Favorite Restaurants on the Strip?

What are your favorite restaurants on the Strip? Places you try to visit whenever you travel to Vegas? Places you recommend to friends?

I've been to Vegas about a dozen times, but so far the dining experience has not impressed me. I'm a middle-class kinda guy: I like fair portions of good food at a reasonable price. I understand that prices on the strip will certainly be higher than Topeka, KS, and I'm willing to pay a reasonable premium. I'm interested in trying high-end restaurants if they really offer a "to-die-for" culinary experience, but so far all I've encountered is tiny portions (3 scallops for $30, really?) and a lot of pretentiousness.

I used to recommend the Grand Lux Cafe, but my last two meals there have been very disappointing. I enjoyed the ambiance of the patio at Mon Ami Gabi in the evening, but it wasn't worth the 3 hour wait (they don't take reservations), and some of our food was so bad we had to send it back. Based on my experiences I wouldn't recommend Spago or Postrio or Emeril's Fishhouse. I love the view at Voodoo, but the food and prices didn't impress me.

For what it is, I recommend the Pub at Monte Carlo. It's really just sports bar food, but everything I've had there has been good and the prices are reasonable. It's too bad they don't brew their own beer anymore, but they still have a good selection of micros and imports.

I've mentioned both these places in other threads, but I like the Hofbrauhaus, which is a block off the Strip, at Harmon and Paradise, and the Peppermill, which is between the Wynn and Riviera.

The best I can recommend is Piero's They have great food and awesome ambiance. Check out the menu for pricing. It is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. It's not like the trendy $30 for three scallops stuff. Good food. They also have a lounge with a singer. Carmine sings Sinatra and Tony Bennett type music on the weekends, with other performers stopping in.

It is near the convention center, I beleive.

Girlmimbo and I have been to Mon Ami Gabi on several occasions. We were doing a long walk through Lincoln Park zoo and there's another Mon Ami Gabi next to Lincoln Park that we've also enjoyed.

You really can't beat the ambience being on the strip across from the Bellagio fountains. For me, though, the steak is very so-so. Last time I was there, the fish was excellent, and the salads and drinks are good too, and reasonably priced for the location.

I've also been to Bouchon in the Venetian -- fairly expensive and is supposed to be very romantic. I found the dinner there to be excellent, but not spectacular, and the romance factor was so-so.

Still a big fan of Grand Lux Cafe, even if its a chain. Service is usually fast, its right off the casino floor, and nearly everything is under $15...

Asian nachos, ftw.

My wife and I enjoy Cannaletto LV on St. Mark's Square in the Venetian and go there once on each Vegas visit. Friends we have taken there have enjoyed it also. It is moderately priced (we typically spend $40 to $70 for dinner for two). It has a good variety of Italian entrees, and the ambiance on the "outdoors-indoors patio" is very pleasant, though it provides a bit of background noise due to the crowds wandering through the square. The musical entertainers on the little stage in the square are always nice. I am not an epicure, but I think the food is very good, though we were disappointed the one time that we added a dessert there.

For a simple breakfast, brunch, or lunch, we like to drop by the Pyramid Cafe in the Luxor. Nothing special, but it gives us a chance to experience the themed environment, which reminds us of sites we visited in Egypt. For a cheap dinner (which may not be at all in keeping with the intended theme of this thread), we like Gonzalez y Gonzalez in NYNY. Neither of us has ever been able to eat a full entree there, and since taking the leftovers home to reheat later is not really an option, we just order an appetizer each.

Quote: dlevinelaw

Still a big fan of Grand Lux Cafe, even if its a chain. Service is usually fast, its right off the casino floor, and nearly everything is under $15...

You would also like the Cheesecake Factory too. They are owned by the same company, and have practically the same menu.

For "fancy pants" dinners my wife and I have enjoyed Zefferino's in the Venetian's canal area. I admit we haven't eaten there the past couple of trips we've made because they were closed for remodelling, but we'll check 'em out again next time.

