Las Vegas Restaurant Tips by goingsolo

Restaurant Name: Michael Mina at the Bellagio

This restaurant was known as Aqua but apparently changed its name. Apparently, nothing else has changed, which is great news. Yes its expensive, but it was a fantastic meal. The seafood and fish were absolutely delicious. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. Worth the splurge.

Favorite Dish: Go for the tasting menu. Hey, its Vegas- live a little. The miso glazed seabass was the best I've ever had. Dessert was a selection of four different items from the menu. Lots of chocolate. Fabulous!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: Bellagio Hotel
Website: www.bellagiolasvegas.com

Restaurant Name: Jasmine

Jasmine is the Bellagio's authentic Chinese restaurant, or so they say. The food was very good here, but not spicy as we were told.

Favorite Dish: Walnut prawns. Excellent

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Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Bellagio hotel

Restaurant Name: Le Cirque

Another splurge. Despite the circus big top interior, the restaurant is s-t-u-f-f-y. Jackets are required. No excuses, no exceptions. If you're a man not wearing a jacket, one will be provided for you. It brings new meaning to the phrase "haute cuisine."

Despite this, the food is excellent. There are probably better restaurants in Vegas, but it was some of the best food I've ever had.

Favorite Dish: Lobster salad and the braised rabbit.

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Theme: French
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: Bellagio hotel

Restaurant Name: Noodles

Another Bellagio restaurant. I hit 5 of them total, if you count the buffet. Noodles is supposed to be excellent for dinner, but I went for dim sum. It was an excellent meal. That may be due to the fact that it was my only Vegas lunch which was not a buffet, but I enjoyed it. Besides, the pork buns off the dim sum cart were far, far better than the ones served at the buffets.

Favorite Dish: Dim Sum: pork shu mai, spare ribs, shrimp dumplings, pork buns anbd shrimp balls. A true buffet of dim sum

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Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Bellagio Hotel
Website: www.bellagio.com

Restaurant Name: Hugo's Cellar

This place is pure class. A real find too, which I never would have done without my local contact. Hugo's is located at the bottom of the Four Queens Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, a few blocks off the Strip. Definitely not a touristy place.

Hugo's gives each woman a red rose. A nice touch. The food is excellent; great steaks, duck prepared right at the table and the most amazing fresh salads, also prepared at the table. Its a dimly lit place with tuxedoed waiters which reflects the old school charm for which Vegas was once famous. A great off the beaten path find.

Favorite Dish: The duck was excellent. Loved the presentation

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 702 385 4011
Address: 202 Fremont Street
Directions: Four Queens Hotel

Restaurant Name: Sedona restaurant and bar

Another place visited primarily by locals. This one was a ways away from the Strip. It was a nice quiet place with an outdoor patio with a fire. Not necessary in June but I guess it would be quite nice in the later months of the year.

We only stopped here for drinks and didn't eat here, although I heard it's pretty good. Its a far cab ride from the Strip, but I figured I'd pass it along for anyone looking to get off the beaten path.


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Theme: Local

Restaurant Name: Cravings buffet at the Mirage

This was my favorite of the buffets I visited. The food was pretty good- the usual variety but good and the price wasn't too bad, especially when compared to the Bellagio.


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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Mirage hotel and casino

Restaurant Name: Hotel Paris Buffet

I can't remember the name of the place, but it was the breakfast buffet at the Hotel Paris. I wouldn't recommend this one. Overcooked croissants and quiche that was worse than the ones you purchase in the frozen food section of the supermarket. Not very good at all.


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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Hotel Paris

Restaurant Name: Spice Market Buffet

I wasn't even going to do this one, but the sign outside said that it was rated in the Best of Vegas, or something like that. Apparently, all the buffets receive some rating or another, or many of them do, so this doesn't mean much.

This was my first buffet and I was overwhelmed by the experience. Looking back on it, I'd say it probably was about average, but the seafood was fresh and the Chinese food was pretty good as well.


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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 702 785 9005
Address: Aladdin Hotel & Casino
Directions: Center Strip, across from Bellagio.
Website: http://www.aladdincasino.com

Restaurant Name: The Buffet at Bellagio

This was the last buffet I hit on my last night in Vegas, so maybe I was tired or sick of buffets, but I wasn't very impressed. For one thing, the "gourmet" buffet cost twice the price of the other buffets. Some of the carved meats were pretty good, but the rest was pretty standard buffet food. It was 7 pm on a Friday and I waited in line for an hour to get in and it was a mob scene as well. So if you're going to do this one, arrive early.


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Theme: Buffet
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Inside the Bellagio
Directions: Follow the signs!
Website: www.bellagio.com