Thursday, November 11, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Eat 100 (L-Z)

La Barca

953 E. Sahara Ave.; 657-9700

$$; Casual

La Barca puts on no airs about being anything other than a traditional Baja Californian eatery, where ceviche is the stuff of which meals are made, and ice-cold beer makes it all go down. Don't think you'll settle down with a plate of rice/bean/tortilla something. Here's it is all--all--about the seafood. Why: Brave the grit and leave the fakes behind.

Lindo Michoacan

2655 E. Desert Inn Road; 735-6828

3715 S. Decatur Blvd.; 257-6810

$; Casual

Lindo Michoacan is like stepping into a restaurant in Mexico. Yes, you'll find the familiar concession of combination plates featuring tacos and enchiladas and the like, but there are also traditional specialties (seafood, roasted goat) that take this firmly into the realm of authenticity. Why: Considered by some to be the city's best Mexican restaurant.

Little Buddha

4321 W. Flamingo Road; 942-7778

$$-$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

The Palms' version of Paris' notorious Buddha Bar is at once a cocktail lounge, sushi bar and fusion restaurant. Groovy electro-lounge music pulses in the foreground (Buddha sells its own soundtrack CDs) while the fashion-capable nosh tasty French-Asian fusion cuisine. Why: Good food, great scene.

Lotus of Siam

953 E. Sahara Ave.; 735-3033

$$; Smart Casual

Insiders know Saipin and Bill Chutima's diner is renowned among globetrotting foodies. Visitors brave the Commercial Center for top southern Thai (pad Thai, satay), but stay for the northern specialties menu that includes Pla Dook Yang (charbroiled whole catfish). Why: The location filters out the fanny packers who have no idea what they are missing.

Luv-It Frozen Custard

505 E. Oakey Blvd.; 384-6452

$; Casual

The Tiedemann family's walk-up window in the shadow of the Stratosphere and on the edge of the John S. Park Historic District. Creamy, dreamy frozen custard (made daily on site from fresh eggs and cream) kicks the ass of any ice cream you ever had, so brave the urban location and have a real dessert for a change. Why: A Vegas institution since 1973.

Malibu Chan's

8125 W. Sahara Ave.; 312-4267

$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

A busy bar scene, late hours and an air of casual elegance make this fusion eatery a popular west end stop, particularly for happy hour. Though the service can be indifferent, the well-mixed cocktails, the food (everything from fresh sushi to Puckish pizza), and the delicious desserts usually make it worth the effort. Why: Californicated Asian fare, just the way we like it, dude.

Marche Bacchus

2620 Regatta Drive; 804-8008

$$-$$$; Casual/Smart Casual

Once strictly an excellent wine retailer, in 2003 the Verge family added a French menu to this hidden-in-The Lakes bistro that attracts name chefs from the Strip. Enjoy tasty French standards, heavenly imported cheeses and, of course, wine, in a casual, elegant setting overlooking a lake. Why: Ten dollar corkage, the city's best vino value.

Mayflower Cuisinier

4750 W. Sahara Ave.; 870-8432

$$$; Smart Casual

An unusual French-influenced upscale Chinese restaurant in a strip mall, Mayflower was one of the first undiscovered greats when it opened in 1991. An elegant atmosphere debunks the stereotype of low-rent Chinese, as does your final check, but fans say its worth it for the carefully tended fusion specialties. Why: Zagat says it's the best Chinese.

Memphis Championship Barbecue

2250 E. Warm Springs Road; 260-6909

4379 Las Vegas Blvd. North; 644-0000

4949 N. Rancho Drive; 396-6223

$; Casual

Barbecue is a big deal down south, representing one of the few culinary arenas in which men willingly get their grill on. This local low-key chain with a big following specializes in the national award winning dry-rub barbecue of chef-owner Mike Mills, who imports apple wood from Illinois to impart the signature flavor into baby back ribs, chicken, beef, hot links and chopped pork. Why: A local success story.

