Best New Restaurants in Las Vegas

Here in Las Vegas, we’re always looking for what’s new and what’s next — especially if we’re the first to tell somebody else about it. As the local dining scene continues to explode, find some time to check out the new restaurants that have recently opened their doors.

⛷️ Winter 2025/2026

Butcher & Thief

Cory Harwell wants Vegas steakhouses to not only be great, but affordable. That’s the idea behind Butcher & Thief at The Bend. But this ain’t a discount dining deal. The space is beautiful and modern with an open kitchen and roll-up garage doors. A few dishes (Philly Cheesesteak eggrolls, peanut butter bacon) share the spirit of playful mashups found in Harwell’s other restaurant, Carson Kitchen, but the real fun is the steaks (especially zabuton and bavette cuts you don’t see everywhere else) sous-vided, grilled on a flattop, and finished over an open flame before the tallow butter soaks in.

Carbone Riviera

Carbone Riviera took over the old Picasso space at the Bellagio, expanding the outdoor patio to include a dock for its very own yacht. Rides are strictly for hotel VIPs, but the restaurant remains an experiential treat with tall ceilings, lakeside views, and soft amber lighting that matches the flavors in Mario Carbone’s Italian cuisine. It’s easy to appreciate the quirks — like an Old Fashioned made with rum and a splash of whiskey or chicken parm reimagined with jumbo Madagascar shrimp as the protein — but the pastas stay true to simple presentations that allow every ingredient to shine.

Gymkhana

Much like Tamba at Town Square, Gymkhana proves that Indian food can work in an elevated, upscale environment. The restaurant — an offshoot of the London original that earned two Michelin stars — is named after a British-colonial term for Indian sports clubs, offering an air of exclusivity and spectacle at the Aria. From the moment you walk in, it’s impossible not to notice the posted names of the service captains and the dense aromatics that fill the air. The dishes are robust and spicy, from the Gol Guppas (basically bread and veggie shooters) to the Kasoori Chicken Tikka, which balances the heat with yogurt and fenugreek leaves. A margarita with a tangy mezcal infused with — yes — weaver ants is worth your time and curiosity.

How Ya Dough’n

Boca Raton’s How Ya Dough’n comes to the Las Vegas Strip with scenic views on the third-floor open-air deck at The BLVD. The pizzeria takes pride in its sourdough, fermented with wild yeast over a long 8-12 day fermentation period. The result is a thin crust similar to a Neapolitan-style pizza, but a little crunchier. A sauce-free recipe with pistachios and truffle oil is a house favorite.

SMKD

Henderson is now home to SMKD, a new barbecue spot by “Top Chef” veteran Alex Reznik. The cozy but contemporary restaurant has its own strip mall corner with a smoker in the parking lot to bring brisket, pork, and other meats to life, slow and low over post oak and hickory. Just make sure to order the candied bacon and house-made onion dip to start things off right. And I love how self-serve La Colomb coffee is on standby — even at night — just because.

St. Felix

Think of St. Felix as a Hollywood lounge that happens to carry food — a place with mid-century modern decor, bright pops of pink, chandeliers, and late-night hours for the “vibe-dining” crowd in the Southwest Valley. You can’t go wrong with the braised short rib and goat cheese mashed potatoes, but the sampler platter has a little bit of everything — steak skewers, sliders, deviled eggs, tacos, popcorn, and more — for groups to share.

🍂 Fall/Winter 2025

Amador Cocina Fina

We broke the news on Oscar Amador’s latest restaurant, which took over his old EDO space, and we’re happy to report it exceeds our already high expectations. The menu of Latin cuisine borrows elements of European and Asian cookery, showcasing the chef’s personal vision in a way that’s not easy to categorize. Between the house-aged bluefin ceviche, “carrot cake” of Japanese uni with candied jalapenos, and bright, but earthy flavors of a roasted beet tartare, Amador Cocina Fina is an adventurous spot worthy of repeat visits.

COTE

COTE is yet another new steakhouse on the Venetian grounds — but one that puts a luxury spin on Korean BBQ. Two things stand out: The beauty of the dining room and the quality of beef, featuring prime Black Angus and A5 Wagyu in a variety of cuts, giving every customer an education in high-end steaks. Grill your options to perfection over a flame at the center of the table while enjoying pickled banchan side dishes.

