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Las Vegas food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Las Vegas.
What to eat in Las Vegas
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Shrimp Cocktail
A classic Vegas starter, this dish features large, chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, often with a squeeze of lemon. It's an iconic, no-frills appetizer that screams old-school Vegas glamour.
Prime Rib
Slow-roasted, thick-cut beef rib, often served with au jus and horseradish. Vegas steakhouses are legendary for their generous portions and high-quality cuts, a true indulgence.
Buffet Experience
While not a single dish, the Vegas buffet is an institution offering an overwhelming variety of international cuisines, carving stations, and decadent desserts. It's a quintessential Vegas dining adventure.
Spam Musubi
A popular Hawaiian snack that has found a strong following in Vegas due to its large Hawaiian population. It's a slice of grilled Spam on top of rice, wrapped with nori (seaweed).
Lobster Thermidor
A rich, classic French dish of lobster meat cooked in a creamy sauce and served in its shell, often flambéed. Many high-end Vegas restaurants offer this luxurious, old-world delicacy.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Glittering, high-energy, and overwhelmingly diverse.
Authentic, bustling, and a culinary adventure.
Retro charm meets modern innovation.
Bohemian, eclectic, and community-focused.
Dietary notes
Las Vegas offers immense variety, making it relatively easy to find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, especially in resort restaurants and diverse ethnic eateries. However, traditional steakhouses and buffets can be meat-heavy, requiring careful navigation.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary and expected for most services, including servers (18-20%), bartenders (1-2 per drink or 18-20% of tab), hotel staff, and valets.
- •Reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends and holidays.
- •Dress codes vary wildly; while many places are casual, high-end steakhouses and clubs may require 'business casual' or 'smart casual' attire.
- •While not strictly enforced, many locals appreciate a bit of 'Vegas flair' – dress to impress, especially if you're dining at a celebrity chef restaurant.
- •Unlike many European cities, there isn't a rigid 'meal time' structure; you can find quality food and drinks at any hour.
Plan the rest of your Las Vegas trip
Food guides elsewhere