Metro Pizza

1395 E. Tropicana Ave.; 736-1955

4001 S. Decatur Blvd.; 362-7896

4178 Koval Lane; 312-5888

$; Casual

A local pizza joint that capitalized on its success and expanded, Metro remains the populist favorite--the one non-chain place where everyone knows you can get a good pizza or calzone. Crusts of varying thickness are available, but we prefer the extra thin, crispy crust of the basil-heavy Olde New York. Why: Chain pizza? Blech.

Michael Mina's

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 693-7223

$$$$; Trendy/Jacket

Seafood in the desert should not be this impressive. Formerly a branch of San Francisco's famed Aqua, Chef Mina split off and kept this his own. Sequestered in the Bellagio is the city's best (and priciest) fish joint, an almost conceited room where a lobster truffle gnocchi is really no big deal. Why: Sometimes, platinum is the only way to go.

Milo's Best Cellars

538 Nevada Highway; 293-9540

$-$$; Casual/Smart Casual

In the old downtown quarter of Boulder City, Milo's offers 23 wines by the glass, a longer list of beer and ale, and a retail wall of 100 bottles of wine under $10. A modest $10 corkage fee pops the top to enjoy your selection with the short but satisfying menu of salads, panini, and cheese and fruit plates--perfect foils to the vino. Why: Day trip!

Mon Ami Gabi

3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Paris); 946-4433

$$-$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Dining al fresco is clearly underserved in Vegas, for even the platinum prices don't keep people from using the tables at this French sidewalk cafe as dealmakers--just as on the real Champs Elysées. A steak fritte, a glass of wine...you are Bardot in waiting. Why: Service, food, style.

Montesano's Italian Deli

3441 W. Sahara Ave.; 876-0348

4835 W. Craig Road; 656-3708

$-$$; Casual

One visit illustrates why Montesano's grew from a small storefront deli and bakery to two busy bistros. The menu is a mishmash of New York Italian dishes; the pizzas are all delicious, and the sandwiches (including sliced-to-order egg salad) show why locals line up to buy fresh bread. Why: Just gaze at that fresh-baked dessert case.

Mr. Lucky's

4455 Paradise Road (Hard Rock); 693-5592

$-$$; Casual/Trendy

This rocking joint modernizes the casino coffee shop and makes us wonder why it ever disappeared. With breakfast served 24 hours, the tastiest veggie burger in Vegas and the unlisted steak-and-shrimp special (ask for it), there's nothing left but dessert and eye candy. Why: 24-hour party, people.

N9NE Steakhouse

4321 W. Flamingo Road (Palms); 942-7777

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Upscale modern in decor and futuristic in accouterments (plasma screens in the toilet?), N9NE's sexy lounge, where the beautiful thirtysomethings meet, eats a third of the space, while steak and seafood tables surround a round center bar. Why: Music, hotties, liquor...you get the idea.

Nobu

4455 Paradise Road; 693-5090

$$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Among global foodie cognoscenti, sex and sushi are symbiotic, so it makes perfect sense that Chef Nobu Matsuhisa would locate Nobu in the Hard Rock Hotel, the Vegas epicenter of the sexy and stylish. The food is a fusion of Asian and South American, the decor implies an updated cliched Japanese village. Why: Hey, is that De Niro?

Noodles

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 693-8131

$$; Smart Casual

A relatively unknown modernist masterpiece tucked away in the Bellagio, Noodles serves delicious Pan-Asian comfort food until 3 a.m. every night. The room, designed by the internationally renowned Tony Chi, is a perfect backdrop for the parade of jet setting hipsters who frequent the joint. Why: Modernism still rings true for the faithful.

Nora's Cuisine

6020 W. Flamingo Road; 365-6713

$; Casual

First a pizzeria, then a small, full-menu, full-service restaurant. Sound familiar? Serving great food for better prices, Nora's has built a solid following thanks to the family's delicious pizza and traditional Italian recipes. Why: It's the little joint that could.

Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe

3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 784-1610

$-$$; Smart Casual

Hidden on the third level of Las Vegas's only Nordstrom, eating here feels like you're tucked away in a Manhattan department store. This semi-cafeteria style eatery offers tasty salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza enjoyed in deep, comfortable booths decorated in dark woods. Why: Refreshingly urban, at once relaxed, moderately priced and urbane.

Omelet House

2160 W. Charleston Blvd.; 384-6868

$; Casual

The Omelet House is part dark, homey breakfast joint, part greasy spoon, and all small town atmosphere. The original central location is a haunt for long time Las Vegans of all stripes, who love the massive omelet selection and perhaps the longest breakfast menu in town. Suburban locations in Summerlin and Henderson. Why: An old-school favorite.

Original Pancake House

4833 W. Charleston Blvd.; 259-7755

2300 Paseo Verde Parkway; 617-7500

$; Casual

There are so many varieties of scratch-made delights at this Portland fave that it takes several minutes just to salivate your way through the menu: apple, Swedish, buckwheat... For those who don't dig sweets in the morning, a full breakfast menu is also available. Why: Everyone leaps at the thought of pancakes.

Pamplemousse

400 E. Sahara Ave.; 733-2066

$$$$; Smart Casual/Jacket

Though eclipsed by the volume of excellent eateries opening in recent years, Georges LeForge's French old-house restaurant remains a classic haunt and a great date spot. The menu is in your server's head, the vegetables so fresh they snap, and the food darn good. Why: Intimate, unique and oh so continental.

Panevino Ristorante

246 Via Antonio; 222-2400

$$$; Smart Casual

Featuring an open dining room with an expansive curving wall of glass overlooking the Strip, a seemingly unending bar punctuated by a comfortable lounge around a blazing fire, and a delicious menu of upscale Italian comfort food, Panevino is a pleasant place to nosh the gnocchi. Why: It's all about the view.

Paymon's Mediterranean Café

4147 S. Maryland Parkway; 731-6030

$-$$; Casual/Trendy

Shorts and suits share space at this University District classic, where Paymon Raouf has served tasty tabouleh and fab falafel for years. Lunch tables are prime real estate, dinner crowds pleasantly hip and articulate--unless you are in the lounge, where it seems anything goes over hookahs and hummus. Why: An elusive casual sophistication.

Piero's Italian Cuisine

355 Convention Center Drive; 369-2305

$$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Freddie Glusman's off-Strip hideaway is so Mob Vegas that he once joked that "the boys still come in here, but now the FBI follows them in." At least we think he was joking. Famous as much for its clientele as its specialties (osso buco, stone crab), Piero's attracts old-guard celebs and those who dress like them. Why: A holdover from the golden days.

Pink Taco

4455 Paradise Road (Hard Rock); 693-5000

$-$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

The Ÿber-sexy beachside taqueria in the Cabo of your dreams. Everyone--staff, sexpots, satyrs--looks to have been plucked from MTV, and the music volume boosts conversation to strip club levels. Unexpectedly, the Mexican menu (by chef Tacho Kneeland) is equally as appealing as the people. Why: Cheaper than spring break in Mexico.

Pita Place

3429 S. Jones. Blvd.; 221-9955

$; Casual

Inexpensive and delicious, the Pita Place--located in a converted old-style Taco Bell--is considered one of the city's largely undiscovered gems. The unassuming joint serves delicious Middle Eastern salads, kabobs and falafel, and offers all of its food for take-out. Why: The kind of ethnic dining other cities sport in spades.

Promarres Thai Food

6362 W. Sahara Ave.; 221-9644

$; Casual

This tiny, family-run storefront does a great deal of take-out business, though that should not dissuade you from stopping in and grabbing one of the few small tables. The food is authentic Thai (though they will temper the hot peppers if you ask). Why: The Pad Thai noodles, vegetable curry, Thai iced tea and the prices.

Rosemary's

8125 W. Sahara Ave.; 869-2251

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

The upscale American bistro by former Emeril chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan that raised the bar for off-Strip dining. Rich New Orleans style infuses most of the choices, including BBQ Shrimp over Maytag Blue Cheese Slaw, White Peach & Prosciutto Salad, and parsnip and prosciutto scallops. Why: Five-star food at three-star prices.

