Visiting Vegas, Where to eat?

[Sparhawk]

My wife and I are visiting Vegas and will be primarily on the strip.

I've been compiling a list of restaurants to try

This is that I currently have from looking at different reviews and was hoping to remove a few. I was wanting to hit one of the Joel restaurants but unsure which

Here's my current list:
Restaurant list

 

[M1k3]

If you happen to be around the Summerlin area, Magic Noodle is a really good hand pulled Chinese noodle spot.

 

[Calvinlicious]

Ramen Sora
China Pablano
Jaléo
Sparrow and wolf

 

[Sparhawk]

If you happen to be around the Summerlin area, Magic Noodle is a really good hand pulled Chinese noodle spot.

Can you compare magic noodle to. Shang noodles? I had seen both on a few lists but Shang seemed to be the more popular one.

 

[M1k3]

Can you compare magic noodle to. Shang noodles? I had seen both on a few lists but Shang seemed to be the more popular one.

I didn't get to try Shang on my last trip, unfortunately. So can't comment on them. Maybe next time.

 

[Rangen]

Lotus of Siam is the most stunningly excellent Thai restaurant ever and a must-visit.

 

[Sparhawk]

Lotus of Siam is the most stunningly excellent Thai restaurant ever and a must-visit.

I did get them on my list

Does it matter which one we go to?

 

[Sparhawk]

Ramen Sora
China Pablano
Jaléo
Sparrow and wolf

Did you life jaleo more than Jose other restaurants? I'm definitely going to sparrow and Wolf.

 

[Rangen]

I did get them on my list

Does it matter which one we go to?

Are you sure there's really more than one? I see only one location listed here, the one I last visited a couple of years ago: https://www.lotusofsiamlv.com/

BTW they have an amazing list of well-chosen wines that actually go with the food.

 

[Sparhawk]

Are you sure there's really more than one? I see only one location listed here, the one I last visited a couple of years ago: https://www.lotusofsiamlv.com/

BTW they have an amazing list of well-chosen wines that actually go with the food.

If you look at the contact page there's one on Sahara but it appears to be temporarily closed. It's closer to the strip and I was watching to see if it's open by the time we arrive but will have the flamingo location as backup.

 

[Calvinlicious]

Did you life jaleo more than Jose other restaurants? I'm definitely going to sparrow and Wolf.

China pablano is my favorite Jose restaurant. If you can get reservations to é its an amazing experience.

 

[Noodle Soup]

If you look at the contact page there's one on Sahara but it appears to be temporarily closed. It's closer to the strip and I was watching to see if it's open by the time we arrive but will have the flamingo location as backup.

Been to the one on Sahara a number of times. Good Thai but despite all the praise I've heard for it I didn't think it was much better than that. Maybe all my trips to Thailand have spoiled me for toned down Americanized Thai.

 

[dmonterisi]

I think the one on Sahara just re-opened or is about to re-open. doesn't matter which you go to, they are all fantastic. the newest one was opened in Red Rock Casino last year and is a fantastic space.

Agreed on China Poblano, probably my fav restaurant. was just there on saturday, recently added char siu pork ribs and deep fried cobia collar. both high recommends.

If you want to go high end, Aburiya Raku in Chinatown is legendary.

L'atelier du Joel Robuchon has returned to MGM Grand for a less over the top Joel Robuchon experience than the big restaurant (which i see on your list).

I would personally avoid any vegas steakhouse, they are gruesomely overpriced, but if you want that over the top experience, SW at Wynn and Bavette's at Park MGM are my 2 tops.

I don't love Best Friend as much as some others do but it is probably worth a try.

If you can get into Herbs & Rye for cocktails, it's an incredible cocktail bar. their steaks are 50% off during happy hour (5-8 pm and midnight to 3am). post midnight at the bar at herbs n rye can be a great vegas experience.

if you need more specific info, feel free to PM me, i've lived here for 8 years and am happy to help with other off the beaten track recommendations if you want.

 

[Kitchenchem]

Firefly tapas restaurant one block off the strip. A local favorite.

 

[YumYumSauce]

I didn't get to try Shang on my last trip, unfortunately. So can't comment on them. Maybe next time.

I really enjoy both Magic Noodle and Shangs Artisan Noodle, pretty comparable. If I had to chose, Id chose Shangs. Magic Noodle has more spicer options. There's a Shangs inside the new Durango resort offstrip too. Also pretty good foodcourt.

 

[YumYumSauce]

Generally, great offstrip list. I would leave out The Taco Stand. I prefer Paris Bagguete, 85°, or Tour le Jour over Crown Bakery, all on the same street, Spring Mt.

Tacos el Gordo and Ichiza are both great for late night, like after 2am drunk binging/sobering up but theres much better options if going during normal people hours.

As much as I enjoy Din Tai Fun I think it's overpriced and overrated. Best Friend too, but it has a cool decor/vibe.

