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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.
Photo by David Lusvardi on Unsplash
What to eat in Las Vegas
5 signature dishes, 3 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Prime Rib
$45–$80
A massive, slow-roasted cut of beef, often served with au jus and horseradish, that has become synonymous with Vegas's indulgent dining scene. It's a classic for a reason, offering rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Where to try: Many classic steakhouses along the Strip and in older downtown casinos.
Shrimp Cocktail
$15–$25
A retro appetizer featuring large, chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, often presented in a tall glass. It's a nod to Vegas's mid-century heyday and a refreshing start to a big meal.
Where to try: Found in nearly every classic steakhouse and seafood restaurant, particularly those with a vintage feel.
Buffet Experience
$30–$70
While not a single dish, the Vegas buffet is an institution, offering an overwhelming array of international cuisines, carving stations, and decadent desserts. It's a quintessential Vegas indulgence, perfect for sampling a bit of everything.
Where to try: Resorts and casinos across the Strip and downtown.
Lobster Thermidor
$60–$120
A rich French dish of lobster meat cooked in a creamy sauce, often with cognac and mustard, and served in its shell. It represents the opulent, fine-dining era of Vegas.
Where to try: Upscale French and seafood restaurants in major resorts.
Gourmet Burger
$20–$40
Elevated takes on the classic burger, featuring premium beef blends, artisanal cheeses, and unique toppings like foie gras or truffle aioli. These are a modern staple in Vegas's diverse culinary landscape.
Where to try: Dedicated burger joints and gastropubs in resort areas and off-Strip neighborhoods.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
The Strip
Glittering, high-energy, and overwhelmingly tourist-focused, with a concentration of celebrity chef restaurants, buffets, and high-end dining.
Fine diningCelebrity chefsPeople-watching
Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street)
A mix of historic casinos, revitalized arts districts, and a growing number of independent eateries offering more accessible prices and a slightly more local feel.
Classic Vegas diningCraft cocktailsIndependent eateries
Chinatown (Spring Mountain Road)
A vibrant and authentic enclave offering a vast array of Asian cuisines, from dim sum to spicy Sichuan. It's a culinary adventure away from the Strip's tourist traps.
Authentic Asian foodDim sumCasual dining
Dietary notes
While many restaurants, especially those catering to tourists, offer vegetarian and some vegan options, the city's iconic dishes often lean heavily on prime meats and seafood. Gluten-free options are increasingly available, but it's always best to inquire specifically with your server.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary and expected for most services, including waitstaff (18-20%), bartenders, hotel bellhops, and housekeeping.
- •Reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends and during major events.
- •Dress codes vary widely; while casual is acceptable in many places, upscale restaurants and nightclubs may require more formal attire.
- •Be prepared for extensive walking within resorts and along the Strip; comfortable shoes are a must.
Plan the rest of your Las Vegas trip
Food guides elsewhere