Vegas is one of my ultimate happy places! Aside from the gambling and overall fabulousness of the place, one of the biggest contributors to my Vegas happiness is the restaurant scene. Las Vegas truly has something for everyone when it comes to dining options. In the past, I have shared my Viva Las Vegas Weekend Guide. I also wanted to start a post of all my favorite Las Vegas restaurants. I plan to add to this list in the future – so this can be your go-to spot when looking for the best places to eat in Las Vegas. Of course – this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the restaurants in Vegas, but the restaurants listed below all have the Leonetti stamp of approval.
Bouchon: (Venetian) Yes, Bouchon of Thomas Keller fame! I just love Chef Thomas Keller so having the opportunity to eat at any of his restaurants is a treat. Located in the Venetian, the Vegas outpost of Bouchon can be tricky to get to if you haven’t been before - so take me with you next time you go, and I’ll show you the way! They have a lovely dinner menu, but I suggest going for Brunch! I always get the Poulet et des Gaufres (Chicken & Waffles) and – let me tell you – these are the best Chicken and Waffles you will ever have! Perfectly roasted chicken and a bacon-chive waffle with the most delectable maple syrup. My mouth is watering just typing those words! If you are with a group of people, I would also suggest getting the Assortiment de Pâtisserie (an assortment of pastries). You really cannot go wrong ordering here.
Carbone: (Aria) Is this place heaven? Because Carbone feels like a restaurant created just for me! You sit down – and they bring you hunks of cheese. Nice, generous pieces of Parmigiano Reggiano! I mean – is there anything better? Then they bring you salami and an assortment of delicious bread options! Get a martini, some wine, and then dig into the menu. I don’t think you would be unhappy with any of the items on the menu, but I would strongly suggest the Caesar Salad that they make tableside. This salad is traditional, amazing, and has such fantastic croutons. Really – the croutons are special. Then I always get the Spicy Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce - because it’s perfection - and then you have a serious decision for the meat course. I’m not sure how to decide between the Veal Parmesan and the Veal Marsala so just get both and share! If Veal isn’t your thing, the Chicken Scarpariello is also a good time. For dessert, they have an old-school cart that comes around, but I am typically too full for that and – spoiler alert – everyone gets seven-layer (rainbow) cookies and limoncello with the check. I repeat – everyone gets limoncello with the check. It’s pretty magical! Also, the dining room is beautiful, and I am obsessed with their 1960s playlist!
Cipriani: (Wynn) I’m a big fan of this place! Located in the Wynn Plaza area, Cipriani provides a fantastic Italian fine dining experience. Delicious cocktails, scrumptious homemade pasta, and the most miraculous ice cream I have ever had! The restaurant has a cool vibe that isn’t too stuffy – you seriously just want to stay at your table as long as possible to eat all of the wonderful food!
CUT: (Palazzo) Yes, there is a location in Beverly Hills (which is amazing as well), but if you are in Vegas and want the best steak there is – go to CUT. You just can’t beat the steak here. All the food, really – I mean – it’s Wolfgang Puck. They change up the menu seasonally, but I will always order any type of Bone Marrow on the menu. Also, for the sides I am obsessed with the Creamed Spinach and/or the Cavatappi Pasta “Mac & Cheese”. All the steak is great, but I’ll try to find someone to share a porterhouse with me and get as many sauces as possible to go with it. Not that the steak even needs sauce, but I’m a sucker for the Bearnaise, Bordelaise and the Creamy Horseradish.
Delilah: (Wynn) Wow, wow, wow! What an experience! Our dinner at Delilah was like stepping back in time and yet also felt super modern. It’s a genuine supper club and I am here for it! While the food was a delight and the wine list was everything I hoped for, you really go to Delilah for the atmosphere. It’s a gorgeous dining room and the focus is on the stage. We were lucky to see a few sets of the live band who sang and performed jazzified versions of familiar hits – Beatles, Johnny Cash, Jefferson Airplane – yes, a little of everything! The outstanding service was a pleasant surprise, as well. Sometimes customer service is not always a priority at newer “cool” dining destinations, but we were treated like royalty every step of the meal. The one thing to note is that photos are not permitted in the restaurant. They really shouldn’t make their food so photo-worthy with this rule! Sometimes, however, it’s fun to just let loose and enjoy the evening without capturing that IG content. Oh, and a surprising recommendation – get the Chicken Tenders! I know that may sound odd, but just trust me. Also, I don’t always order dessert, but I will definitely order Kendall’s Slutty Brownie again when I return– it was perfection!
