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$$ | West Side |
Seating is at a premium in this softly lighted strip mall robata, a favorite of almost every chef in town. At 5 pm sharp every day but Sunday, doors open for small-plate offerings of creamy house-made tofu, fresh sashimi (no sushi), and savory grilled meats, fish, and veggies (cooked over charcoal imported from Japan) that reflect the culinary mastery of its Tokyo-born owner-chef. An efficient waitstaff will visit your table to describe the spendy chalkboard specials and also to suggest which seasonings—which include five soy sauces, three salts, and four sugars—will best accent a particular dish. An ample list of sake (including a monthly sampler of three) and à-la-carte menu items, such as the sashimi salad, Kobe beef liver sashimi, and steamed foie gras egg custard, is also provided. Raku also offers omakase, which showcases the chef's choice of the best dishes each day. Raku Sweets, in the same shopping plaza, offers a few elaborate desserts and some savory dishes.
5030 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89146, USA
Known For
- Agedashi tofu, robata foods
- Daily specials
- Cozy atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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Palace Station has for years flown under the radar of most visitors, although a 2018 refurbishment gave it new life, especially its restaurants. One holdover is the justly popular Oyster Bar, which has a cult following among the cognoscenti, not to mention long waits during peak hours (reservations aren't taken for the limited seating area). You won’t go wrong with chilled seafood or steamers, but the pan roasts are truly sublime, with a base of brandy-infused tomato creating a seafood stew. It’s open 24/7, so avoid the long lines by going at an off-hour.
2411 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89102, USA
Known For
- Palace pan roast with shrimp, crab, chicken, and andouille
- Cioppino
- "Bouill-Roast" (like a bouillabaise), a former secret-menu item
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Chocolate—dark, white, and milk—flows from a tall glass fountain at the entrance of this stunning pastry shop just off the Bellagio's famed conservatory. This artful homage to chocolate has decadent desserts, including cakes, cookies, macarons, gelato, hand-dipped chocolate candies, and particularly memorable crepes (try the one filled with caramel sauce, caramel candy pearls, and whipped cream), as well as salads and sandwiches (Parmesan crisp grilled cheese!). Seating is limited. It's open late, until 11 pm daily.
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Three-tier chocolate fountain
- Indulgent pastries and chocolates
- Amusing seasonal sculptures
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This pan-Asian spot from a brother-and-sister team from California's Sonoma County is a lively, colorful, and contemporary anchor for the renovated and expanded Palace Station. Boathouse covers the gamut from small plates to large-format seafood, such as whole live lobster and whole live crab, as well as sushi, rolls, crispy crab wontons, and hard-to-find foods like abalone. There are blackboard specials and a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 pm in the bar area.
2411 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89102, USA
Known For
- Iron pot salmon
- Whole striped bass and branzino, steamed or fried
- Lots of colorful art
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Since Bobby Flay has always been known for his grilling skills, a burger place just seems like a natural choice. But these aren't just any burgers; order Bobby's Crunchburger, and you'll find it piled with potato chips for the signature sound. There are salads and kids' meals, too, as well as thick shakes and even beer and wine. Breakfast is served from 7 to 11 am daily. Also at Caesars Palace on the Center Strip and Harrah's on the North Strip.
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Signature Crunchburger
- Thick spiked milk shakes
- Family-friendly menu
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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The late rock-and-roll chef Kerry Simon brought his fun, contemporary cuisine to this restored hotel in the Downtown redevelopment district, and his legacy continues. It's small and kind of rustic, with an airy (and kitschy) patio out back and one on the roof. Inside you'll find an open kitchen with counter seating for such dishes as crispy chicken skins with smoked honey, bacon jam with baked Brie, or cocoa-espresso New York steak.
124 S. 6th St., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA
Known For
- Seasonal—and surprising—cuisine
- Counter seating with a view of kitchen
- Rooftop patio
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$$ | Paradise Road |
Fans of the bygone Pink Taco will smile in recognition when they see its replacement's layout is much the same, including the convivial center bar. New operators still offer a Mexican menu and Día de Los Muertos decor, and the place is arguably even more fun now, thanks to greatly expanded outdoor patio seating against the backdrop of the pool area that keeps the 3–5 pm happy-hour crowd buzzing with hibiscus margaritas and sangria (special prices are in the bar area only). You have to comb the corners of the menu to find anything more adventurous than tacos and burritos, but they come in every form, from the standard chicken and carne asada to grilled fish and cauliflower. A Sunday brunch offers day-drinkers the tantalizing combination of mariachi bands and a $45 "bottomless" mimosa.
