Las Vegas is famous for countless things, including food. With thousands of places to eat on the Strip and beyond, we have narrowed it down to some key places on your budget, your party and your culinary preferences.
Best for steak: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
If you ask the locals or seasoned tourists for the best steakhouse, a few names will always pop up, Primal Steakhouse, Edge Steakhouse and Golden Steer to name a few. But our favourite is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse presently situated at Harrah’s hotel.
An American institution with restaurants all around the country, they have been searing beef since 1927 so they know how to deliver great steak. Anything from the petit filet to the bone-in cowboy ribeye comes out glistening in butter, on a sizzling hot plate, with the smell of pure decadence.
Don’t fill up on starters, instead order some outrageously delectable sides to compliment your steak such as a lobster tail dripping in even more butter, mac and cheese, potatoes au gratin or the creamed spinach (just to be healthy!).
We also recommend saving just a smidge of your stomach for their creamy and elegant cheesecake, although this can probably be shared by four after all that meat. And if you can take your eyes off your food for just a moment, you will marvel at the views of the surrounding hotels and bright billboards, and at the efficiency of the impeccably dressed waiters delivering steak after steak around this fun and bustling restaurant.
Best for families: Grand Lux Café
Apart from the obvious chains of Denny’s, Bubba Gumps and Cheesecake Factory, all of which are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, there are some wonderful dining experiences to be had with the whole family on the Strip, contrary to belief that Vegas is not for children.
The Grand Lux Café at the Venetian is not only central and easy to get to, but the extensive menu will allow even the fussiest of eaters to find something to enjoy. If it’s breakfast you’re after, your little ones will be spoilt for choice between the different styles of pancakes, waffles and eggs, plus mum and dad can indulge in a morning cocktail (we won’t tell!).
For lunch or a quick dinner, try taking a walk down Village Street Eateries at New York New York. With the choice of New York style pizzas, hot dogs and sandwiches, as well as fried fish and indulgent desserts, no one is going back to their room hungry.
Best for seafood: Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Wander up and down the Strip and yes, you will find an array of oyster bars and sushi restaurants which could tickle your tastebuds, but why limit yourself to just one type of seafood? Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is just the place for those who like something a little bit more special.
Start with a Grand Martini while you peruse the sophisticated menu and chat to the friendly waiters about just how fresh the seafood is today. Then why not try their famous Florida Stone Crab? It’s in the restaurant’s name so you know it’s going to be good, served with their classic mustard sauce.
Not a crab fan? How about some oysters on the half shell served just how you like it, or the Alaskan Red King Crab finished with drawn butter and lemon. Or go all out on the The Whale (no, not a whole whale!) which includes King Crab, Lobster, jumbo shrimp cocktail and some oysters on the half shell. Don’t worry if someone in your group isn’t into seafood, there’s always the $250 40oz Australian Wagyu tomahawk instead!
Best for views: Eiffel Tower
With panoramic views 110 feet above the Strip, the Eiffel Tower restaurant transports you to another part of the world. The Parisian ambience is romantic and luxurious, the delectable French cuisine will have you oohing and ahhing with every course, and the view of the Bellagio fountains is not one to miss.
Acclaimed Chef J. Joho’s menu includes signature dishes such as Beef Wellington, Steak Tartare and the incredibly fluffy Grand Marnier souffle.
They also offer an indulgent brunch menu as well as a gluten-free menu and an extensive cocktail menu to help with all the tough decisions you will have to make while taking in the stunning views. Tip: ask for table 56 for the best view in the restaurant.
If it’s just a drink with a view you’re after, we suggest the Foundation Room lounge. Situated at Mandalay Bay on their 63rd floor, there aren’t many higher places to sip a cocktail with the breathtaking view of the lit-up Strip. Why not try their good karma margarita or cucumber Zen with a delicious charcuterie and cheese board? Perfection!
Best for brunch: Mon Ami Gabi / Yardbird
Mon Ami Gabi is a delightful French-themed restaurant situated at the base of the Eiffel Tower and is the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast. Start with a mimosa or a bloody mary to help that inevitable hangover while choosing between the eggs Benedict, chocolate hazelnut waffle or French toast with bacon.
Or for the more health-conscious there is a skinny crepe du jour, oatmeal or yoghurt and fruit salad. Whatever you choose, take your time and enjoy the view in the beautiful sunshine while watch passersby and the odd showgirl offering tourists souvenir photo opportunities on the pavement below you.
If brunch is more your speed, Yardbird at The Venetian is a must. The chicken and waffles served with Bourbon maple syrup cannot be beaten and is beautifully washed down with their signature bloody mary. The steak and eggs will keep you going through to a post-gambling dinner, or if you need something sweeter the Yardbird cinnamon roll with its salted bourbon caramel, cream cheese frosting and candied pecans is just about as good as it gets.
Best for cheap eats: Tacos El Gordo
Ask anyone for the best cheap eat and you will likely be sent straight to the far end of the strip past Mandalay Bay (it’s the other end of the strip toward Stratosphere) to the authentic Tijuanan Tacos El Gordo.
Serving tacos for over 40 years, this family business makes all their own corn tortillas, guacamole and salsa fresh daily, and only use top-grade meats and freshest ingredients and it shows.
The selection of meat is not for the fainthearted and includes brisket, spiced pork, beef head, beef tongue, pork stomach and cactus, but if you want true Mexican then this is the place. It’s a little chaotic and confusing so just watch the regulars and jump in when you feel confident.
Best for romance: LAGO
LAGO at the Bellagio offers the LAGO Lover’s Experience and it does not disappoint. Chef Julian Serrano has curated a unique Italian meal for two which embraces romance. You start you off with a seafood platter including oysters – served with champagne, of course. Next you will be served seared scallops, followed by either more fish or a 16oz prime ribeye with truffle mash.
And why not enjoy an affogato or tiramisu with a digestif cocktail or more champagne while you watch the Bellagio fountains at your own front patio table while you pose for photographs taken by a professional photographer. You will also take home a dozen red roses and get to meet the chef. We’ll leave what happens after dinner to you.
Conclusion: Best restaurants in Las Vegas
Las Vegas will have you coming back again and again just for the restaurants. Yes, eating in the hotels and on the strip is more expensive, but worth it most of the time.
And if none of these took your fancy why not try Blossom or P.F. Chang’s for some exquisite Asian food, Secret Pizza at the Cosmopolitan for great late-night pizza, or Virgil’s Real BBQ for some of the best BBQ you’ll eat.
