Dining in Vegas
Aug 9th, 2010, 05:43 PM
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Dining in Vegas
Our trip to LV is just around the corner. I need some restaurant recommendations that are fairly current. Here are the stats!
Daughter will be celebrating 21st Bday and Mom 75th!
We are interested in seafood for one and steak for the other. We basically have 5 days and options for French, Italian and Mexican are also possibilities for the other meals. I would love to try at least one buffet for either lunch or dinner, but I'm not real tolerant of lines. I would also like to try a couple of "local" eateries that are high quality and not necessarily mainstream...but we won't have a car.
Advice please!
Daughter will be celebrating 21st Bday and Mom 75th!
We are interested in seafood for one and steak for the other. We basically have 5 days and options for French, Italian and Mexican are also possibilities for the other meals. I would love to try at least one buffet for either lunch or dinner, but I'm not real tolerant of lines. I would also like to try a couple of "local" eateries that are high quality and not necessarily mainstream...but we won't have a car.
Advice please!
Aug 9th, 2010, 07:02 PM
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This guy has reviews of over 90 restaurants he has dined at in Vegas, from hamburger joints to the best French places (plus several buffets). Worth cross-referencing the suggestions you'll get with his write-ups: http://home.comcast.net/~lasvegasvac...rantGuide.html
Where are you staying? Most hotels have many restaurants on-site, and there are more celebrity chefs with Vegas outposts than any other place in the US. For example here is a link to 10 MGM "fine dining" restaurants, including the only Michelin 3 star in Vegas (Joel Robuchon): http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/ ... these include seafood (Seablue), Mexican (Diego), Italian (Fiamma), and two Michelin-starred French ones (L'Atelier and Robuchon). Celebrity chefs include Robuchon ("Chef of the Century" in France), Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio (Craftsteak), Michael Mina (Seablue and Nobhill Tavern) and Emeril Lagasse (listed under 'casual dining'). Plus Chinese and Japanese restaurants ... plus a food court with fast food places.
Several other hotels have similar set-ups, including the Wynn/Encore pair. http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/#dining/
You can check on the Michelin ratings at this site: http://www.michelinguide.com/us/lv_09_stars.html ... the two and three star restaurants are usually superb.
You can check the Forbes/Mobil four and five star rated restaurants at these sites: http://www.forbestravelguide.com/fiv...estaurants.htm (Robuchon and Alex at Wynn are the only two Forbes five-stars)
http://www.forbestravelguide.com/fou...estaurants.htm (eight four star restaurants, but I think Restaurant Charlie shut down)
Two of the best steak restaurants are supposedly CUT (Wolfgang Puck at Palazzo) and Craftsteak at MGM (Colicchio):
http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/cut.aspx
http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/...eak-house.aspx
The top three French places are without doubt Joel Robuchon (MGM, only Michelin 3 star in Vegas), Guy Savoy at Caesars and Alex at Wynn. You can read what Larry has to say about them here: http://home.comcast.net/~lasvegasvac...__TheBest.html ... any of these would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people.
We dined at Robuchon in June and it was the best meal we've ever had except possibly Alinea in Chicago, which is currently rated # 1 in USA and # 7 in the world. Going back in a few weeks and will dine at both Alex and Robuchon, and Guy Savoy is on the list for this winter.
Great dining in Vegas, but bring lots of money.
Where are you staying? Most hotels have many restaurants on-site, and there are more celebrity chefs with Vegas outposts than any other place in the US. For example here is a link to 10 MGM "fine dining" restaurants, including the only Michelin 3 star in Vegas (Joel Robuchon): http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/ ... these include seafood (Seablue), Mexican (Diego), Italian (Fiamma), and two Michelin-starred French ones (L'Atelier and Robuchon). Celebrity chefs include Robuchon ("Chef of the Century" in France), Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio (Craftsteak), Michael Mina (Seablue and Nobhill Tavern) and Emeril Lagasse (listed under 'casual dining'). Plus Chinese and Japanese restaurants ... plus a food court with fast food places.
Several other hotels have similar set-ups, including the Wynn/Encore pair. http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/#dining/
You can check on the Michelin ratings at this site: http://www.michelinguide.com/us/lv_09_stars.html ... the two and three star restaurants are usually superb.
You can check the Forbes/Mobil four and five star rated restaurants at these sites: http://www.forbestravelguide.com/fiv...estaurants.htm (Robuchon and Alex at Wynn are the only two Forbes five-stars)
http://www.forbestravelguide.com/fou...estaurants.htm (eight four star restaurants, but I think Restaurant Charlie shut down)
Two of the best steak restaurants are supposedly CUT (Wolfgang Puck at Palazzo) and Craftsteak at MGM (Colicchio):
http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/cut.aspx
http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/...eak-house.aspx
The top three French places are without doubt Joel Robuchon (MGM, only Michelin 3 star in Vegas), Guy Savoy at Caesars and Alex at Wynn. You can read what Larry has to say about them here: http://home.comcast.net/~lasvegasvac...__TheBest.html ... any of these would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people.
