LA STREGA
Chef Gina Marinelli gained her local fame on the Strip, running celebrity chef Scott Conant’s D.O.C.G. in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. After leaving that position, she traveled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which influenced La Strega. There’s no chicken parm on this menu. Instead, you’ll find lots of seafood, light pasta, delicious pizzas, steaks, chops and game meats. Fun fact: the restaurant’s name is Italian for “The Witch.” 3555 S. Town Center Dr.; 702.722.2099; lastregalv.com. $$
American
HONEY SALT
Proof that you can find stellar dining off the Strip lies in Honey Salt’s creative menus of upscale American fare, packed with options you won’t find in most neighborhood restaurants. They include cast iron branzino with shaved fennel, bacon-wrapped farmhouse meatloaf with tomato jam and the mighty kale salad. The brunch menu is also loaded with hits. Get a brookie (combination brownie and cookie) for dessert. 1031 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.445.6100; honeysalt.com. $$
MAIN ST. PROVISIONS
As the Arts District has evolved into a top dining destination, Kim Owens (a native Cajun and a former executive at the Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse chain) has built Main St. Provisions into one of its most exciting restaurants. It’s a neighborhood spot where the menu is warm and welcoming, the staff knows all the regulars by name, and even first-time guests feel at home. The eclectic menu offers upscale comfort foods like crudo, Navajo fry bread, risotto and duck. But you’ll always find an excellent selection of carefully sourced steaks to round it out. 1214 S. Main St., Las Vegas; 702.457.0111; mainstprovisions.com. $$
Asian
DISTRICT ONE
Chnatown’s beloved Vietnamese restaurant District One is having a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the return of Crystina “Mama” Ngyuen, a talented chef who hosted pop-up restaurants throughout the city during her time away from this classic restaurant. Soups, fresh seafood and grilled items have always been a big draw, particularly the Lobster Pho and Big Bone Soup. Ngyuen has added some of her favorites, including beef carpaccio, fried quail and gluten-free fried calamari. A well-stocked premium bar rounds out the offerings. 3400 S. Jones Blvd.; 702.413.6868; districtonelv.com; $$
LOTUS OF SIAM
Lotus of Siam, which earned praise for its locations in Las Vegas’ tourism corridor over the past couple of decades, brings the love to the ‘burbs with this stunning offshoot at Red Rock Canyon Resort. Can’t miss dishes include Poo Pad Pong Karee, which is curry stir-fried Alaskan king crab legs with eggs and mixed vegetables, and the probably-world-famous garlic prawns, deep-fried in the shell, with a crispy texture reminiscent of potato chips. 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.907.8888. lotusredrock.com. $$
NENE CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE BISTRO
Fine Japanese food in casually elegant surroundings comes to the suburbs in this palace of sushi, sashimi, robata dishes, bento bowls, soups, salads, entrees and vegan selections. Bluefin tuna, Scottish salmon, branzino and San Diego uni (sea urchin) are among the sushi items offered. The chef ventures beyond traditional Asian rice dishes with assorted risottos. 4165 S. Grand Canyon Dr.; 702.463.2700; nenesushilv.com. $$
BBQ
SOULBELLY BBQ
A centerpiece of the Las Vegas Arts District, Soulbelly offers some of the valley’s best BBQ in a honky-tony setting, with live music and a great bar. It’s the creation of celebrity chef Bruce Kalman (“Top Chef: Colorado,” “BBQ Brawl,” “Chopped,” “Hell’s Kitchen”), who was best known for his Italian cooking before relocating to Las Vegas. Soulbelly is his first restaurant to focus on the regional barbecue recipes he developed with his rock star buddy Dave Grohl, offering meats smoked directly in front of the Main Street restaurant along with a great collection of sides. 1327 S. Main St., Las Vegas; 702.482.4404; soulbellybbq.com. $$
Brunch
CHAMANA’S CAFÉ
Dan Krohmer, whose seafood restaurant Other Mama is located just a few doors down, offers something different at Chamana’s: a neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot with a few nods to Mexican cuisine. A top-notch coffee program offers about 20 spins on espresso, cappuccino, latte and other caffeinated treats, along with a kid-friendly build-your-own hot chocolate. For breakfast, there are plenty of omelets, skillets, Benedicts, chilaquiles and other egg dishes alongside pancakes, French toast, sweets and a wide variety of sandwiches for lunch. 3655 S. Durango Dr.; 725.205.9846; chamanascafe.com. $
TOASTED GASTROBRUNCH
