People Watching Restaurants

Big Al’s Oyster Bar at The Orleans dishes out Cajun and Creole cuisine in a colorful setting on a daily basis. Open for lunch and dinner, this casual seafood-only establishment offers fare in the form of starters, salads, oyster shooters, and main entrees. House specialties include the Cajun Ole Oyster Shooter, Louisiana Gumbo, and Big Al’s PoBoy Sandwich. With an extensive selection of seafood ranging from shrimp and salmon to clams and crab, each dish at Big Al’s Oyster Bar features a plateful of marine cuisine. Finally, the wine list at Big Al’s Oyster Bar includes both domestic and foreign …

Since 1978, BJ’s has shown a respect for the craft of beer, and has created a collection of hand-crafted brews true to their own Chicago-influenced style. Their award winning house specialty brew called “BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde,” a light wheat beer with harmonizing tastes of both hops and malt, has earned praises from the California Brewers Association. BJ’s boasts at least seven specialty beers per night plus a variety of seasonal beers and special brews. But don’t stop there—they also have options for lunch and dinner, featuring an extensive selection of appetizers, soups, salads, angus burgers, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. Located …

East meets West at the MOzen Bistro, located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Resort. Open all day, MOzen Bistro offers a wide variety of Eastern and Western Cuisine dishes. The bistro boasts a sushi/sashimi bar, an exhibition noodle bar, and a rotisserie grill to concoct the wide variety of dishes on the menu. For breakfast, enjoy a wide variety of egg dishes as well as some traditional Asian breakfasts to start off the day right. Lunch consists of a wide variety of light seafood as well as curries and noodles. Missed lunch but looking forward to dinner? MOzen’s light …

Dining at Blossom, in Aria Resort and Casino, is like being transported to a mythical land in the Far East. The restaurant’s design gives it the feel of a tranquil Chinese garden, with separate motifs to give the diner a customized Chinese dining experience. The first is a trellised sunken garden area, separating the diner from the rest of the restaurant for a slightly more intimate dining experience. The second is a circular banquette seating area where guests are surrounded by a cage like enclosure. The atmosphere highlights the traditional Chinese cuisine served with a modern twist, cultivated by Executive …

Seafood lovers rejoice! Michael Mina’s new restaurant, American Fish at the Aria Resort and Casino, boasts a wide variety of fish and shellfish straight from America’s rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Chef Sven Mede employs four unique cooking techniques to bring out the most flavor of the fresh seafood: cast-iron griddling, wood grilling, ocean water poaching, and salt baking. Along with the freshest seafood, American Fish also employs the freshest seasonal vegetables and other ingredients to ensure that every meal fits Mina’s standard of excellence. In addition to great seafood, American Fish also boasts other fine dishes such as salads, sandwiches, …

Julian Serrano takes his Las Vegas culinary experience to the next level at his new self-titled restaurant, located in the Aria Hotel and Casino. The premiere restaurant for superb tapas on the Strip, Julian Serrano also serves up gourmet paella, seafood, sangria, and atmosphere. The presentation of the gourmand Spanish dishes is as elegant as the taste; and with such a diverse menu, diners are bound to find a favorite dish. Whether you’re coming for lunch or dinner, for an intimate dining experience or as a precursor to a night on the town, Julian Serrano is sure to present delectable …

Have you ever wondered what’s on the roof of Mandalay Bay, and why people crowd outside in the summer time? Or have you pondered where all the beautifully dressed ultra chic people emerge from en masse, descending upon the House of Blues? Welcome to the Foundation Room. Originally a ‘members only’ secret, accessible only via a private elevator in Mandalay Bay, the Foundation Room began last summer opening up to the public and is now open every night of the week. Distinguished, with tasteful vintage décor, the food mirrors the appointments inside, combining Asian and Indian influences with European flair …

Attention Sports Fans: Have you been searching for a great place to watch the game? A place where you can watch your favorite team play while still enjoying delicious food? Well look no further, Lagasse’s Stadium, located in The Palazzo, is just what you have been looking for. This 24,000 square-foot restaurant is outfitted with nearly 100 high-definition screens, access to nearly every major sports event you can think of, lounge and stadium seating, and cuisine from world-famous chef Emeril Lagasse. Stadium guests are treated to the full “Game Day” experience while enjoying fun, inventive and intelligent dishes.

Executive Chef and restaurateur Kerry Simon brings his distinctive style and culinary flair to the Palms Place with his eponymous restaurant Simon Restaurant and Lounge. The restaurant blends the contemporary with an almost Op Art retro sensibility, with curved banquettes, geometric prints and wood accents juxtaposed against glass walls that provide glimpses of poolside activity for a distinctly Los Angeles style glamour. The menu is similarly eclectic and stylish, blending the fresh flavors of California cuisine, American comfort food classics and exotic Asian twists for such unique creations as the Sushi Pizza and Citrus Braised Shortribs paired with corn tempura …

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville evokes the island flavor and laid-back fun of its namesake. This whimsical multi-level restaurant offers a variety of lively dining environments for sampling signature margaritas and feasting on tropically-inspired fare like Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Coconut Shrimp. Decorated with palm tree murals, a life size sea plane, and “docked boat” seating, the expansive main dining room transports diners to exotic vacation spots, while an upstairs patio offers a cabana-style bar and dining areas with views of the Strip. A group event at this dining paradise promises to be a retreat from the everyday, a blissful reminder of …