F1 Arcade

The Las Vegas Grand Prix comes and goes every year, but F1 Arcade gives us a chance to embrace Formula 1 racing year round (without the traffic headaches). Prices are restrained by Strip standards and the menu has a few surprises — like tandoori chicken tacos and surprisingly good dim sum — while focusing on sports bar classics and shifting into a 21-and-over lounge mode after 7 p.m.

GastroPUB Nisei

GastroPUB Nisei Bar & Grill takes over the space formerly home to District One, giving Chinatown another option for contemporary, casual dining. Chef Winston Matsuuchi puts an Asian spin on American comfort food, adding miso to a delicious pan roast, serving short rib tacos with a kalbi marinade, and grilling chicken skewers with sake-mushroom tare sauce over Japanese white oak.

High Steaks

After conquering the neighborhood dining scene, James Trees takes aim at the tourist crowd with High Steaks on the top floor of the Rio. Begin with a cocktail on the open-air patio and soak in those panoramic Strip views before hunkering down with a menu balanced between steakhouse classics and stuff you don’t see often, including wild game like elk, bison, and venison. The lion's mane mushroom entree is a sleeper hit that even non-vegans can appreciate.

Pachi-Pachi

Pachi-Pachi is a bar with a playful side, made clear by the old TV monitors and pachinko (Japanese pinball) machines that decorate the space. Just south of Fremont Street, Pachi-Pachi is strong on cocktails (with whiskey washed in beef tallow for an oOld fFashioned and vodka infused with vanilla beans for an egg-white martini). The noodles and sandos are popular, but the Hokkaido Biru Bomb Burger seems to get the most attention — a Wagyu smashburger cut in half and served on a cast iron pan with beer cheese, which unofficially doubles as a dip for the house-made potato chips.

Szechuan Kitchen

The Spring Valley crowd has a fresh opportunity for in-your-face, numb-the-tongue, Szechuan-style spiciness that usually requires a trip to Chinatown (for restaurants like Chengdu Taste and another newcomer, Bowl of Fortune). Szechuan Kitchen turns up the heat, but is happy to modify spice levels in braised chicken, stir-fry vegetables, and boiled meats like beef and pork. Located in a quiet strip mall, the space is modest, but the Chinese flavors are intense.

I also want to give an extra shoutout to Durango Social Club (scroll down for our original review) for turning into a culinary incubator with popups like The Toddy Shop (Indian by Hemant Kishore), Lilli (French/Mediterranean by Tyler Vorce, formerly of The French Laundry), In Limbo (smashburgers by Stephen Lee) and City Cast 7 awardee Istorya (Filipino). Kishore and Vorce join Durango Social Club founder Dan Krohmer for a one-night-only collaboration dinner on New Year's Eve.

☀️ Summer 2025

ai Pazzi

It feels like every year I’m writing about a new Italian restaurant at the J.W. Marriott, but things seem different this time. ai Pazzi by “Top Chef” alum Fabio Viviano not only pulls the brakes on the Rampart Casino's revolving door of concepts, but stands out in a town already overloaded with Italian restaurants. The tableside presentations seal the deal, especially a fettucine alfredo done right (for once) and the fantastic caprese, featuring mozzarella hand-pulled on the spot, with thin-sliced heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Blue Orchid

The family behind the Thai cuisine of Pin Kaow now has Blue Orchid near Silverado Ranch, serving a more diverse take on Asian food by executive chef Steve Piamchuntar. The restaurant nails Thai favorites like the tom kha coconut broth and the egg noodles in the khao soi, but also shows a Chinese influence in shrimp soup dumplings, an addictive wonton soup, and khao mun gai, similar to Hainanese chicken, poached and served over rice. The soft, chewy brownie — bright green due to the inclusion of pandan — with coconut ice cream is my favorite dessert of the year.

