Where to Eat in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Food Critics, Ash Watkins & John Curtas, share their TOP 3 Places of 20+ Categories

If there’s one question we get asked more than anything else, it’s this: “Where should we eat in Vegas?”

Honestly, we don’t blame you. Las Vegas is a culinary jungle, and it’s easy to get lost in all the glitz, neon, and hype. That’s why yours truly, the Eat. Talk. Repeat. crew, did the hard work for you.

We’ve compiled a list of 20+ different food categories, and for each one, John and I have shared our top three picks. We each created our individual lists separately, maintaining our own opinions and personal favorites. From classic comfort foods to hidden gems, and everything in between, consider this your ultimate guide to eating your way through Las Vegas.

To watch us discuss our lists, head to our YouTube channel.

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Our respective “Top 3” lists for each category were as follows:

Coffee Shops

Apparently, Bungalow is a fan favorite for both of us, which basically means you have to try it. Vesta and Iwana are my personal go-tos when I want something cozy with excellent beans, while John is all about the slightly more adventurous Desert Wind and the reliably solid PublicUS.

Breakfast & Brunch

Lou’s is my classic Vegas comfort spot—perfect for lazy mornings. 1228 Main is where I go when I want a little fancier flair (read: pastries), and Echo Taste Sound is for the vibes and pancakes. John is all about Winnie & Ethel’s modernized hearty classics, Cafe Breizh’s European flair, and The Daily Bread for a cozy, no-fail brunch.

Power or Business Lunch

Cipriani takes the top spot for both of us (classic Italian elegance). I also lean toward Delmonico because of the white linen factor, which makes lunch feel extra special. I also appreciate the intimacy of the dining room. It's generally not too busy or it's a convention crowd, which makes a business conversation safe from wandering ears. While John often picks Milos for seafood perfection and Ferraro’s for an old-school, upscale vibe.

We interviewed the Chief Culinary Officer, Ronnie Rainwater, at Delmonico! Watch that episode here.

Casual Everyday Lunch

Holstein’s is my ultimate quick burger fix (next to In-N-Out, of course), District Deli has classic sandwiches that always satisfy the appetite, and The Great Greek is an easy and quick pita stop. John prefers 7th & Carson for its casual vibes, Le Cafe Central for fresh European-style lunch, and Carson Kitchen for its creative and Vegas legacy dishes.

Thai

Lamaii and Le Thai 2 are both our favorites. John loves to get some spicy Thai when he’s not feeling great. (John’s Secret Tip: You got to go with the OG Lotus of Siam on Flamingo.)

Noodles + Dumplings

I love Shang Artisan Noodle for its fresh, handmade noodles, and Xiao Long Dumpling for those delicate, soup-filled bites that feel like a hug in a basket. John leans toward Shanghai Taste for bold flavors and Special Noodle for consistency and comfort.

Steakhouse – On the Strip

Luger and Delmonico are no-brainers for both of us—classic, perfectly cooked, and the kind of places you’ll brag about later. I personally can’t get enough of Bavette’s for its intimate vibe and top-notch service, while John rounds out his list with CUT for that modern, high-dollar steakhouse experience.

Steakhouse – Off the Strip

We stand with the decision that Main Street Provisions needs to change it’s name to Main Street Steakhouse. I suggest getting your reservation (ASAP- it’s hard to get in) for Golden Steer to experience the nostalgia of Vegas. John will say otherwise, but he also suggest Harlo - not my favorite.

Italian

These are for the authentic Italian lovers. Both John and I realized that each others options were amazing, so wherever you decide to go, you’ll enjoy! John praises Ferraro’s for being the OG Vegas Italian with the BEST wine list you’ll find. (Pepper Club has a Pasta Happy Hour that is to die for!) RIP pasta hour!

Seafood

I couldn’t narrow this one down to three.. (Sorry John!) Pisces is 10/10 for everything: Food, Ambiance, Service. Bazaar Mar is beautifully built out. Off Strip option? Other Mama. For a local spot that doesn’t kill you on price and is the best place for oysters is Legend’s. You can’t talk seafood without talking Japan , so John is sure to suggest Raku for “not your average” seafood place.