We dined at Robuchon in June and it was the best meal we've ever had except possibly Alinea in Chicago, which is currently rated # 1 in USA and # 7 in the world. Going back in a few weeks and will dine at both Alex and Robuchon, and Guy Savoy is on the list for this winter.
Great dining in Vegas, but bring lots of money.
Aug 9th, 2010, 07:29 PM
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Deb15July,
We had a lovely dinner for my daughter's 30th bday two years ago. It was at the Voodoo Steak and Lounge at the top of the Rio. The view was amazing and the food was delicious.
When we were done with dinner, the "young'uns" walked upstairs to the rooftop lounge. It is outdoors on the roof. Very cool. They said the music was great and the atmosphere unbeatable. They danced the night away.
Here is the website:
http://www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/r...ak-detail.html
By the way, we were staying on the strip and we taxied over. It was about $7 to get there.
Have fun! I love Vegas! (If you get a chance, don't miss the Cirque "Beatles" show. The best show I've ever seen in Vegas. Awesome! http://www.mirage.com/entertainment/love.aspx
We had a lovely dinner for my daughter's 30th bday two years ago. It was at the Voodoo Steak and Lounge at the top of the Rio. The view was amazing and the food was delicious.
When we were done with dinner, the "young'uns" walked upstairs to the rooftop lounge. It is outdoors on the roof. Very cool. They said the music was great and the atmosphere unbeatable. They danced the night away.
Here is the website:
http://www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/r...ak-detail.html
By the way, we were staying on the strip and we taxied over. It was about $7 to get there.
Have fun! I love Vegas! (If you get a chance, don't miss the Cirque "Beatles" show. The best show I've ever seen in Vegas. Awesome! http://www.mirage.com/entertainment/love.aspx
Aug 10th, 2010, 01:14 AM
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It would be helpful if you could specify a budget (e.g., $100/person, excluding drinks). Lacking guidance, I'll list some of the better, albeit expensive, places. I'll also assume you're staying on the Strip.
My favorite seafood restaurants are on opposite ends of the Strip. Bartolotta (Wynn) is an Italian seafood restaurant. It specializes in whole fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean. Simply prepared and simply sauced, the fish are excellent. RM Seafood (Mandalay Place) is divided up into several areas. The one I've tried is RM Upstairs. It offers a five course prix fixe meal for $75 - a bargain in this category.
In the last couple of years, Las Vegas has seen an explosion of high end steak places. My personal favorite is CUT (Palazzo), but there are so many good choices you can almost decide based on your location. Others that I've tried and can recommend: Carnevino, SW Steakhouse, Delmonico.
There are numerous top notch French places, ranging in price all the way up to $400/person, PLUS wine, tax and tip. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand) is a relative bargain at somewhat over $100. The best seats are at the food counter (kind of the French equivalent of a sushi bar).
For Italian, I've already mentioned Bartolotta, which is also one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Another is B&B, which specializes more in unusual meats (e.g., organ meat, rabbit). Of course, both places have pasta as well. Both of these restaurants are authentic Italian. If you're looking for Italian American, there are many choices, but I haven't tried any.
Now, to local eateries. A cab will be required for any of these choices. The place generating the most buzz recently is Raku (not to be confused with Sushi Roku). Raku is a Japanese izakaya, serving a variety of dishes but specializes in small plates which are frequently charcoal grilled, with a small number of sushi choices, and a little bit of everything else. I've only been there once, but was impressed. Another possibility is Lotus of Siam. It serves authentic northern Thai food, and has garnered national attention - yet is relatively inexpensive.
(Bill_H: thanks for the shout out. That's my web site.)
My favorite seafood restaurants are on opposite ends of the Strip. Bartolotta (Wynn) is an Italian seafood restaurant. It specializes in whole fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean. Simply prepared and simply sauced, the fish are excellent. RM Seafood (Mandalay Place) is divided up into several areas. The one I've tried is RM Upstairs. It offers a five course prix fixe meal for $75 - a bargain in this category.
In the last couple of years, Las Vegas has seen an explosion of high end steak places. My personal favorite is CUT (Palazzo), but there are so many good choices you can almost decide based on your location. Others that I've tried and can recommend: Carnevino, SW Steakhouse, Delmonico.
There are numerous top notch French places, ranging in price all the way up to $400/person, PLUS wine, tax and tip. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand) is a relative bargain at somewhat over $100. The best seats are at the food counter (kind of the French equivalent of a sushi bar).
For Italian, I've already mentioned Bartolotta, which is also one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Another is B&B, which specializes more in unusual meats (e.g., organ meat, rabbit). Of course, both places have pasta as well. Both of these restaurants are authentic Italian. If you're looking for Italian American, there are many choices, but I haven't tried any.
