Most of the glitzy Las Vegas hotel resorts feature
French restaurants, but Andre Rochat's classic original, in a
converted 1930s house several blocks from the bright downtown
lights, feels more like the real thing. Extreme fine dining here
includes fresh seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes. Filet Mignon
and rack of lamb are staples, along with amazing soufflés.
Reservations are essential. Dinner Monday to
Saturday.
Address: 401 South Sixth Street
Pamplemousse
French
Just 500 yards from 'The Strip', Pamplemousse provides
a quiet dining oasis reminiscent of a cosy French country inn, with
soft orchestral music in the background to accompany the gourmet
fare. There is no menu. Waiters knowledgably recite the
specialities of the day, which usually include the renowned Hobo
Steak, Norwegian salmon, roast duckling, veal medallions, filet
mignon and spring lamb. The appetisers and desserts are just as
mouth-watering including the famous trademark Basket of Crudités.
Reservations are essential. Dinner only. Closed Mondays. Dress
smart casual (no jackets required, but appreciated).
Address: 400 East Sahara Avenue
Golden Steer Steak House
American
The Steer, about a mile from 'The Strip', is the
oldest steak house in Las Vegas having been in business in the same
spot since 1958, and still a favourite with thousands of loyal
diners. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis
Presley frequented the Steer to enjoy the large and perfectly
grilled traditional steaks, especially the Diamond Jim cut of prime
rib. Fish, chicken and some Italian dishes are on offer too, and a
selection of interesting appetisers. Lunch and dinner Monday to
Friday, dinner Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 308 W. Sahara Avenue
Marrakech
Exotic and exciting dining is offered in a cosy
Middle-Eastern tent where diners lounge on cushions on the floor or
on comfy low couches to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Robed
waiters explain the six-course fixed-price menus, while belly
dancers gyrate. Algerian wines are available. Open for dinner
nightly. Reservations required.
Address: 3900 Paradise Road
Mon Ami Gabi
French
Few restaurants can claim sidewalk space on the famous
Las Vegas Strip, where diners can watch the passing parade. Mon Ami
Gabi, emulating a Paris brasserie, does just that, with not only an
outdoor section but a glass conservatory and several indoor dining
rooms as well. The cuisine on offer is mainly classic French steak
frites and fruits de mêr with flavoursome sauces. Lunch and dinner
daily.
Address: 3655 S. Las Vegas Boulevard
Rosemary's Restaurant
American
Husband and wife team, Michael and Wendy Jordan, share
their passion for cooking with guests at their award-winning
restaurant, named after Michael's mother, on the Las Vegas West
Side. The cuisine spans all regions of America, but leans heavily
to the southern side, with signature dishes being roast lamb, brick
chicken and Texas barbecued shrimp. The fish dishes are renowned,
the appetisers unusual and the desserts delicious. Lunch Monday to
Friday, dinner nightly. Reservations suggested.
Address: 8125 West Sahara Avenue
Chicago Joe's
Italian
Italian restaurants abound in Las Vegas, both on and
off The Strip, but for really good home-cooked food and excellent
value the unimposing brick building housing Chicago Joe's in the
residential downtown area is a sure bet. The pasta sauces are
renowned among locals, all reputedly recipes handed down by the
owner's family through generations. Lunch and dinner Tuesday to
Friday; Saturday dinner only.
