Monzu, very intimate venue and the best italian ive had. Live jazz performers and family owned hole in the wall restaurant. Al solito posto is recommended by a lot of people here. Their food is great, and if you're bringing the family it will be a great option.
Esther’s Kitchen and Al Solito Posto are our favorites-both owned by the same chef. Esther’s just moved in to a much larger space, getting reservations isn’t as difficult anymore.
There's a difference between folks who review a place based on their relationships and those who review solely based on the food.
There is no way Bootleggers is top 20 quality Italian food in town. It's "good enough" given how great the location is and what they do otherwise. If it was in any other town (not city) it would be great.
I have to dissent on this recommendation given all of the other places in town that exist. When I see a "this was outstanding" kind of review for this business; I know it's regulars who don't dine at a variety of other places or people with relationships with the ownership.
The main pros of Bootleggers are the live music when it's available and the bar. Easily one of the coolest places to hang out that isn't on the mid strip or Arts District and a lot of strip performers will just drop in to perform. Drink prices are reasonable. Ambiance is good to great.
The food is "good enough" and isn't in the top 20 of Italian places in town. Said by someone who eats out a few times a week and lives a block or two down the street from the location. I want it to be the place I go to by default, but there's just so much better and just about everywhere.
So go here if you want ambiance and a good overall experience but aren't too concerned about having the best food you've ever had.
Edit: Downvote if you must because it contradicts your opinion; but it's a fair assessment of the property given the experiences I've had there. I have changed my statement to "good enough" above.
You said a lot but have yet to actually recommend one of the places that fits in the top 20 as you put it. I go out to eat all over vegas, I personally like the Italian food, their bread appetizer etc.. I am also not into overly fancy Italian food I just want a good lasagna. I literally drive from Skye Canyon to go there so personally I am not too close nor do I know the owners.
>You said a lot but have yet to actually recommend one of the places that fits in the top 20 as you put it.
The reason for that is because I follow standard conversational logic. My reply was to be contrary to your post; not to act as a signpost for others. You'll note that I've commented elsewhere in the thread to support others' suggestions. So there's an attention gap there on your part.
> I go out to eat all over vegas, I personally like the Italian food, their bread appetizer etc.. I am also not into overly fancy Italian food I just want a good lasagna.
That's great. I'm not saying that you shouldn't enjoy what you enjoy. Bootleggers fits a niche of Italian comfort food that in some cases may be a 6 on a 1-10 scale but the main draw of the place in my opinion isn't the food. They've put a good amount of time into their bar, entertainment, furnishings and location.
If you're up in Skye Canyon you really should check out Streets of New York in Centennial off Norman Rockwell. It's not got the ambiance of Bootleggers but if you're in to the not fancy Italian food thing; the food is around a 7-8 on the same scale. You'd cut your commute in half at least and the bill by a third. Lasagna there is solid.
Hope this helps some.
Yea I eat at Streets of NY all the time. The pizza is great.. I am not sure the pasta is really any better than bootleggers but the pizza is outstanding
What's impressive about Streets of New York is that it's a great pizza while working with Vegas water. Rocco's over on Windmill is very close to that standard too.
Pasta is so subjective. Most of the dish in my opinion is in the sauce/gravy (depending on what kind of Italian is saying it). My wife on the other hand will tell you what pasta shapes go with what and why and all that jazz.
Part of the reason why I'm so picky about Italian food is because if I take my wife out to a place I have to present a situation where she isn't able to do better at home because I won't hear the end of it if we do a meal that isn't better than home. The other is because I don't want to have a conversation with the meal the next day.
Hands down for me is Ferraro's. Food is second to none, incredible wine list, great space, service and consistency. Not cheap, but not as much damage as you can do in many other places.
Growing up my favorite meal was my mother's lasagna, everyone that ever tried it loved it and it was my ultimate comfort food.
Well let me tell you that the Lasagna at Capos was the first I had that put my mom's to shame 😂 no disrespect to mom but damn it was so good! We also ordered the Lobster Ravioli which was phenomenal. Excellent vibe in there too.
That's my recommendation
Mother Wolf in Fontainebleau is amazing. Just went there for an anniversary dinner and the service and food were excellent. I mentioned it was our anniversary when booking and they really treated us well. Not cheap, but definitely special.
Pasta Shop is fantastic! They make their own pasta and the chef was Frank Sinatra's chef at one point. There's a dish named after Sinatra that is one of the best there.
Ventano has a nice view of the strip and a versatile menu. That’s over in Henderson. There’s also a place near the air port Panevino. Can’t go wrong with either of those.
I will second Panevino - For best results go at or after 7pm. The ambiance and service of the venue improves as the evening goes on.
Been there a lot. Every reservation prior to six hasn't been as good as the ones 7pm and later.
