StantonHyde

My husband and I are going to Vegas at the end of January (middle of the week). We are looking for really good restaurants. We don't need the chain flash of Spago. But we are really into American and Italian restaurants that use fresh food in unusual ways. Maybe "Asian Fusion" as well. Not interested in steakhouses. We are staying at the Venetian so I know there are some good restaurants there. We will have a car. What do you recommend?

ekscrunchy

If you have an interest in Asian food, you should head for what many critics consider the best Thai restaurant in the country, located in a strip mall about a mile or so east of the Strip. We liked it so much that we ate there two out of three nights in Vegas a year or so ago in mid January. They have recently opened an offshoot on Fifth Avenue in New York City but the original is THE place:


http://www.saipinchutima.com/#/HOME-01-00/

http://www.usmenuguide.com/lotusofsiam.html

Dukey1

The Bellagio

christy1

Ditto on Lotus of Siam as ekscrunchy recommended. This is a subject that you'll find heaps of info about on Chowhound.com, if you want advice from foodies.

tom42

At the Venetian, I like Postrio and Canaletto.

tom42

forgot to mention - menus available on the Venetian's website.

SAnParis2

You can really find anything you want in Vegas & although loud & thought of as more of a bar by many, Red Square (http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/restaur...uare-las-vegas) has both an excellent caviar menu & tasting menu. If you are looking for something different, this may fit the bill. I also like Andre's, downtown.

boom_boom

Consider Border Grill in Mandalay Bay and an interesting small plates place off the Strip, Firefly on Paradise. While they are a steakhouse, our top place in LV is Joe's Steaks and Stone Crab, we only go for the Stone Crab and seafood...in Caesar's Palace.

cferrb

We enjoy Otto, which belongs to Mario Batali, in the Piazza San Marco at the Venetian. Last time we ordered the cheese selection and the salumi selection, along with a pizza. It's not cheap, but it's a good way to explore a lot of different flavors. We also really enjoy Wolfgang Puck's place in the MGM. It's not as high-end as Spago, but the food is really good.

StantonHyde

ok, trying to choose between these SIX places (and we only have 2 dinners!). We want the best possible food in the most laid back atmosphere possible. I love gorgeous restaurants, but I just don't have the energy for a 3 hour, gazillion course meal at this point. Here is what I am thinking:
Rosemarys
Lotus of Siam
B&B Ristorante
Sensei
Aureole
Bradley Ogden

All thoughts and opinions appreciated!

ekscrunchy

Lotus of Siam is certainly laid back. The location, in a down-at-the-heels strip mall, is certainly no frills and quite a contrast to the glossy places in the big Strip hotels. I would encourage you to read some reports about the place so you know what to choose from their lengthy menu. Note that they also have a very good wine list, heavy on Reisling.

Take a look at Chowhound.com, where there is lots of info, and a rabid coterie of fans. For example:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575...s;results_list


I think the attraction of the hotel eateries depends on where you live..if you cannot find that kind of dining in your home city than I imagine it would be compelling to dine at some of those spots. You might also look at L'Atelier if you want good food in a casual setting that will be served quickly. But since I have not been to that branch, I cannot comment on the particulars.

http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/...estaurant.aspx

tomfuller

My wife and I had a great Christmas dinner at the Hoffbrau House. It was the best German food we have had in years.
We especially liked the duck. The entertainer played several instruments including the alpenhorn.

ziggypop

My favorite restaurant in vegas is probably emirils(sp) Fish House in MGM. Great turtle soup and the best banna cream pie I have ever had. There are so many good places it is hard to pick.

tom42

Of the restaurants on your list, I have only eaten at Bradley Ogden's. I was disappointed. With all the other choices of upscale dining in Las Vegas, I would not return. The service was pretentious. The waiter seemed like he was trying to convince us how lucky we were to be dining there. Unfortunately, my fish entree was just "eh" - the fish was overcooked and a little dry. My partner's entree had way too much going on for one dish. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing but it is very expensive for mediocre food.

StantonHyde

Thanks Tom42--that is why I am trying to avoid some of the "big chef" restaurants. It's like a chain. I love good food and informed waiters and lots of adventurous dining--I just don't like snooty or pretentious and I totally get what you are saying with the "too much for one dish".

tom42

It is hard to avoid big name chef restaurants in Las Vegas. They are all over the place. In their defense, I have had very enjoyable meals at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, at a few of Wolfgang Puck's places (Spagos, Postrio) and at Emerill's Delmonico Steakhouse.

boom_boom

Just came back from LV yesterday....tried and loved a new place in the new Cosmopaltian hotel/casino, named "Jaleo" Spanish small plates...best tapas spot I've found since Barcelona. Reasonable (for Vegas) prices, open kitchen, noisy but excellent food. Good Spanish wine selection as well. Good, but not great service