Las Vegas looks like an oasis in the middle of the desert in Nevada. Casinos, nightclubs, themed hotels, and extravagant attractions make it unmistakable, but not everyone knows that alongside the incredible number of casinos there are just as many restaurants.
As with any activity in Las Vegas, the first place to start is the Strip of Las Vegas, the heart of the city, which comes to life from sunset onwards when it shows off its glittering lights, casino signs, ads, and the most famous luxury hotels in Las Vegas. In the evening, this 4-mile boulevard is quite a sight, but even during the day, the Strip and Fremont Street are two best destinations to visit and stop for a bite to eat.
Of course, a city like Las Vegas doesn’t just stand out for the variety of food options, but also for the restaurant settings, some of which are quite out of the ordinary. Whether you are looking for a casual or elegant setting, American or ethnic cuisine, there are venues that will cater to any preference or budget. The culinary horizon ranges from fast food to abundant and refined buffets, from the cheapest restaurants to the most luxurious establishments. On the one hand, this wide selection gives you a lot of possibilities, but on the other hand, it can be overwhelming. Let’s try to sort through all the options.
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Best Buffets in Las Vegas
One of the great things about Las Vegas, as far as food is concerned, is the possibility to take advantage of the many buffets found in practically every big hotel. No matter what you choose, you will be faced with a huge amount of food in incredible settings. Prices range from $ 30 to $ 50 (depending on whether you go for lunch or dinner or whether you go during the week or on holidays). Before you search for the most popular buffets in Las Vegas, here is a recommendation to keep in mind. If you plan to go to dinner, pay attention to the schedule because many buffets close between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm (check the official websites for updated schedules).
- Buffet at Wynn: it was voted the best buffet in Las Vegas by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. It is located inside the beautiful Wynn. Dessert lovers will surely appreciate the huge chocolate fountain and the large assortment of desserts.
- Wicked Spoon: this buffet is located at the Cosmopolitan and is characterized by its modern and elegant design. There are several sections to choose from, such as the meat and fish corner, and the areas dedicated to ethnic cuisines, including the Italian food. The Cosmopolitan is considered one of the best buffets in the city and, depending on the day of the week, prices range from $29 to $36 for brunch and from $42 to $49 for dinner.
- Bacchanal Buffet: the name says it all about this buffet that can be found inside the famous Caesars Palace. It was voted by USA Today as the best buffet in Las Vegas. The particularity that distinguishes it is that you can see the cooks at work preparing the various courses. Since it is considered the absolute best, it is no coincidence that prices are higher than other buffets: $69.99 for brunch and $79.99 for dinner.
- Bellagio Buffet: this buffet is at the Bellagio, one of the most famous hotels, which is known for its iconic fountains. The specialties of this buffet are the fish and sushi dishes. The Bellagio offers different types of meals, and if you choose the right times, it is cheaper than the previous buffets. You can have breakfast and lunch for $25 and $30 respectively, as well as dinner starting at $40 (the price increases depending on the dish).
- The Village Buffet: what will impress you most about this buffet at the Paris will definitely be the location. It has been built to resemble a typical French village with each food station representing a different province of the nation. From $24 for breakfast to $35 for dinner, even the Paris buffet offers choices at prices that are not too prohibitive.
Restaurants inside the Major Hotels
We begin our culinary tour with a selection of restaurants inside the most famous hotels along the Strip, which, even if you can only admire them from the outside, are definitely one of the many places to visit in Las Vegas. Along the Las Vegas Strip, the atmosphere is eccentric and grand.
Stratosphere
Let’s look up to the Stratosphere (2000 S Las Vegas Blvd), which has the highest observation tower in the United States. Located at 800 ft above sea level is the Top of the World, a restaurant that offers a splendid and unforgettable view of the bright city lights. In a modern and refined setting, American food is served and there are two separate menus, one for lunch and one for dinner. Therefore, it is no wonder that prices are medium-high, especially in the evening. The restaurant is open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
The Stratosphere is also home to Roxy’s Diner, another venue that is much more accessible and less pretentious than the previous one. The diner’s 50’s style makes you feel like you are in a “Happy Days” episode. It is open 24 hours a day and its menu has low to medium prices.
