By The Editors By The Editors | February 2, 2023 | Food & Drink Feature Guides
Whether you are in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, enjoy our list of Las Vegas' best Italian restaurants. We've rounded up the best restaurants you must try throughout Las Vegas, check out the complete list.
If you're up for a culinary adventure, check our lists for best Italian restaurants in nearby San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County.
Family owned for over 30 years, Ferraro’s is a Las Vegas staple and a must-visit for all Italian food lovers. Order wine, martinis, cocktails and more, as well as exquisite light bites from the happy hour menu, which can all be enjoyed on the beautiful patio or via takeout. Stay for dinner and opt for one of Ferraro's authentic dishes, like the carpaccio di manzo, a thinly sliced sirloin and arugula salad with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and truffle oil. Or indulge in one of the restaurant's housemade pastas, our choice being the spaghetti aglio e olio. For those who are plant-based, Ferraro's also offers a dedicated vegan friendly menu. 4480 Paradise Road, 702.364.5300
Now offering full-service al fresco dining, this Italian hot spot serves up plenty of classic Italian delicacies. Try the new meatball napoli appetizer, a trio of meatballs topped with marinara sauce, melty mozzarella and fresh ricotta cheese; the chicken marsala or piccata; or pastas, such as pasta carbonara, linguini bolognese or penne alla vodka. 2850 E. Tropicana Ave., 702.433.4967
After 16 years, Mesa Grill closes its doors to make room for celeb chef Bobby Flay’s first Italian restaurant concept, Amalfi. The new eatery evokes the flavors of Italy with a menu comprised of antipasti selections, like the crispy soft-shell crab salad; housemade fresh and dry pastas; and whole fish from the seafood display. The enchanting space, designed by Olivia Jane Design & Interiors, boasts endless areas to indulge—from the nearly-50-foot bar to the 40-seat lounge area to the main dining area, which reveals towering ceilings, an extensive wine display and a view of the open kitchen. It seems chef Flay has done it again. Caesars Palace
Executive chef James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen has cultivated a restaurant where patrons are welcomed like family, and eat like royalty. Named after Trees’ great aunt Esther, the restaurant offers an extensive dinner and lunch options, as well as a carefully curated wine menu. 1130 S. Casino Center Blvd., Ste. 110, 702.570.7864
Locale Italian Kitchen is an off-Strip draw created in a joint venture between longtime Las Vegas food and beverage luminaries Andy Hooper and chef Nicole Brisson. A casual nod to the iconic farm-to-table ristorante, Locale is reminiscent of the familiar vibe and features a few of Brisson’s signature dishes, like the beef cheek ravioli and charred octopus, as well as an Italian-focused wine list. In Brisson’s hallmark style, ingredients are sourced responsibly. Take for example the egg-rich tajarin, made from eggs of hens that graze on chrysanthemum and flaxseed who yield the darkest, high-protein yolks. 7995 Blue Diamond Road, 702.330.0404
From award-winning chef Steve Young comes this Italian staple known for its fresh, simple cuisine. Each dish is made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a few standouts including the bone-in veal chop parmigiana, osso bocu, frutti di mare, and lemon and rosemary roasted chicken, all slow-cooked in a bed of natural juices, herbs and garden vegetables to give you a burst of flavor with every bite. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 702.732.5276
From the mind of celebrity chef Giada De Laurentis, this restaurant stimulates all your senses with sweeping views of the strip, delectable Italian dishes with California influences and a warm, welcoming environment. Located on the second floor of the Cromwell, GIADA is open for dine-in and take-out. We recommend the lemon spaghetti dish sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and basil and served atop juicy shrimp. The restaurant’s open kitchen concept even gives you an inside peek at how the fresh pasta is made. The Cromwell Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 855.442.3271
It’s tough to make a misstep when you’re dealing with the menu at Aria’s elegant tribute to all things old-school Italian, New York transplant Carbone. But one of the unequivocal highlights of the restaurant’s selection of breads, pastas, and steaks is Mario Carbone’s rib-eye Diana, an ultra-tender cut of beef drizzled in a sweet herb jus whose hints of onion, rosemary, and tomato paste recall the flavors of Italy. ARIA, 877.230.2742
Sinatra
