Balla Italian Soul
James Beard Award–winning chef Shawn McClain has long had a presence on the Strip, but he ventured north for this restaurant that draws high energy from the live-action kitchen and pasta-making window. The menu is studded with familiar dishes with creative twists, like the speck with sweet basil and figs, and hand-rolled cavatelli with braised lamb and kale. A wood fire is employed for the likes of sea bream with lemon and capers, and New York strip with dried tomatoes and aged balsamic; a variety of sides round things out. A three-course family-style tasting menu for groups of four or more is reasonably priced compared to most on the Strip.