Dining + Retail

Dining + Retail

Las Vegas is now known as a world-class dining destination. With gourmet restaurants and top-notch chefs entering the market, there’s no end to the culinary offerings available to residents. From your favorite neighborhood hamburger joint to the latest upscale fine dining, if it tickles your taste buds, you’ll find it in Las Vegas!

While the buffets that made Las Vegas famous are still around, it’s fun to discover new culinary haunts the city and surrounding area have a flavor to tantalize every taste bud! Las Vegas’ wide variety of cuisine echoes the more than 100 ethnic groups in the area. Reflecting the city’s diverse populations, specialty and ethnic restaurants located around the city can satisfy cravings for just about any cuisine. The art of cooking—and enjoying the results—is an area in which Las Vegas truly shines. Use “The ABCs of Dining” to help track down Las Vegas’ culinary treats. A handy list of some popular spots is included to help guide the way.

The ABCs of Dining

The following primer gives a taste of what Las Vegas has to offer, but it’s like an appetizer—just enough to get the meal started.

A - Always Open (24/7 dining)

This city never sleeps. In addition to the casinos in town, grocery stores, discount centers and local bars are open 24 hours a day. No matter your lifestyle or your food cravings, Las Vegas is poised to please.

B - Buffets or Bust

In Las Vegas, the question is: “What kind of buffet experience do you feel like today?” The genre is not limited to one cuisine. Here you can choose from Mexican, Chinese, all-beef, Indian cuisine, barbecue and all-American fare, to name just a few.

C - Cocktails & More

Among the most happening places in Las Vegas are luxurious bars serving exotic cocktails. Depending on your mood, certain places offer dancing, romantic evenings or entertainment as well.

D - Delis and Diners

Thanks to many people who have moved here from New York City, Las Vegas can satisfy your deli craving. Options like corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup and lox and bagels take diners on a culinary trip to the Big Apple.

E - Ethnic Cuisines

With so many different ethnic groups making Las Vegas home, you can easily find and enjoy traditional, authentic food fare from every continent in the world!

F - “Fresh” is the catch of the day!

Las Vegas restaurants are known for importing the freshest foods from across the globe!

G - Gastronomic Wonders

Las Vegas is fast becoming the “gastronomy” capital of the world with chefs developing unique and cutting edge cuisine.

H - How about a Hamburger?

Greasy hamburgers and piping hot fries are a classic favorite among foodies in Las Vegas. Hand-formed patties, loaded with every ingredient imaginable, are what diners are treated to at Las Vegas’ most sought-after burger joints. Quality beef is no exception in a city that prides itself on culinary excellence and fresh ingredients.

I - International Fare

What country’s cuisine would you like to try today? Without worrying about a passport, you can try French cuisine on the Strip or Italian at The Venetian. Off the Strip, you can find specialty and ethnic restaurants to suit any cuisine craving.

J - Java Jitters (Coffee Shops & Caffeine Stops)

Dozens of specialty coffee and tea shops are located throughout the city. As in other major U.S. cities, Las Vegans like to take casual business meetings here, bring their laptops and cruise the Net—a great jumpstart to the day.

K - Keeping it Local

One of the best things about Las Vegas’ dining scene is the availability of “new” paired with “familiar.” While you can certainly enjoy the creativity of a top world-class chef, you can just as easily find your favorite neighborhood chain eatery.

L - Lunches and Brunches

The power brokers of Las Vegas use lunchtime to make deals and be seen. For dealmakers, time is money, so many select lunch locations that are near their offices and pick locales with good service and an accommodating atmosphere.

M - Mexican & Margaritas

You have a craving for Mexican food—now what to do? Head over to Ricardo’s Mexican restaurant for fresh, inventive Mexican cuisine. For 30 years, Ricardo’s has been a perennial Las Vegas favorite and is only two miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. Ricardo’s serves authentic and creative Mexican food rich in the flavors of northern Mexico and the American Southwest. Ricardo’s has been voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” by the Las Vegas Review Journal Reader’s Poll 20 times since 1983!

N - Naturally Delicious

Eating pizza and burgers is healthy at many Las Vegas eateries! Las Vegas restaurants mix fresh produce and preservative-free options to create cuisine that is naturally delicious. The health-conscious diner will find a plethora of options in the area that serve up heart-healthy and weight-conscious entrees.

O - Only in Vegas

Only in Vegas can you eat around the clock, try specialty buffets, get free drinks on the house for your patronage and visit Paris, Venice and New York in one evening! And all this while enjoying some of the most sought-after entertainment options in the world!

P - Pizza - Plain or Fancy

No food map is complete without giving pizza a mention. In Las Vegas, you can satisfy your craving for New York-style pizza, thin-crust pizza, deep-dish pizza, wood-fired pizza, designer pizza, specialty pizza or just plain cheese pizza.

Q - Quench Your Thirst at a Local Brewpub

One way to beat the heat in Las Vegas is a stop at a local brewpub. Nothing quite matches the taste of locally made microbrews served on tap. The city has a handful of brewpubs located around the city, most of which offer food as well.