Regally reigning atop the Palms Casino Resort, Alizé is one of Chef André Rochat’s jewels among his gemmed trio of French restaurants. Rochat, who introduced fine dining to Las Vegas 20 years ago with his original André’s French Restaurant, presides creatively at Alizé. Mark Purdy, Alizé’s Chef de Cuisine, executes the restaurant’s delectable dishes of fish, meat, and poultry that dazzle and delight through flawless execution. Alizé’s astounding wine list of 1,800 wines would appeal to discriminating wine connoisseurs. Located on Flamingo Boulevard, one mile north of the Las Vegas strip from Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio Hotel, Alize is …

The Las Vegas Strip plays host to a bundle of diverse Italian restaurants, but d.Vino Italian Food and Wine Bar sets itself apart by offering a casual dining experience in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication with attentive service that is held a bar above most. With a philosophy intended to generate a one-of-a-kind experience, d.Vino strives to provide guests with dishes that incorporate simple ingredients to create unique flavors that are sure to keep you coming back for more. Featuring an authentic formaggio and salami bar, wood-fired pizzas, classic pasta dishes, hearty entrees and of course, a plentiful selection …

In the midst of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’s Planet Hollywood, Lombardi’s Romagna Mia is a welcome dose of Old World charm. The warm, terracotta-colored walls and wicker chairs are reminiscent of a sunny Mediterranean village, while the black columns reference the majesty of ancient Rome. The wood-burning pizza oven increases Romagna Mia’s inviting warmth, filling the restaurant with mouthwatering aromas. Romagna Mia’s “outdoor” patio is a playful touch: with a trompe l’oeil blue sky ceiling and a cobblestone floor, the patio offers great opportunities for people watching in the resort, and transports diners to a sleepy summer …

Nobu, inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, brings the allure of finely crafted Japanese fare to the Nevada desert. Executive Chef Nobu Matsuhisa balances classic Japanese technique with innovative flavor and ingredient combinations to create a satisfying fusion of East and West. This tasty marriage of elements can be seen in dishes like the popular Fresh Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. Nobu’s inspiring cuisine is enjoyed within a similarly rousing space designed by David Rockwell himself. The hand-laid river rock wall feature is a highlight for guests, and other design elements like room dividers made of bamboo fronds create a …

The Las Vegas location of Dick’s Last Resort, located in the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, is famous for being one of the rowdiest restaurants around due to its staff that is purposely insensitive to their guests. The menu at Dick’s offers great barbecue and American cuisine, drawing influence from that of Texas. On the menu, customers can expect to find a wide and practiced selection of barbecued meats, seafood, and Dick’s signature Buckets O’Grub. The messy menu items at Dick’s Last Resort mirror the laidback and crazy atmosphere of the restaurant that boasts entertainment for all.

With over 200 beers on tap, The Pub at Monte Carlo offers a bold selection of brews to sip and savor, along with other treats like “adult milkshakes” and a full menu of satisfying fare. Settle in at the bar for your first glimpse at the beer list—the back wall is a fully lit mounted display of beer kegs. Once you’ve decided on your choice of drink and food, it’s time to get in on the action around you; the big game (whatever that may be) will be showing on The Pub’s big screen TVs and music will be fueling …

Open since October 22, 2004, Sushi Roku has been seducing Las Vegas diners with its sexy food and cool, trendy décor for years. Sushi Roku is located in the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops, boasting exquisite views of the Las Vegas Strip. Inside, the restaurant’s contemporary spin on classic Japanese features creates an environment that is comfortable, chic, and visually appealing. The inspired menu of sushi, sashimi, hot appetizers, noodles, and entrees is similarly inviting as it caters to many palates. Sushi enthusiasts appreciate Sushi Roku’s comprehensive selection of traditional rolls and more modern interpretations; diners interested in heartier fare enjoy …

Olives, in the opulent Bellagio Hotel, is yet another hit for celebrity chef Todd English. The menu of Mediterranean cuisine has received many accolades and features influences from not only Italy, but all over the Mediterranean. One taste and there’s no question – Olives is sleek, and their food is consistently true to its roots. Servers are efficient and friendly, and an extensive, ever evolving wine list ensures that even the most exacting wine drinker may find something unique. Olives delightfully offers beautifully prepared, fresh, flavorful dishes, just waiting for the curious diner to revel in.

Emeril. He’s an institution, as much as a recognizable household name. He’s made cooking fun and easy for everyone, and has restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando and Miami, Atlanta, as well as Gulfport. He owns the trademark Emeril’s, as well as famed Delmonico’s Restaurants. Las Vegas’ Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, ensconced in the MGM, has made its home here since 1995, though undergoing a major remodel two years ago. The restaurant is sexy, and the food is exciting. Their wine list is more than fifty pages, and their service staff makes each diner feel like there’s a …

THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus offers Midwestern steaks aged for a minimum of 21-days in addition to prime seafood. Located on the casino level, THE Steakhouse is open for dinner nightly with early dining specials from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The wine list consists of a range of options for every budget and there is a full bar able to accommodate almost any drink request. The straightforward menu includes appetizers like Oysters on the Half Shell along with several different salad varieties, and entrees like the Filet Mignon, Porterhouse or Lobster Tail. With red leather booths and rich wood …