The lights, sights, and sounds of the Las Vegas Strip are breathtaking, and between tourist attractions, shows, concerts, and, of course, gambling, there’s so much to do there.
But there’s another thing Vegas is really well-known for: incredible restaurants and delectable eats. You’ll find restaurants of all price levels featuring every type of cuisine imaginable, from Asian to French, Mexican, Italian, and more.
This makes it difficult to decide where to eat while there on vacation. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a party atmosphere, or a casual meal, here are 10 restaurants you absolutely must try, along with their most popular/signature dishes.
10 Hell’s Kitchen (Beef Wellington)
It’s tough to get reservations for this new Vegas hotspot, located outside of Caesar’s Palace Hotel. But it’s worth it. Walk in and you’re immediately greeted by a life-sized video of Gordon Ramsay along with a wall of photos of past winners from the reality cooking competition series of the same name (which will actually be filmed there for the upcoming season). Watch everything going on in the kitchen by cooks wearing the blue and red bandanas just like on the show.
Any fan of Ramsay will recognize signature dishes like scallops, lobster risotto, and, of course, beef wellington that cuts like butter. Don’t forget to top the meal off with Ramsay’s famous sticky toffee pudding – it’s rich, so one is enough for the table.
9 Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres (Fois Gras Cotton Candy)
This restaurant in the SLS Hotel is not for vegans, nor anyone less than a die-hard meat lover. Dishes include all types of delicious cooked and prepared meats, game, and poultry, from duck to beef tartare, sirloin, tenderloin, bison, wild boar, cured meats, entire suckling pigs, and more, prepared every which way. There’s also a wide selection of fish and, for brave vegetarians, a “beefsteak” tomato dish to satisfy their culinary desires.
Interestingly, the most-talked-about dish is a starter: the cotton candy foie gras that comes in the shape, form, and texture of the sugary treat, but the taste of the duck liver delicacy.
8 Restaurant Guy Savoy (Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup)
Situated inside Caesar’s Palace Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, this fine dining establishment features French cooking by the Michelin star chef. To keep the focus on the Parisian food, Savoy asks his employees not to wear perfume and the restaurant does not have any floral decorations so the aromas of the cuisine are all that permeate the space.
The signature dish is a hearty and delicious artichoke and black truffle soup, which, in French, is called soupe d’artichaut a la truffe noire. It’s pricey, but for the experience, it might just be worth it.
7 Lakeside (Hawaiian Day Boat Dishes)
Located in the luxury Wynn Hotel, this restaurant is known for its Hawaiian seafood that’s caught by family fisherman in Hana and flown to Vegas for guests to indulge. Chow down on exotic oven-roasted lobster and crab, along with aged prime steaks. But the signature dishes include the day boats with snapper, mahi mahi, or shutome swordfish.
Start off with the indulgent lobster risotto or, if you want to go all out, the Russian osetra caviar. Then add delicious sides like grilled asparagus, king crab mac & cheese, or black truffle creamed spinach to complete the meal. Bring a full wallet, though, as you’re going to need it.
6 Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge (Peppermill Burger)
Known for its filling dishes and oversized portions, this restaurant and lounge’s signature dish is its “famous” Peppermill burger, which was one of its original menu items when the restaurant opened in 1972.
The restaurant has been used as a backdrop for filming in some of the most iconic movies, including Casino and Showgirls, and has been visited by some of Hollywood’s elite, including Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Penn Jillette, one-half of the Pen & Teller entertainer duo, is such a fan, he had a custom booth set up in his home modeled after one from the restaurant.
5 Atomic Liquors (Swordfish)
There’s incredible history with this restaurant, which is the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas: its liquor license was number 00001. Tucked away just off the busy tourist area of Fremont St. in downtown “Old Vegas,” it looks unassuming. Connected to a dive-type bar, there’s also an outdoor area where folks mingle and drink. But once you walk inside, it’s a total fine dining ambiance.
One of the popular dishes on the very limited menu is swordfish with hot and sweet marinated peppers, sorrel, and grilled zucchini. But make sure to try the seared Halloumi cheese to start (one order for the table). If you just want small eats, grab a harvest board of cheese, charcuterie, fruit preserves, candied nuts, and pickles with some wine before walking over to Fremont St. for the nightly activities.
4 Chin Chin (Hawaiian Roll, Tuna Tataki, Orange Chicken)
Located in New York New York Hotel on the strip, this restaurant has cozy booths and comfortable tables where you can indulge in some seriously delicious Asian dishes, sushi, and more.
It’s hard to choose just one dish, so it’s best to order the big portions and eat family style. Make sure to start with a Hawaiian roll and the melt-in-your-mouth tuna tataki. Fill up on a selection of other rolls if you’re in the mood for sushi (it’s some of the best in Vegas), but don’t forget to grab an order of orange chicken and Chinese chicken salad for the table. If you still have room for dessert, the cheesecake is an indulgent must-try. There’s also a fantastic breakfast buffet, so check it out in the morning, too.
3 Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Steak, Stone Crab)
A long-time staple in Vegas, the service and food here is always consistent. The most popular and signature items are, not surprisingly, steak and stone crab.
Located within the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace Hotel, the restaurant has extensive dinner, lunch, and wine menus, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Start off with oysters on the half shell and devour a jumbo lobster tail for dinner with a selection of sharing sides, like baked butternut squash or creamed corn. Or select from a long list of seafood options, including crispy fried shrimp, colossal lump crab cakes, and, of course, chilled stone crab claws with Joe’s own mustard sauce.
2 Gordon Ramsay Burger (Burgers, Of Course!)
If you’re looking for a quick burger for lunch or dinner, this casual restaurant is a must-try. From the soft brioche bun to the beef patties cooked over an open flame, and all the fixings, you can’t go wrong with any of the delicious melt-in-your-mouth gourmet burger options. The Hell’s Kitchen burger includes asadero cheese, roasted jalapenos, avocado, roasted tomatoes, and jalapeno aioli.
Order the burger a la carte and pair it with the truffle parmesan fries (one order is enough for two or three people) – they’ll be some of the best fries you’ve ever tasted, whether on their own or dipped in the truffle aioli or house ketchup. Wash it all down with a cold beer and you’ll leave completely satisfied.
1 Yardbird Southern Table and Bar (Chicken ‘N’ Watermelon ‘N’ and Waffles)
Kicking traditional Southern comfort food up a few notches, Yardbird, located in the Venetian Hotel, serves up traditional dishes like chicken and waffles with a twist. Share small plates of buttermilk biscuits and sweet corn hush puppies, then devour a large plate of chicken and waffles served with a side of chilled spiced watermelon.
The waffle isn’t your ordinary waffle; it’s made with Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, while the syrup drizzled over top is a mouth-watering bourbon maple. If you plan to share (one plate is big enough for two), grab sides like mac & cheese, grits, collard greens, and fried okra.