Edo, Esther's Kitchen, and Raku, are excellent. As good if not better than the strip for less. Esthers Kitchen makes everything inhouse; pasta, bread, pizza. You can wander Freemont street and Arts district then head to Esthers after or vice versa.
Some of my favorite places in town. Aburiya Raku is my personal favorite, and it's open late.

On the strip for French food I'm baised toward Bouchon and Guy Savoy, both places Ive worked. Excellent all around.

I have friends that work at both Robuchons and did a couple stages. Atelier is more causal, open kitchen counter top service. Joel is more traditional sit down stuffy service. Can't go wrong depending on what kind of service you want.

Mon Ami Gabi is casual. I dont think its worth it except if you want to sit on the patio and have coffee and crossiant. Def don't go after trying Bouchon, Robuchon, or Guy Savoy or youll be super disappointed.

Feel free to ask me more questions/options. Great spots already, don't want to overcrowd and give too many options.

 

[YumYumSauce]

I think the one on Sahara just re-opened or is about to re-open. doesn't matter which you go to, they are all fantastic. the newest one was opened in Red Rock Casino last year and is a fantastic space.

Agreed on China Poblano, probably my fav restaurant. was just there on saturday, recently added char siu pork ribs and deep fried cobia collar. both high recommends.

If you want to go high end, Aburiya Raku in Chinatown is legendary.

L'atelier du Joel Robuchon has returned to MGM Grand for a less over the top Joel Robuchon experience than the big restaurant (which i see on your list).

I would personally avoid any vegas steakhouse, they are gruesomely overpriced, but if you want that over the top experience, SW at Wynn and Bavette's at Park MGM are my 2 tops.

I don't love Best Friend as much as some others do but it is probably worth a try.

If you can get into Herbs & Rye for cocktails, it's an incredible cocktail bar. their steaks are 50% off during happy hour (5-8 pm and midnight to 3am). post midnight at the bar at herbs n rye can be a great vegas experience.

if you need more specific info, feel free to PM me, i've lived here for 8 years and am happy to help with other off the beaten track recommendations if you want.

Yea I don't know what's going on with the Sahara Lotus of Siam. Its next to the Green Door if youre into that . The flamingo location is much nicer and in a much nicer area. The one in Red Rock is out in Summerlin so might not be worth the drive. Might be worth it if you want to check out an Aviators ballgame or Red Rock Canyon . Go to Calico Basin, on the outside rim of Red Rock for a quick hassle free hike, you need reservations for Red Rock Canyon now.

+1 for Herbs and Rye. Cleaver, it's sister restaurant is worth a mention too.

Area 15 right off the strip is a cool place to check out, lots of different experiences. Omega mart is my fav.
Go eat somewhere in chinatown/ spring mountain after.

 

[Delat]

I can definitely add a big thumbs-up for Robuchon, at least the Atelier. It's been maybe 7 years since I've been last, but I've been to Atelier at least a half-dozen times and even met the man himself there a few times.

Raku is also a favorite and we go every time we're in LV. The coal (charcoal?) flavor off the grill is amazing and the flavors of the food are fantastic.

I also see Sparrow + Wolf on your list. We were there earlier this year for the first time and loved it. Food quality definitely on par with Michelin 1-star places I've eaten.

Din Tai Fung I think is hugely overrated. I've been to 3 locations in different cities and while it's decent I don't think it's any better than your local good quality Chinese restaurant.

 

[YumYumSauce]

Vegas is relatively small and easy to get around. The strip is very walkable if you have the time to wander, not so much if on a time crunch during peak hours. If you have things planned like a dinner and show, I'd stick to places in the resort or nearby.

Also protip, grab a case of beer/bottle from the store for the room/walking around. You can drink on the strip/freemont, just no glass bottles.
The further offstrip you go, the better the prices

 

[jaydee]

I read "visiting vegans, where to eat?"
I do need glasses I think...
Off topic end. Happy weekend.

 

[Rangen]

Din Tai Fung I think is hugely overrated. I've been to 3 locations in different cities and while it's decent I don't think it's any better than your local good quality Chinese restaurant.

Din Tai Fung varies substantially in quality in different locations.

Hong Kong: Quite good, but there are too many truly great options in that city to make it worthwhile IMO

Seattle: Seriously mediocre

London: Not bad, better than Seattle, not great. I don't think London has very good Chinese food in general, compared to, say, Vancouver or the area near the San Francisco airport.

Las Vegas: Surprisingly good, I liked it a lot and returned a few times.

 

[Sparhawk]

Generally, great offstrip list. I would leave out The Taco Stand. I prefer Paris Bagguete, 85°, or Tour le Jour over Crown Bakery, all on the same street, Spring Mt.

Tacos el Gordo and Ichiza are both great for late night, like after 2am drunk binging/sobering up but theres much better options if going during normal people hours.

As much as I enjoy Din Tai Fun I think it's overpriced and overrated. Best Friend too, but it has a cool decor/vibe.

