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Message: [QUOTE="NKR1978, post: 5118012, member: 186"] I was going to hold off on this a bit, but here's the beginning of my dining guide. I figured I'd do it by hotel, starting closest to the the stadium. [U][B]Mandalay Bay/Delano [/B][/U] (So disappointed Retro closed, this was the perfect fine dining restaurant for families. It was the Voltaggio brothers doing their take on classic 80s family dinners, but was so good.) Della's Kitchen - only open for breakfast in the walkway to Delano. Southern breakfast food. They took the crabcake benedict off the menu, which is very disappointing. But their food is pretty legit and strong recommend. Citizens - skip, it's garbage unless you're in a bind. Libertine Social - My friend enjoyed his burger. It's slightly elevated bar food, but seemed good quality. Border Grill - casual Mexican (kind of hidden by the convention center). When I stay at Delano I always stop here first for lunch. It doesn't blow you away, but guac and margaritas is happy food and it's a great way to start a happy trip. Rivea (and Skyfall) (located on the roof of Delano) - I think it's Alain Ducasse. Mediterranean fine dining. It's very good, but a little out of date. I like a lobster risotto but that's kind of an early 2010's dish that was out of style 10 years ago. BUT the views are incredible. If you're inclined, get a drink at Skyfall, it's a great bar and again, the views are truly special. I'd skip Rivea. House of Blues - shockingly good bar food. StripSteak (Michael Mina) - I think it's the most underrated steakhouse with possibly the best sides of all the Vegas steakhouses I've been to. I'm always pleasantly surprised how good it is and wonder why it isn't in my regular rotation. [B][U]MGM Grand[/U][/B] Atelier de Joel Robuchon - this and (Joel Robuchon) are among the ultra high end restaurants on the strip and while I loved the meal, I wouldn't need to go back. [B][U]Park MGM[/U][/B] Bavettes - THIS IS THE BEST STEAKHOUSE ON THE STRIP, It's a Chicago steakhouse with a 20's speakeasy feel. So rich leather, very dark. Get the salmon Caesar. It's worth it. Eataly - food hall with lots of solid choices. Nomad - I've never dined at this location, but went to the original (now closed) NYC location several times. They're famous for the whole chicken. Definitely recommend it. [B][U]Aria[/U][/B] Julian Serrano - Spanish tapas. I love the gazpacho and tomato bread. Javier's - I've never been, but everyone loves it. It's always packed. Cathedral - I've been to the NYC location. It's fine. Beautiful dining room. Catch - only been to the NYC location earlier this spring for the first time. I was shocked how much I loved it. I thought it was a lame clubstaurant, but the food was legit. Carbone - I've never been able to get a reservation in NYC. I have a friend in VIP relations at Park and he could only get me a 5pm dinner. So even in Vegas it's difficult. The veal parm is the best veal parm I've ever had. If you like red sauce Italian, I'm not sure you beat this. It was exponentially better than my Italian grandma's cooking used to be. Bardot - I've dined here several times. Love a good brasserie. They completely mangled my steak the last time I was there, so it's off my list, but I enjoy it otherwise. Love their escargot. [B][U]Cosmo[/U][/B] Chelsea and Boulevard pools - I love the shrimp tacos. I get them pretty much every day for lunch when I stay there. Scarpetta - very good modern Italian. Much different vibe and style than Carbone. Momofuku (David Chang)- only went to the NYC location which is now closed, so would recommend if you ever wanted to eat there and didn't get the chance. Eggsl*t - great breakfast sandwiches. The line is always insane though. STK - skip it. It's stupid. But if you want a trendy very loud steakhouse, the food is at least good. China Poblano (Jose Andres) - this is casual. Good for families. It's Chinese and Mexican. Not fusion. It somehow works. Jaleo (Jose Andres) - similar to Jullian Serrano and not as good. Still tasty. Beauty & Essex - one of my favorite restaurants on the Strip. I make it there once a year. I absolutely LOVE the bone marrow. It's tapas/shared plates style with an eclectic menu. The beef Wellington is also really awesome. Strong recommend. It's Tao Group, so it's very loud in there. E by Jose Andres - this is probably approaching $1000/pp at this point. The food is pre-paid, though drinks are added on later. It's a chef's counter in a secret room in Jaleo. It's whimsical food with a changing menu. I have friends who've been there 3 times, I've done it once, they say the menu changes. It's 22 courses of mostly 1-2 bites. It's fun and interactive with the chefs. I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. I think they seat 24 people a night, so reservations aren't easy. It's very unique and out there for the Strip. And Jose Andres is a literal saint. Blue Ribbon - fancy diner food and alcoholic shakes. Secret Pizza - real NY style pizza. The cheese and sauce are right. The crust/dough isn't quite on point, but still really good. It's kind of hidden, a lot of hotels love having hidden restaurants and bars. I'll stop there for now and hit Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, Cromwell, Circa, Caesars, Resorts World and Fontainebleau another day. The hard recommends are Beauty & Essex, Carbone and Bavette's among this group. [/QUOTE]

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