5 Must Visit Food + Spirit Options in Las Vegas

By: The Food Hunter

For years the dominant image of Las Vegas food was casual, often smoke filled, casino buffets. But somewhere in the early 90's - some say it was 1992 with the opening of Wolfgang Puck's Spago - the Las Vegas food scene undertook a shift. High-end celebrity-chef driven restaurants began popping up everywhere and crowds began flocking to the city not only for the gaming but the culinary experience they were promised.  

 

These days fine dining establishments seem to dominate the culinary offerings of the city; making it hard to decide where to eat. Since it's impossible to list all the outstanding eateries in Las Vegas, I've chosen the 5 below which I think showcase well the diverse offerings when it comes to food + cocktails. Whether you're a visitor or a local looking to explore, I hope these suggestions will lead you to some tasty new adventures.

1. The Mayfair Supper Club

You're invited to so much more than dinner at the fabulous Mayfair Supper Club. Set against the Fountains of Bellagio, the Mayfair is inspired by top supper clubs around the world. It promises not only a feast for the senses with impeccable presentations, flavor profiles and spirit selections, but also a return to the glamorous eras of Las Vegas and old New York.

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Throughout your dining experience, you can expect talented dancers, musicians and vocalists to adorn the restaurants main stage along with other lively acrobatic entertainment happening around the dining room. 

Food offerings include classics such as shrimp cocktail, lobster thermidor - in a decadent cream sauce, and an absolutely fantastic steak Oscar served with shaved truffles. 

 

 

Be sure to save room for dessert as you will not want to miss the ultra impressive cherries jubilee flambéed table-side.  Each and every item we tried was fantastic. Portions were the perfect size for sharing and per our request each course was expertly paired with wine. 

2. Bardot Brasserie

Prepare yourself to be wowed by French cuisine only Chef Michael Mina can bring to the table. We tried brunch and I would highly recommend it. The menu features many iconic French comfort food dishes along with some very inventive items. Be sure to start your meal, with a plate of traditional French pastries including Cannele, + Pain au Chocolat, amongst others. 

Our waiter shared that it is customary for the French to eat a bite of something sweet followed by a bite of something savory, repeating this viscous cycle until all is finished. With this practice in mind we asked for the escargot and baguette.  Quite possibly the best escargot I've eaten so far.

We followed with crab Benedicts which were presented on freshly made croissants. The crispy potato cakes served on the side were tasty and more flavorful than your standard breakfast potato.

As I mentioned above a savory dish should be eaten alongside a sweet one so the chef sent us out an order of the most decadent French toast I've ever eaten.  Thick slices of battered sweet bread is topped with mascarpone cream and house-made brittle for a true flavor explosion.

During brunch we had a chance to experience not only the food but also live entertainment. I have officially put Bardot Brasserie on my list for a repeat visit to explore the dinner menu.

3. Ferraro’s 

Since 1985, Ferraro's Italian Restaurant has distinguished itself by offering fine dining Italian food at it's off-strip location. The family owned restaurant serves generous portions of authentic Northern + Southern Italian dishes.  My favorite was the hearty braised rabbit, served over soft creamy polenta, and meaty roasted mushrooms.

If you enjoy carpaccio Ferraro's is one of the finest I've ever had. The raw beef is traditionally presented before being rolled table-side around bites of cheese and bitter arugula. This is a truly delicious taste experience. 

I also enjoyed the Mimmo Pasta which is a delicious mix of scallops, lobster, and asparagus in a rich butter sage truffle sauce.

Be sure to leave room for dessert because you won't want to miss the Italian almond cookies or the cheesecake.

4. The Vault

Hidden amongst the gaming tables in the Bellagio Casino, is an unmarked golden door that grants entry to The Vault; Bellagio’s latest cocktail lounge. Occupying an intimate space of 10 tables and 50 seats, The Vault is one of the most indulgent drinking experiences in Las Vegas. 

The main attraction of the speakeasy is the bar’s collection of vintage and hard-to-find spirits. Cocktails are made with older, out-of-circulation spirits curated through auction houses and private collectors. 

Think Manhattan's made with vintage 1930's vermouth. 

Come for the cocktails but don't forgo the food. Small-bite options such include a Cubano sandwich, made on slightly soft toasty bread, accompanied by a fondue dipping sauce.

My personal favorite at the Vault were the Caviar topped French-style mini-croissants. This innovative treat marries the delicate flavor of caviar with the buttery flavor of a croissant for a complete taste explosion in your mouth.

5. LPM Restaurant 

LPM is The Cosmopolitan's newest dining destination. A French-Riviera inspired restaurant and bar, where guests can embark on a journey exploring the essential joy of Mediterranean ingredients, through a light and imaginative menu. 

Classic items such as thinly sliced octopus carpaccio will have you day dreaming of the Mediterranean with every bite. 

 

 

 The escargots de Bourgogne, are six snails in decorative shells, prepared traditionally with garlic butter and parsley, but also with the addition of Parmesan and Pernod.