Chinatown

I’m all about Izakaya Go for the small-plate Japanese vibes, Nakamura-Ya for its cozy Japanese town, authentic feel, and Rincon Buenos Aires for a tasty twist on South American flavors - yes, John, it’s not asian cuisine... John loves Kaiseki Yuzu for its refined Japanese tasting menus, China Mama for homestyle Chinese comfort, and Pho Saigonese / Yen Viet Kitchen when he’s craving hearty Vietnamese dishes.

French

Boheme and Bouchon are classics we both can’t resist. They’re perfect for everything from brunch to dinner. John’s kicking himself for forgetting about Grand Cru.. But Cafe Breizh does deserve to be listed, so we will forgive him for that.

Tacos

Letty’s is a shared favorite—no debate there, John’s best taco’s of the year. I also love Birria Bite for rich, savory flavors, La Vecindad for that authentic street-taco feel, and BajaMar when I’m craving coastal vibes. John, meanwhile, can’t get enough of Carajillo for bold flavors.

Edit from John: MILPA! How could I forget about Milpa..

Pizza

Good Pie earns a spot on both our lists - so gooood. I also love Red Dwarf for its creative pies and Yukon for its casual, cheesy perfection. John rounds out his list with Settebello for authentic Italian-style pizza and Metro for a solid, reliable slice any time of day.

Burgers

We all know my opinion on Burger’s is superior to John’s… so we’ll start with “Stay Tuned” which is definitely one to keep on your radar. I also love Holstein’s for juicy, classic burgers and Mae Daly’s for that off-Strip hidden gem vibe. John goes for Stubborn Seed’s elevated, gourmet options and Jive Turkey for fun, flavorful twists on the classic burger.

BBQ

Our next series is the BBQ Crawl! Stay tuned.

Wild Fig and SoulBelly are 2 of our favorites with food for the soul that is smoky, tender, and full of flavor. I also love Rollin’ Smoke for that classic, hearty BBQ experience, while John can’t get enough of Humo Barbecue’s modern, bold approach.

Dive Bar

For me, Hard Hat Lounge hits all the right notes with laid-back vibes (bonus: Stay Tuned Burgers is there), ReBar is perfect for a casual night out, and The Silver Stamp has that classic dive charm. John… well, he prefers to keep his ascot clean and classy, so dive bars aren’t really his scene.

Celebratory Dinner Spot

These are our favorite show stopping meals where your money is spent well. Go enjoy & indulge!

Dinner Sitting at the Bar Spot

  • Ash: Esther’s Kitchen, Main Street Provisions, Bavette’s

  • John: Esther’s Kitchen, Harlo, Bar Boheme

Lots of repeats here, but we know what we like!

Cocktail Bar

Liquid Diet. Check it out! I also love Doberman for inventive cocktails, but it can be seen as elusive (& Expensive!) Petite Boheme for its cozy, French-inspired vibes. John goes for Bar Ginza’s refined, modern drinks.

Pastry Dessert Shop

1228 Main is a favorite for both of us—perfect for pastries that feel like little bites of heaven. I also love Burgundy Cafe & Bakery for its classic French pastries and Freed’s for that old-school Vegas charm. John adds Cafe Breizh for its European flair and consistently delicious desserts.

Specialty Store

Cured & Whey and Featherblade: they’re perfect for artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet goodies. I also love Siena Italian Foods for specialty Italian finds, while John gravitates toward the International Marketplace for a wider variety of global treats.

Never Fail Tourist Recommendations

Vegas has plenty of spots that feel quintessentially “Vegas,” and these are the ones we always recommend to first-time visitors.

Golden Steer Steakhouse and Pisces make my list for classic Vegas flavor and atmosphere, while Chyna Club is all about the fun and energy of the Strip. John goes for Oscar’s Steakhouse for the iconic vibe, Mott 32 for upscale Asian cuisine, and Carversteak for that unforgettable, indulgent dining experience.

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The Vegas food scene is wild, you guys. Picking my “Top 3” reminded me of just how many amazing spots are hidden all over this city. From early morning coffee to late-night cocktails, tacos to steak, and hamburgers to Thai, there’s truly something for every person and every mood. You can follow my picks, John’s , or dabble in both—honestly, you can’t go wrong.

Remember, Las Vegas isn’t just about the Strip; it’s about eating while exploring, and finding the little spots that make YOU say, “I can’t wait to come back here.”

Cheers! -Ash

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