Saturday

07-19-2025 Vol 2026

New Culinary Hotspots Transform Las Vegas Dining Scene

The dining landscape in Las Vegas is ever-evolving, with new restaurants making waves and enriching the culinary experience in the city. As iconic casinos introduce stunning dining destinations with flair and vibrancy, off-Strip eateries are also thriving in cozy neighborhood settings.

Among the most exciting recent openings is Via Via Food Hall at the Venetian Resort. Transforming what was once a generic mall food court, this food hall has attracted an impressive lineup of restaurants and culinary talents. One of the hall’s major draws is Howlin’ Ray’s, the Los Angeles favorite renowned for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, which has gained a loyal following that often leads to long wait times. In addition, chef Ray Garcia has brought his B.S. Taqueria to life with enticing offerings such as house-made chorizo and birria nachos.

Other notable entries at Via Via include offerings from James Beard Award nominee Mason Hereford’s New Orleans spots. Morning patrons can enjoy Molly’s Rise and Shine, known for its delicious bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits, while Turkey and the Wolf serves up delectable fried bologna sandwiches after 11 a.m. Ivan Ramen from New York delights with spicy pickles, wagyu pastrami buns, and acclaimed ramen that has been described as astonishingly good. The Lower East Side’s Scarr’s Pizza brings in-house milled flour pizzas without the long waits typical of New York. Additionally, Florence’s famous All’Antico Vinaio has expanded with another Vegas location, and the team behind Death & Co. debuted Close Company, a cocktail spot from one of the most influential figures in modern bartending.

Moving to the Las Vegas Strip, Bottled Blonde has made its mark with a striking three-story sports bar. This Arizona-based venue, located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, showcases an eye-catching blonde pin-up model coupled with a giant beer bottle. Spanning 20,000 square feet, Bottled Blonde offers over 40 TVs, making it perfect for daytime watch parties, along with a varied drink menu comprising margaritas, mules, and nostalgic juice pouch cocktails dubbed “Capri Sin.” Bar snacks such as Parmesan truffle fries, tuna wonton nachos, and wood-fired pizzas complement the cocktails.

Chinatown continues to welcome new dining establishments, including Krok, a contemporary Thai restaurant that harmonizes traditional flavors with modern aesthetics. This vibrant eatery features purple-hued lighting, ferris wheel shooters, and unique tableside presentations. Highlights include a cajete dish with Mexican influences served in a molcajete, yellow curry brimming with aromatic spices, and spicy chicken wings topped with fried garlic and shallots. For dessert, a sticky rice dish garnished with mango and strawberry compote rounds out the meal, accompanied by Thai iced tea or shots from a rotating ferris wheel.

In Southern Highlands, esteemed chef Ricardo Romo has launched Tuscan Cove Bar and Patio. This venture, a collaboration with Steven Kennedy of All In Hospitality, marks Romo’s third restaurant in the area, following his success with Roma Kitchen and Chef’s Roma Kitchen. The spacious Tuscan Cove features a patio adorned with string lights and fire pits, seating 70 patrons comfortably. Menu favorites include a classic wedge salad, a loaded supreme pizza, a rotating cheese and charcuterie board, and a chicken prosciutto Caprese sandwich. The bar offers a selection of local beers, wine by the glass, and cocktails like a refreshing cucumber mint mule.

In the Arts District, the team behind Stray Pirate has unveiled Prowl, an inviting cocktail lounge set in a sultry, jungle-themed ambiance. This new venue, located on East Fremont, boasts shadowy rock walls and an atmosphere reminiscent of Elvis’s Jungle Room, enhanced by elements like moss, glowing orbs, and a digital black panther animated on screens behind the bar. Chris “Tater” Gutierrez, the general manager and drink innovator, has curated a menu filled with creative cocktails utilizing ingredients like fresh sugar snap peas, hibiscus-ginger beer, and roasted pepita orgeat. Signature drinks include the playful Sex Panther presented in a ceramic cat head and For a Good Time Call, which features a playful surprise for those who dial the provided number. With under 50 seats, and a couple of whimsical bathrooms decorated with butterflies and fireflies, Prowl serves up a unique blend of creativity and fun.

Lastly, just below BrewDog’s expansive 30,000-square-foot rooftop brewpub on the Las Vegas Strip, Underdog Beer Hall offers a laid-back vibe complemented by tabletop games and Skee-Ball. This casual spot features large screens and a new pizza-centric menu alongside a wide selection of beers on tap, including BrewDog favorites like Elvis Juice and guest brews from local Las Vegas breweries.

Chinatown is also home to Chubby Skewers, a recent venture from the creators of Chubby Cattle’s conveyor-belt hot pot and the high-tech X-Pot. Operating from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Chubby Skewers specializes in Northeastern Chinese Dongbei-style barbecue. With skewer prices starting at just $1, patrons can choose from options such as wagyu beef, duck tongue, and spicy cold noodles while enjoying an electric atmosphere inspired by traditional Chinese street stalls.

As Las Vegas continues to embrace its culinary evolution, these new and notable dining spots are captivating food enthusiasts and tourists alike, enhancing the city’s already diverse and exciting food scene.

image source from:vegas

Benjamin Clarke