRICK'S 8255 W. Flamingo Road, 227-9793. A wonderful mix of Irish pub and family restaurant. SPANISH CAFe BA BA REEBA 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 258-1211. This tourist-friendly tapas bar in the Fashion Show Mall offers an open air seating area. It offers both tapas and heavier Spanish entrees as well as more than 150 varieties of Spanish wine. FIREFLY 3900 Paradise Rd., 369-3971. This upscale bar with a pleasant patio area offers a wide variety of tapas items but a limited selection of entrees. What it lacks in authenticity it makes up for in taste. ITALIAN BATTISTA'S HOLE IN THE WALL 4041 Audrie St. (at Flamingo), 732-1424. Old World-style Italian restaurant with an incredible memorabilia collection reflecting the Vegas of yore. Try the massive mound of scampi with linguine. BELLA LUNA 7905 W. Sahara Ave., 227-7900. If you want a delicious and authentic northern Italian influenced meal, and you're anywhere near Sahara and Buffalo, you would be hard-pressed to do better. BERTOLINI'S Caesars' Forum Shops, 735-4663. Vegas' favorite indoor "outdoor cafe" features new Italian food along with bistro classics. BERTOLINI'S WEST 9500 W. Sahara Ave., 869-1540. Sophisticated and woody '50s and '60s decor highlights its classy northern Italian cuisine. BOOTLEGGER BISTRO 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 736-4939. This restaurant is one of the last remnants of the city's "Lounge Era." It features live entertainment and a menu filled with Italian specialties. A great weekend dining spot. BUCA DI BEPPO 412 E. Flamingo Road, 866-2867; also 7690 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 363-6524. This chain of retro-Italiano joints made its big expansion move just in time for "The Sopranos" mania. Traditional pasta and meat dishes, huge portions and reasonable prices. CANALETTO The Venetian, 733-0070. Real northern Italian food with a Venetian flair served either in a woody, dark dining room or "outside" in the Piazza San Marco. (No pigeons!) CAPO'S ITALIAN CUISINE 5795 W. Tropicana Ave., 436-2276. Walking into Capo's is like walking into an illegal speakeasy, complete with a sliding panel so the bouncer can check you out before unlocking the secret door. Once inside, they offer great Italian food and entertainment in a dining room that's a tribute to organized crime through the ages. CAPOZZOLI'S 3333 S. Maryland Parkway, 731-5311. A quintessential Old Vegas restaurant that caters to locals. Open late, serving standard Italian favorites along with live entertainment. CHICAGO JOE'S 820 S. Fourth St., 382-5637. Joe's has been serving Italian food based on family recipes for more than 20 years. For folks who enjoy a good meal in a relaxed atmosphere. FERRARA'S CAFE In the Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 647-3604. The parent establishment of this Italian cafe opened in in New York in1892. Both Cafes boast heirloom family recipes. More than a dozen breakfast selections. Reasonably priced. Try the pesto-infused green eggs and ham. FIORE The Rio, 252-7777. It's pricey, but virtually every dish here looks like something out of Gourmet magazine. IL FORNAIO Green Valley Ranch Station, 492-0054; also New York-New York, 650-6500. A fairly large chain, with locations in a handful of states, Il Fornaio still has the feel of a small, family-owned restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and romantic, making it a great place for a family meal or a hot date. Excellent risotto. JAZZED CAFE AND VINOTECA 8615 W. Sahara Ave. (at Durango), 233-2859. A ton of wines are available by the glass in an upscale coffeehouse-like setting. Italian specialties with a handful of exquisite menu items. Open semi-late. MACARONI GRILL Various locations. Popular, noisy eatery known for pots of white gladiolus and interesting northern Italian dishes. MONTESANO'S 3441 W. Sahara Ave., 876-0348; 4835 W. Craig Road, 656-3708. In a city filled with Italian eateries, Montesano's (a classic deli/spaghetti combo) goes the extra step to provide fresh food. NORA'S CUISINE 6020 W. Flamingo Road, 873-8990. Originally a sub and pizza joint, Nora's has expanded into a full-service upscale dining room serving traditional southern Italian and Sicilian dishes that you won't find many other places. STIVALI Circus Circus, 691-5820. Beautiful room -- comfortable and intimate despite its size -- and a nice contrast to its location in one of the Strip's cheesiest resorts. STRINGS ITALIAN CAFE 2222 E. Tropicana Ave., 739-6400. Classic northern Italian food and a pleasant outdoor dining area. Elegant appetizers and affordable prices. VALENTINO The Venetian, 414-3000. Piero Selvaggio's award-winning room serves great contemporary Italian dishes. ZEFFIRINO RISTORANTE The Venetian, 414-3500. Chef Paolo Belloni has created a restaurant lauded by the New York Times as serving "better food than you'd find in Venice, Italy." CENTRAL AMERICAN SALVADORENO 720 N. Main St., 385-3600. Comfortable and sophisticated with a distinctly Salvadoran menu. MEXICAN AGAVE 10820 West Charleston, 214-3500. If you're looking for simple authentic basics, look elsewhere. But if dishes like blue corn crab cakes with chipotle-grilled shrimp or potato and portabella mushrooms make your mouth water, Agave has plenty to offer. EL SOMBRERO CAFE 807 S. Main St., 382-9234. Founded over a half-century ago this small Mexican joint has character, but little else, in the way of food or service to recommend it. SILVITA'S MEXICAN GRILL 1236 Western Ave., 294-6100. A small casual establishment, Silvita's combination of friendly service, huge portions, low prices and good food makes it a perfect place to grab lunch. SONIO'S CAFE AND ROTISSERI E3900 W. Charleston Blvd., 207-2177. This simple rotisserie joint offers a surprisingly varied menu, including a large selection of Mexican food. But it's the basic chicken and delicious side dishes that will keep you coming back. Priced just a few bucks more than most fast food meals, it's a thousand times better. SOUTH AMERICAN INKA SI SENOR 2797 S. Maryland Parkway, 731-0826. If you don't know how much fun Peruvians have, this place will be a revelation. Semi-exotic food that's beautifully presented. RINCON DE BUENOS AIRES 5300 Spring Mountain Road, 257-3331. Authentic Argentinean cuisine, with Italian, Spanish, German and Portuguese influences. RUMJUNGLE In Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 632-7408. The house specialty is a take on the Brazilian tradtion of Rodizio, where diners have a variety of meat brought to their tables on skewers. There are a few other rodizio places in town but this one is close to the top in both price and quality. SAMBA GRILL The Mirage, 791-7111. This Brazilian dining spot offers an all-you-can-eat parade of grilled delights. Meat lovers will salivate over skewers loaded up with sirloin steak, teriyaki chicken, Portuguese sausages and much more. YOLIE'S BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE 3900 Paradise Road, 794-0700. Great house specials, including the Famous Grill (an extravaganza featuring excellent meats). CARIBBEAN COOL PLACE CUBAN CAFE 2055 E. Tropicana Ave., 11, 795-7070. Buoyant atmosphere with deliciously prepared traditional Cuban cuisine. Serves wine and beer. Try the batidos (Cuban-style fruit shakes). FLORIDA CAFE 1401 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (attached to Howard Johnson's), 385-3013. Real Cuban fare, seafood specialties, and mild and mellow Latin American flavors. RINCON CRIOLLO 1145 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 388-1906. Cuban mom-and-pop diner serving honest, simple food at reasonable prices.
|
|