Dos Cominos in Palazzo is excellent if you like Mexican food.

The cafe in Mandalay Bay (off the casino, not in the food court; can't remember the name) has never disappointed us.

Quote: Wizard

You would also like the Cheesecake Factory too. They are owned by the same company, and have practically the same menu.

Probably the best meal I've had in Vegas, food and value-wise, was at the Cheesecake Factory. But I've got several of them in my hometown, so its not the sort of thing I go to Vegas to experience. If you can't do this everyday, I recommend it. From my perspective, I find it disappointing that this chain restaurant can turn out a better dining experience than Bobby Flay, Emeril LaGasse and Wolfgang Puck put together.

Cheesecake factories are all over my hometown (fort lauderdale), and I've been to the one at the forum shoppes but grand luxe has a few specific menu items I love, like their BBQ chicken pizza and Asian nachos. We also have 2 grand luxe's in south Florida, but thanks for the heads up Wiz.

I like Border Grill at Mandalay a lot. The Chile Relleno was great. I'm a vegetarian, so that's all I had, but my brother's nachos looked real good.

It's not too expensive if you use the coupons that are out there.

I love Mon Ami Gabi, I've only had good experiences there.

Oh, Burger Bar at Mandalay and Le Burger Brasserie at Paris, are excellent too.

There was an amazing French Restaurant in the Monte Carlo the last time I was there. It's rated within the top 100 in the US and I had a blast. The food and service was just simply perfect. I think it ranks as one of the top dining experiences I've ever had. Not sure if it's still there. The name of the place is Azure.

To give you an idea this is roughly how it went:

We made reservations. Rustic jacket and tie type setting. They have a cigar and cognac bar upstairs. We sat below in the main dining area which was cozy and right across from this gorgeous couple (the type of blonde you wish you could bring home =P ). I ordered the lobster bisque and the french onion soup to start. My favorite soups. My friend had a salad. Some of the best soup I've ever had. Then the chef offered us a complementary tasting. It was a tuna ceviche served on a large spoon. Next came the entree. I chose the seafood bouillibaise which is served quite differently from what you would normally expect elsewhere. You have perfectly seared 1 jumbo shrimp, 1 deep diver collossal king sea scallop, seared fish, and I believe some other less noticeable seafood. And this is drizzled with a light saffron infused tomatoe broth. My friend had the steak aupoirve which looked damn good. After this was done, the chef offered us a complementary palette cleansers, which was mango sorbet also served on a large spoon. At this point my toes are curling cause the food is sooo good. We shared a desert and some coffee. The waiter was on the spot. He probably came to our table like 15 times during the meal to check on us, see if food was to our liking, refilling water, more wine etc. It was a very memorable time and we certainly felt special.

Was it pricey? No more than any top-tier restaurant. I wouldn't say the price was excessive. I thought it was pretty reasonable. Food was amazing. Service was fantastic. It definitely left a soft-spot for me, and I would definitely go there again. Now I know some people have to gone to some of the ultra-fancy restaurants on the strip and have been disappointed. Azure at the Monte Carlo is a gem. I hope its still there and doing well.

Quote: FinsRule

I like Border Grill at Mandalay a lot. The Chile Relleno was great. I'm a vegetarian, so that's all I had, but my brother's nachos looked real good.

It's not too expensive if you use the coupons that are out there.

I love Mon Ami Gabi, I've only had good experiences there.

Oh, Burger Bar at Mandalay and Le Burger Brasserie at Paris, are excellent too.

I visited Border Grill on my last visit, and was not pleased. Something like $20 for a quesadilla, which I appreciated much less than the $6 ones I get at my neighborhood Tex-Mex joints. It was very fru-fru. Probably had arugala and pine nuts in it or something. Yuk.

I eat at Le Burger Brasserie frequently. IMO, its acceptable but not extraordinary. I've wanted to try the Burger Bar, but every time I walk past it's packed out.

Quote: Asswhoopermcdaddy

Azure at the Monte Carlo is a gem. I hope its still there and doing well.