Are you looking for a bottomless mimosa brunch on a weekday? Chef Sami Ladeki has you covered. The owner of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza chain shocked many when he converted the West Flamingo Road location into a Toasted Gastrobrunch. But the morning classics menu in traditional and innovative forms quickly won over locals. The booze program has something for everyone: signature cocktails, prosecco, wine, three Bloody Marys, eight coffees, three bellinis and five mimosas. And yes, bottomless options are available. 9516 W. Flamingo Rd.; 702.638.9500; toastedgastrobrunch.com. $$
Café/Deli
BRONZE CAFE
Fast casual meets healthy at Bronze Café, where the salads, sandwiches and sweets have secured a loyal following among locals throughout the valley. Focusing on “fit-friendly” eats, the menu features a sizable vegan section. But carnivores are not ignored, with options like the Bacon Chicken Chop salad and the What What sandwich, made with turkey, pepperoni, Arcadia greens, basil aioli, oregano vinaigrette, tomato and red onion. There’s an entire pastry case of all-vegan sweets, many of which are gluten-free. 2380 N. Buffalo Dr.; 702.852.2830. $
D.W. BISTRO
A Las Vegas original, DW Bistro takes the innovative step of creating its culinary niche by combining the flavors of Jamaican cuisine and New Mexican regional food in a Parisian-style restaurant. Owner Bryce Krausman and founding Chef Dalton Wilson took this bold concept and named it DW, an acronym for “Dining With” that represents the restaurant and the brand. More than a decade later, the menu continues to evolve. DW’s weekend brunch is among the most popular off the Strip. The Gramercy, 9275 W. Russell Rd.; 702.527.5200; dwbistro.com. $$
Eclectic
EAT YOUR HEART OUT FOOD HALL
The Durango Hotel & Casino’s Eat Your Heart Out food hall blends quick and casual counters with full-service, sit-down mini restaurants. The former include new-to-market concepts like Irv’s Burgers, Uncle Paulie’s sub-style sandwiches from Los Angeles and New York’s Prince Street Pizza. Among the larger spaces, Philadelphia’s Marc Vetri offers his most casual Las Vegas concept with Fiorella Pasta Bar. At the same time, native Gene Villiatora provides a fresh take on Hawaii street food at Ai Pono Cafe. Shang Artisan Noodle, Yu-Or-Mi Sushi, Vesta Coffee and one of Station’s beloved Oyster Bars are also highlights. Durango Resort, 6915 S. Durango Dr., Las Vegas; 702.767.7777; durangoresort.com. $$
Italian
AL SOLITO POSTO
Chef James Trees’ Tivoli Village Italian spot differs from his Arts District restaurant, Esther’s Kitchen, in one main way: its focus. Where Esther’s has a West Coast energy, Al Solito Posto (“the usual place” in Italian) is a tribute to the East Coast Italian cuisine that dominated Las Vegas during the Rat Pack’s heyday. Here, Trees and his team prove that the classic red sauce dishes many of us grew up with (think chicken parm) deserve more respect than they receive at your local pizza place. Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.463.678; alsolito.com. $$
AMARI
Amari is much more than the resident Italian restaurant at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley. The focaccia bread and pizzas are made with the same exquisite dough, using a 25-year-old ancient grain starter that produces complexity in taste and texture. The menu features updated pasta classics, including a shrimp scampi appetizer reimagined with sea urchin butter, and Bolognese sauce topped with nutmeg ricotta. It all pairs well with wine, cocktails and the restaurant’s exceptional amaro selection. UnCommons, 6825 Tom Rodriguez St., Las Vegas. amarilv.com. $$
ANIMA BY EDO
Anima is the second restaurant by the team behind the award-winning Spanish restaurant EDO, which includes repeat James Beard Award nominee Chef Oscar Amador. While a few dishes cross over between restaurants, Anima has a distinct menu with stronger Italian and Mediterranean influences. Prices are a solid value for food of this caliber. Like EDO, Anima offers tasting menus, and the kitchen team is gracious about working around any allergies or preferences. The Gramercy, 9205 W. Russell Road; 702.202.4291; animabyedo.com. $$$
BASILICO
Located within the southwest’s Evora community, Basilico courts locals who appreciate the nuances of a modern dining room, inviting outdoor patio and unique vision of modern Italian cuisine. Sicilian-born Chef Francesco Di Caudo, who won Chef of the Year at Ferraro’s and a James Beard Award nomination at Anima, transcends expectations with avant-garde technique, unexpected ingredients and original presentations. But he keeps it all grounded with respect for the basics, particularly pizzas and pasta. Standouts include a duck mousse “cigar” served in an oversized ashtray, accompanied by sesame-truffle “ash.” 6111 S. Buffalo Dr.; 702.534.7716; basilicolv.com. $$
MONZÚ ITALIAN OVEN
