The Best and Worst of Vegas
Las Vegas is a city built on extremes, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its sprawling culinary scene. You can easily find yourself enjoying a world-class meal that changes your life, or, conversely, paying a small fortune for a plate of food that tastes like it was prepared in a high school cafeteria. With that in mind, here are the 10 worst spots, and the 10 best.
1. Netflix Bites (RIP)
While this pop-up experiment at the MGM Grand was meant to celebrate celebrity chefs, it often felt more like a rushed marketing stunt than a real restaurant. Many diners reported service that moved at a snail’s pace and food that felt like it was sitting under a heat lamp for far too long. It was a classic case of a big name being used to sell a mediocre experience.
2. Rainforest Cafe
If there are no children that will melt your heart by asking to see Gus the Mechanical Gorilla five million times, there’s really no reason to dine here. The food is bad and the restaurant is a tourist trap.
3. Senior Frogs
This spot is great if you want to wear a giant balloon hat and drink a yard of neon-colored sugar, but don’t expect the food to be the highlight. The menu is a collection of greasy, uninspired Mexican-adjacent dishes that usually play second fiddle to the loud music and rowdy atmosphere. It’s a place built for spring breakers.
4. Dick’s Last Resort
Unless being rude on purpose is your idea of a good time, skip this joint. The servers actually take a school of screaming rudeness before they’re hired, so you know the food isn’t going to be great either. Their menu mainly consists of fried finger food and buckets of ribs, both of which lack complex flavor profiles.
5. P.F. Chang’s on the Strip
While this chain is perfectly fine in a suburban mall, paying a premium to eat it on the Las Vegas Strip feels like a missed opportunity for real adventure. The versions here often feel rushed and overpriced compared to the hundreds of amazing, authentic Asian spots just a five-minute Uber ride away. You’re essentially paying for the convenience of being near your hotel.
6. Carlos 'n Charlie's
This is another spot where the party atmosphere completely overshadows the kitchen’s output in a way that’s rarely a good sign. The tacos and fajitas are often described as soggy and lacking seasoning, which is a tragedy in a city with so much great Mexican food. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner or a high-quality meal, you’ll definitely want to keep walking past this one.
7. The Buffet at Excalibur
When it comes to Vegas buffets, this place is kind of hitting you with your first funk smell of gas past. Food looks old, flavors are usually very one-note to cover up how long things have been sitting on the steam table. Skip a meal or two and save up for Bahn Mi or some other $40+ buffet at either the Wynn or Caesar’s Palace.
8. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Relying heavily on a movie that came out over thirty years ago, this chain feels incredibly dated and purely designed to lure in unsuspecting tourists. The shrimp is often breaded to within an inch of its life, masking the quality of the seafood with grease and salt. It’s a safe, boring choice that fails to capture any of the excitement or culinary innovation that Vegas actually has to offer.
9. Wahlburgers at Bally’s
Many travelers say that the burgers here aren’t any better than what you’d pay half the price for at a national fast-food chain. Lines can get sketchy during peak Strip lunch and dinner hours, and seating can feel cramped and dirty. There are better burger spots in Vegas.
10. Benihana (Post-Acquisition)
Since being bought by a large investment group, the quality at this famous teppanyaki spot has reportedly taken a noticeable dive in terms of both food and flair. Guests have complained that the “show” feels scripted and tired, while the ingredients no longer justify the rising menu prices. It’s a shame to see such an iconic brand struggle.
Now that the 10 worst spots are covered, here are the 10 best:
1. The Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge
This legendary neon-soaked spot has been a Vegas staple since the seventies, and it’s still one of the best places to grab a massive breakfast. You’ll love the retro-futuristic purple decor and the fact that the portions are large enough to feed a small army. It’s the perfect sanctuary for a late-night cocktail or a sunrise stack of pancakes after a long night on the casino floor.
2. Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand
Visit Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand if you’re going all out and ready to spend the BIG bucks on a culinary masterpiece that is three-Michelin-star French cuisine at its finest. Enjoy unparalleled service, sob-inducingly rich mashed potatoes, and prix-fixe menus that you will never, ever forget.
3. Sparrow + Wolf
Located just off the Strip in Chinatown, this restaurant captures the modern energy of the city’s actual food heart with its bold, travel-inspired menu. Chef Brian Howard mixes global flavors with a confidence that makes every dish feel like a new discovery for your palate. You’ll find the atmosphere much more relaxed than the stuffy resort dining rooms.
4. Casa Playa at Wynn
Say hello to beachy Mexican flavors at Casa Playa at Wynn. This resort restaurant bucks the trend of completely cookie-cutter eats at every hotel, and instead serves up chef-driven dishes that feel fresh (literally) and exciting. Expect top-notch seafood, strong cocktails, and crowd-pleaser favorites like fish tacos.
Wynn Official - PR Limited on Wikimedia
5. Jean Georges Steakhouse
Located inside the Aria, this is where you go when you want a steak that’s been elevated to an art form by a world-renowned chef. The dining room is sleek and masculine, with plush leather seats that invite you to settle in for a long, indulgent evening. You can’t go wrong with their wagyu selection.
6. Partage
For those who want a modern French tasting menu without the Strip’s usual markups, this unassuming spot on Spring Mountain Road is a total hidden gem. The chefs here focus on technique and intention, delivering plates that look like modern art but taste even better. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a delicious secret that the rest of the tourists haven’t discovered yet.
7. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
If you’re visiting Vegas and you’re a carnivore through and through, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés should be on your radar. You won’t find your typical steakhouse menu here. Instead, Andrés lets his creativity run wild on this meat-inspired menu that is sure to please any and every guest.
8. Kabuto Edomae Sushi
Tucked away in a quiet plaza, this intimate sushi counter offers an omakase experience that rivals the best spots in Tokyo. The chefs treat every piece of fish with incredible reverence, aging and prepping it to bring out flavors you probably didn’t know were possible. You have to book well in advance, but the reward is the most authentic Japanese meal you can find in the desert.
9. Esther’s Kitchen
Located in the Arts District, this Italian soul-food spot has become the cornerstone of the downtown dining revival for good reason. The house-made pastas and sourdough bread are legendary among locals who want a high-quality meal without the Strip’s frantic pace. You’ll love the communal vibe and the prices.
10. Delilah at Wynn
This supper club feels like a glamorous time machine that whisks you straight back to the golden age of Hollywood and Las Vegas. With live music, stunning art deco interiors, and a dress code that encourages your best outfits, it’s the ultimate spot for people-watching. The food is surprisingly excellent for a “vibe” place.
