Max and I are not your “typical” Vegas-goers: we don’t really gamble and we don’t usually party until dawn. According to a new survey that the Las Vegas Sun quoted, Max and I are part of the 27% (and growing number) of people who don’t gamble when they go to Vegas. We go to Vegas for the food, shows and sunshine. We’ve told you all about our favorite shows, so now it’s time to tell you about our favorite restaurants!
1. Spago
Spago is has officially re-opened in the Bellagio and it is AMAZING. We loved Spago when it was in Caeser’s. It was an elegant restaurant before and to this day, it still serves my favorite tune tartar. The new menu has endless appetizers like Tuna Tartar, Octopus & pork belly and Burrata salad. We have tried their lamb, steak and veal and all three were incredible. It definitely drops in as our #1 Vegas restaurant.
2. Beauty & Essex
This hidden gem is tucked away behind a Pawn Shop in the Cosmopolitan and it’s so worth the hunt. When you walk in, you’re surrounded by tons of cool collectibles before being led through the secret door to the restaurant. It’s dark, classy and the large restaurant seems cozy and intimate with the help of privacy screens and a great layout. The food is to die for, just keep in mind you’ll be ordering 3-4 dishes per person so it can get pricey. Book your reservations on OpenTable and save up your points for a gift card like we did to make it a great value.
3. La Cave
La Cave is situated above the pool/gardens at the Wynn with an amazing outdoor terrace area. The reason we found this restaurant was because we were desperate to sit outside and enjoy the nice warm evening and it did not disappoint. La Cave offers small plates that are all delicious, just be prepared to order 3-4 dishes each. Their wine list was extensive and excellent and it was an overall good value. The decor was so beautiful and we were seated on a comfortable lounge sofa: I could have stayed on that patio all night. I loved every dish we ordered and cannot wait to return.
4. Bardot
Bardot was a great find on our last trip to Vegas! On the Promenade level of the Aria, this Michael Mina brasserie is literally like walking into a cafe in Paris. Dark wood, a stunning oval bar and fantastic food make you completely forget you’re in sin city. Definitely don’t miss a brunch at this gorgeous restaurant and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to dine with an accordion player serenading you.
5. Hakkasan
With the combination of our credit card perks and security programs, getting to the gate is easy. Dealing with layovers sitting in an uncomfortable chair, eating expensive food has been replaced with free drinks, food and comfort in a nice lounge.
Do you have any airport secrets that make travel more comfortable?
6. Mon Ami Gabi
If you’re looking for a restaurant with perfect views of the Bellagio fountains but don’t want to pay a small fortune, then this is it. The service is meh (the hostesses are terrible frankly) but the food is overall excellent. This is a staple for us when we come to Vegas because we love their Steak Frites and love to sit outside and watch the fountains. Make sure you sign up for Lettuce Eats to get the rewards and earn money towards your bill. This is my favorite Vegas app because somehow I always have at least $20 to spend at Mon Ami Gabi! I think you even get reward dollars for signing up so check it out!
7. Mandarin Bar
Ok…so not a restaurant butttt it’s worth mentioning. The bar is located on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental and the view is to die for. They serve small plates and fantastic cocktails. I always recommend coming here for a pre or post dinner drink to enjoy the incredible views of the strip in a classy bar. Be sure to make a reservation because they reserve the best window seats for guests who book in advance. My favorite times to go are during sunset or after dinner for a dessert and a cocktail.
I tried to pick my top 5 but there are just so many great places to go in Las Vegas for dining. You could eat for days and still not be through even 1/100th of the restaurants available. Do you have a favorite? Let us know!
