We are staying at Mandalay Bay for 4 nights early August. Can anyone recommend nice casino restaurants that are "not to miss" -- we'd like to spend around $100/couple (including wine), and like great atmosphere along with gourmet food. We've been to Rum Jungle & Trattoria del Lupo there as well as Emerils Fish House at MGM Grand. Along that quality restaurant, what would everyone recommend (and why) & what special dish is good at your recommended choice. Hope to make advance reservations soon. Thanks a million.

The Voodoo Lounge at the Rio.
I'd also suggest searching for past postings. This topic has been covered a million times!

Hi Lois- we stayed at the Bellagio last Feb. and had dinner at Le Cirque- it was fabulous- ran about $75pp plus wine and tip and worth every penny

I ate at the Voodoo lounge and was very disappointed. Trying had to be "fine dining" fancy menu, but when it came down to it, the basic quality of the fish and steak was very average. Too many frou-frou trendy fancy ingredients, not enough respect for really quality food and excelent preparation methods. My husband was a head chef, restaurantuer for many years if upscale restaurants, so w know are stuff. Voodoo Lounge: Very blah, very over-rated.

Any fine dining restaurant in the Bellaggio is excellent in my experience as a resident, Commander's Palace in the Alladin, Spago, The Palm, and Bertolini's in Caeser's Palace, Mortons Steakhouse on Flamingo and Piero's near the Convention Center is a well kept secret and a good place to spot celebs.

HIGHLY recommend Spago at Caesar's Forum Shops. Great food, and if you sit on the "patio" you get to watch the world go by and the "sky" change from day to night over a "Roman" setting. Really nice.

Unfortunately, $100 doesn't go as far as it used too (per couple--especially since you're including wine) however, I recommend getting off the strip and heading downtown. First of all, it's less crowded downtown and, secondly, your dollar tends to buy a bit more there.

The two places I recommend are Hugo's Cellar and Binion's Steak house. Hugo's is downstairs at The Four Queens Casino. Don't let the casino fool you, the restaurant is beautiful. Subterranean, darkly lit--with lots of brick and wood, Hugo's offers a wonderful continental menu with a service staff to rival the best anywhere. This is the kind of room that they just don't make anymore...and the wine list is first class. I recommend the Tournedos Hugo? Not sure if I've got the name right but they're tournedos of beef topped with foie gras, artichokes and appropriately sauced. We've also had the Sole Meuniere (fabulous!) and the Duck a'la orange... you simply can't go wrong here. Dessert and Kona coffee are a must at this restaurant.

If you're in the mood for a good steak, go to Binion's across the street. The restaurant is at the top of the Casino and offers a wonderful view along with fabulous steaks (I think they own their own cattle). This place offers a nice alternative to all the "chain" steak houses in Vegas. Hope this helps.

A prior post mentioned Le Cirque at Bellagio. It is a great spot. However, you need a jacket and that may not be in your plans.

Circo, which is next door and owned by them, also, and it is more casual. Great Italian Trattoria at prices that are less than Le Cirque.

One of the best deals for dinner, although it is much less crowded at lunch, it the Buffett at Bellagio. The food is not your typial buffett and it is worth every penney.

circo at Bellagio

A second for Hugo's Cellar. While not new or trendy, it is an excellent restaurant and good value for what you pay. It has a great salad cart too, if you've ever eaten there you will know what I am talking about.