Bottled Blonde

Bottled Blonde towers in front of the Grand Bazaar Shops with the covered top-floor patio offering views of the Bellagio fountains across the street. Soak in the energy of the Strip on the ground floor with roll-up garage-style windows and a stage for live music. The place is ideal for catching a big game and sharing comfort food with friends, from a Jackpot Tower of bite-sized appetizers to pizzas, spicy cauliflower, and at least one cocktail dispensed by a mini gas station pump. Anything on draft qualifies for a 100 oz. beer tower, including an exclusive by local brewery HUDL. Locals get 20% off the bill.

Durango Social Club

Chef Dan Krohmer of Other Mama is branching out with something new, replacing Chamana's Cafe (a sadly overlooked spot for breakfast and lunch) with Durango Social Club in the same retail plaza. Drinks begin flowing at 6 p.m., followed by a five-course tasting menu at 7 p.m. that for now, is only served Fridays-Saturdays. The debut lineup featured seared duck, roasted red snapper, crispy stuffed quail, a bavette steak, and wild honey ice cream with a warm peach and pie crumbles. Opt in for the wine pairings, the restaurant’s secret weapon.

Nudo Italiano

Southern Highlands gets a new dining spot, Nudo Italiano, with the name emphasizing a devotion to simple ingredients. Pasta and pizza portions are relatively small, encouraging guests to order and share more items for a complete experience. The deconstructed, build-your-own bruschetta and chicken parmesan, made with creamy burrata instead of mozzarella, are fun reboots of old favorites as well.

Rare Society

UnCommons has seen its struggles — like the failed Sundry food hall — but Rare Society is a steakhouse Southwest locals can call their own. Yes, the prices are Strip-esque, but the shareable steak boards bring down the check average with cuts grilled over American red oak. You can also try the brand-new happy hour for discounts on classic cocktails, beef skewers, and meatballs.

Shoo Loong Kan

New York’s Shoo Loong Kan is now in Vegas with an inspired take on Chinese hot pots, served Sichuan style (#spicy 🌶️) on Spring Mountain Road. Dip your choice of meats and veggies into a simmering broth in the center of the table. You can even divide your pot into thirds to sample a few options.

The Taco Stand

The Taco Stand is almost like the In-N-Out Burger of Tijuana street food. The fast-causal restaurant keeps things simple, but does it well, earning a loyal following with everything made fresh to order in a minimalist environment. (The red and white uniforms only drive the comparison home.) After a Vegas debut at Lotus in Chinatown, the concept is now open in the Summerlin area. You might have a short wait for your food to show up, but that’s what the ice bucket of beer is for. Look for the DIY bottle opener on the counter.

🌻 Spring 2025

Amaya

Amaya is everything you want in a Strip restaurant, between a stylish, lounge-like dining room and a menu of seafood-heavy Mexican cuisine at the Cosmopolitan. Begin with the bigeye tuna tostada, continue with a Mexican play on Oysters Rockefeller with Oaxacan cheese, and order the Angry Fish (fileted branzino with hot chili oil) as the main entree. There’s even a surf n' turf burrito, loaded with shrimp, steak, beans, and rice.

Bar Boheme

James Trees' culinary empire continues to grow in Las Vegas and the chef remains as passionate as ever about his craft. Bar Boheme gives the Arts District a sophisticated, but loose French bistro with a courtyard and large windows that allow natural light to pass through the entire dining room. Whether it’s chicken liver and foie gras terrine, bruleed tarragon over bone marrow, or French-style cold seafood like scallops with light accents of apple and verjus (a tart grape juice ), the restaurant gives the Arts District — and Las Vegas — something new. Petite Boheme is a neighboring sister cocktail lounge with a focus on light-bodied cocktails.

Basil Vegan Thai & Sushi

Basil Vegan Thai & Sushi is the latest concept by Mindy Lim, the chef behind Daikon Vegan Sushi. This time around, the menu is expanding to include a wider array of Asian cuisine like curry and pad thai. Lim makes a point to avoid processed “fake meat” substitutes, allowing spices and herbs to bring flavor to tofu and vegetables.

Cookio Café

As the name suggests, Cookio Café specializes in cookies, cakes, and other desserts, prepared with a Latin touch. Located near Summerlin inside a cozy strip mall space, the restaurant also surprises with savory options, including a Cuban sandwich, grilled and layered with ham, pork, mustard, and cheese.

