Where to eat in Las Vegas right now

_{Courtesy Timeless Cuisine}

When the clamor and chaos of the Strip becomes too much, locals go to Esther’s Kitchen for a comforting but never-boring meal. Chef James Trees opened Esther’s Kitchen in 2018, and the restaurant became so popular for its sourdough breads, pizzas, and pastas that he recently moved it just a few blocks over to a space that doubles the covers and square footage. A gigantic oven and a wood-fired grill turn out seasonal pizzas, housemade bucatini nero in puttanesca sauce, and seasonal entrées like lamb shoulder cooked in white wine and orange.

Vegas is full of hard-to-reserve, sceney restaurants, but Raku is not that. Tucked into a strip mall on Spring Mountain Road (also known as Vegas’ Chinatown), chef Mitsuo Endo does one of the city’s best omakase experiences (call to reserve a spot), as well as an à la carte menu that features everything from homemade agedashi tofu to Kobe skewers grilled over a robata grill. The sake list is extensive, the fish is impeccably sourced, and for non-drinkers there’s an extensive tea list. The restaurant is open until 3am, so go early for an omakase experience, or late-night for a party vibe.

When Lotus of Siam first opened in 1999, it was a local favorite. Over the years, thanks to national press, a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2011, and an expansion into multiple locations, it has become a must-go for any restaurant-focused visitor to Las Vegas. Go to the Flamingo Road location, and order the khao soi, a duck-topped bowl of egg noodles swimming in curry and garnished with pickled vegetables, and the moo dad deaw, a spicy fried pork dish. Lotus of Siam has also been recognized for their wine program, which goes beyond the obvious beer and off-dry Riesling, so don’t skip a conversation with their sommelier. [Various locations]

_{Louiie Victa}

É by José Andrés is dining on the Vegas Strip at its finest. The menu highlights hits from across the Andrés universe, served at an intimate, nine-seat chefs counter where you’ll have facetime with the chefs as they serve you 20-plus courses of Spanish-inspired molecular cuisine. The dining room is tucked into Jaleo, Andrés’ more casual tapas spot inside the Cosmopolitan. Dishes like Iberico ham taco served on a plaster replica of Andrés’ hand and freeze-dried sangria show off Andrés’ influence from Ferran Adrià and elBulli.

Part of the appeal of dining in Las Vegas is the ability to experience restaurants that truly push the limits of what a restaurant can be. At Delilah, there’s live entertainment that evolves into a club the later you stay, but the food and drink is also worth your time. Try the wagyu beef Wellington for two carved tableside, and sip your way through the cocktail menu from mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini that has already turned this spot into one of the city’s most sought-after bar seats. The inspiration for Delilah is the story of a showgirl who inherits a Vegas supper club and turns it into an exclusive restaurant, and it somehow works without feeling contrived.

Chances are at some point during your time in Vegas, you’ll want a meal that doesn’t involve showgirls or making a reservation. When that time comes, head to Tacos El Gordo, arguably the city’s most popular late-night dining spot. You’ll want to go to the one on the Strip, which is takeout only and often has a line. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly and you’ll want to eat your corn-tortilla wrapped tacos de adobada as soon as they’re in your possession. [Various locations]

It might seem risky to try to translate Guy Savoy, one of the most elegant and quintessentially French restaurants in Paris for a Las Vegas audience, but its success is proof that there are serious diners in Vegas. Restaurant Guy Savoy does French haute cuisine, featuring some of the chef’s most beloved dishes like his signature artichoke and black truffle soup and veal sweetbreads. It’s about as close as you’ll get to Paris without flying.

Chef Kaoru Azeuchi serves kaiseki-style Japanese menus in his elegant restaurant just off Spring Mountain Road. The restaurant also features an omakase counter for those more interested in sushi, but the real stars here are Azeuchi’s kaiseki dinners, which explore a broader diversity of seasonal ingredients alongside sashimi, like Hokkaido crab tempura and wagyu beef prepared tableside.