Treasure Island
Pirates and the Caribbean are the main themes at Treasure Island (3300 S Las Vegas Blvd), but inside there are also restaurants with completely different settings. One interesting option is Gilley’s, where you can enjoy a great barbeque, steaks, and chili inside a real Far West saloon. Let’s not forget that we are in Las Vegas and that this restaurant has special features like the stools with the horse saddle and the shows with cow-girls dressed in bikinis and leather boots. Gilley’s is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to midnight and the dance hall is accessible from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 4 a.m.
The cozy The Coffee Shop overlooks the hotel pool and offers American cuisine in a casual setting at reasonable prices. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day and it is nice to look out at the beautiful pool, especially at sunset.
Venetian
The Venetian (3355 S Las Vegas Blvd) is one of the most recognizable hotels along the Strip. The (a bit kitsch) copy of Venice attempts to pay tribute to Italy through aesthetics but also through food. In fact, here you will find both the restaurant and the pastry shop of Buddy Valastro (who became famous for the television program “Cake Boss”). Carlo’s Bakery showcases cookies, muffins, cannoli, and other specialties, and, of course, they customize cakes, which is in fact the specialty of this company founded by Italian immigrants. The shop is open from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, while on Friday and Saturday it closes at midnight.
Buddy V’s Restaurant stands out from other venues in the city due to its refined Italian decorations and authentic cuisine. The prices of main meals are not the cheapest in Las Vegas. There is a kids’ menu for children and adults can enjoy the happy hour that starts every day at 4:30 pm. This restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Meanwhile, The Canonita, another restaurant in this hotel, offers Mexican food. Here the prices are very affordable. The Canonita is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, it stays open until 11:00 pm.
Mirage
You will feel like you are in Polynesia when you step into the Mirage (3400 S Las Vegas Blvd) where every night the volcano eruption outside the building attracts a crowd of spectators. You can relax surrounded by waterfalls, palm trees, and a swimming pool and also at the Paradise Cafe, a casual and cheap place that serves American cuisine from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Stack Restaurant & Bar, on the other hand, is good, but also quite expensive. The menu consists of a blend of American and international cuisine. The restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 am.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace (3570 S Las Vegas Blvd) is one of the oldest hotels in Las Vegas and it has a historic setting with statues and fountains reminiscent of Ancient Rome. Italian cuisine (actually, it is a bit Americanized) is served at the Pronto by Giada, an informal and modern restaurant by Giada de Laurentiis, a chef who has become famous for her culinary TV shows. The prices are quite low and the food is good, so it has become quite popular for being an affordable alternative to fast food. It is open every day from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
The Forum Food Court, on the other hand, is a classic court surrounded by several stands offering a bit of everything, including sandwiches, pizza, and Japanese and Chinese cuisine.
Bellagio
The town called Bellagio (near Como, Italy) is the inspiration behind the Bellagio (3600 S Las Vegas Blvd), one of the most famous hotels in the city known for the fountains that create daily water shows with music in the background. Besides going to the Bellagio for the fountain show, you can also go there to eat. The Jasmine offers a very refined version of Chinese dishes every day from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. We advise you to book the table and not to dress too casually. Although elegant clothes are not required, it is quite classy. The prices are high but the quality of the food and the enchanting view of the fountains from the lounge make it worth it.
The Pool Café & Bar is much cheaper, but the quality of the food is still excellent. This casual venue located next to the pool and the garden serves breakfast and lunch and is open every day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Paris Las Vegas
France and Paris in particular inspired the Paris Las Vegas (3655 S Las Vegas Blvd), which even has a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Since Paris is the romantic city par excellence, even its American reproduction reflects this characteristic. Le Café Ile St. Louis is a real bijou and the setting is reminiscent of Parisian cafés and of the most charming corners of small French towns. The menu is also a mixture of American and French cuisine and can be enjoyed from Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday until midnight.