4455 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89169, USA
Known For
- Lively, party atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Taco Tuesdays
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The excitement was deafening from Philadelphia-native locals and visitors when this Sahara opening was announced, largely because of its legendary (and reportedly addictive) “world famous” crab fries—french fries with crab seasoning, also available topped with actual crab or lobster. There’s plenty more on this menu, though, including four varieties of Philly cheesesteaks, plus warm or chilled lobster rolls, burgers, and more. The late-night menu, served at the bar from 10 pm to midnight daily, is brief, but all the favorites are on it.
2535 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Famous crab fries
- Lively, sports-bar atmosphere
- Magnet for Philly expats
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$$ | University District |
With 24-hour service and graveyard specials, Crown & Anchor is uniquely Las Vegas (and a favorite haunt of students from nearby UNLV). Most of the food is British, including the steak-and-kidney pie, bangers and mash, and authentic fish-and-chips. Sandwiches with American and British flavors are plenty, with frequent specials. The decor and faux-cottage exterior are decidedly British, and special events add to the fun: on New Year's Eve the celebration starts when it's midnight in the United Kingdom, which is 4 pm in Las Vegas. Long known as the all-hours Las Vegas mecca for British soccer die-hards, the pub has changed with the times and found ways for Vegas Golden Knights broadcasts to cohabitate with the Premier League, such as offering half-price appetizers during Knights games. The Little Crown & Anchor on Spring Mountain Road is, as the name implies, a smaller version.
1350 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, USA
Known For
- Classic English foods
- Live "football" from across the pond
- Open 24/7
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Della's is of the new school of updated, farm-to-table resort coffee shops. Both breakfast and lunch are available all day. For breakfast, consider a ricotta toast with local honey, hot smoked salmon or carnitas Benedict, or the pumpkin pie stuffed French toast. At lunch try the barnyard chopped salad or toasted cheese with tomato soup. The restaurant squeezes fresh juices to order.
3940 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, USA
Known For
- Best casual breakfast and lunch spot at Delano
- Regional specialties
- Quiet atmosphere for a coffee shop
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Locals and visitors alike were delighted when New York's cronut king set up shop in Las Vegas, at Caesars Palace across from The Colosseum. The shop serves Ansel's cronut creations as well as French pastries such as the best-seller kouign-amann, tiger-striped pain au chocolat, huge nutty almond croissants, macarons, and canelés. Mini-madeleines are piped to order and served warm, and Ansel's signature chocolate chip cookie shots and frozen s'mores are made while you wait. Creative, beautiful pastries like the Goldfish, flavored with calamansi, coconut, and mango, are another specialty, and quiche and sandwiches are available. There are a few seats inside if you'd like to sit while indulging in a croque monsieur.
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
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You'll forget you're in Las Vegas after a few minutes in this relaxed and unpretentious Downtown cantina. All the combinations and specials are good, but the best play here is to order the house-made tamales. There are five tamale options in all: pork, chicken, beef, cheese, and a sweet dessert tamale with pineapple and raisins. You also won't go wrong with the Mexican sandwich, served with guacamole, tomatoes, and fries. Stop in on a Wednesday night, and you might see a crowd gathered for the fútbol game on satellite-provided Mexican TV. There is another area location at 3250 North Tenaya Way in Summerlin.
910 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA
Known For
- House-made tamales
- Well-prepared Mexican favorites
- Lively, colorful atmosphere
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Every day is Día de los Muertos at this chic, skull-festooned cantina in Tivoli Village, where a pair of brightly colored calacas guard the entryway. Once inside, prepare to encounter a different kind of spirit: namely, a vast selection of tequila, with over 100 varieties available in this eye-popping, high-end Mexican eatery. The menu is as inviting as the rose-covered walls, ranging from gourmet filet mignon tacos to lobster fajitas to signatures like their cedar chipotle salmon. Brunch is served all day, and there are family packages to feed the whole brood. The focus here is on using organic and non-GMO ingredients made fresh daily, meaning there's not a microwave in the house.
430 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89145, USA
Known For
- Vast tequila selection
- High-end Mexican cuisine
- Chic decor
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Swoop into this authentic, cozy Italian coffee bar in The Palazzo's Waterfall Atrium for richly brewed premium beverages, flaky pastries, and warm panini. This smart, colorful nook offers 36 flavors of glorious, creamy gelatos, as well as fresh dessert crepes, soups, and salads. Bonbons, truffles, and chocolate-dipped fruits are also available.
