Restaurants
- If you do not go to Secret Pizza (The Cosmopolitan) , then have you even been to Las Vegas??
Capital Grille (Fashion Show Mall) While The Capital Grille is a national chain, its Las Vegas location is often praised for its exceptional experience. Known for its luxurious, classic steakhouse ambiance, it offers a menu of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. The service is consistently top-notch, making diners feel like royalty. It’s a reliable choice for a high-end, traditional steakhouse meal with a touch of old-school elegance.
Zuma (The Cosmopolitan) Located within The Cosmopolitan, Zuma is a Japanese restaurant that brings a modern and sophisticated twist to the traditional izakaya dining style. It’s renowned for its sleek, elegant atmosphere and a menu that is designed for sharing. The dishes are prepared across three kitchens—the main kitchen, the sushi counter, and the robata grill—ensuring a diverse and authentic experience. The sushi is particularly praised, and it’s considered a top-tier option for high-quality, contemporary Japanese food.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck (Bellagio) This is the legendary restaurant that helped ignite Las Vegas’s culinary scene. Spago is known for its California cuisine with a modern twist, featuring wood-oven pizzas, handmade pastas, and prime steaks. What makes this location truly special, however, are the incredible views of the Bellagio Fountains. You can enjoy a sophisticated meal on the patio, perfectly timed to watch the iconic water show, making it a favorite for special occasions.
Scarpetta (The Cosmopolitan) Scarpetta is an Italian restaurant that focuses on creating bold flavors by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients. The name, “fare la scarpetta,” refers to the Italian gesture of using a piece of bread to soak up the remaining sauce on a plate—a testament to how delicious the food is. The restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian dishes, and its elegant, sophisticated ambiance makes it a perfect choice for a romantic or upscale dinner.
Superfrico (The Cosmopolitan) This is not just a restaurant; it’s a sensory experience. Located within The Cosmopolitan, Superfrico is described as an “Italian American Psychedelic” restaurant and a “house party.” The space is full of artistic and eccentric decor, with live, impromptu performances happening all around you. The food is a modern take on classic Italian-American cuisine, but the main draw is the fun, over-the-top, and immersive atmosphere that makes it a highly recommended and unique night out.
Beauty & Essex (The Cosmopolitan) Entering Beauty & Essex is an experience in itself, as you walk through a pawn shop before arriving at the restaurant’s lavish and glamorous dining rooms. The menu is designed for sharing and features creative and contemporary American cuisine. It’s a favorite for its stunning decor, vibrant social scene, and unique, playful dishes like the “Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dumplings.” It’s an ideal spot for a trendy and memorable group dinner.
Crush (MGM Grand) Crush is an American grill and a “sleeper hit” that often surprises diners with its high-quality food and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians with dishes ranging from Chilean sea bass to delicious pizzas. The ambiance is trendy but comfortable, and it’s a great spot for a fun dinner with friends or a pre-show meal. The service is often praised for being attentive and friendly.
Battista’s Hole in the Wall Stepping into Battista’s is like taking a trip back in time. This is a classic, old-school Italian restaurant that has been a Las Vegas institution since 1970. The decor is eclectic and filled with quirky memorabilia, and the atmosphere is cozy and no-frills. Each meal comes with a salad or soup, garlic bread, and free house wine, making it a great value. It’s the perfect place for a hearty, authentic Italian comfort meal with a nostalgic charm.
Javier’s Restaurant (Aria Resort & Casino) Javier’s offers a luxurious and sophisticated take on Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is known for its hand-shaken margaritas, extensive tequila selection, and fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly in its seafood dishes. The decor is a masterpiece, featuring unique architectural elements like a spectacular Aztec-inspired wood carving. Javier’s provides an elegant, upscale dining experience that is both authentic and innovative.
Mizumi (Wynn Las Vegas) Mizumi is a visually stunning Japanese restaurant at the Wynn. It offers multiple dining experiences, from a traditional sushi bar to a teppanyaki room and a dining room with a view of a serene koi pond and waterfall. The menu focuses on sourcing the freshest fish daily from Japan and sustainable products from around the world. It’s an ideal choice for a romantic evening or a special occasion, with its combination of exquisite food and an absolutely breathtaking setting.
Hotels
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Encore
- Wynn
- Bellagio Hotel & Casino
- Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World (best pool in Vegas)
- Everything else is meh
Drinks
Allē Lounge on 66 (Resorts World): Located on the 66th floor of the Conrad at Resorts World, this is a sophisticated and stylish lounge offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. The atmosphere is upscale and refined, making it a perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night drink. The bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and curated wine list, all served with a view that is truly breathtaking.
Cosmo’s Ski Lodge (The Cosmopolitan): This isn’t a year-round bar, but rather a pop-up experience that takes over the The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool during the winter months. The pool deck is transformed into an ice rink and a cozy “ski lodge” with fire pits and themed cocktails. It offers a unique and festive escape from the desert heat, complete with faux snow and a nostalgic, apres-ski vibe.
The Chandelier Bar (The Cosmopolitan): A centerpiece of The Cosmopolitan, The Chandelier is an iconic, multi-level bar wrapped in over two million beaded crystals. It’s not just a place to get a drink; it’s a work of art. The middle level is particularly popular, offering a more intimate and theatrical experience. Each of the three levels has a different cocktail menu and atmosphere, ranging from an interactive “secret” menu on the middle floor to more classic drinks on the top and bottom floors.
