A ridiculously good sushi takeout spot, a secret lounge, and more places on and off the Strip you need to know about.
LessSpain and Italy have a lot in common: they both think they make the best wine, they both think they make the best ham, and they both think they make the best olive oil. You can try all of the above at this date night spot that takes its name from the word for “soul” in both languages. It’s located on the ground floor of an office building off the Strip where, inside, you’ll find hanging displays of jamón above a case filled with prosciutto and other imported charcuterie.
If you need an escape from the constant dinging of slot machines, then stop by this Italian restaurant at the recently renovated Sahara Hotel. The best seats are by the enormous, twinkling olive trees near the windows with a view of the Strip—this is where you should start your meal with a spritz or negroni before exploring the mostly Italian wine list. The burrata served with grilled focaccia is a must, and we’ve had a brussels sprouts salad that could convert any brussels hater.
There’s no lack of expensive steakhouses on the Strip, but this dimly-lit Resorts World restaurant manages to stand out among the testosterone-loaded, bachelor party staples. The atmosphere hits the sweet spot between being fancy without being uptight for an unstuffy adults-night-out, and the super attentive waitstaff makes every person feel like they have a residency at one of the resorts. As far as food goes, the lobster en croute is a headliner.
It’s true that most of the hottest new restaurants in Vegas are sit-down spots that require serious deliberation on what to wear. So for the times when you just don’t feel like getting dressed up but still want to dine like royalty, this takeout-only sushi spot puts out high-quality fish that you can eat on the hood of your rental car. The chef and co-owner was one of the first women sushi chefs on the Strip.
Located in a strip mall in Henderson, Korean spot Kang’s Kitchen is filled with plenty of leather banquettes perfect for a casual meal with your family or a significant other. Although the delicious $48-per-person, all-you-can-eat BBQ option will satisfy your meat cravings with tender prime cuts of beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and a table full of banchan, make room for the a la carte dishes that flex the restaurant’s Korean roots.
Lotus of Siam is a Vegas institution, and their newest location has an enormous carved wooden door, more than 200 hanging lanterns, and plenty of plants and bamboo accents in their airy Summerlin space. Basically, this is just an awesome place to eat garlic shell-on prawns, savory khao soi, and crispy duck served on top of a red curry that you’ll want to put on everything. Most of the dishes are made to share, so it’s best for a big group or a post-conference team dinner.
When you need a quick bite, this counter-service Israeli spot that’s pretty close to the Palazzo’s casino floor is ideal for solo diners and convention-goers who are in-between meetings. They’ve got a folded cheeseburger pita and a branzino- and potato-filled fish and chips option, but it’s the out-of-the-pita vegetable dishes that deserve most of your attention. Go for the slightly charred whole-roasted baby cauliflower and the bag of green beans drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and garlic.
This family-run, premium all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue spot occupies a prime location in Chinatown (and our hearts). The mascot statues, upbeat pop music, brightly-colored cartoon murals, and neon accents on the wall sort of feel like you’re stepping into an arcade, so this is where you should bring your rowdiest friends. The premium AYCE dinner menu is $49 per person, and includes cuts like wagyu beef tongue, short ribs, filet mignon, fresh-cut ribeye, pork jowl, seafood, and banchan.
When your friend wants a burger and you’re craving ramen, head straight to the newest food hall on the Strip for lunch or dinner. You’ll find popular spots from around the world, like Judy Joo’s Seoul Bird out of London, Wexler’s Deli out of Los Angeles, Portland’s Shalom Y’all, and New York’s Egghead—all of these places operating for the first time outside of their hometowns. We often find ourselves eating sustainably-caught sushi and hand rolls at Temaki Bar, a favorite from Encinitas.
Though it’s really more of an outdoor shopping center, Shanghai Plaza is home to some of the best Asian food in Las Vegas. Whether you explore by yourself or with a friend, the two-story strip mall offers a great capsule collection to spare you from walking aimlessly all over Chinatown—especially in the 100-plus-degree summer. What we recommend above all else are the dessert shops—we wish we could eat the fluffy bingsoo topped with fresh fruit from Sul & Beans every day.