My wife and I are no strangers to dining out. It's a regular occurrence for us, as we have a rotation of restaurants that we love to visit. Allow me to share with you our personal list, along with the reasons why we hold each one dear to our hearts.
Not all of the eateries mentioned here cater to every taste. Our preference lies in dining at establishments that exude a timeless ambiance, as evident in the compilation.
Hugo’s Cellar
My absolute favorite dining spot in Las Vegas is Hugo's Cellar, located at Four Queens. This restaurant is truly exceptional, offering a nostalgic and classic Las Vegas experience. I must say, the service at Hugo's Cellar is consistently top-notch, surpassing any other establishment I have dined at. As you make your way inside, you'll descend a flight of stairs, leading you to the entrance of this hidden gem. Before stepping into the main dining area, you'll be greeted by a cozy lounge area, featuring a handful of seats at the bar.
Every woman is given a rose upon being seated, adding an elegant touch.
Let's begin our culinary journey with the delectable crab cakes, which never fail to impress. Meanwhile, my spouse consistently opts for the mouthwatering filet, which is flawlessly prepared on each visit. As for me, I like to explore various options on the menu, occasionally indulging in the irresistible seafood trio or selecting one of those tantalizing items individually.
The dining experience at this price range is enhanced with numerous additional offerings, such as a complementary side dish.
At the beginning of the feast, a cart laden with a multitude of delectable salad options is wheeled to our table. The assortment is truly impressive, boasting over 20 tantalizing items from which I can pick and choose. A skilled server artfully prepares the salad right before my eyes, ensuring its freshness and vibrant presentation. Opting for a palate sans anchovies, I carefully select a medley of vibrant greens, crisp vegetables, and an array of delightful dressings. Conversely, my wife, who typically abstains from indulging in salads, bypasses this verdant temptation altogether. It seems that her decision to forgo the salad cart, given the enticing fare it offers, is indeed a rarity among diners.
A refreshing sorbet is traditionally enjoyed after the salad to refresh the taste buds. Popular choices include raspberry and lemon flavors.
Following the main course, a delectable assortment of fruit coated in luscious chocolate is presented, encompassing juicy strawberries, succulent apricots, and sweet dates. While a separate menu for desserts is available, it is customary for us to forgo indulging in it.
If you're looking to dine at Hugo's Cellar, it's essential to plan ahead. Securing a reservation several days in advance is highly recommended, especially if you're aiming for a weekend evening. However, don't lose hope if you find yourself without a reservation on a weeknight. There's still a chance you might get lucky by waiting until after 8pm, when last-minute openings may become available.
Other Mama
Located just south of Spring Mountain Road, on Durango Drive, you'll find Other Mama, a delightful seafood restaurant that incorporates an Asian flair into its culinary offerings. As you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to the vibrant chalkboard, displaying a tantalizing array of oysters, sushi, and daily specials. One can't help but appreciate the ever-changing nature of their menu, making it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite dish amidst the diverse array of flavors and ingredients.
At that place, you'll find an innovative selection of cocktails. I opt for the Svetlana, a delightful vodka concoction infused with horseradish. Meanwhile, my spouse indulges in an amaretto sour enriched with the creaminess of egg whites.
Enjoy our exclusive happy hour menu available daily between 5pm and 6pm, featuring delectable $1 oysters.
Salvatore’s
Our go-to spot in the neighborhood is Salvatore’s, conveniently located at Suncoast. While it may not cater to everyone's taste, it is absolutely ideal for the Suncoast ambiance. Every evening, there is a talented pianist entertaining the patrons, and on select days, a skilled vocalist joins in. The music selection primarily comprises classic hits that evoke nostalgic feelings. Whenever I visit, I tend to opt for their daily catch of fresh fish, which never fails to impress. Conversely, my wife prefers to stick to traditional pasta dishes such as cheese or seafood ravioli and gnocchi. Regardless of our choices, one thing remains consistent - the food at Salvatore's is consistently outstanding.
Salvatore's is usually free of crowds, making it an ideal spot for impromptu weekend dining. However, please note that it remains closed on Mondays.
Via Brasil
One of our favorite indulgences is Via Brasil, a delightful Brazilian steakhouse situated on the southwest corner of Charleston Blvd and Fort Apache Rd. This establishment offers an all-you-can-eat experience, featuring over 20 delectable meat options that are served directly to your table. For just $51, you can relish in the succulent flavors of all the meats available. However, if you desire a slightly smaller selection, there is an enticing option priced at $43. Moreover, aside from the mouthwatering meats, Via Brasil also boasts an expansive salad bar, replete with various hot dishes to complement your carnivorous feast.
The picanha, also known as the house sirloin, is my wife's preferred type of meat, while I personally enjoy the strip steak and shrimp.
I love starting my weekends with a delicious brunch, and one of my favorite spots in town is Via Brasil. They have an amazing weekend brunch menu that never fails to satisfy my cravings. What makes it even better is that the menu is carefully curated, offering a limited but delightful selection of dishes. One thing I particularly enjoy about their brunch is the unique combination of a salad bar and breakfast items. It's not your typical salad bar; they have a variety of fresh greens, toppings, and dressings, along with some mouthwatering breakfast additions. The flavors and textures complement each other perfectly, creating a truly delightful dining experience. Now, let's talk about the price. The brunch at Via Brasil is priced at $26, which is definitely worth it considering the quality and variety of the food. However, if you're a smart brunch-goer like me, here's a little secret: sign up for their mailing list. By doing so, you'll receive consistent $6 discounts on their brunch. It's like having an extra treat for being a loyal customer! So, if you're looking for a fantastic weekend brunch experience, head over to Via Brasil. Indulge in their limited but exciting menu, enjoy the salad bar with some delicious breakfast choices, and take advantage of the mailing list discount. Trust me, it's a brunch you won't want to miss!
Egg Works
Egg Works has become our go-to place for breakfast. The food is always at a consistently high level, and the prices are fair. The menu for breakfast is not only delicious but also quite innovative, offering a wide range of options that are sure to satisfy any palate. In addition to their breakfast offerings, Egg Works also provides a variety of lunch items, including sandwiches and even Cincinnati chili. This makes it a versatile spot that can cater to different cravings throughout the day.
Bambino's Pizzeria on the East Coast
Bambino's, located on Durango just south of Sahara, is a cozy little spot renowned for its delectable pizza and pasta creations. Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, this hidden gem offers an enticing lunch menu that caters to all taste buds. For a mere $5.50, patrons can indulge in the mouthwatering delight of two scrumptious slices of pizza. And that's just the beginning! The lunch menu also boasts a variety of pasta and sandwich options, ranging from $7 to $8, each accompanied by a refreshing beverage. At Bambino's, you not only savor the flavors, but you also get a satisfying drink to quench your thirst.
The dinner menu provides a smaller portion size that is equivalent to the lunch servings, ensuring ample food for the majority of diners and a high likelihood of having leftovers with the dinner size.