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Experience the Decadence of Las Vegas at These 10 Essential Restaurants

Las Vegas Restaurants + Bars
by Matador Creators Mar 10, 2023

In Las Vegas nothing is subtle. The flashing signs advertising casinos and over the top circus shows. The ornately decorated hotels. The neon lights of the slot machines. It’s all designed to be eye-catching and energetic. The restaurants are no different. Glamorous dining rooms and bold flavors are what Las Vegas restaurants are all about.

While most people come to Vegas because it’s a gamblers paradise, Las Vegas was once home to several Michelin star restaurants. Today, there is no Michelin guide presence in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean the culinary scene there isn’t stellar. From sophisticated Italian dishes, to modern American and traditional Asian cuisines. Of course, there are so many things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling; the city that never sleeps keeps visitors busy. And you might not realize it, but many of the best activities in Las Vegas are actually family friendly. You’ll want to add sitting down for dinner at these Las Vegas to your itinerary, too. Here’s where to book a table.

Esther’s Kitchen

This Italian restaurant in the downtown Arts District prides itself on using seasonal ingredients only. It’s earned a loyal following thanks to house made bread and pasta, and the charcuterie boards stand out as well. The restaurant calls its particular style of cuisine Italian soul food.

Esther’s Kitchen: 1130 S Casino Center Blvd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Price: $$

Flower Child

Las Vegas might be all about decadence but Flower Child embraces the healthy lifestyle. Geared toward vegan and vegetarians and people with paleo and keto dietary restrictions, the menu is all about fresh vegetables and salads. If you need to reset after a night of champagne and steak, this is the place for you.

Flower Child: 007 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Price: $$

Chinglish Wine Bar

This Cantonese restaurant serves dishes prepared using a wok – one of the most important tools in Chinese cooking. This stir fry cooking technique creates the restaurant’s signature bold flavor. The walnut prawns, braised tofu, and roasted Peking duck are all stand out dishes.

Chinglish Wine Bar: 8704 W Charleston Blvd Ste 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117
Price: $$

Al Solito Posto

Classic Italian-American dishes like eggplant parmigiana, pappardelle Bolognese, and rigatoni with vodka sauce get a sophisticated treatment at Al Solito Posto. The menu’s pizza offerings stand out, too. A large bar in the center of the dining room offers the ideal venue for a solo meal. The spirits menu is so extensive, guests are welcome to customize their own negroni with your choice of spirits and vermouth.

Al Solito Posto: 420 S Rampart Blvd suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Price: $$

Carson Kitchen

Carson Kitchen specializes in comfort food served in an exposed wood accented, industrial-style space. The seating is communal indoors, and in the warmer months, enjoy a cocktail around the massive fire pit in the courtyard. Dine-in dishes include an alfredo pasta with rabbit and oxtail risotto. For a fun night out, Carson Kitchen offers a rooftop bar.

Carson Kitchen: 3155 Main St, Hartford, CT 06120
Price: $$

Bazaar Meat By José Andrés

Located inside the Sahara Las Vegas hotel, Bazaar Meat is just as much of an experience as it is a restaurant. Helmed by legendary chef José Andrés, it celebrates meat in all its many forms. Ceviches, carpaccios and tartares among other dishes are served from the raw bar, while guests seated in the dining room are treated to a front row seat to other carnivorous dishes being prepared on wood fire grills and rotisseries. Start your evening at the attached Bar Centro for cocktails, and then prepare yourself for a theatrical dining experience.

Bazaar Meat By José Andrés: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Price: $$$$

Sparrow + Wolf

At Sparrow + Wolf, the dishes are meant to be shared, so come here before hitting the casinos with a big group of friends. Emphasis is on both food and cocktails, so be sure to take a close look at the drinks menu. The dinner is genuinely globally inspired: There are dishes that borrow flavors from France, Japan, and Lebanon.

Sparrow + Wolf: 4480 Spring Mountain Rd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Price: $$$

Wing Lei

Every night in Las Vegas is a special occasion, but if you’re really celebrating, head straight to Wing Lei. The ornately designed dining room evokes a palace (artwork featuring a gold dragon decorates one wall), while the menu features Szechuan and Cantonese dishes. The restaurant’s signature dishes are Imperial Peking duck carved at your table, and wok-fried Maine lobster. The meal leaves an impression: Wing Lei was the first Chinese restaurant in North America to receive a Michelin star.

Wing Lei: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Price: $$$

Other Mama

This seafood restaurant also features a raw bar and cocktail lounge. Menu highlights include sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and of course a selection of fresh oysters. The vibe is casual, so there’s no pressure to dress up, even though this high quality seafood might make the restaurant feel upscale.

Other Mama: 655 S Durango Dr #6, Las Vegas, NV 89147
Price: $$

Honey Salt

The speciality at Honey Salt is seasonal comfort food. Using regionally sourced ingredients, the restaurant serves up dishes like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken. Located off the strip, this family friendly spot is a good choice for a low key lunch.

Honey Salt: 1031 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Price: $$

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Nevada 2019 01 27 panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip

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They call Las Vegas the city that never sleeps, but you’re going to at least need somewhere to recover from that hangover, and maybe even change your clothes. That’s where a comfortable Las Vegas Airbnb comes in. You might also consider staying at one of these luxury resorts, but these highly rated Airbnbs offer stunning views of the city and and close proximity to all the action.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Suite in the MGM Hotel

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If you’re traveling with a big group of friends, consider this suite in the MGM hotel which sleeps eight people. There are two bedrooms, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s located right on the strip, so you’re close to all the casinos, and views of the city from the large windows are spectacular.

Price: $323 per night

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Apartment in Hilton on the Strip

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This two bedroom apartment sleeps six and features a cozy living room and dining room. Though the Hilton is on the Strip, it’s one of the quieter and less crowded hotels in Las Vegas, which makes it a good option for families or anyone who wants to stay close to the casinos, but prefers a more low key place to retire at night. Only open to one week stays, its a good option for anyone planning an extended stay.

Price: $389 per night

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One bedroom penthouse

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If you’re in the market for a luxury stay, this penthouse in the MGM Signature is where you want to be. Complete with a kitchenette, wooden floors, and a soaking tub, it’s a great place to relax in between adventures in the city. Windows offer sweeping views of the Strip, too.

Price: $506 per night

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