Food & Drink

Best Top Chef Restaurants In Las Vegas

January 24, 2011 12:06 PM

You may have heard that the serious dining situation in Las Vegas has improved. Tremendously. The decades’ old belief that buffets were the best meals (and deals) in Sin City is as wrong today as it ever has been. Leading the charge of this remarkable renaissance are a veritable who’s who of global superstar chefs, all of whom have firmly established outposts in the suddenly foodie town of Las Vegas. We’re talking every significant chef in the Western Hemisphere has come to the gambling mecca to claim their own slice of the culinary pie. Below are some of the best in class. – Marco Medrano

(credit: http://www.wynnlasvegas.com)

Alex

Wynn Las Vegas
3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 248-3463
www.wynnlasvegas.com

Chef Alessandro “Alex” Stratta has conjured up the most elegant, palate-seducing dining experience inside the already over-the-top luxury that is the Wynn Las Vegas and promptly transports us to the French Riviera. No, seriously, after succumbing to this master’s cooking, you’ll be mumbling in Europe’s most romantic of romance languages. The recipient of more Michelin and Forbes (formerly Mobil) stars than a planetarium, Alex is a quintessential dining adventure. It’s serious food for serious diners. Dinner hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.

(credit: http://www.craftrestaurant.com)

Craftsteak

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 891-7318
www.craftrestaurant.com

What’s more classic, wealthy and establishment “American” than a thick slab of perfectly aged meat served at a clubby, pricey steakhouse? Nothing, that’s what. And, in Las Vegas, steakhouses are nearly as ubiquitous as roulette tables, so telling them apart could be a tad challenging. Here’s a helpful clue: Go straight to “Top Chef” head judge Tom Colicchio’s carnivore masterpiece, Craftsteak, known for its extensive selection of Kobe and Wagyu beef. Perfection. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Summer hours may vary.

(credit: http://www.arialasvegas.com)

Julian Serrano

Aria Hotel and Casino
3730 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 230-2742
www.arialasvegas.com

What could be possibly so elegant, interesting or memorable about a restaurant that features mainly small plates? Well, if that restaurant happens to be named after and directed by one of the best chefs on the planet, Julian Serrano, and those small plates happen to be Spanish tapas and the restaurant is housed in the architecturally breathtaking Aria Hotel and Casino, nothing could be more elegant, interesting and memorable. Every delectable bite coming from the kitchen shares the expert Serrano touch. This is the meal you’ll remember long after the blackjack dealer squeezed that last $100 bill out of your wallet. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

(credit: http://www.mandalaybay.com)

Mix

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 632-7800
www.mandalaybay.com

Alain Ducasse, arguably the culinary world’s most renowned chef, seduces the foodie in all of us with his impossibly delicious modern take on French and American cuisines at Mix. Situated high atop THEhotel, Mix affords a jaw-dropping view of The Strip, only to be outdone by the food. Perennially voted best restaurant in Las Vegas and boasting scores of Michelin stars and AAA Four Diamond Awards, Mix is not to be missed. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 6 to 11 p.m.

(credit: http://www.simonatpalmsplace.com)

Simon Restaurant at Palms Place

4381 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 944-3292
www.simonatpalmsplace.com

The very definition of celebrity chef, Kerry Simon brings his cooking wizardry to the very modern and very festive Palms Place, just off The Strip. The restaurant is known the world over as a hot spot where the bad boy/rock ‘n’ roll Simon holds court and dazzles with every inventive dish. If you’re one of Simon’s favorite guests, he may even throw in his signature “junk food platter,” boasting pink cotton candy, mini sundaes and malted shakes. Junk food never tasted quite like this. Simon is now even offering breakfast. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.