I’ve lived in Las Vegas for 16 years now, and I can safely say that I will never tire of the food scene here. Having been born and raised in North Carolina, I had my fair share of great meals (especially comfort food, particularly Carolina barbecue, specifically Eastern North Carolina barbecue, which is arguably the only barbecue), but moving West really opened my eyes (and stomach) to so many more foods and types of cuisine. If you’re thinking of extending your stay while here for our reunion and going on some culinary adventures, here are a few things and places to consider!
Celebrity/Award-Winning Chefs
If you geek out binge-watching Top Chef like I do, then you’re sure to have a shortlist of big name chefs’ restaurants you’d like to eat at someday. Many of these chefs established themselves in New York, Chicago, or L.A.; after they gain success, that’s when they open a restaurant on The Las Vegas Strip. We basically have the best from the best here, all on one massive boulevard – foodie jackpot! If you’re into cooking shows with star power, Tom Colicchio, Bobby Flay, David Chang, Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Giada de Laurentiis, Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken all have at least one restaurant concept here. If you’re more into James Beard Awards and Michelin Stars, don’t pass up the opportunity to have a fine dining experience concepted by José Andrés, Thomas Keller, Alain Ducasse, Guy Savoy, Charlie Palmer, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina, or the late Joël Robuchon.
Dinner and a Show
The new trend emerging in Las Vegas these days is a dining concept that provide tableside swanky entertainment. For now, The Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio and Delilah Lounge & Fine Dining at the Wynn are the pioneer establishments, providing upscale old Vegas vibes (think crooners and jazz pianists) that pair well with a medium-rare steak and a martini. There are sure to be more restaurants like these to open in the coming years, and us locals are ready for our own roaring ‘20s!
Downtown
Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) went through a bit of a renaissance period a few years back and now has a vibrant culinary scene with emerging chefs and a unique urban vibe. Check out Fremont East Entertainment District, Downtown Container Park, and Fergusons Downtown for food experiences that are one-of-a-kind and all around delicious! Come for the food; stay for the gorgeous street art on every corner.
Chinatown
I truly feel like our Chinatown is one of the best in the country… it just happens to be in the form of 20 strip malls that span 3 miles. Here you can find just about every Asian cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Filipino to name a few. In recent years, Chinatown has diversified even more to include French, Italian, Indian, and Mexican cuisine! From ramen and boba tea, to tapas and tacos, Chinatown Las Vegas has you covered! If you’re looking to go on a Chinatown adventure, point your Yelp app to: Kabuto Edomae Sushi, Pho Kim Long, Thai Style Noodle House, Raku, Sweets Raku, Monta Japanese Noodle House, District One Kitchen & Bar, Partage, Sparrow & Wolf, The Taco Stand, or The Golden Tiki.
Off-Strip Dining & The Burbs
Just a block or two off The Strip, you can find some real culinary gems. The Golden Steer Steakhouse opened in 1958 and is the city’s oldest steakhouses. It’s got a great old school Vegas feel with tableside presentations of their Caesar salad and cherries jubilee… plus you could sit at the same booth that Sinatra or Elvis did! Another acclaimed spot would be Lotus of Siam, serving up authentic Northern Thai cuisine which you may remember from an episode of Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain. If you feel like traveling deeper into the suburbs, there are a ton of great restaurants in the local shopping districts of Town Square, Downtown Summerlin, and The District at Green Valley Ranch. My go-to recommendation though will always be La Strega, which in my opinion has the best Italian food in the valley, hands down. Mmm… now I want their spaghetti pomodoro…
Bon appétit, y’all!