R - Romantic Dining

As a world-class city, Las Vegas does not disappoint when it comes to finding that special, quiet spot to pop the question, celebrate an anniversary or just enjoy each other’s company. Whether you prefer a quiet setting, a dynamite view, discreet wait staff or an intimate interior, you’ll find it here.

S - Steaks

What did you have in mind—a porterhouse, a New York strip, a T-bone or tenderloin? There are many restaurants in Vegas that prepare scrumptious steaks offering only the highest-grade USDA beef.

T - Tee Times

Fabulous weather all year around makes finding time for golf a necessity. Stay a little longer and enjoy breakfast or lunch. Two fine golf courses that offer dining are Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock with its Arroyo Grill serving breakfast and lunch, and Siena Golf Club, with its Siena Bistro offering breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch.

U - Under the Stars (Outdoor Dining)

Did you know that in Las Vegas there are more than 50 restaurants in all price categories that offer outdoor dining? From taquerias to truffles, you can find a table al fresco to suit you and your guest’s tastes and budget.

V - Voted - “Best in Vegas” Awards

People who live here take reviews and awards seriously. With so many restaurants vying for customers, garnering a “Best in Vegas” award provides instant fame to the winner. (See chart for most recent award winners!)

W - Wine Lists

Las Vegas has become one of the fastest-growing wine destination cities in the nation, thanks to the abundance of five-star chefs in the area. Sommeliers—wine experts—employed by top dining hot spots, can help you select the perfect complement to your favorite meal.

X - Xtraordinary Chefs

As Fifth Avenue in New York has long represented the address of deluxe brands and high fashion, Las Vegas has become synonymous as the best location for superb food prepared by extraordinary chefs.

Y - Yikes - Hope You’re Not Afraid of Heights!

Yes, the city has it all, including roof-top restaurants with expansive views. Dining among the stars is an option that adds to the glamour and sophistication of Vegas.

Z - Zero Calorie Desserts

Just kidding! The end to a perfect meal is one of the sinful desserts that can be found across the city. As to be expected, the choices are vast (cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate heaven, to name a few) and serving sizes are impressive, but who can say no? After all, you can always order one serving with two forks!

Click Here for a complete list of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce member providers.

Dining Trends

Dining has truly become an art form in recent years. Benchmark Hospitality International, which manages 30 award-winning hotels, resorts, conference centers and condominium resorts throughout the United States and in Japan, defines five dining trends that are becoming a requirement for menus across the globe. The top five dining trends include:

  • Dessert Downsizing. A tapas-style dessert menu is becoming increasingly more popular as dining patrons become more health conscious.
  • Latin American Cuisine. Latin flavors and the incorporation of fruits, vegetables, meat and fish indigenous to the Caribbean, Central and South America (with American sensibility) is where cooking is headed.
  • Naturally Grown. Today’s consumers and restaurants are demanding food that is grown organically and, when possible, harvested locally.
  • Memory-Inspired Dishes. Seasonal cooking that reflects the chef’s experiences as a child is a trend that many fine dining establishments are embracing.
  • Food and Beverage. The popularity of premium beverages merged with fresh ingredients (that might otherwise flavor a meal’s starters and entrées) and the specialty drink menu have ushered in a return to the classic days when the cocktail was king.

RETAIL

Shopping is one of America’s favorite pastimes. And in Las Vegas, it’s been raised to a high art—for visitors and residents alike. With shopping centers in themed megaresorts at one end of the spectrum to expansive factory outlet malls at the other, every shopper is sure to satisfy his or her appetite. There’s also an ever-growing selection of specialty shops for those with very specific interests.

Las Vegas is quickly gaining a reputation as a “shopping destination,” with retail options running the gamut from swap meets to upscale resort-based specialty boutiques. Master-planned communities throughout the valley are typically home to major retailers and popular chains, while malls, retail centers and shopping outlets house major-brand anchor stores. Whatever you’re in the market for, chances are good you can find it in Las Vegas!

Neighborhood Malls

The Galleria at Sunset

The Galleria at Sunset is a two-story mall located in Henderson. The mall boasts anchor retailers including Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The Galleria is home to a number of jewelry and electronics stores, salons, photo studios, clothing retailers and gift shops. Specialty retailers include Gymboree and The Sweet Factory. The Galleria has a full food court, two full-service restaurants (Chevy’s and Red Robin) and valet parking.

The Boulevard Mall

Centrally located, the Boulevard Mall is one of the largest malls in Nevada. It features a wide variety of retailers including JC Penney, Macy’s and Sears. The property boasts a full food court with a mix of offerings. The mall is actually located within a retail center and is in close proximity to stand-alone merchandisers, including Best Buy, Cost-Plus World Market and a number of discount clothing stores.

The Meadows Mall

Located on the west side of Las Vegas, Meadows Mall is a two-story shopping facility with 140 specialty shops. Retailers include Fred Meyer Jewelers, Gymboree and anchor tenants Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney and Sears.

