Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has arrived and its restaurant choices are simply fascinating. While several New-to-Vegas concepts and operators are naturally part of the opening offering, three of the restaurants that anchored the property when it was still known as the Hard Rock Hotel have been brought back to life in new and improved forms.
A steakhouse (702.522.8111) is the next development from legendary restaurateurs brothers Michael and David Morton, who originally teamed up to bring MB Steak to Hard Rock. One Steakhouse expands that concept by adding more personalized service and table preparation to the menu of the warm and familiar steakhouse cuisine, and the restaurant has literally been expanded. A cozy new lounge was built from the bar area, which extends an inviting hand towards the casino and attracts attention with a beautiful, ceiling-spanning chandelier installation.
The original Nobu Las Vegas (702.693.5090) has always been a landmark restaurant in Hard Rock, and the Virgin version is updated with fresh energy and decor, while maintaining the proven culinary innovations of the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa. Having this intimate eatery back in the mix also creates a happy dilemma for Vegas visitors and locals who may opt to go back to that quieter Nobu experience or leave Caesar’s palace (702.785.6628) to dine in one of the largest and most dynamic Nobu restaurants in the world, where a masterful teppanyaki menu is added to the menu.
The third remaining restaurant at the Virgin is the energetic one Strong pizza (702.693.5000), a quick and convenient place to have a tasty slice for lunch or a late night snack, with New York and Roman pizza options. Its continued popularity is due in part to its owners’ dedication to quality and authenticity, which is not surprising when you learn that this is the same family behind the legendary Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (702.364.5300), right across the street from Virgin on Paradise Road. Ferraro’s recently expanded its opening hours as it is back to normal operations and offers typical dishes such as Osso Bucco braised in red wine, handmade pasta and decadent tiramisu when your craving for homely Italian cuisine increases.
On the Strip, a popular hip hangout at Park MGM is back in action. Celebrity chef Roy Choi’s Best friend (702.730.6770) recently reopened to serve its bold Korean barbecue and Los Angeles-style fusion dishes like short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice, and eggplant schnitzel on the weekends only. But the restaurant’s return was greeted with such enthusiasm that it quickly reverted to a five-night plan.
At the north end at The STRAT, PT’s Wings & Sports (702.380.7777) continues to establish itself as one of the best places on the Strip to catch game and enjoy elite bar food. It recently introduced some Canadian-inspired dishes available during the Vegas Golden Knights games during the NHL season. The PT’s Power Play Box contains curd-coated poutine, beaver tails (deep-fried batter with cinnamon, sugar, and maple butter), cheese pusher, two pounds of chicken wings, and more, enough to satisfy any sporting appetite.
When you’re ready to get off the main drag and explore something new in the neighborhood, head east on Flamingo Road until you get there Drowned cakes and Birria el Chacho (702.832.2683), a small but fine Mexican restaurant that caters for its two specialties almost immediately: a deliciously authentic rendition of Guadalajara’s staple food, torta ahogada, a fried pork sandwich drowned in tomato and chile sauce; and rich, long-cooked beef birria, available as a stew or in cheesy, grilled tacos. Both dishes are worth the trip.
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