Chef/owner Giovanni Mauro operates Monzú in the space that once housed his mother’s landmark restaurant, Nora’s Italian Cuisine. The food here, however, is a bit more adventurous, having been inspired by the chef’s travels through Italy. Rectangular Roman “pizza alla palla” is offered alongside unique takes on Sicilian classics: heirloom pumpkin with chicken gizzards, lemon leaf stuffed with meat croquettes, milk-poached whipped salt cod with caviar. Enjoy these delectable bites with live music on weekends. 6020 W. Flamingo Rd.; 702.749.5959; monzulv.com. $$
OSTERIA FIORELLA
Chef Marc Vetri is a Philadelphia culinary legend who operates a brilliant fine-dining restaurant atop the Palms. Osteria Fiorella is more approachable, or as he puts it, “a little bit more red sauce-y.” You’ll find lasagna al forno, rigatoni with sausage ragu and bucatini pomodoro, amazing pizzas and more exotic pasta like Swiss chard tortelli in a sage brown butter sauce. His devotion to quality ingredients and pristine execution, however, is consistent among all his restaurants. Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.797.7777. redrockresort.com. $$
Mediterranean
PAYMON’S FRESH KITCHEN AND LOUNGE
Paymon Raouf opened the first incarnation of Paymon’s in the early 1980s as a small deli near UNLV with a table, two chairs and to-go food for students. Today, the Westside location is a favorite for Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a few dishes from Italy and Iran and plentiful vegan and vegetarian choices. In the evening, the lounge area transforms into a nightlife spot with hookah and a full bar. 8380 W. Sahara Ave.; 702.804.0293; paymons.com. $
Mexican
Amaya Modern Mexican
Amaya’s menu is the handiwork of Chef Jason McLeod, whose menu features an eight-ounce Wagyu filet, 20-ounce dry-aged NY steak, and chili lime butter lobster tail accompanied by a trio of salsas and warm tortillas. The Birria Short Rib is slow-cooked and so tender it falls off the bone. Sizzling Fajitas come with carne asada, marinated chicken, or blackened shrimp but can also be upgraded to include lobster. If you like entertainment while you dine, show up after 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and enjoy the pulsating beats of DJs, bongos, and performances by fire dancers. The Cosmpolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd.; 702. 698.7940; amayamexican.com $$$
BBQ MEXICANA
A casual sister concept to Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken’s BBQ Mexicana infuses U.S. barbecue with Mexican spice in a casual, quick-service setting. After years of serving local sports fans at T-Mobile Arena, Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Ballpark (and conventioneers at Mandalay Bay), it now offers burritos, bowls, tacos and salads on Sunset Road. The smoked brisket burrito (aka the Burnt Ends Burrito) is a Las Vegas original created on a food truck that’s become an urban legend among local foodies. 8480 W. Sunset Rd. Ste. 200; 702.552.0111; bbqmexicana.com. $
EL DORADO CANTINA
When you walk through the doors at El Dorado Cantina’s Tivoli Village location, the stage is set with candles, a wall of red roses and plush red couches. The vibe is almost as important as the excellent, health-conscious cuisine. But it’s the regional Mexican food, which stresses organic and non-GMO ingredients (and promises no seed oils) that has propelled El Dorado to three (soon to be four) locations valley-wide. House specialties include grilled mahi, chile rellenos and a cedar plank salmon, street and signature tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, queso fundido, fajitas and more. Tivoli Village, 430 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.333.1212; eldoradocantina.com. $$
Pizza
DOM DEMARCO’S PIZZERIA & WINE BAR
Dom DeMarco’s is a descendant of the famous Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, and its New York pedigree shows in its square Sicilian and round Brooklyn-style pies in the Queensridge/Peccole Ranch neighborhood. Pizza lovers can whet their appetites with eggplant pizzettes or the ever-popular garlic knots, while those who aren’t in the mood for pizza can choose from several pasta dishes. The covered (and heated) outdoor patio offers a great al fresco experience year-round. 9785 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.570.7000; domdemarcos.com. $
OLD SCHOOL PIZZERIA
Chef Giovanni Mauro is kickin’ it old school here with classic round pizzas. This is the same chef who wowed us with square Roman pizza at his upscale restaurant, Monzú. In this more casual pizzeria, he uses that same dough, crafted with a 300-year-old Neapolitan sourdough starter and fermented for five days. He also offers ultra-premium toppings and some very upscale sides. Not up for a whole pie? Get a “monster-sized” slice with a choice of sides for $8.99. 1930 Rock Springs Dr.; 702,847.5774; pizzaoldschool.com. $