Frankly, chef Theo Schoenegger’s tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes does not disappoint, starting with the décor: rich, bold colors, classic design, and a spacious patio. Then there’s the menu packed with Sinatra’s favorite dishes, like spaghetti and Manila clams served with a tomato garlic broth, plus life-changing cream sauces. Don’t skip the creamy vanilla and pistachio panna cotta for dessert. Encore, 702.248.3463
The first Italian restaurant from the iconic chef, Wolfgang Puck, this Las Vegas eatery is steeped in history. Known for its tableside service and featuring an al a carte menu, Lupo gives guests the full experience by allowing them to watch creations like the Meditteranean seabass come to life. In the center of the restaurant, a focal point bar surrounds a glass-encased wine room, housing bottles from every region your heart could desire. Between the fare and the wine, you can't go wrong at the famed locale. Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7200
Bootlegger Bistro
Since 1949, this family-operated bistro has been serving the Valley chef Maria Perry's original recipes. Dripping with that old Vegas feel, the bistro is open daily (11AM to 11PM), so stop in for lunch for specialties like capellini al Pomodoro rustica with tomatoes, garlic, fresh basic, olive oil and a touch of chef Maria's famous marinara sauce; or come for dinner and indulge in savory dishes including the lasagna "house speciality" and linguine alla vongole, prepared with whole and baby clams sauteed in wine and served in chef Maria's red or white sauce. 7700 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702.736.4939
The night can begin and end at Lavo. Start in the ambient bar area downstairs for libations—like the Lavolini, made with prosecco, passion fruit, and St-Germain—that are as skillfully crafted as the restaurant’s Italian fare. Next, try to snag a table on the terrace for one of the best Strip views in the city—and roasted Chilean sea bass so tender it melts in your mouth. Famous for being at the heart of the pulsing Las Vegas Strip, LAVO has seen the likes of Madonna, Drake, Tony Bennett and more. Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, 702.791.1800
One of the jewels in The Mirage’s crown, Osteria Costa offers guests a vibrant evening: from the food to the decor, everything about Costa is designed to transport you to warm Southern Italy. The menu offers an array of Italian classics, including succulent linguine and clams, ribeye fiorentina, fettuccine bolognese and more. The Mirage, 866.339.4566
The world's largest Italian marketplace with restaurants, this Park MGM spot comprises more than a dozen authentic eateries ready to serve you fresh, flavorful dishes. For the full experience, opt for the semiprivate chef's table. Not only delicious but educational and hands-on, diners are led by expert chefs on how to cook like true Italians. Guests shop with the chef for fresh ingredients at each of the Eataly specialty markets, then watch their bounty prepared before their eyes in the open kitchen. This 12-seat table is an interactive, one-of-a-kind Italian culinary journey that is worth the trip every time. Park MGM, 702.730.7617
Helmed by chef Michael Vitangeli and GM Mario Disi, find complex dishes—such as the duck and foie gras ravioli with a marsala reduction, or the spectacular short rib brasato, featuring braised short rib, truffle pumpkin puree, broccolini and a port reduction—and simple ones, like the taglioni agli scampi, a beautiful combination of prawns, roasted garlic, heirloom tomatoes, capers and basil in a lemon white wine butter sauce. If you're celebrating, we recommend Scarpetta's signature tasting menu (available daily until 9PM), complete with standout dishes like the octopus grigliata, branzino and Nutella bombolini, among four other masterfully crafted dishes. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 702.6987960
Stirring up genius in another kitchen besides Harlo Steakhouse & Bar, Gina Marinelli touches hearts through the food she shares with the Summerlin community at La Strega. Achieving culinary excellence with one pasta dish at a time, Marinelli—assisted by chef de cuisine Pablo—plates and curates coastal Italian dishes such as calamari rigati arrabiata and bone marrow cavatelli. 702.722.2099
RPM Italian was brought to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in May by Guiliana and Bill Rancic with their partners at Lettuce Entertain You. Many guests rave about the authenticity of the Italian dishes prepared and the warm and efficient staff. The Hazelnut Tartufo pictured above melds creamy dark and milk chocolate with crunchy hazelnut bits and smooth caramel. Precede dessert with a savory dinner entree like the Pappardelle Bolognese, Maine Lobster Pansotti or one of the many hand-made pasta dish entrees or antipasta entrees. 702.860.2225
