Chowhound: Top Celebrity Chefs in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city built on stars. While many think of the stars behind the shows on the marquees, it’s the stars in the kitchens (and the Michelin Guides) that feed the collective bellies in Las Vegas. With each new resort opening, new celebrity chefs seem to pepper the restaurants.
First, here’s who didn’t make the list: Pierre Gagnaire with Twist at Mandarin Oriental; Bobby Flay and his Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace; L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand; Todd English at Olives at the Bellagio and Todd English P.U.B. at Crystals; Jean Georges Vongerichten at Prime at Bellagio and Jean Georges Steakhouse at Aria; Charlie Palmer at Aureole at Mandalay Bay and Charlie Palmer Steakhouse at the Four Seasons; Hubert Keller at Burger Bar and Fleur at Mandalay Bay; Julian Serrano at Picasso at Bellagio and Julian Serrano at Aria; Tom Colicchio at Craftsteak at MGM Grand; and so many more. The list doesn’t even include newcomers Scott Conant at Scarpetta and D.O.C.G., David Myers at Comme Ca or Bruce and Eric Bromberg at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill all at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. That means we have a list of pretty influential chefs feeding the masses who visit Las Vegas. Take a look at the top five celebrity chefs in Las Vegas.
CUT, Palazzo, 702.607.6300
Postrio Bar & Grill, Venetian, 702.796.1110
Spago, Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.369.6300
Trattoria del Lupo, Mandalay Bay, 702.740.5522
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, MGM Grand, 702.891.3000
Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, Crystals, 702.238.1000
Las Vegas owes the celebrity chef movement to Wolfgang Puck, who opened Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars in 1992. Then everyone wanted a celebrity chef on their property. Puck now has several restaurants in the city spread across properties. We love CUT, his divine steakhouse at The Palazzo Las Vegas, but you can always count on good people watching at Spago.
American Fish, Aria at CityCenter, 702.590.8610
Michael Mina, Bellagio, 702.693.7223
Nobhill Tavern, MGM Grand, 702.891.7337
Seablue, Bellagio, 702.891.3486
StripSteak, Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7414
Egyptian-born Michael Mina cut his culinary skills in San Francisco before landing in Las Vegas with 2002 with Aqua (now Michael Mina) at the Bellagio Las Vegas. He’s partners with Vegas native tennis superstar Andre Agassi, and now has five restaurants in the city. We love his namesake restaurant at the Bellagio, but for an outdoorsy experience, try American Fish at Aria at CityCenter. Simply divine explorations of cooking on the menu here.
Delmonico Steakhouse, The Venetian, 702.414.3737
Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, MGM Grand, 702.891.7374
Lagasse’s Stadium, The Palazzo, 702.607.2665
Table 10, The Palazzo, 702.607.6363
Emeril Lagasse first rose to fame as the chef at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, then landed his eponymous restaurant there to showcase his Cajun and Creole cooking styles. Shows like “Emeril Live” on the Food Network only helped him, his catchphrases and sparkling personality gain traction. He opened Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand in 1995.
Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich
B&B Ristorante, Venetian, 702.266.9977
Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, Palazzo, 702.789.4141
Otto Enoteca, Venetian, 702.677.3390
Mario Batali may be best known for his orange Crocs that he dons daily in the kitchen. In Vegas, the former Food Network star runs three restaurants with partner Joe Bastianich at The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo Las Vegas. The duo first set up shop with B&B Ristorante and but our heart lies with the aged beef at Carnevino Italian Steakhouse.
China Poblano and Jaleo, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 1.877.551.7772
The godfather of tapas entered the Las Vegas market when The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opened. His paella at Jaleo is to-die-for, while his blend of Chinese and Mexican cuisines with fresh noodles made on the spot explore new food territory. The native of Spain mainly works out of his restaurants in Washington, D.C.