Echo Taste & Sound

We were sad to report the closing of Eat, but chef Natalie Young has already moved on with a new concept in the Arts District. Echo Taste & Sound brings back a few familiar dishes (like the shrimp and grits) alongside crispy mushrooms, wagyu beef skewers, and other shareable small plates. The food and cocktails match well with the vinyl selection, spinning in the background on a high-def system that’s never too loud.

Le Café Central

The husband and wife team behind Le Café du Val in Henderson and Le Café du Sud in Southern Highlands just opened Le Café Central in Chinatown’s Green Leaf Lotus apartment tower. The decor is more industrial, but remains cozy for a comfortable setting to enjoy French pastries, fresh coffee, and sandwiches prepared with imported meats and cheeses.

Lucia Mexican Grill

The ever-changing Mexican restaurant space at Virgin Hotels is now Lucia, but things are looking up under the direction of Executive Chef Noe Alcala. You get enchiladas and barbacoa tacos, but also surprises like taquitos paired with a mole consommé and Asian touches with miso-glazed salmon and seared and sliced ribeye marinated in lime juice, jalapenos, and soy sauce. The best seats are on the outdoor patio.

Pisces

Pisces takes over the restaurant formerly known as Lakeside at the Wynn. The dining room was completely renovated in warm blue tones, a fresh seafood display, and dramatic layered ceilings. As always, doors open wide to an outdoor patio on the Lake of Dreams. The prices are high, but so is the wow factor in dishes like thin spaghetti served inside a lobster, sous vide halibut with peppers and olives, and crispy filo cigars stuffed with crab. The restaurant stays on trend with a Dubai chocolate dessert as well.

Stubborn Seed

The Resorts World restaurant by “Top Chef” champ Jeremy Ford is ambitious — even by Strip fine dining standards — serving inventive global cuisine a la carte or in a choice of two multi-course tasting menus. Stubborn Seed serves dish after dish in creative combinations that always let the basic ingredients shine, whether it’s Australian wagyu with local mushrooms and a French brown butter sauce, a foie gras and truffle tart, or barramundi with leeks, curry, and fennel.

⛷️ Winter/Spring 2025 🚴

Caramella

Think of Caramella as a throwback to the kind of Italian restaurant you’d find in New York in the 1970s. Located in Planet Hollywood, the furnishings have a vintage feel and the outdoor patio has a killer, unobstructed view of the Bellagio fountains, even if the ambiance soaks in noise from the crowds and street performers on the Strip. Wash down the stuffed chicken parm with the Dirty Caramella martini and check out the hidden lounge behind the in-house candy shop for a secret nightcap after dinner.

The Guest House

The Guest House wouldn’t feel out of place in the Aria or Cosmopolitan, but brings a Strip-style dining experience to Town Square with less hassle and a (slightly) smaller price tag. The restaurant has a stylish lounge feel with everything — music, lighting, and decor — balanced perfectly in the old Tommy Bahama space. Pair the juicy Duroc pork chop with the miso mushrooms and thank me later. The kitchen makes its own bread and ice cream — and even brings out homemade molasses ginger snap cookies at the end, whether you order dessert or not.

Havana 1957

Havana 1957 is the latest restaurant at the Flamingo resort. The Miami import specializes in Cuban cuisine, but here’s the hack to try a little of everything at once: Share the Cuban Combo (appetizers), La Orquestra Cubana (entree sampler), and spot-on Cuban sandwich. Finish it all off with a rum Old Fashioned. A side cafe serves coffee and pasties for the morning rush.

Marufuku Ramen

This San Francisco ramen shop is one of the first restaurants to open at The Bend, a long-delayed plaza in the Southwest. The Hakata Tonkotsu mixes simmered pork belly in a creamy broth, but the “DX” version of the Chicken Paitan steals the show at Marufuku Ramen with a grilled chicken leg served as something of a side garnish. Thigh included.

Netflix Bites

Netflix now has its own restaurant inside the MGM Grand with interactive presentations inspired by the streaming giant’s hit shows. “Monday Night Raw” wrestling fans can try the WWE Smashburger — so beefy and cheesy, it’s like biting into a fist (which might be the idea) — while “Squid Game” addicts can spin a wheel in a game of “Red Bite, Green Bite” to help determine which of three sauces you’ll dip your chicken tender into. The best part of Netflix Bites? A molten lava cake in the form of an erupting volcano.