The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails (The Cosmopolitan): This is a speakeasy hidden behind a fully functioning barbershop. The entrance is a door at the back of the barbershop, leading you into a hidden, vintage-inspired bar. It has a lively, rustic atmosphere with live music (often a band or a DJ) and a fantastic selection of whiskeys and creative cocktails. It’s a great choice for a fun night out with a cool, unique twist.
Electra Cocktail Club (The Venetian Resort Las Vegas): Situated in the heart of The Venetian, Electra is a high-energy cocktail club known for its incredible visual displays. The walls are lined with a massive 40-foot digital screen, which showcases stunning art and videos that change the mood of the room. It offers a lively atmosphere, a diverse cocktail menu, and an impressive collection of spirits, making it a modern and trendy spot to grab a drink.
Clique Bar & Lounge (The Cosmopolitan): This is a small, chic lounge perfect for a more intimate social gathering. Located just off the casino floor, Clique offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a great selection of signature cocktails, tableside mixology, and a variety of small plates and appetizers. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy a conversation without the loud music of a nightclub.
1923 Prohibition Bar (Mandalay Bay): A true speakeasy experience, this bar is hidden inside Mandalay Bay. As the name suggests, it is themed around the Prohibition era. To enter, you need to find the discreet entrance and then step into a cozy, dimly lit bar that often has live music. It’s a fun, theatrical spot that serves classic cocktails with a modern twist, and it’s a great option for a night of classic elegance.
Unnamed Speakeasy at Resorts World (Famous Foods Street Eats): This is a hidden gem inside the Famous Foods Street Eats food hall at Resorts World. The entrance is cleverly disguised as a bookshelf. If you find the right one, it opens up to a secret bar with a cozy, intimate, and often lively atmosphere. This spot provides a great contrast to the bustling food hall outside, offering a cool, secretive escape with delicious cocktails.
Clubs
Las Vegas is famous for its day clubs and nightclubs, which are a huge part of the city’s appeal. Here is a list of some of the most popular and highly-regarded clubs, known for their world-class DJs, extravagant production, and high-energy atmosphere.
Day Clubs (Pool Parties)
Encore Beach Club (EBC) (Encore): Often considered the gold standard for Las Vegas day clubs. EBC is a massive, luxurious venue with multiple pools, cabanas, and daybeds. It’s known for its incredible lineup of top-tier EDM DJs and a high-energy, sophisticated party vibe.
Wet Republic Ultra Pool (MGM Grand): A perennial favorite, Wet Republic is a huge pool party destination with a reputation for throwing massive events. It features multiple pools, bungalows, and a diverse roster of DJs, making it a go-to for an epic day party.
Marquee Dayclub (The Cosmopolitan): Marquee offers a vibrant and stylish experience with a variety of pools, a gaming area, and a large dance floor. It’s known for its EDM and open-format music and can even be enclosed in a dome during cooler months for a year-round party.
Drai’s Beachclub (The Cromwell): Located on the rooftop of The Cromwell, Drai’s offers stunning views of the Strip and a unique, open-air club experience. It’s a premier destination for hip-hop and R&B music, with live performances from major artists.
TAO Beach Dayclub (The Venetian Resort): This club offers an Asian-inspired tropical oasis, complete with lush decor, a huge LED screen, and an ultramodern DJ booth. It’s known for blending a chic culinary experience with a high-energy party atmosphere.
Daylight Beach Club (Mandalay Bay): Daylight is a sprawling outdoor venue with a huge main stage and a massive LED screen, creating a concert-like feel. It’s a popular destination for hip-hop, reggaeton, and EDM music, especially on “LIT Sundays.”
AYU Dayclub (Resorts World): Inspired by the beautiful islands of Southeast Asia, AYU Dayclub is an oasis with a tropical, high-energy vibe. It features stunning visuals and a focus on providing a full sensory experience with top-tier electronic and hip-hop artists.
Nightclubs
OMNIA Nightclub (Caesars Palace): This is one of the most technologically advanced and visually stunning nightclubs in the world. Its main room features a kinetic chandelier that moves to the music, and it has an amazing rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Strip. It’s a huge venue with different rooms, catering to both EDM and hip-hop fans.
Hakkasan Nightclub (MGM Grand): A multi-level, massive club that is both a fine-dining experience and a spectacular nightlife destination. With five different levels, it offers diverse atmospheres, from an intimate lounge to a huge main room with world-renowned DJs.
XS Nightclub (Wynn): Known for its opulence and luxury, XS is a beautifully designed club with a huge dance floor and an outdoor pool area. It’s a top choice for EDM fans and is also famous for its “Night Swim” pool party events during the summer.
Marquee Nightclub (The Cosmopolitan): Marquee is a multi-room nightclub with a variety of music and moods, including a main room, the more intimate “Boom Box” room, and a speakeasy-like “Library.” It’s a popular choice for its high-energy atmosphere and great rooftop views.
Drai’s Nightclub (The Cromwell): Located 11 stories above the Strip, Drai’s is famous for its live performances by some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B. Its rooftop setting and incredible views make it a unique and popular destination.
Zouk Nightclub (Resorts World): A new addition to the Vegas scene, Zouk is known for its state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, creating a highly immersive experience. It features a diverse lineup of top artists from different genres, making it a fresh and exciting option.
LIV Nightclub (Fontainebleau): A new and upscale club on the Strip, LIV is known for its luxurious design and high-energy atmosphere. It features a mix of EDM and hip-hop artists, and its two-level design provides a great view of the action.
