On the Road: Las Vegas Restaurants

Las Vegas knows how to go big, both in the casino and on the plate. Sin City is packed with excellent food, at four-star restaurants inside top-tier hotels and at some of the lesser-known local gems off the tourist track. Whether you’re taking in a show, betting it all at the slots or just marveling in the spectacle of the Strip, make plenty of time for food.

Photo By: Angela Ortaliza ©ANGELA TERRIBLE ORTALIZA PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo By: Tara Donne

Photo By: Christian Andrade

SW Steakhouse at the Wynn

Choosing the best steak in Las Vegas didn’t take Scott Conant long. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Scott said he quickly fell for the chile-rubbed double rib eye at SW Steakhouse. Request a table overlooking the Lake of Dreams for a classic steak dinner, complete with sides like truffle creamed corn and sauteed wild mushrooms. And don’t worry about bringing along vegetarians: Chef David Walzog offers a vegan menu too.

More About: SW Steakhouse at the Wynn

D.O.C.G. Enoteca

Named after the highest level of Italian wine origin, Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, Scott's D.O.C.G., serves rustic pizzas and pastas that perfectly complement the lengthy menu of Italian wine. Set on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan, the restaurant has small plates, steaks and chops to go along with aperitifs and wine.

More About: D.O.C.G. Enoteca

Bachi Burger

This Las Vegas burger joint serves hefty American burgers with an Asian twist. On Triple D, Guy visited Bachi for oxtail chili cheese fries and the signature Bachi Burger made with beef, pork and shrimp. Its unique flavor earned a signature Guy review: "This is BurgerBomb.com."

More About: Bachi Burger

John Mull's Meats and Road Kill Grill

As in-the-know locals will tell you, pitmaster Chuck Frommer has the best barbecue in Vegas. Considering all the options, Guy opts for the flavorful ribs and the hot links, which are cured for 16 hours and smoked for six. While there, load up on pulled pork and mac 'n' cheese too.

More About: John Mull's Meats and Road Kill Grill

Lotus of Siam

Ming Tsai's love of spice took him off the Las Vegas Strip to acclaimed Thai destination Lotus of Siam. Chef Saipin Chutima, a James Beard Award winner, specializes in spicy, herb-based Northern Thai dishes, including Nam Prik Ong, a ground dip made with pork, which quickly made Ming’s list for The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

More About: Lotus of Siam

Hash House A Go Go

Leave the buffet behind in favor of hearty comfort food from Hash Hash A Go Go, where, as Rachael Ray said, "You won't find disco balls ... but you will find gigantic portions." Indulge in Hash House A Go Go's unique take on Chicken and Waffles, or try the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich with a Kiwi-Watermelon Lemonade.

More About: Hash House A Go Go

Freed's Bakery

A family-owned bakery, Freed's has served its fluffy sweets in Las Vegas for more than 55 years. Located 3 miles east of the Strip, the award-winning destination excels in beautiful cupcakes, cookies and Rachael's favorite: a variety of tasty cakes that can be ordered by the slice. When strawberries are in season, the fresh strawberry shortcake is a must-try.

More About: Freed's Bakery

Forte European Tapas Bar and Bistro

Ambitious and young, Chef Nina Manchev opened her Bulgarian restaurant while still in college. Bulgaria is famous for its sausage, and this homage doesn’t disappoint: The mixed grill plate includes three different types of Bulgarian sausage, which captured Guy Fieri's heart. Topped with dry-cured Bulgarian charcuterie, the Thracian Clay Pot is another hearty favorite.

More About: Forte European Tapas Bar and Bistro

Rao's at Caesars Palace

Anne Burrell doesn't visit Las Vegas often, but when she does, she races to Rao's, home of old-school Italian dishes like osso buco, shrimp scampi and eggplant Parmesan. Though Rao’s is famous for its red sauce, Anne always orders the Chicken Scarpariello. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, she dished about the pickled cherry peppers, grilled Italian sausage and the succulent bone-in braised chicken.

More About: Rao's

Lindo Michoacan

Lindo Michoacan has served authentic Mexican cuisine for more than 20 years. Dig into gourmet specialties like savory Buey Al Cilantro, cubed rib-eye steak in verde sauce with onion, cilantro and tomatillos, or Camarone Borrachos, shrimp simmered in lemon juice, garlic and tequila.

More About: Lindo Michoacan

Lola's - A Louisiana Kitchen

The New Orleans-style Lola’s brings the Big Easy to Sin City, with Cajun-spiced food and praline bread pudding. Guy said the roast beef po' boy with gravy is "on point." He found the crawfish "tender, sweet and out of bounds." Locals return regularly for the seafood gumbo, oysters, and barbecued shrimp and grits.

More About: Lola's - A Louisiana Kitchen

Mesa Grill

Bet on Bobby Flay's classic Southwestern cuisine, like the Chipotle Glazed Rib Eye with Red and Green Chile or his spicy Southwestern Potato Salad, at Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace. Chef Michael Symon admitted he can't resist the Tiger Shrimp Roasted Garlic Corn Tamales here.

More About: Mesa Grill (Las Vegas, NV)

Naked City Pizza

Tucked away in a bar, this pizzeria might look like an unlikely destination for gourmet pies. Take a cue from Guy and sample the rich, creamy Sicilian pizza with meatballs, white garlic sauce, spinach, mozzarella and ricotta. Craving something spicy? The Suicide Fries are served with a medley of peppers for an awesome kick.

More About: Naked City Pizza

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand

As the "Grand Master" of French cooking, Joel Robuchon has been praised all over the world. In Las Vegas, his La Langoustine dish made of langoustine and a basil pesto sauce may seem simple, but Gail Simmons instantly craved it and added it to The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

More About: L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand

Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar

Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar offers a plethora of small, inexpensive appetizers perfect for lunch or a light dinner. On $40 a Day, Rachael called their gazpacho "delicious and refreshing," and she said the Artichoke Toasts are "just perfect."

More About: Firefly-Tapas Kitchen & Bar

Bouchon at The Venetian

During her weekend getaway to The Venetian in Las Vegas, Giada had a breakfast at Thomas Keller's Bouchon that was as sinful as dessert. The Croque Madame with buttery brioche and melted Swiss cheese made her swoon like diners experiencing Keller's signature dessert, Chocolate Bouchons.

More About: Bouchon at The Venetian Tower