We were supposed to be in Paris for my "big" birthday but current circumstances changed our plans & we'll be in Vegas. Want to dine at a special restaurant on my birthday, great food, great atmosphere, great service.
Any personal recommendations? Thanks.

Leslie - The most highly rated dining experience in Las Vegas right now is Picasso at Bellagio. You may even feel like you are in Paris... if you want other choices and reviews try www.zagat.com

Leslie: Want that Paris ambiance? Try Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris hotel, good food, great view, and you will feel like you're in Paris. We really enjoyed it, and it's the only restaurant with outdoor seating on Las Vegas Blvd.(the strip). See review below:

Francophiles profess it's "like eating on the Champs Elysée" at this "charming French bistro" at the Paris, where the "fantastic people-watching" and "beautiful view of the Bellagio fountains" are equaled by the très "yummy food" and "good wine selection"; some shun the "slow service", but most say it's a "great experience stem to stern."

What are you looking for, Leslie.
I've eaten at Picasso, and while it was not a 'special' occasion, I would not have chosen it for a special occasion, either. But that's just my taste.
What kind of atmosphere/experience are you looking for? You can find almost anything in LV.

The best meal I had in Vegas was at Olive's in the Bellagio. Think Tuscan, rather than Parisian.

Try Charlie Palmer's in the Four Seasons. It's like an oasis away from the lights and glitter of LV. They really know how to treat you right, it's a restaurant for a special occasion.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Hotel got rave reviews from both of my parents (my mom is a "foodie" and my dad is just difficult to please). Definately a special dinner place, as it is VERY expensive.

I recommend Emeril's at the MGM Grand. The food was fantastic!!! The atmosphere was not that great though.

The atmosphere wasn't bad it just probably isn't as great as somewhere in the Bellagio or the Paris hotels......

Leslie -

Skip Olives. Too loud for a special night.

Eiffel Tower was good but too "rushed" for the price you pay.

I would recommend two places.

Drai's on the Strip has a very special feel. Red velvet couch with animal print pillows in the waiting room, a fireplace full of lit candles, wood trim around the walls, and potted palms. A very old hollywood, glamour type place. The food and service are terrific.

The other place would be Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami is not a place you might think of for a special dinner but the food is good and the view is great. I think sitting in the Atrium section next to a front window is best. On the patio is too loud. My favorite thing to order is the quiche or (at dinner only) the special cut of meat with an herb sauce. I forget the name of the steak but it's about $25. The only one on the menu which is that much. The others are about $20. It's more tender than the other cuts. The fries are good but the scalloped potatoes are excellent. Bread is excellent as are the escargot, chocolate mousse and creme brulee.

Have a great Birthday!

Lynn

You might want to try Renoir at the Mirage (which is a horrible hotel) if you can not get into Picasso. Next to Picasso is Prime which is a steak house run by the chief of Jean George in New York. Would also recommned a true Vegas experience at Hugo's which is the only "old school" restauarnt in town. Great food, old world service, waiters in tux's, great wine list, all in the basement of one of the seedist hotels in Vegas. Have fun. Le Cirque is also very good, if nothing else go for a drink in the bar there which is a hidden treasure!

I would also vote for Mon Ami Gabi. I celebrated a recent birthday there and it was too much fun! We had a great table in the Atrium - inside, with a spectacular view of Bellagio fountains; a great waiter, wonderful food and wine. The menu isn't 5-star, but it's as good as (or better than) any bistro where we've eaten in Paris, with much of the same atmosphere, and well worth the reasonable price. Enjoy!

I, too, vote for Mon Ami Gabi! Have the 'Bananas Foster" for dessert. Worth every calorie!!