Sorellina

This new Italian restaurant by the team behind Café Lola and Saint Honoré is a welcome addition to the Southwest Valley, touching on co-owner Steve Jerome’s Italian heritage. Sorellina has a fresh neighborhood feel and social energy, but isn’t afraid of white tablecloths. You can’t go wrong with the layered chicken-and-eggplant parmesan or tableside burrata salad.

Tamba

There’s so much going on at Town Square, we might run a podcast about it soon 😉 Tamba is another impressive example, featuring Chef Anand Singh‘s elevated take on Indian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. The cocktail lounge alone is worth a visit, especially with more than 30 signature cocktails on the drink list. Live fire dishes are the specialty, with robust, balanced flavors. You can even try sushi, brought to life with subtle Indian ingredients.

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup is a new Chinatown spot that keeps things simple with a choice of soups, made with a continuously simmering broth. Ask for brisket — the top seller. Following Korean tradition, no salt is used, but you’re encouraged to add as much as you like from a side dish. The banchan (pickled vegetables) and dumplings round out a quick lunch perfectly.

⬇️ These two are better suited to our list of old restaurants that feel new again 👀

Gordon Ramsay Burger

The new version of Gordon Ramsay Burger at the Flamingo builds on the Planet Hollywood original with a darker, moodier space overlooking the Strip. Exclusives include a spicy take on a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich and a Steak Dinner Burger, made with a rich Wagyu beef patty.

The Great Greek

The Great Greek has most of the valley covered for fast-casual Mediterranean cuisine, but opens yet another location — this time, at The Bend. Play it safe with a gyro or load up on feta-smothered fries.

❄️ Winter 2024 ❄️

CC Speakeasy

CC Speakeasy, hidden behind the Arts District’s Craft Creamery ice cream shop, has what City Cast Las Vegas’ own Dayvid Figler calls one of the best cocktail programs in Vegas. (Just try the mezcal Old Fashioned with mole bitters to see why.) But this secluded, throwback lounge also has a great food lineup, including playful mashups like Birria Bao Buns and deconstructed Beef Wellington bites.

Chamanas Café

Dan Krohmer made Other Mama into a huge hit in the West Valley. Now, the chef is stepping back into the Vegas spotlight with Chamanas Café in the same plaza. The restaurant serves casual breakfast and lunch favorites with touches of Mexican inspiration. Even the grilled cheese is impressive, stuffed with baked lamb and jalapenos.

Ciao Vino

There are so many Italian restaurants in Vegas, it gets hard to keep track of ‘em all. Fortunately, Ciao Vino succeeds under the leadership of chef de cuisine Joel Myers, a veteran of Marc Vetri’s local culinary empire. Try the sausage, cheese, and onion rigatoni to be won over. The atmosphere is stylish, but approachable. In other words, perfect for the Summerlin crowd.

Diner Ross

Diner Ross (which sounds like “Diana Ross” with a thick New York accent) is the latest weirdness from Spiegel Word, the production company behind shows like “Absinthe” and “Atomic Saloon” on the Strip. Diner Ross is the counterpart of the ‘70s-themed “DiscoShow” at The LINQ, featuring upscale takes on meatloaf, patty melts, and other diner classics.

Dominique Ansel Marché

The man behind the Cronut (a trademarked croissant and doughnut combo) now has a second Strip restaurant, this time at the Paris casino. Dominique Ansel Marché serves the pastries you crave (and done right to meet European standards), but digs deeper into more savory options like rotisserie chickens (visible via a high-tech display window) and buckwheat crepes, made to order with — like everything here — an artistic touch.

Hao Chi by China Mama

It’s been a great year for China Mama, which just opened a new location in Palace Station and introduced Spring a few months ago, specializing in tableside spring wraps. Another new concept, Hao Chi by China Mama is now serving dumplings, soups, and pork-filled “big mouth” wraps in a casual setting near Charleston and Decatur.