Edo, Esther's Kitchen, and Raku, are excellent. As good if not better than the strip for less. Esthers Kitchen makes everything inhouse; pasta, bread, pizza. You can wander Freemont street and Arts district then head to Esthers after or vice versa.
Some of my favorite places in town. Aburiya Raku is my personal favorite, and it's open late.

On the strip for French food I'm baised toward Bouchon and Guy Savoy, both places Ive worked. Excellent all around.

I have friends that work at both Robuchons and did a couple stages. Atelier is more causal, open kitchen counter top service. Joel is more traditional sit down stuffy service. Can't go wrong depending on what kind of service you want.

Mon Ami Gabi is casual. I dont think its worth it except if you want to sit on the patio and have coffee and crossiant. Def don't go after trying Bouchon, Robuchon, or Guy Savoy or youll be super disappointed.

Feel free to ask me more questions/options. Great spots already, don't want to overcrowd and give too many options.

Any favorite tacos or Mexican near strip that's worth checking out? Will be there most of the trip and wanted to see.

 

[dmonterisi]

Tacos el gordo. On lv blvd north of the Encore hotel.

 

[ch_br]

Mint Indian Bistro (original location) is on Flamingo about a mile or so to the east, past Lotus of Siam (which is also damn good).

It's a small local spot in a strip mall with incredible food.

the lunch buffet is a ridiculous deal with unlimited naan (reg or garlic) and its pretty much full every day with Indian locals...

the second location in Summerlin is no where near as good.

A trip to Vegas is incomplete if I don't hit Mint at least once.

It's also great for dinner, but the lunch buffet is such a great deal I can't pass. When I first started going in 2008 I think it was $8.99.

Literally everyone I've taken or recommended it to has been impressed, despite the look of the exterior in the stip mall right next to the Jack in the box drive through.

Just writing this post is making me salivate...

 

[YumYumSauce]

Any favorite tacos or Mexican near strip that's worth checking out? Will be there most of the trip and wanted to see.

I like Bajamar Seafood and Tacos which is North Strip and Taqueria Casa del Sabor. Theres one like 3 mins from the MGM, by the airport and one off of Fremont
And theyre open 24/7. I haven't been but I've heard great things about Javier's at the Aria for Mexican.

Tacos el Gordo is like how we've described Din Tai Fun. Overhyped and always crowded, lacks flavor. I like their variety and I still enjoy it, esp late drunken nights. Not many places that have sesos, buche, cabeza, suadero etc. I wouldn't stress too much if you got a lot planned.

 

[Sparhawk]

I like Bajamar Seafood and Tacos which is North Strip and Taqueria Casa del Sabor. Theres one like 3 mins from the MGM, by the airport and one off of Fremont
And theyre open 24/7. I haven't been but I've heard great things about Javier's at the Aria for Mexican.

Tacos el Gordo is like how we've described Din Tai Fun. Overhyped and always crowded, lacks flavor. I like their variety and I still enjoy it, esp late drunken nights. Not many places that have sesos, buche, cabeza, suadero etc. I wouldn't stress too much if you got a lot planned.

Bajamar looked good and I added it to the list. I looked at the bakeries but will admit I try to avoid chains of most sorts. Definitely keeping them in mind though.

I've slimmed.down the list a decent amount as well.

Any iconic dishes that we should try while we are there?

 

[YumYumSauce]

Bajamar looked good and I added it to the list. I looked at the bakeries but will admit I try to avoid chains of most sorts. Definitely keeping them in mind though.

I've slimmed.down the list a decent amount as well.

Any iconic dishes that we should try while we are there?

Iconic dishes in general? Or somewhere specific?

Heard on the chains, I'm the same. Don't think I've tried Crown Bakery actually, I got it mixed up with Sunville.... There's Suzuya Patisserie, also on spring mt.

 

[Sparhawk]

Iconic dishes in general? Or somewhere specific?

Heard on the chains, I'm the same. Don't think I've tried Crown Bakery actually, I got it mixed up with Sunville.... There's Suzuya Patisserie, also on spring mt.

Either

If there's a specific dish to get at any of the restaurants I listed or if there's something iconic for Vegas that should be tried.

 

[YumYumSauce]

Either

If there's a specific dish to get at any of the restaurants I listed or if there's something iconic for Vegas that should be tried.

I'd say go tasting menu's for the places that offer it. Raku being the exception, you'll have a great time choosing either. At Esthers, order from each section, pizza, pasta, apps, ex.

At Shangs, I usually go for hand pulled dan dan noodles or hand pulled chicken and Mushroom noodles, cucumbers, any dumpling/wonton, and beef pancakes if we're hungry.

Classic dishes
Bouchon: Poulet Roti
Guy Savoy: artichoke and black truffle soup
Robouchon: pomme puree

The one buffet I'd recommend is Bacchanal at Caesers, seriously impressive buffet.

Grab a Verbena flower cocktail at the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan, very interesting drink. The buzz button makes it.

The Peppermill is a cool old vegas spot. Across the street from tacos el gordo. They're open 24/7, you don't have to eat, cool spot for a drink.

Plenty of speakeasies sprinkled around the strip and vegas.

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