Royal Star

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Venetian); 414-1888

$$$$; Trendy/Black Tie

Kevin Wu's room is a beautiful, Asian-modern affair nicely complementing the delicious food. Bubbling tanks offer the freshest seafood in the desert, but even vegetarians will be surprised at the kitchen's creativity. Wanna try it without over-committing your pocketbook? Try the Dim Sum lunch. Why: Some of the city's best Asian.

Ruth's Chris Steak

3900 Paradise Road; 791-7011

4561 W. Flamingo Road; 248-7011

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Carnivores jonesing for a late-night protein plate need look no further than this pair of upscale surf 'n' turf joints, two outposts of a New Orleans-based chain famous for its chunky slabs o' beef broiled at 1,800 degrees. Why: A little known option for those requiring the full monty dining experience as late as 3 a.m.

Sam Woo BBQ

4215 Spring Mountain Road; 368-7628

$$; Casual

Those who bemoan a strip mall calling itself "Chinatown" might forgive that conceit when they arrive to spy the fresh fowl strung in the window, just like San Francisco. Delicious won ton soup and barbecued flesh means this is a no veggie zone. Why: Though the service and atmosphere might charitably be called "authentic," so can the food--a good thing.

SeaBlue

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 891-3486

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

Chef Michael Mina's seafooder in the MGM Grand hooks the glitterati with its swirling aquarium, impressive water walls and fresh-daily seafood. Ocean specialties are grilled (over wood), baked (in clay) or simply served raw--much like the crowd of A-listers and hangers on who feed at the joint. Why: Lobster corndogs.

Simon Kitchen & Bar

4455 Paradise Road; 693-5000

$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

At Kerry Simon's Hard Rock spot for the underdressed and overtressed, the lounge area is packed with pretty people on the weekends, while the comfort food trend launched years ago in New York and London makes old Vegas new again with super steaks, seafood and pasta. Why: Award-winning desserts melt in your wet, lip gloss-covered mouth.

Spago

3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 369-0360

$$$; Smart Casual

Puck popularized, if not invented, the unusual combinations that comprise California cuisine, and you'll enjoy everything from soups to pizza, pasta and homey American fusion while gawking at the glitterati and hoi polloi parading past. Why: The genesis of the Vegas dining renaissance, opened during the holiday season of 1992.

Sterling Sunday Brunch

3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 947-4661

$$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

No buffet captures the experience of the Sunday brunches once held in the glorious tiered showrooms of Vegas past. However, Bally's Sterling Brunch--staged in an intimate room replete with ice sculptures and attentive, sharply attired staff--comes close. Gorge on gourmet so good you'll hardly believe you can get refills. Why: The quintessential brunch.

Tacos Mexico

3820 W. Sahara Ave.; 385-7673

$; Casual

Like something straight out of East L.A., Tacos Mexico specializes in the real thing: tacos that taste so different you may think you have died and gone to Mexico. Why fast food taco joints still exist is a mystery, for this place does them immeasurably better and almost as cheap. Why: Open late and always busy.

Tenaya Creek Restaurant & Brewery

3101 N. Tenaya Way; 362-7335

$-$$; Smart Casual

Operated by longtime local family the Etters, it's more than just an elegant eatery serving a tasty menu of sophisticated dishes served with proper presentation. It's also an award-winning microbrewery. And a kitchen that completes the meal with amazing desserts (try the Bananas Foster). Why: What more do you need?

Thai BBQ

1424 S. Third St.; 383-1128

$; Casual

This longtime Vegas eatery has made a name for itself by satisfying the take-out urges of many a lunching downtown cube farmer, and is the place many in town savored their first taste of Thai iced tea and coffee. The namesake barbecue is tasty, the satay very good, and the soup a nice alternative. Why: It's good and hot.