Giada’s: (The Cromwell) Yes! Giada De Laurentiis of Food Network fame! Go to the Cromwell (located mid-Strip) and take the escalator up to Giada’s. Dinner is great at Giada’s, BUT Brunch is an even better time for a few reasons. First, the restaurant has great views of the Strip. Second, they have unlimited prosecco! Well – they market it as an unlimited mimosa option, but I like to go light on the juice, if you know what I mean. The food is good, and the Lemon Ricotta Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are hard to pass up—even at brunch! They are really the perfect ending to a bubbly-filled brunch!
Jardin: (Encore…or Wynn – it’s in the hallway in between) This confession is on behalf of my parents: when they go to Vegas for a few days, you will find them at Jardin at least 10 times! I can’t really blame them since it’s a beautiful dining room with friendly service and a perfect breakfast menu. I’m a fan of their Steak & Eggs which is great, but the dish also comes with their hash browns which are divine! If you are going the healthy route – their Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola & Berries is a thing of beauty! They also have a wide selection of smoothies and juices, as well as brunch cocktails.
Petrossian: (Bellagio) If you are feeling a bit peckish from all of the gambling - but not in need of a full meal - you should head to Petrossian for a lovely snack. Petrossian Bar & Lounge is located right off the casino floor of the Bellagio and fulfills all of my snack time needs. Champagne, caviar, and a piano player! Just sit back and relax in their comfy seats while you enjoy the music and the people watching. They have a nice afternoon tea service - but I'm usually happy with just the Caviar Tacos and Champagne!
Mizumi: (Wynn) I am obsessed with this restaurant! The most incredible Japanese food in the most beautiful dining room you can imagine. You are transported to a dream-like place with views of a lovely waterfall and perhaps the best service on the Las Vegas Strip. While they are known for their ocean fresh sushi & sashimi – even if you are not a sushi fan – you will fall in love with this place. From the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura to the A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Fried Rice – every bite was insanely delicious. However, I think the best bite of food I had there was the Wagyu Gyoza Dumpling – so good – it should be illegal.
Sinatra: (Encore) This restaurant could probably just sell cilantro salad and I would still go—just to drink (hard pass on cilantro)! It’s a Frank Sinatra themed restaurant so they had me at hello! To the right of the entrance are photos of Frank, his actual Oscar, and other pieces of memorabilia on display. When you walk in, the bar is on your left with TVs showing Sinatra movies and to your right is a wonderful picture of the man himself. Of course, they continuously play Sinatra music throughout the restaurant. It’s always fun to have a few cocktails at the bar before you go to your table. Their Sinatra Smash cocktail is legendary! There are amazing photos of Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra throughout the restaurant and the tablecloths are his signature shade of orange. They have delicious classic Italian food and it’s extremely difficult to choose my favorites. To start, I always have the tough decision between the Prosciutto, the Caprese, or the Polpettine. I don’t typically have meatballs other than the ones my mother makes, but the Polpettine at Sinatra’ comes with Polenta Fries and Polenta Fries are my weakness! Then, for your entrée, things get really crazy because you have to decide between the Lasagna (another item I rarely order in a restaurant), the Branzino, or the Ossobucco “My Way”. Even in this hypothetical situation I am having trouble deciding what I would order right now!
Tableau: (Wynn) This is a beautiful restaurant that has such a lovely breakfast menu. You can have anything from Berries and Granola to a European Breakfast complete with cheese/charcuterie. I think you can guess which one I would opt for. The restaurant is sort of hidden by the Wynn Tower Suites elevator, which makes it a nice intimate place to enjoy breakfast away from the hustle and bustle of the casino floor.
Wazuzu: (Encore) Wazuzu is amazing! Perfect service, photo-worthy dining room, and delectable Drunken Noodles (the spicier, the better). Wazuzu is open for Lunch and Dinner and is conveniently located steps from the casino in the Encore. Aside from the Drunken Noodles (extra spicy), I love the Pot Stickers, Pineapple Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, etc., etc. I typically hit up Wazuzu as my last meal before leaving Vegas and heading back to LA.
Wing Lei: (Wynn) I adore this restaurant! I really do! At this moment in time, it’s my favorite restaurant in Las Vegas. Featuring Cantonese, Shanghai, and Szechuan cuisine in the most impeccably decorated restaurant space – Wing Lei is a treasure! The service cannot be beat, I dream about the food, and you feel like you are sitting in a beautiful jewelry box. For food, you need to get the Shrimp Toast, Garlic Beef Tenderloin, and the Mu Shu Pork – TRUST ME! If you are with a group, then please get the Imperial Peking Duck, which they carve tableside. You will not regret this decision!
Wynn Buffet: (Wynn) If you want to experience a buffet in Vegas, you really can’t go wrong with the Buffet at Wynn. They have an endless array of food options and a dessert room…yes, a whole room dedicated to dessert. Again, I’m not a crazy dessert person, but I’m likely to find something that I am crazy about when there is a whole room of them! I typically visit for the Brunch Buffet, which has a champagne option so you can enjoy the full brunch experience.