Jive Turkey

Jive Turkey is here to make dive bars cool again in Downtown Vegas, although it’s almost fancy compared to the infamous Huntridge Tavern across the street. Play a game of pool, check out live music, and enjoy the kitschy vintage vibe while sinking your teeth into burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets. The $6 Wild Turkey Old Fashioneds are worth a visit alone during happy hour.

Mokbar

Esther Choi brings Korean street food to the newly revamped Celebrity Food Hall at Caesars Palace with Mokbar. The fast-casual service counter has dumplings, ramen, fried chicken, and noodle bowls to enjoy, along with the heat of spicy house-made kimchi.

Esther Choi has thoughts on the potential of Korean food on the Vegas Strip. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Pinky’s by Vanderpump

Lisa Vanderpump knows what her audience wants, from stylish surroundings to jazzed-up comfort food favorites and photogenic cocktails. The TV personality and restauranteur’s latest Vegas restaurant, Pinky’s by Vanderpump, feels like a vintage super club, matching the historic identity of the Flamingo better than the hotel itself. Fans will be happy to see the menu has a variation on goat cheese balls (omnipresent on “Vanderpump Rules”), but $26.95 for a blood orange gin and tonic is pushing the limits, even for Vegas.

With Love, Always

Smashburgers done right, fries cooked in beef tallow, and high-butterfat soft-serve custard. Sometimes that’s all you need. With Love, Always is just one of the reasons (along with La Casa de Juliette) that Centennial Hills is finally building up its food scene.

☀️ Summer/Fall 2024 🍂

Angie’s Lobster

Angie’s Lobster is an Arizona concept that comes to Vegas for the first time with a location near Blue Diamond and Decatur. The signature lobster roll is $9.99, which is a great deal for the quality (and quantity) of the Maine lobster loaded on top.

Bazaar Mar

José Andrés expands his presence in Las Vegas with the opening of Bazaar Mar at the Shops at Crystals. You get the hand-sliced Iberico, caviar, and playful touches you’d expect from the celebrity chef, but this fine-dining spot focuses on seafood. The whole-fish options (wood-grilled? sashimi?) are the main event, but don’t overlook the oysters, topped with delicate ingredients. Bar Centro is a companion lounge for drinks and desserts.

Bramàre

The same management that turned Table 34 around now has a late-night Italian restaurant east of the Strip. Bramàre has a dark, seductive atmosphere, so bring a date and try the bright, rich flavors of the pork secreto, beef cheek brasato, or the mortadella tortellini.

Chamon

Everything old is new again. Formerly a Chinatown matcha tea spot, Chamon closed and is now back open, specializing in tendon or rice bowls topped with tempura seafood and vegetables. Even the batter is imported from Japan.

Siempre J.B.

UnCommons continues to evolve with the addition of Siempre J.B., a formal take on Mexican cuisine by chef Roman Andres. Much of the menu is on the spicy side with inspiration from a variety of Mexican regions. Put out any fires on your tongue with a splash of the restaurant’s own tequila, distilled in partnership with Dos Caras.

La Casa de Juliette

La Casa de Juliette is helping to heat up the dining scene in Centennial Hills. The team behind Sand Dollar lounge enlisted chef Eduardo “Lalo” Saavedra (formerly of Charlie Palmer Steak) for a modern take on Mexican food that’s sophisticated, but approachable. The taco platters come with two proteins (or vegetarian options), modeled after Korean banchan, featuring sauces, tortillas, and pickled vegetables you roll yourself.

Luckley Tavern

The Rio continues to evolve with an ongoing series of renovations. We love the food hall, but Luckley Tavern is a fun spot too, featuring walls of vintage record albums and concert photos that wrap around a centralized bar. Come hungry for the lobster pot pie and mac n’ cheese made with truffles and prosciutto. The cocktails are solid, but I favor the ones just steps away at Lapa Lounge, another newcomer to the casino floor.

Palate

Don’t confuse this place with Palette Tea Lounge (an impressive dim sum spot in Chinatown that opened earlier this year). Palate is a new restaurant in the Arts District, featuring the culinary creativity of chef Sterling Buckley, formerly of Honey Salt. As the name suggests, there’s an artistic touch to recipes and presentations alike. The palate boards are a next-level take on charcuterie.

🍸 Wash down all that food with drinks from the best new bars in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]