Las Vegas doesn’t skimp on top-notch cuisine. If you are a celebrity chef, you most likely have a restaurant in Las Vegas. The city offers every flavor for every palate at every price point. But what about great cuisine that only locals know/love? There is a diverse assortment of must-try restaurants off the beaten path. Here are a handful of local eateries that won’t disappoint.
At Trattoria Reggiano, you won’t find any “foofoo” top-chef creations, but you will indulge in genuine, authentic Italian specialties like eggplant parmesan, certified Angus beef filet mignon meatballs and brick oven pizzas made with the finest of fixings. Trattoria Reggiano offers two locations in Las Vegas: Downtown Summerlin and The Venetian.
Makers & Finders is another local favorite. The popular Latin café and urban coffee bar, known for its original location in the 18b Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, recently opened a second location at Downtown Summerlin. A sampling of menu items sure to please includes the avocado relleno, Latin poutine, sofrito burger and Columbian social platter. An abundance of coffee, tea, matcha and beer and wine selections are also available.
“As a local Las Vegan, it’s beyond rewarding to have my small dream become a reality,” stated Josh Molina, owner Makers & Finders. “Each location offers something unique while reinforcing the foundation of exceptional quality and a new wave of coffee culture married with killer Latin cuisine and top-notch customer service. Come experience where the locals eat.”
SKINNYFATS is a must when in Vegas. With a menu that’s half dedicated to healthy eats and half to not- so-healthy fare, coined “Live Healthy Live Happy,” SKINNYFATS boasts a menu that leaves nothing to be desired. Healthy side favorites include the cranburkey burger and bleu balsamic salad. Venturing to The Happy Side, the ahi taco san and fats’ pickles are worth every calorie. There are five different locations around the valley (Downtown Summerlin, Dean Martin, Warm Springs, N. Decatur and Stephanie).
Piero’s Italian Cuisine is one of Vegas’ most talked about restaurants. It has been the meeting place for Las Vegas’ high-powered decision makers from top casino executives and infamous mobsters to politicians and Hollywood stars for over three decades – nearly historic by Vegas standards. Las Vegas locals, some of whom have their own nameplates on favorite booths, have made Piero’s their regular fine dining spot for such signature dishes as Osso Buco, scaloppini Milanese and linguine all’aragosta. Add to the varied menu selections numerous daily specials and a superb wine list – boasting 1,900 wines and another 10,000 bottles, it’s the place to go and be seen. Located off Convention Center Drive.
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen offers an upscale venue with inventive spins on Thai classics. This hidden gem is one of Vegas’ best kept secrets. From the drunken noodles chicken, son-in-law eggs, pad z-eew pork, to island Sunday fools, the family recipes will tantalize your taste buds. Located off Rampart.
SKINNYFATS photo credit: Jennifer Sothy