3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Fine Illy coffees
- Fresh pastries and paninis
- Dozens of gelatos
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Inside Downtown's bohemian temple, the Emergency Arts Building, this restaurant features what they call a "scratch kitchen concept." It may sound rather pot-lucky, but this isn't the standard chain-food menu (despite being part of a California-based chain). How does this sound: skirt steak with broccolini, red chimichurri, chili flakes, Parmesan, and lemon zest; a cowboy burger nearly tipping over with shoestring onions, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a beer barbecue sauce; and a bourbon barrel cake. That's just for starters. For imbibing purposes, sample the local craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, and classic cocktails. And don't miss the daily "Hoppy Hour."
520 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101, USA
Known For
- Creative menu
- An enticing array of beverages
- Arts-inspired atmosphere
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Food halls have replaced buffets in several Las Vegas casino-resorts, but nobody does it as well as Resorts World, which has one with 16 minirestaurants and a pour-it-yourself bar. Famous Foods is inspired by the street markets of Southeast Asia, and the cuisine skews in that direction, with dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, Hainanese chicken rice, yakitori, and Thai-styled braised beef. But you’ll also find Indian and FIlipino food, burgers, Texas barbecue, and Marcus Samuelsson’s Nashville-style hot chicken.
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Modern food hall with 16 stalls
- Emphasis on pan-Asian cuisine
- Marcus Samuelsson's hot chicken
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$$ | Paradise Road |
As the name suggests, this hip bistro focuses on small plates (many less than $10) that reflect most of the world's cuisines. Order several and you've got a meal, made even better with one of Firefly's signature sangrias or mojitos, available by the glass or pitcher. Options include ham-and-cheese croquettes, meatballs in a sherry-tomato sauce, marinated and grilled octopus, and shrimp in lemon-garlic-butter sauce. A few heartier entrées, such as paella, are offered as well. In the spring of 2023, the original location moved a mile or so to a larger building (which some may remember as McCormick & Schmick's) on the edge of the Hughes Center office park. There is also a second location in Southwest Las Vegas at 7355 S. Buffalo Drive.
335 Hughes Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89169, USA
Known For
- Tapas from multiple cuisines
- Quick, friendly service
- Funky decor
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Since Gordon Ramsay's been known to flame a contestant or two, it's only fitting that his burgers are cooked over a hardwood fire. If you're looking for something a little different, consider the UK Burger, with Dubliner cheese and Major Grey's Chutney, or the Stout Burger, with Guinness mustard aioli, Gruyere, mushrooms, and crispy onion strings. Dig into one of Ramsay's rich desserts while enjoying the roaring fire.
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Burgers cooked over hardwood fire
- Fish and crisps burger
- 30-foot fire feature
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Warm earth tones, soft music and lighting, cloth napkins, and marble-topped tables are an elegant milieu in which to enjoy a glass of wine and mélange of appealing, freshly cooked flavors and textures—Asian nachos, double-stuffed potato spring rolls, stacked chicken quesadillas—24 hours a day. Located right off the main casino floor, this convenient chain eatery offers eclectic menu items and familiar crowd-pleasers: pizza, pastas, barbecue ribs, burgers, BLTs, and even wood-grilled filet mignon or rib eye. The "Lux" operates as a subsidiary of the Cheesecake Factory, so not only is it a reliable option for a more casual meal, it also offers its signature cheesecake for dessert. (You can also get one to go in the adjoining bakery, as well as coffee and pastries.) Happy hour, from 4:30 to 6 on weekdays in the bar, brings food and beverage specials. And there's another location in the Palazzo.
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109, USA
Known For
- Varied, eclectic menu
- Cheesecake Factory desserts
- Open 24/7
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$$ | Paradise Road |
There will be no quiet conversations here, just a loud dose of kitsch at this gargantuan offshoot of Munich's most famous brewery. The interior beer garden can make you feel like a tourist within a tourist town. As you down a brew in those notorious liter mugs, the drinking contests and strolling musicians somehow become more and more agreeable on too-hot Vegas evenings. Pair your beer with hearty Bavarian classics, including Bavarian potato soup with sausage, Wiener schnitzel, goulash, and Schweinebraten, or updated dishes such as chicken schnitzel salad or vegan frankfurters. For dessert, try apple strudel or Black Forest chocolate cake.
4510 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89169, USA
Known For
- Raucous beer hall
- Strolling musicians and drinking contests
- Menu of German classics