Also at Paris Las Vegas, although it is not really French, you will find the Gordon Ramsay Steak, the two-story restaurant that serves dishes created by the famous British chef. To emphasize its nationality, the restaurant has placed the British flag on the ceiling of the room. This refined steakhouse has relatively high prices and is open from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm every day. Meanwhile, Gordon Ramsay Burger is located at Planet Hollywood (3500 S Las Vegas Blvd).
New York-New York
The Statue of Liberty and the fake skyscrapers make the New York-New York (3790 S Las Vegas Blvd) easily recognizable. Of course, there is no doubt that the main theme here is the Big Apple. What is on the menu at New York Pizzeria is pretty obvious. The wood-fired oven is great and although it’s in Nevada and not Naples, it’s pizza is quite decent.
The Village Street Eateries is a food court inspired by the New York City neighborhood of Greenwich Village. Here they serve hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza, and desserts. It is open every day from 7:00 am to 3:00 am.
MGM Grand
We can’t forget to mention the MGM Grand (3799 S Las Vegas Blvd), the biggest hotel in the United States. If you are just passing through Las Vegas and you don’t have the slightest intention of spending the day at roulette, slot machines, and blackjack tables, you can have fun at the MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park. At TAP Sports Bar, sports fans can watch games while enjoying American cuisine and snacks. It has a casual atmosphere and low to medium prices and it is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, while Thursday to Saturday it is open until midnight.
Excalibur
The medieval castle on the Strip houses the Excalibur (3850 S Las Vegas Blvd). Within its walls, you will find the Drenched Bar & Grill, a casual, affordable restaurant that serves cocktails, snacks, and American food. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you only have time for a quick meal, you can head to the Food Court (there is one here too) and choose one of the various dining options. The Food Court offers a lot of variety and there are, for example, pretzels from Auntie Anne’s, cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon, doughnuts from Krispy Kreme, southern cuisine from Popeyes, and includes some chains like Pizza Hut, Popcornopolis, Yogurtlandia, and Starbucks.
Luxor
The great pyramid and sphinx at the Luxor (3900 S Las Vegas Blvd) take you back in time to Ancient Egypt, but the food in its restaurant is anything but Egyptian. At Public House, you can watch your favorite sports while enjoying American cuisine and stadium food like chicken fingers, giant pretzels, fish ‘n’ chips, and nachos. Public House can be described as a modern, affordable restaurant. It has soft lighting and a large American flag on the wall. It is open Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd) is inspired by the tropics, but even here the cuisine at the restaurants does not match the theme of the hotel. The Border Grill serves Mexican food and also brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on weekends, the restaurant opens at 10:00 am.
Southeast cuisine at moderate prices, but above all live music, can be enjoyed at the House of Blues. You may be interested to attend the Gospel Brunch Sunday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, where you will hear gospel songs while enjoying good food. The House of Blues is open Sunday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday it stays open until midnight. And if you fancy a burger, the Burger Bar is the right stop at Mandalay Place, located between Mandalay Bay and the Luxor.
If in addition to suggestions for where to dine in the most famous hotels you are also looking for tips on where to stay overnight, we invite you to read our article on where to stay in Las Vegas.
Restaurants on Fremont Street
Fremont Street is another famous street in Las Vegas where you can find casinos, restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, and some of the city’s extravagant places. Compared to the Strip, Fremont Street has remained more tied to its origins, a sort of “historic Las Vegas” and in its own way it is still fascinating. We would like to point out some restaurants along this pedestrian strip. Inside the Binion’s Gambling Hall, there is Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews (128 Fremont St). As the name suggests, it specializes in barbeque and craft beers. You can eat there every night from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, but it also offers takeout.
At the Fremont Hotels & Casino, we recommend the Paradise Buffet & Café (200 Fremont St), which serves a buffet with a fixed price and has a tropical setting. The restaurant also serves brunch on weekends and is reasonably priced. Paradise Buffet & Café is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. At the Park on Fremont (506 Fremont St), you can have American cuisine at low prices and admire its lovely garden, while lovers of Thai cuisine can try traditional homemade Thai food at Le Thai (523 Fremont St).