I checked the hotel's website, and there is no mention of this restaurant. Sorry.

Quote: PapaChubby

I eat at Le Burger Brasserie frequently. IMO, its acceptable but not extraordinary. I've wanted to try the Burger Bar, but every time I walk past it's packed out.

"No wonder nobody ever comes here. It's too crowded!" Ascribed to Y. Berra.

I would recommend Hash House A Go Go at Imperial Palace for a restaurant with great quality and reasonable prices. This restaurant has been a favorite of locals for years and has been featured on the Food Network and in the L.A. Times. The food is billed as upscale farm food, which means the dishes are what you would find on the menu at a mom and pop restaurant in the Midwest, but they're all fancified and done with an interesting twist. The IP location is new; the original is on West Sahara, I believe.

I also like Bouchon at the Venetian for casual French food with entrees in the $18-30 range. The atmosphere and the service are great there.

Quote: dlevinelaw

Cheesecake factories are all over my hometown (fort lauderdale), and I've been to the one at the forum shoppes but grand luxe has a few specific menu items I love, like their BBQ chicken pizza and Asian nachos. We also have 2 grand luxe's in south Florida, but thanks for the heads up Wiz.

i like to eat at least one bbq meal while in vegas and i also like sloppy joes so i was surprised to find bbq rib sloppy joes on the grand lux cafe menu! the portion was huge and good.

also tried the peppermill on the last trip and like that place too. like the Wiz said, they serve huge portions. a basic bacon and egg breakfast lasted me the whole day!

also tried the steak special at ellis island and it is well worth the price at $6.95 which includes beer! (but their a little off the strip)

also tried the ham and eggs special at bill's and was surprised at the quality of the ham for this cheap price! they have to be losing money on this at $2.99. i think they serve this from 12 midnight and the line is long. not sure if this is still going on but will check on my next trip.

also like to try a steak place on each trip and heard you can get a 50% discount from 'tix 4 tonight' at bill's for the steak house at bally's. if the resturant looks good and there are no major restrictions for the discount i might try that. easily worth the short walk across the street to get a steak dinner for half price! you can also get the 50% for other resturants around vegas.

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I tried Todd English P.U.B. at Crystals in City Center last time I visited and liked it a lot. They have a good beer selection, and the food was tasty and not super expensive. They feature several carvery selections where you choose a meat, bread, and sauce. I tried the brisket and thought it was some of the best I've had anywhere. The atmosphere is lively, which was fun but I can see the place getting too loud when it's crowded.

I also like Isla at TI for Mexican, and Canter's Deli at TI makes an excellent bean and barley soup that's a meal in itself. It's a great spot for lunch.

I also like Isla for nice atmosphere, moderate prices and food that is several cuts above chain-restaurant Mexican.

I also like Isla for nice atmosphere, moderate prices and food that is several cuts above chain-restaurant Mexican.

My wife and I had sushi (only) at Okada this last trip -the sashimi was huge and the oh-toro was to die for. The price reflected it, but I was more than impressed with the quality and size of the sushi. Supposedly Sen of Japan is even better, but that's for another trip.

Growing up in Texas, I have eaten at a few Mexican places (Garduno's at the Palms, Dos Caminos @ Venetian, and recently Border Grill) - None of them have really fit my bill, although Garduno's came close. Dos Caminos, I remember the fajitas came to us, and the tortillas must have been no biggger than a 5" round. Quite a shock. I haven't tried Isla's but hear good things.

A coworker has recommended Strip House in PH, but I ran out of time as usual to try.

-B

i tried sea urchin the other day. that has got to be the most disgusting thing i have ever tasted. the texture was all slimy and gross too.

Quote: rudeboyoi

i tried sea urchin the other day. that has got to be the most disgusting thing i have ever tasted. the texture was all slimy and gross too.

Yep, Uni (Sea Urchin) is an acquired taste - you either love it or hate it. I'm with you, it's not my cup of tea.