Seafood
THE LEGENDS OYSTER BAR
This small aquatic-themed restaurant in a strip mall across from Desert Breeze Park offers fresh seafood in a quiet neighborhood setting. Thai-born chef/owner Jack Jarukasem formerly ran culinary operations at the Rio (which once had the best seafood buffet in town) and his experience shows. The raw bar menu has a large rotating selection of oysters and other delicacies. Cooked dishes include pan roasts, steamers, boils and some excellent clam chowder. 3220 S. Durango Dr.; 702.476.8887; thelegendsoysterbar.com. $$
OTHER MAMA
Chef/owner Dan Krohmer, a veteran of Morimoto in Philadelphia, went on to study sushi in Japan before spending some time on the road cooking for rock and pop superstars. So, he knows his stuff when it comes to nigiri and sashimi. What’s more surprising is how amazing his other creations (seafood and otherwise) can be. Hush puppies with caviar, oysters Rockefeller with pork belly, and spicy tuna tartare with waffle fries are all jaw-dropping. 3655 S. Durango Dr.; 702.463.8382. othermama.com. $$$
Steak
ECHO & RIG
Chef Sam Marvin’s Tivoli Village spot offers a full-fledged butcher/restaurant combination. The butcher shop shares the first-level space with the restaurant’s bar and lounge with its glass meat locker on full display. The steakhouse upstairs offers extensive small plates and plenty of steaks—including tri-tip, hanger, NY, ribeye cap, wagyu filet tenderloin, skirt and Spencer. Portion sizes are reasonable, allowing them to keep the prices reasonable. Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.489.3525; echoandrig.com. $$$
HARLO STEAKHOUSE & BAR
Harlo is what you get when you take an indulgent, modern steakhouse from the Strip and transplant it into Downtown Summerlin. Chef Gina Marinelli (the creative force behind local Italian favorite La Strega) offers fantastic cuts of beef from around the country grilled over an open flame alongside pasta, side dishes and seafood. The caviar presentation is a sight, as the precious eggs are carefully weighed on a triple-beam scale. Downtown Summerlin, 1720 Festival Plaza Dr.; 702.333.0402; harlosteak.com. $$$$
SCOTCH 80 PRIME
The crown jewel of the Palms restaurant portfolio, Scotch 80 Prime is one of the most elegant, sophisticated, and delicious steakhouses in Las Vegas—located in an off-strip casino with free parking and some incredible “Social Hour” deals. Chef Marty Lopez challenges expectations with high-end products, classic techniques and a modern point of view. Beef from top producers in Nebraska, Kansas, Australia and Japan is offered alongside Mary’s free-range chicken, Duroc pork and Muscovy Duck. And guests get 50 percent off 18 of their most popular items, Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 10 p.m. 4321 W. Flamingo Road; 866.942.7780; palms.com. $$$
T-BONES CHOPHOUSE
This modern American chophouse provides spectacular views, an expansive menu, handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list and stunning indoor and outdoor dining. T-Bones Chophouse features USDA Prime dry and wet-aged beef cuts, grass-fed bison and premium Japanese wagyu. Their seafood options include Alaskan king crab, Dover sole, branzino, crab cakes and Bigeye tuna. Round it out with sides such as spicy cream corn, fresh-cut French Fries or mouthwatering mac and cheese. Be sure to check out the happy hour menu. Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702.797.7777; redrockresort.com. $$$
Wine Bars
ADA’S FOOD & WINE
Recently recognized for having the Most Original Wine List in the world at The World’s Best Wine Lists awards in London, it’s worth a visit just to have “wine goddess” Kat Thomas pour you something new and interesting. But Ada’s is also a fantastic restaurant and the most experimental of chef/restaurateur James Trees’ local spots. Executive Chef Jackson Stamper seems to be having fun with the eclectic menu, mixing things up with offerings that range from Mussels with coconut broth and shrimp with garlic and chili to lamb ribs, 40-day aged steak and a fantastic smash burger. Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702.462.2795. $$
WINEAUX
Decorated in white and beige with marble accents and bathed in natural light, Wineaux is a bright, open, modern space and a highlight of the UnCommons project. Retail sales are a large portion of the business. But low welcoming couches lining a wall of windows lure wine lovers of all experience levels to open a bottle in the store or sample a glass. Chef Shawn McClain (Balla Italian Soul, Libertine Social) has created a beautiful menu of shareable seafood, flatbreads, spreads and gourmet snacks. 6887 Helen Toland St., Las Vegas; 702.527.6009; wineauxlv.com. $$