LOCAL GEMS
Many of Las Vegas's best restaurants are located on, or near, the Resort Corridor (commonly called The Strip), and their names are among those listed below.
Please make note of a restaurant's Location Number and then click on this MAP LINK to view the Strip/Near Strip Map and match any restaurant having a number to its location on the map.
However, if you're reading a restaurant's write-up and it doesn't show a Location Number, that means it's located elsewhere in the area. I've provided street addresses for all restaurants so you easily can determine driving directions on your car's navigation system or with Google, MapQuest or Waze apps on your phone or tablet.
It can be challenging to learn about outstanding restaurants that, in many cases, are well-known only to locals ...UNLESS a trusted source points you in the right direction. So, after many evaluations and visits, I'm pleased to present this very diverse selection of restaurants, many of which are different or unique in special ways. I hope you find them as enjoyable as I do, for they are worthy of being called The Best Local Restaurants in Las Vegas.
Rollin' Smoke Barbeque
702-836-3621
3185 S. Highland Dr., Las Vegas
A little while back, two good 'ol boys from Arkansas arrived in town and opened a small barbeque place in a commercial/industrial area just west of the Strip that wasn't exactly where you would expect to find a restaurant. Their food is so good that they have since tripled their space and opened other locations. But this is the original. Go and enjoy the best barbeque in town.
Peppermill Restaurant
702-735-4177
2985 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas
This is old school Vegas, baby. You'll feel like you stepped back in time to the 60s, though they actually opened in 1972. I don't know of any other restaurant in town that has seamlessly maintained this unique vibe. Their menu is immense and portions are huge. Don't miss this classic.
Spaghetty Western
702-834-4611
10690 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 103, Las Vegas
Located in a strip mall in the Southern Highlands area, this unassuming-looking restaurant offers an amazing selection of sophisticated dishes that will delight your tastebuds. It 's a short drive from the M Resort, and you'll be very glad you made the trip.
Forte European Restaurant and Tapas Bar
702-220-3876
4180 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 806, Las Vegas
If you could picture a small family restaurant in Europe, their dining room probably would look like this. With tapas (small plates) from a range of countries including Bulgaria, Russia, Spain, France, Germany, Greece and the United Kingdom, the menu contains many unique tastes. Take this short trip to Europe.
Panevino Ristorante
702-222-2400
246 Via Antonio Ave., Las Vegas
This architecturally striking restaurant has beautiful style, both inside and out. Located just off Las Vegas Blvd. S. and Sunset Rd. at the south end of Harry Reid International Airport, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the Strip. All the classic dishes (and more) are on the menu.
Todd's Unique Dining
702-259-8633
4350 E. Sunset Rd., Henderson
You will be surprised by this intimate restaurant in suburban Henderson. Though the menu is relatively small, Todd's offers unique selections that are expertly prepared. Good things CAN come in small packages.
Zaytoon Mediterranean Market and Restaurant
702-685-1875
3655 S. Durango Dr., Suite 11-14, Las Vegas
A family-operated restaurant with special emphasis on skewers. As they describe it, their roots and recipes are from the Iranian Bazaar, and they strive to serve the same quality of food that you would have received in their grandparents' restaurants in the "old country." Though their emphasis is on meat, they also have delicious vegetarian selections.
Amore Taste of Chicago
702-562-9000
3945 S. Durango Dr., A-8, Las Vegas
702-463-9163
4330 E. Sunset Rd., Henderson
Two locations, both full-service restaurants that pay visual homage to all the Chicago sports teams. With large photos and graphics throughout, there's absolutely no doubt that you're in a Chicago shrine. Their menu is extensive and offers choices ranging from deep-dish, thin crust or stuffed pizzas to any other Italian dish you can imagine. You don't have to be a Chicagoan to appreciate this excellent food.
Piero's Italian Cuisine
702-369-2305
355 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas
Since their 1982 opening, Piero's has been offering top-quality Northern Italian selections on a very extensive menu. They have a loyal following that has long included many celebrities among their numerous guests. Their reputation is well-deserved.
Michael's Gourmet Room - Southpoint Casino
702-796-7111
9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Henderson
This hidden gem compares favorably to the top Strip restaurants. Tuxedo'd service and tableside cooking await you as you step back in time to the way fine dining used to be decades ago. The stained glass domed ceiling and classic red banquettes are visually appealing and set the tone for the sophisticated menu offerings.
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