Best Buffets in Vegas
Buffets originated in the late 1940s as an attention-grabbing loss leader that would attract hungry gamblers to the casinos (and keep them there). Now the buffet concept has grown into an important tradition at virtually every resort.
At the same time, the city's upscale culinary makeover has raised the quality of food in the buffets as well, and they continue to be famous and fabulous. Besides, who doesn’t love that uniquely American obsession—unlimited gorging for one set price? Bargain-hunters will still find plenty of deals, but the top buffets typically charge upward of $30—or even $55—per person at dinner. Hey, there are lobster tails, Kobe beef, and unlimited champagne at some of these spreads—you get what you pay for.
Our Favorites
Bacchanal Buffet, Caesars Palace. Named for a famously indulgent (long-gone) Caesars landmark restaurant, Bacchanal reflects the theme of plenty while raising the culinary bar. Therefore you'll find baked-to-order wood-fired pizzas, custom sushi, and daily chef's specials prepared while you watch. 3580 Las Vegas Blvd., Center Strip702/731–7928www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants.html.
The Buffet at Bellagio. The Bellagio buffet became the first of the "premium" buffets under the ownership of Steve Wynn, bringing game, sushi, and exotic seafoods to the table. A recent introduction is caviar, served with blini, buckwheat waffles, or ahi cones with traditional accompaniments. Bellagio's buffet also has adopted a recent Las Vegas trend toward "bottomless" beverages with weekend brunch, so you can drink as much sparkling wine as you can handle. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Center Strip702/693–7111www.bellagio.com.
The Buffet at TI. This traditional buffet still provides lots of surprises, such as special desserts and other dishes to celebrate holidays. Weekend visitors also will find prime rib and a wide selection of seafood. 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S, North Strip702/894–7111www.treasureisland.com.
The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas. After he sold Bellagio and opened his eponymous resort, Steve Wynn continued remaking the face of Las Vegas with another superlative buffet, this time with dozens of dishes, rotisserie beef, seafood from around the world, and traditional touches like a rich and custardy home-style bread pudding. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S, North Strip702/770–3463www.wynnlasvegas.com.
Carnival World & Seafood Buffet, Rio Las Vegas. The Rio has consolidated its traditional and seafood buffets, which means you'll find endless oysters, crab, and more and still be able to have more traditional buffet favorites. Live cooking and carving stations provide a personal touch. 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., West Side702/777–7757www.riolasvegas.com.
Cravings Mirage. Eleven international cooking stations make it easy to find what's where at this traditional buffet, and serve-yourself beverage stations and unlimited beer and wine mean you'll never be thirsty. 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Center Strip702/791–7111www.mirage.com.
Le Village Buffet, Paris Las Vegas. The popular buffet at Paris Las Vegas is divided into sections to reflect the regions of France, which means, for example, rotisserie chicken in Burgundy and buttery fresh crepes in Brittany that are cooked to order. 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Center Strip702/946–7000www.parislasvegas.com.
Wicked Spoon, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. Wicked Spoon shook up the world of Las Vegas buffets by eschewing the traditional steam-table pans for individual cooking vessels for some foods, such as mini-baskets of french fries and tiny pots of cassoulet; breakfast and lunch are combined into a daily brunch. 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Center Strip702/698–7000www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.