The Buffet

129 Fremont St.; 385-7111

$-$$; Casual

We would be remiss to ignore the buffet, and we find no shame in including this comfortable, cozy gem in the Golden Nugget. Intimate and stylish, with service to match. The fresh fruit and desserts are excellent, breakfast delightful, the price is right and the value high--just like when the mob ran the city. Why: Much more old school than mess hall.

The Melting Pot

8704 W. Charleston Blvd.; 384-6358

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

With stylish mags like WallPaper boosting fondue and folks indulging at trendsetting retro-house parties as early as 1999, the fondue restaurant proved not far behind. This stylish nationwide chain is perfect for a (small or large) group of adventurous friends who harbor no fear of sharing. Why: You'll enjoy every last dip.

Tinoco's Bistro

103 E. Charleston Blvd.; 868-0430

310 E. Warm Springs Road; 263-7880

$$; Smart Casual

Chef Enrique Tinoco's Italian-influenced menu serves big-city food (Chilean seabass, lobster ravioli) to an urbane and urban crowd. The cozy, semi-industrial space in the Arts Factory carries a very Manhattan vibe with its handpainted tables, stained concrete block walls and exposed ducts. Why: There's life outside those movie-set 'burbs.

Todd English's Olives

3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 693-7223

$$-$$$; Smart Casual/Trendy

A recent remodel at this Bellagio stalwart reveals a snazzy Jeffrey Beers interior of wood and distressed leather reflecting the modern, clubby style so popular these days. Enjoy positively delicious wood-fired flatbreads, delightful salads, and a deep entree list of seabass, salmon and the like. Why: A patio view of the fountain show.

Top of the World

2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Stratosphere); 380-7711

Trendy/Black Tie; $$$-$$$$

Revolving restaurants seem a gimmicky throwback to the heady, optimistic days of the World's Fairs, and the pricey continental cuisine only adds to the perception. But we cannot argue the gimmick when the view is as grand as this--a one-hour tour of the Vegas valley had without abandoning your steak and lobster. Why: Neon, baby.

Verandah

3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 632-5000

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

On the Strip but a world away is the Four Seasons relaxing casual escape. Hardly a coffee shop, the Verandah is the most posh, sophisticated "house restaurant" of any hotel in Vegas, especially after its recent freshening. Snag a table for lunch and you'll nosh California style with smart, old money. Why: The unmatched Sunday brunch.

Viaggio's Italian Cuisine

12261 S. Eastern Ave.; 492-6900

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

Get vertigo at Viaggio with a view that stuns the uninitiated, not to mention a salad and appetizer menu (Phyllo wrapped shrimp with gorgonzola! Crab ravioli!) that can evolve into a meal in itself. Extensive fresh pasta selections, plus steak and seafood--all at prices the tourists would envy. Why: A neighborhood nosh of the first order.

Vigne Cafe

12261 S. Eastern Ave.; 269-8463

$$; Smart Casual

If upscale off-Strip restaurant menus follow a pattern, it's contemporary American, and Vigne does it well. Vigne's chef, a veteran of Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, presents items such as duck and mascarpone agnolotti with roasted squash and sage brown butter--an item with a style familiar to anyone who enjoys Rosemary's. Why: Nosh until 2 a.m.

Viva Mercado's

6182 W. Flamingo Road; 871-8826

$-$$; Casual

The Mercado family long ago turned this strip mall spot into a Las Vegas fave. The massive menu (including a long Baja seafood selection) is always well-tended, making the food much better than almost any of the typical Mexican places. Why: A fairly long vegetarian specialty list.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South (MGM Grand); 891-3000

$$-$$$; Smart Casual

While the menu here may read like Spago-lite to the Puck-less, we find a wonderful combination of Spago's traditions (wood-fired pesto shrimp pizza), Lupo's Italian influences (ricotta gnocchi) and some fresh new dishes (chargrilled salmon with cappellini, grilled Mediterranean chopped vegetable salad). Why: The kinetic energy, casual sophistication and worthy food make this a favored stop before a concert, show or night at the clubs.