Photo: Lago
The first half of 2015 has brought some impressive new restaurants to Las Vegas. Each one offers something different, from fried chicken to premium dark chocolate, but the hard part could be figuring out which one to try first.
Andiron
The team behind west valley favorites like Honey Salt and Made L.V. is going bigger, better and more upscale with Andiron Steak & Sea at the Downtown Summerlin outdoor shopping complex. The carefully prepared steaks are made from the finest cuts from around the country and go perfectly with creative side dishes like the Mac & Cheese Waffle
Bardot
Michael Mina has a new French spot at the Aria resort, taking over the same real estate where his American Fish restaurant once stood. You can order mussels marinieres and escargot in a semi-casual environment that is lively, social and far from uptight and stuffy.
Photo: Glutton
Glutton
This new on-the-corner eatery is giving Carson Kitchen a run for its money as the go-to casual spot downtown. Treats from the wood-fired oven include shaved brussel sprouts and a Bacon & Fig Flatbread.
Hexx Kitchen + Bar
The Sugar Factory at the Paris resort has been given a massive makeover with a remodeled dining room and upgraded menu, while keeping one of the best outdoor patios you’ll find anywhere on the Strip. But what makes Hexx really cool is the in-house chocolate crafting program. It’s the only place where you’ll find chocolate made with this degree of quality and precision.
Itsy Bitsy Ramen & Whiskey
The name of this downtown restaurant already clues you in on a couple of the specialties. But the entire menu of Asian-inspired bites offers a small but diverse selection of plates, like the sushi hand rolls, that are perfect for sharing.
Lago
Dinner by the water doesn’t get much better than this. Julian Serrano’s latest Las Vegas venture at the Bellagio offers Italian cuisine served in small, yet sharable portions with a view of the resort’s iconic fountains.
Public School 702
Downtown Summerlin’s latest addition offers a second story view with a sprawling patio while promising an “education” in casual dining. Dishes like the Dragoons Irish Stout Short Rib and Kale Caesar Salad are made with fresh farm to table ingredients. Wash it all down with one of the many craft beers on tap.
Photo: Searsucker
Searsucker
The newest restaurant at Caesars Palace is right next door to the new OMNIA nightclub, making it the perfect place to pre-game with dinner and drinks before a long night of dancing and bottle service.
Tapas by Stratta
Alex Stratta returns to Las Vegas with an adventurous take on Spanish-Mediterranean tapas at Tivoli Village. The black kale fitters and medjool dates with crispy pancetta are among the most creative, fun and delicious small bites you’ll find anywhere west of the Strip.
346 Patisserie
It’s worth the drive to Henderson to see the worlds of science and the culinary arts collide. The dessert shop pulls out secret weapons like dry ice and blow torches to make everything just right, including macaroons and custom-flavored gelatos.