Founder Freddie Glusman opened Piero’s Italian Cuisine in 1982, unaware of the tremendous impact that the Italian staple would have on Las Vegas. Four decades later, the now-institution is still serving beloved Italian dishes, including bone-in veal parmigiana, homemade agnolotti and Piero’s signature Garbage Caesar Salad. While his son, Evan Glusman, is now at the helm, Freddie—who turned 85 in February—is as proud as ever of the dining destination he and his family have created. 702.369.2305
Las Vegas welcomes back Vetri Cucina, a premier destination for modern Italian cuisine. On the 56th floor of Palms Casino Resort, high above the Las Vegas Strip, guests enjoy phenomenal views, excellent entrées and specialty cocktails. The influential eatery features a curated selection of award-winning Italian dishes by chef and owner, Marc Vetri. The exciting energy of Las Vegas is uniquely captured by the intimate dining experience. 702.944.5900
Making its exciting entrance to the Las Vegas culinary scene, Balla Italian Soul is one of the hottest Italian restaurants to try this season! Led by James Beard award-winning Chef Shawn Mcclain, the seasonal Italian menu is sure to satisfy your palette. Balla Italian Soul features an upscale ambiance and a contemporary atmosphere, perfect for seating large groups or private celebrations. Make your way to Balla Italian Soul to indulge in the expansive wine list and curated cocktails, handmade pasta, and seasonal vegetables prepared to perfection.
Looking for something a little more casual? Trattoria by Chef Joel is the perfect family-friendly restaurant for you. With a more relaxed atmosphere, Trattoria by Chef Joel offers classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and Scottish salmon. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Trattoria by Chef Joel is conveniently available at any time of day for your family or group! Head on over to the Ahern Hotel to experience a warm, curated, and classic Italian meal at Trattoria by Chef Joel.
Rosa Ristorante Executive Chef and Owner Rob Moore strives to bring guests a taste of New Jersey in his hometown-inspired Italian-American restaurant. Chef Moore hopes to bring back “neighborhood dining”, an approachable and high-quality dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Featuring Italian classics and an expansive cocktail menu, Rosa Ristorante welcomes guests with a well-curated menu guaranteed to give that classic New Jersey Italian feel!
Described as a toast to leisure and luxury, Brezza offers a light, multidimensional dining experience, perfect for those who are craving a “retreat” from classic Las Vegas. Brezza means “breeze” in Italian, an homage to the atmosphere and vibe that the restaurant hopes it;s guests feel as they dine in the lounge or patio. Executive Chef Nicole Brisson has curated a delectable yet sustainable menu, dedicated to creating seasonal and healthy dishes. Brezza hopes to be a breath of fresh air in a scene they describe as “too far, too fast”. Make reservations for Brezza in Resorts World on their website.
Classic Italian menu meets memorable dining experience. Limoncello is the perfect place to celebrate your next event! Featuring fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and dedicated chefs, Limoncello’s menu transports the guest right to Southern Italy. Offering a team of experiential professionals, Limoncello will curate and support your next group event, while also creating an authentic menu you will not forget! Chef Carla Pellegrino is experienced and dedicated to making sure your experience is as delicious and delightful as possible. Next time you plan to gather, think of Limoncello!
The breathtaking, lively, Tuscan-style Italian dining experience awaits you at Bottiglia in the beautiful Green Valley Ranch. The timeless and rustic ambiance of the main building is accompanied by an airy patio with a large fire pit that is definitely the focal point of the restaurant. Curated by Chef Alessandro Capuano, the expansive menu features colorful antipasti, loads of fresh fish, and classic pasta dishes that carry the bright atmosphere right onto your plate. Even featuring a boozy brunch menu, Bottiglia is the perfect spot, all hours of the day! Make sure to try Bottiglia and experience the magic its team promises.
Overlooking the iconic Bellagio fountains, Lago by Chef Julian Serrano combines fresh Italian cuisine with an exquisite atmosphere, perfect for your next dining experience. The bright and colorful decor provides an elegant backdrop for the seasonal dishes that are sure to impress. Lago has also curated a flavorful brunch menu, putting Italian twists on your favorite brunch classics. Top the night off with some decadent dessert, and the night is flawless! Chef Julian Serrano has perfected the most classic Las Vegas dining experience you will have to try.
Photography by: LAVO photo by Mike Kirschbaum; all others courtesy of restaurant