2 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chef José Andrés was one of the first to capitalize on the tapas concept in the United States at his original Washington, D.C., location, and small plates are the highlights of his restaurant here, too. You haven't thoroughly explored the menu until there are stacks of plates on your table. There are classic choices like jamon iberico (Spanish ham) and gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic). Another highlight: paellas, in at least four varieties. Bring a sense of humor to the main dining room, as some tables are fashioned out of foosball tables that still function perfectly (balls available upon request). For a more formal and intimate experience, try dining in the adjacent "é," an intimate, prix-fixe experience with seats that overlook a separate kitchen.

Chef Julian Serrano—renowned for Picasso at Bellagio—chose to honor his homeland's tapas and paella traditions at his eponymous restaurant in ARIA. Tapas include classics as well as those with Serrano's special touch. Look for head-on shrimp with smoked paprika oil, mushroom duxelle-stuffed piquillo peppers, brava potatoes with spicy tomato sauce, and dates stuffed with goat cheese, apple puree, and bacon. There's a selection of canned fish imported from Spain, four ceviches, five paellas, cheese and charcuterie plates, soups, and salads. During lunch on weekends, seats on the edge of the "patio" that face the hotel registration desk and the casino are great spots from which to people-watch.