Renowned as the "Chef of the Century," Joël Robuchon opened his first U.S. restaurant at MGM Grand. Awards for Joël's sophisticated French cuisine include the Mobil Five-Star Award by Mobil Travel Guide and the AAA Five- Diamond award. Diners choose from a $360, 16-course tasting menu, or a $225 six-course option. One of their most popular dishes is La Langoustine, a truffled langoustine ravioli with chopped cabbage. Robuchon actually has two new restaurants at MGM--the second, less formal dining room is called L'Atelier.
www.mgmgrand.com | 702.891.7925
Guy Savoy is one of the most brag-worthy reservations in town. Savoy is known for his haute French cuisine and was voted "Chef of the Year" by his peers in 2002. The dining experience comes as close to the original French restaurant as possible in both décor and menu, and is managed by Savoy's protege and son, Franck. French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte designed the minimalist decor of the dining room to keep the emphasis on the art of the food. Diners at Caesars Palace gaze out over the Roman Plaza from the second floor of the Augustus Tower and can see the "Eiffel Tower" twinkling in the distance. A ten-course tasting menu is available for $290.
www.caesarspalace.com | 702.731.7286
Sexy, sleek and 64 floors above the Las Vegas Strip. Alain Ducasse pulled out all the stops for his Mobil Four-Star award-winning restaurant. Intrepid foodies who aren't afraid of heights book their reservations early to get a taste of upmarket French/American cuisine, and an astonishing view of the Strip. The restaurant's futuristic interior, replete with hundreds of hanging transluscent globes, consistently inspires raves. Top off your evening at Mandalay Bay with a nightcap at the Mix Lounge next door.
www.thehotelatmandalaybay.com | 702.632.9500
In less than a year after opening, executive chef Alessandro (Alex) Stratta earned a Five-Diamond rating from AAA, one of only three restaurants in Las Vegas to have such an honor at that time. Alex, also known for being listed as one of the "Best Hotel Chefs" by the James Beard Foundation, gets his inspiration from the flavors of the French Riviera. The service here is rated best in its class; female diners have stools for their purses. In-house Wynn designer, Roger Thomas, designed Alex with theater-inspired flair. If the Queen were coming to Vegas, Alex would be her first dinner stop. Dinners here at the Wynn Las Vegas run north of $120 per person.
www.wynnlasvegas.com | 702.770.9966
Chef Hubert Keller has a prestigious resume, but perhaps just as impressive is the live flower sculpture in the shape of a leaf on his restaurant's dining room wall. The display is made from 3,500 roses, 300 to 400 of which get changed daily. The Champagne Cocktails come with 23-karat gold flakes, and those in the know ask for one of the four secluded cabana rooms. Noncarnivores will appreciate the "Vegetarian Feast" prix fixe meal, while meat lovers will get excited by the filet mignon topped with sautéed foie gras. This is a great choice for romantic dates at the Mandalay Bay.
www.mandalaybay.com | 702.632.9400
Picasso has been awarded the AAA Five-Diamond Award of Excellence for the past five years. As its name suggests, guests dine beside original Pablo Picasso oils and ceramics. Chef Julian Serrano uses French-Mediterranean influences for a four-course tasting menu and a five-course Chef's Degustation. For an intimate view of the jaw-dropping Bellagio fountain show, request a seat at one of the few tables outside.
www.bellagio.com | 702.693.8255
Worth the hype, and notable for Matsuhisa's creative dishes, Nobu stands apart from other top Vegas Japanese restaurants. The dining room buzzes with business deals, celebrity sightings and hipsters readying for a night at the Joynt. Not to be missed dishes include the Fresh Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce and The Black Cod with Miso. The sushi bar has first-come, first-served seating for those who miss booking a reservation here at the Hard Rock.
www.hardrockhotel.com | 702.693.5090
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It's hard to choose one "Andre's" over the other: Alizé is one of three fine dining establishments in Vegas by acclaimed chef AndréRochat. High atop The Palms, the panoramic view of the Las Vegas valley is as stunning as the haute French cuisine. Alizé was voted "Best Gourmet Restaurant" in 2006 by the Las Vegas-Review Journal. In a time when celebrity chef restaurants are devouring Glitter Gulch, it's great to see one of the original chefs keeping pace here at The Palms.
www.andrelv.com | 702.951.7000
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Locals and tourists alike come Delmonico for a good steak, and not just because it's an Emeril Lagasse eatery. The dining room is classic contemporary, and the Creole touches make this American steakhouse stand out from the others on the Strip. Winner of Wine Spectator's Grand Award, the wine list at Delmonico is as reputable as the bone-in rib eye. Only at The Venetian.
www.venetian.com | 702.414.3737
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Michael Mina built his name in San Francisco with innovative culinary creations. Foodies know him for his small bite delicacies and artistic presentation. In 2005, Mina was named Bon Appetit's Chef of the Year and Restaurateur of the Year by the International Food and Beverage Forum. The Stripsteak in Mandalay Bay is Mina's first steakhouse, though he has seven other restaurants in America, including four now in Vegas. Certified Angus beef and American Wagyu Kobe have been chosen as the beef varieties for the menu. For a treat, try a dish cooked by his signature slow-poaching method, which heats the meat at low temperatures over hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
www.mandalaybay.com | 702.632.7414
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