With the proliferation of crave-worthy dining options Las Vegas has to offer, visitors might find themselves dazzled by the sheer number of good places to grab a bite to eat. Combining two of America’s favorite past times – celebrity spotting and good eating – makes our summer list of best-ofs a natural choice. Read on for a comprehensive list of the top Exec Digital recommendations of celebrity-owned restaurants in the City of Sin.
CUT at the Palazzo Hotel
Wolfgang Puck has mastered the art of staying power in Las Vegas and his name has become synonymous with impeccably presented, consistently delicious food. CUT is no exception. The AAA Four Diamond awarded steakhouse is located in the elegant Palazzo Hotel and has received raving reviews from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator and Los Angeles Times, crowning the restaurant with three stars.
Widely hailed as “one of the most popular restaurants in the U.S.,” diners come as much for the food – flawlessly cooked steaks, accompanied by comfort foods like mouthwatering mac and cheese and garlicky fingerling potatoes – as the friendly and professional service. Celebrity watching is an added perk. “Tom Cruise comes here all the time with Katie,” Puck has said. With a number of successful Wolfgang Puck restaurants to choose from in the City of Sin, we suggest giving this simple yet elegant eatery a try.
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand Hotel
Rising to celebrity superstar status, Emeril Lagasse’s “Bam” catch phrase has become representative of the chef’s accessible, fun approach to cooking with his shows gaining mass appeal in the public eye. Known for its one-of-a-kind, spicy New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand brings Creole and Cajun cooking to diners in a similarly approachable way. Here, southern hospitality paired with fresh ingredients and flavorful recipes makes for a sure-to-please dining experience.
A Seafood Bar, one of the most requested seats in the restaurant, displays oyster shucking to hungry diners and unique, sea-inspired decorations bring to mind an underwater lair. While the seafood is fresh and consistently top-notch – diners’ favorites include the clam chowder and scallop appetizer – Emeril’s is also known for its steaks and perfectly paired cocktails.
Beso at CityCenter
Named the Spanish word for “kiss,” Beso is as sexy and satiating as its owner, Eva Longoria. The CityCenter restaurant combines the actress’ “Latin heritage and her passion for cooking,” spinning out a menu featuring aged beef and a range of fresh ceviche. Aimed at wining and dining the Vegas A-List, the restaurant is luxuriously decorated in muted browns and gold. Subtle, classy accents include repurposed Swarovski Crystals from the 2009 Academy Awards set, beaded to create custom-designed crystal chandeliers.
An intimate patio entices guests to dine outside year round, while the dining room offers stunning views of the ARIA fountains seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. Repeat customer favorites include the meat and cheese platter, specially-made for the eatery, and tender rib-eye.
Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand Hotel
Credited with redefining the Las Vegas dining scene, master chef Joël Robuchon’s namesake restaurant located in the luxurious MGM Grand has earned a laundry list of awards that will kick any eager diner’s salivary glands into high gear. Michelin’s Three Star, Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award – these prestigious labels draw guests but once they’re hooked, they keep coming back for more.
Named France’s Chef of the Century by the influential Gault Millaurestaurant guide, Joël Robuchon’s traditional French cooking features classics like melt-in-your-mouth foie gras. Thoughtful details like hand-crafted butter imported from France enhance the dining experience, which can last for a mind-bending 16 courses if guests’ waistbands are up to the challenge.
Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace
Another Food Network darling, Bobby Flay’s popularity and charm has lent itself well to helping the established chef become a big name in Vegas. Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace serves Mexican-influenced Southwestern cuisine with a twist, including favorites like the Mango and Spice Crusted Tuna Steak or Blue Corn Crusted Alaskan Halibut with Salsa Cruda.
Diners are enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere, offering a welcome respite from the chaos of the Vegas Strip outside. Flay continues to push the envelope at Mesa Grill rather than sticking with safe Tex Mex favorites, dabbling to produce dishes like chile crusted rabbit and tiger shrimp with roasted corn tamale.