Now, to local eateries. A cab will be required for any of these choices. The place generating the most buzz recently is Raku (not to be confused with Sushi Roku). Raku is a Japanese izakaya, serving a variety of dishes but specializes in small plates which are frequently charcoal grilled, with a small number of sushi choices, and a little bit of everything else. I've only been there once, but was impressed. Another possibility is Lotus of Siam. It serves authentic northern Thai food, and has garnered national attention - yet is relatively inexpensive.
(Bill_H: thanks for the shout out. That's my web site.)
Aug 10th, 2010, 11:21 AM
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(Bill_H: thanks for the shout out. That's my web site.)
Larry, I didn't realize you were on Fodors, I think I picked up the link to your site from Chowhound or similar. You are definitely the Main Man for Vegas restaurant reviews in my book.
I always check your site before picking a restaurant, like say breakfast (probably Bouchon) in a couple weeks when we are there for Alex and re-visiting Robuchon. Great work dude!
Larry, I didn't realize you were on Fodors, I think I picked up the link to your site from Chowhound or similar. You are definitely the Main Man for Vegas restaurant reviews in my book.
I always check your site before picking a restaurant, like say breakfast (probably Bouchon) in a couple weeks when we are there for Alex and re-visiting Robuchon. Great work dude!
Aug 11th, 2010, 05:59 AM
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Thanks for all the info. My original thoughts were as follows:
Bday for daughter who wants seafood - Joe's Stone Crab (I grew up in Miami, but haven't been to Joe's in yrs and DD has never been)
Bday for Mom who always enjoys a good steak - Voodoo Steak (I know it may not be the best but the reviews are generally good and the view is supposed to be awesome)
Mexican - Isla or Lindo Michoacan (would call for shuttle provided by Lindo since no car)
Lotus of Siam is another off strip option as it gets universally great reviews
Not sure about Italian
Our general budget would probably be $75 per for the Bdays and under $40 to $50 for other meals, hopefully less at breakfast! We won't drink a lot of alcohol and rarely order dessert, but do like appetizers.
I will digest all of these suggestions and post more later. As always...thx Fodorites!
Bday for daughter who wants seafood - Joe's Stone Crab (I grew up in Miami, but haven't been to Joe's in yrs and DD has never been)
Bday for Mom who always enjoys a good steak - Voodoo Steak (I know it may not be the best but the reviews are generally good and the view is supposed to be awesome)
Mexican - Isla or Lindo Michoacan (would call for shuttle provided by Lindo since no car)
Lotus of Siam is another off strip option as it gets universally great reviews
Not sure about Italian
Our general budget would probably be $75 per for the Bdays and under $40 to $50 for other meals, hopefully less at breakfast! We won't drink a lot of alcohol and rarely order dessert, but do like appetizers.
I will digest all of these suggestions and post more later. As always...thx Fodorites!
Aug 16th, 2010, 04:15 PM
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OK...I thought of one other dish I would love to have, but I don't want to spend a fortune. Preferably $75 or less for entree, maybe an appetizer or salad, no dessert and one drink. I want some really good sweetbreads!
Any idea?
Any idea?
Aug 16th, 2010, 07:41 PM
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B&B generally does very well with organ meats. Some time ago, I had fennel dusted sweetbreads. Served with sweet and sour onions and duck bacon, the very crispy outside contrasted with the smooth but firm insides. Very good! However, B&B updates their menu seasonally, and their most recent on-line menu lists a new version: Crispy Polenta Sweetbreads with White Corn, Amaranth and Sherry-Plum Conserva, at $32.
If you're willing to chance it, appetizers run about $20, so with a drink it should fit in your budget. If you decide to include a pasta course, you'll be well over.
If you're willing to chance it, appetizers run about $20, so with a drink it should fit in your budget. If you decide to include a pasta course, you'll be well over.
Sep 25th, 2010, 05:29 PM
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Well as usual there is never enough time to do all the things one would like when traveling. Very few of our plans panned out, but we still had some good meals.
Birthday dinner for my daughter was at Joe's, but unfortunatly, they ran out of Stone Crab after we ordered, but before it could be delivered. Major bummer! DD ended up with King Crab Legs instead, and Mom and I had halibut that was very good, but I had a hard time swallowing the lack of Stone Crab. At least we were able to eek one stone crab cocktail out of the evening, but at the hefty price of $20. DD's coleslaw side was inedible, but the stuffed tomatoes I shared with my Mom were very good. Bread basket was excellent and we had two comped desserts for DD and Mom's bdays. Service was superb...couldn't have been better.
More later!
Birthday dinner for my daughter was at Joe's, but unfortunatly, they ran out of Stone Crab after we ordered, but before it could be delivered. Major bummer! DD ended up with King Crab Legs instead, and Mom and I had halibut that was very good, but I had a hard time swallowing the lack of Stone Crab. At least we were able to eek one stone crab cocktail out of the evening, but at the hefty price of $20. DD's coleslaw side was inedible, but the stuffed tomatoes I shared with my Mom were very good. Bread basket was excellent and we had two comped desserts for DD and Mom's bdays. Service was superb...couldn't have been better.
More later!