Las Vegas Strip-Based Malls

The Forum Shops at Caesars

The Forum Shops at Caesars provides a grand, upscale shopping experience. A number of high-end retails are located here, including Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Bvlgari. You can also find your favorite retailers, such as Gap, Just for Feet and Victoria’s Secret. The Forum Shops is an entertainment shopping experience and offers café-style dining at such high-end eateries as Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Planet Hollywood and Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.

Miracle Mile

Located inside the Planet Hollywood Resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Miracle Mile is a themed shopping and entertainment destination. With 15 restaurants and 170 shops, there’s something for everyone. Brand names include Bebe, Lucky Brand Jeans, Herve Leger, Clinique and Aveda. The mall also boasts numerous fine arts retailers including the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store.

Fashion Show Mall

One of the nation’s largest shopping centers, Fashion Show Mall, prominently located on the Las Vegas Strip, features seven flagship department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s Home, along with more than 250 shops and eateries. Fashion Show Mall is home to several restaurants. The mall features regular fashion shows and personal appearances by well-known designers.

Mandalay Place

Mandalay Place is a unique retail destination located on a 100,000-foot sky bridge connecting Mandalay Bay to the Luxor. Mandalay Place offers a wide variety of merchandise, from souvenirs and beachwear to home furnishings. Retailers include Blankspace and Lush Puppy.

Via Bellagio

Located in the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip, the exclusive and upscale Via Bellagio is a collection of designer boutiques including such names as Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, Prada, Hermes and Fred Leighton.

Outlet/Specialty Malls

Boca Park

Located in the master-planned Summerlin community, Boca Park is home to a wide mix of freestanding retail amenities including unique boutiques and art galleries, as well as a host of brand name retail outlets.

Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas

Located in Primm at the Nevada/California state line, this mall’s 100 stores feature famous brand names as well as standard shopping fare. Favorites include Neiman Marcus, Guess, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Versace and Banana Republic. Don’t let the name mislead you—the Fashion Outlets offers home furnishings and specialty gift shops as well, including Williams-Sonoma and Tommy Bahama Bungalow. Special “shopper shuttles” are available, as are shopping packages that include transportation and dining.

Las Vegas Outlet Center

Formerly known as the Belz Factory Outlet Mall, this south-Strip property boasts more than 129 retailers. Popular stores include Calvin Klein, IZOD, London Fog, Nautica and Fossil. Specialty children’s ware can be found in shops such as OshKosh B’gosh, Carter’s and Tommy Kids. The center boasts numerous houseware, home furnishing and specialty stores as well as two separate food courts. One of the main attractions for families—a beautifully-designed carousel.

Las Vegas Premium Outlets

Located in downtown Las Vegas, this 435,000-square-foot outdoor shopping mall features a mix of 120 high-end and midrange retailers including Dolce & Gabbana, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Levi Strauss. You can also find a wide range of specialty item, houseware and gift shops including names such as Le Gourmet Chef and Crabtree & Evelyn. The color-coded promenade also features a food court.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

The District at Green Valley Ranch is enjoying many accolades for its successful design and retail amenities. Located adjacent to Green Valley Ranch Resort, this mixed-use outdoor shopping experience and “metropolitan lifestyle center” boasts more than 40 retail shops and restaurants. Regular outdoor entertainment is provided, and the area serves as a popular gathering spot. Retailers include Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Brighton Collectibles, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and Bluestone Gallery. Well-known eateries include Elephant Bar, King’s Fish House, The Cheesecake Factory and Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, as well as a Whole Foods store.

Town Square

Town Square is the premiere shopping, dining and entertainment center on Las Vegas Boulevard at the junction of I-15 and the 215 Beltway. Patrons can visit an eclectic mix of retailers including H&M, Old Navy, Fruits & Passion, Michael Stars, bebe Steve Madden, Ann Taylor, Sephora, Robb & Stucky and Tommy Hilfiger Childrenswear along with restaurants Yard House, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Bar Louie, Texas de Brazil, Kabuki Japanese, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Grill, Johnny McGuire’s Deli, The Grape Wine Bar, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Cadillac Ranch and Blue Martini. Town Square is also home to Rave Motion Pictures’ 18-screen stadium seating theaters.

Swap Meets and Farmer’s Markets

Las Vegas is home to several indoor and outdoor swap meets and farmer’s markets. Swap meets offer a wide variety of new and used merchandise as well as fresh foods including fruits, vegetables and nuts. Farmer’s markets offer a similar variety of food items mixed with specialty sundries including homemade jams and honeys and country-fair favorites such as fresh kettle corn and funnel cakes. Farmer’s markets often include an arts and crafts section that showcases local artists.

Specialty Retail

World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex in Las Vegas. With the opening of Building C, World Market Center now stands at more than 5 million square feet of space, exceeding the size of any trade merchandise mart in the United States. When fully built, at $3 billion, 12 million square feet and 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show complex in the world. The campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textile and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), and is open year-round.

211 Connect

The State of Nevada has a single, comprehensive number you can use when you need health and human service information and referrals. Dial 2-1-1 for the following:

  • Basic human needs resources
  • Physical and mental health resources
  • Employment support services
  • Programs for children, youth and families
  • Senior and persons with disabilitiy support
  • Volunteer opportunities and donations
  • Support for community crisis or disaster recovery

6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406