Octopus (Tako) is another one people love/hate - I don't mind the chewy texture on that.

-B

Quote: toastcmu

Yep, Uni (Sea Urchin) is an acquired taste - you either love it or hate it. I'm with you, it's not my cup of tea.

Octopus (Tako) is another one people love/hate - I don't mind the chewy texture on that.

-B

ive enjoyed octupus. im pretty open to always trying new things. some things i enjoy. others i dont. but i dont think i have ever been disgusted by something as much as sea urchin. plus it pretty much just looks like poo draped over some rice.

This probably doesn't help the OP, since I think I'm above his price point, but I love the following places and make a point of visiting them regularly when I'm in town:

Nove Italiano at the Palms
Mesa Grill at Caesars
Spago in the Caesars shops
Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay
Wing Lei at Wynn for their duck tasting menu.

Quote: CrappedOut

Wing Lei at Wynn for their duck tasting menu.

this sounds pretty interesting. how does this work?

Quote: rudeboyoi

i tried sea urchin the other day. that has got to be the most disgusting thing i have ever tasted. the texture was all slimy and gross too.

There are devotees of Uni, but I think one of the problems is it has to be of a very good quality. It reminds me of eating eyeballs (and I love sushi). I do like almost everything now. I love the pickles that the Japanese eat for breakfast. But extremely slimy textures are difficult to deal with.

Quote: rudeboyoi

this sounds pretty interesting. how does this work?

Here's the menu. But only if you like duck. After the third or fourth course of duck, my wife gagged. I loved it.

http://www.visitwynn.com/documents/TOW_Wing_Lei.pdf

Quote: rudeboyoi

this sounds pretty interesting. how does this work?

if you like duck let me suggest the 'miso duck' at the paradise buffet at flamingo. it's on the sweet side, and a rare find at a buffet.

i also like the spicy duck at Lotus of Siam. the first time i tried it i ordered another dish before i was even finished with the first! i didn't even ask how much it was, i knew i needed more. turned out to be $20 an order, but i was already in heaven.

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is it frowned upon if i order a beer with duck? because duck and a beer seem like they would go very well together.

Quote: rudeboyoi

is it frowned upon if i order a beer with duck? because duck and a beer seem like they would go very well together.

i don't drink but i don't think so. in vegas i don't think anyone cares, but chinese like their scotch. duck is commonly made with chinese five spice but as you see can be made in many ways. so whatever you think beer would go with the way your duck is prepared.

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Quote: rudeboyoi

is it frowned upon if i order a beer with duck? because duck and a beer seem like they would go very well together.

It's the Wynn, baby. If you're a high enough roller, Steve Wynn will come out from the kitchen and personally pop open a can of PBR for you at the table.

The Rio Carnival World Buffet also has great Chinese-style duck. They also have Chinese-style barbecue pork (not sure what region of China this is from?)

Sea Urchin sushi is actually the sea urchin roe, which is why it is slimy. I've tried it, but I don't like it as much as other roes, like salmon or flying fish. The one Japanese food I can't stand is natto (fermented stringy soybeans).

I know it's a chain restaurant, but we really liked the Rainforest Care at MGM last trip. Not for the animatronics or rain/thunder/lightning effects, but for the menu & service. I had an excellent paella dish, and my wife loved the asian bbq ribs she ordered. Our friend was impressed with her shrimp platter too. We split an appetizer platter (the usual potato skins, cheese sticks, etc) and each had a nicely potent drink.

Our waiter was prompt, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I'm pretty critical of waiters since I was one for 7-8 years and can spot their errors pretty easily. This guy was flawless, so he got 30% from me.

That same trip we also ate at Ming's Table at Harrah's. It was a decent sit down Chinese meal, good without being overly fancy or pretentious. I had Mongolian Beef and the wife had cashew chicken. Both were almost as good as the little corner restaurant we always go to at home. Of course the price was 2x-3x higher, but that's the location for you. I'm sure there are better places in LV for chinese food, but if you're in the vicinity it would be worth a visit.