Finally, we want to propose the Heart Attack Grill, which purposely serves fattening food (yes, you read right)! We talked about it in our article dedicated to Fremont Street.
The Restaurant Chains in Las Vegas
As in any major city in the United States, there is no shortage of restaurant chains here in Las Vegas, and three of which attract customers because of the affordable prices as well as merchandise. We are referring to Planet Hollywood (3500 S Las Vegas Blvd) linked to the world of cinema, Hard Rock Café (3771 S Las Vegas Blvd and 4455 Paradise Rd), with its rock ‘n’ roll theme, and the Rainforest Café (3717 S Las Vegas Blvd) inspired by the tropical forest.
We also recommend Cracker Barrel (8350 Dean Martin Dr), a well-known chain in the United States. The restaurant and shop are open Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, it stays open until 11:00 pm.
The Cheesecake Factory (Las Vegas North Premium Outlets-505 S Grand Central Pkwy / The Shops at Boca Park-750 S Rampart Blvd) not only serves the dessert from which it takes its name, but also a variety of American and international cuisine. Of course, the restaurant is best known for its variety of cheesecakes. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to midnight, Saturday from 10:00 am to midnight, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. There is a second location of the Cheesecake Factory inside Caesars Palace.
One of the most famous buffet restaurant chains is the Golden Corral (1455 S Lamb Blvd). The dishes are separated into sections according to the types of food. If you want, for a few extra dollars, you can fill a tray of food and take it home. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.
IHOP – International House of Pancakes, is clearly known for its pancakes and maple syrup, but you can also eat sandwiches, salads, and other breakfast dishes. Two of the IHOP locations are at 2210 S Las Vegas Blvd and 3260 E Tropicana Avenue and both are open 24 hours.
Subway and Starbucks, well-known chains and need no introduction, are also good options, while if you are looking for good ice cream, the best choice is Ben & Jerry‘s (3663 S Las Vegas Blvd).
Where to Eat in Downtown Las Vegas
In Downtown Las Vegas, Triple 7 & Microbrewery (200 N Main St-Main Street Station Hotel) serves American cuisine and locally brewed beers at low to medium prices. This restaurant is popular among sports fans because of the TV screens that show games. There is a happy hour Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm to 3:00 am, but the restaurant is open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 am.
The best Japanese cuisine in the area can be enjoyed at Hokkaido Teppanyaki Hibachi Steakhouse (3555 S Town Center Dr). The restaurant serves dishes cooked on a teppanyaki grill, with a chef performing a culinary show while preparing the food. Some dishes are cooked on the hibachi, a small stove powered by charcoal or a hot iron plate, and there is no shortage of sushi. For a more intimate atmosphere, you can sit at candlelit tables. It is open every day from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Pizza Rock (201 N 3rd St) is a pizzeria that also serves other Italian dishes in the downtown area. The casual, somewhat industrial style characterizes the restaurant where, from Thursday to Sunday, there is a DJ. The restaurant is open until midnight. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Let’s not forget to mention the vegetarian or vegan options in Las Vegas. Although almost all restaurants can meet the demands of their customers, here are some specific locations that vegetarians and vegans can try.
- The Egg & I (4533 W Sahara Ave)
- Mr. Mamas (5693 S Jones Blvd)
- Blueberry Hill (1505 E Flamingo Rd)
- Evel Pie (508 Fremont St) – Pizza
- Project Pie (3799 S Las Vegas Blvd) – Pizza
There is no doubt about it. The choices are almost infinite and can suit all tastes and needs. The selection ranges from casual to refined, from ethnic to American cuisine, and also includes restaurants with panoramic views and entertainment. Whether you are going out for a special occasion, a quick bite, or a happy hour, it’s up to you to decide according to the time available, the location, your budget, and your mood. We close by saying that we hope that you enjoy your meal!
