Las Vegas is known for gambling. It's a city where mischief never sleeps and where bachelor parties vie with seniors at the slot machines. For foodies, it's known for something else: top restaurants in over-the-top atmospheres. If you thought Vegas was only buffets and burger joints, think again and take a peek at some of the Strip's best epicurean destinations.
The famous French chef makes his mark on Vegas with two restaurants at the MGM. Choose from the hyper-luxe Joel Robuchon, with a decor swathed in deep purple velvet and a menu full of upscale French goodies. Try the crispy frog leg with garlic and parsley puree or the egg yolk and herb ravioli with spinach sprouts and chanterelles. Wanting to save some money? Though it's still not cheap, the cozy bar atmosphere of L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon offers the same culinary heft for less cash.
If it's opulence you're looking for, you won't be disappointed by Alex's grand interior, topped with dark wood coffered ceilings and ensconced in sumptuous draperies. The menu matches the elegant decor with choices like Dover sole with artichoke puree and black truffles and a wine list that boasts close to one thousand varieties. Request the chef's table to gawk while chef Alessandro Stratta prepares your meal.
Stripsteak offers exactly what the name implies. While the steaks are arguably the best in Vegas, slow-poached and mesquite-grilled, the duck fat fries are a not-to-be-missed side dish. Diners can also sample an impressive array of seafood in the modern, trendy space.
One of three Vegas restaurants run by local legend Andre Rochat, this French restaurant is somewhat lacking in decor compared to similar establishments. The view, however, is another story. Located at the top of the swank Palms Hotel, floor to ceiling windows offer starlit views of the shiny Strip. The food doesn't disappoint either. Fun choices like wasabi and sesame crusted rack of lamb grace the menu alongside French staples like escargots de Bourgogne and pan seared foie gras.
The Las Vegas outpost of famed French chef Alain Ducasse, miX offers stellar food, surroundings, and view. From the stunning white and red space topped with a 24-foot chandelier of 15,000 glass balls to the view of the Strip from its penthouse location, you won't be lacking in eye candy. The menu is fusion with a French flair like lobster club sandwiches or bison tenderloin with black pepper sauce. If you're on a budget order appetizers from the equally view-endowed bar.
James Beard Best Chef award winner Thomas Keller impresses foodies with his upscale French Bistro. For dinner you can feast on French comfort food like white sausage with potato puree and French prunes or a simple quiche du jour. The real secret of Bouchon is the brunch. It's the best place to nurse your appetite after a long night with dishes like pain au chocolat or Croque Madame accompanied by a giant cafe au lait.