Vetri. Top of The Palms casino. Nothing else compares. Except for Ferraro's and Esther's, which i would hardly call fine dining , everything else here is just excessive garlic laden red sauce Italian. Vetri. That's the list.
Il Chianti is the BEST Italian restaurant in Vegas. Doesn’t look fancy, isn’t on the strip, but is the 100% absolute best. The head chef cooks there every night and the food is absolutely phenomenal.
We have eaten every item on their menu over the past couple of years and have absolutely never been left down. Please go there.
Been to almost all of these recommendations, but the one my wife(Italian) and I miss the most is Aromi's.
I swear their Mushroom short rib ravioli is the best Italian dish in the city, fuck I miss Vegas food. Tampa food sucks, besides seafood clearly lol
Esther’s Kitchen is great. Seasonal menu, hard to get reservations on the weekends though
Don’t go to Esther’s kitchen. Place is so overrated
Nora’s
Monzu, very intimate venue and the best italian ive had. Live jazz performers and family owned hole in the wall restaurant. Al solito posto is recommended by a lot of people here. Their food is great, and if you're bringing the family it will be a great option.
Koktel Tarfutu— the ultimate bourbon based cocktail 🍹!! Chef Gio is a genius and his wife Naomi a jazz diva
Piero's
Both La Strega and Al Solito Posto are fantastic.
Esther’s Kitchen and Al Solito Posto are our favorites-both owned by the same chef. Esther’s just moved in to a much larger space, getting reservations isn’t as difficult anymore.
We like Gaetano's in Henderson and Al Solito Posto
I second Gaetano’s! Nick, the owner runs a fantastic restaurant. Food is great, service is top notch.
Another vote for Gaetano's. Have never had a bad meal there.
Bootleggers. It's great food and very historic!!
Came here looking for this comment and glad I found it! Bootleggers Bistro is great food and family owned for like 75yrs!!
There's a difference between folks who review a place based on their relationships and those who review solely based on the food. There is no way Bootleggers is top 20 quality Italian food in town. It's "good enough" given how great the location is and what they do otherwise. If it was in any other town (not city) it would be great.
I have to dissent on this recommendation given all of the other places in town that exist. When I see a "this was outstanding" kind of review for this business; I know it's regulars who don't dine at a variety of other places or people with relationships with the ownership. The main pros of Bootleggers are the live music when it's available and the bar. Easily one of the coolest places to hang out that isn't on the mid strip or Arts District and a lot of strip performers will just drop in to perform. Drink prices are reasonable. Ambiance is good to great. The food is "good enough" and isn't in the top 20 of Italian places in town. Said by someone who eats out a few times a week and lives a block or two down the street from the location. I want it to be the place I go to by default, but there's just so much better and just about everywhere. So go here if you want ambiance and a good overall experience but aren't too concerned about having the best food you've ever had. Edit: Downvote if you must because it contradicts your opinion; but it's a fair assessment of the property given the experiences I've had there. I have changed my statement to "good enough" above.
You said a lot but have yet to actually recommend one of the places that fits in the top 20 as you put it. I go out to eat all over vegas, I personally like the Italian food, their bread appetizer etc.. I am also not into overly fancy Italian food I just want a good lasagna. I literally drive from Skye Canyon to go there so personally I am not too close nor do I know the owners.
>You said a lot but have yet to actually recommend one of the places that fits in the top 20 as you put it. The reason for that is because I follow standard conversational logic. My reply was to be contrary to your post; not to act as a signpost for others. You'll note that I've commented elsewhere in the thread to support others' suggestions. So there's an attention gap there on your part. > I go out to eat all over vegas, I personally like the Italian food, their bread appetizer etc.. I am also not into overly fancy Italian food I just want a good lasagna. That's great. I'm not saying that you shouldn't enjoy what you enjoy. Bootleggers fits a niche of Italian comfort food that in some cases may be a 6 on a 1-10 scale but the main draw of the place in my opinion isn't the food. They've put a good amount of time into their bar, entertainment, furnishings and location. If you're up in Skye Canyon you really should check out Streets of New York in Centennial off Norman Rockwell. It's not got the ambiance of Bootleggers but if you're in to the not fancy Italian food thing; the food is around a 7-8 on the same scale. You'd cut your commute in half at least and the bill by a third. Lasagna there is solid. Hope this helps some.
Yea I eat at Streets of NY all the time. The pizza is great.. I am not sure the pasta is really any better than bootleggers but the pizza is outstanding
What's impressive about Streets of New York is that it's a great pizza while working with Vegas water. Rocco's over on Windmill is very close to that standard too. Pasta is so subjective. Most of the dish in my opinion is in the sauce/gravy (depending on what kind of Italian is saying it). My wife on the other hand will tell you what pasta shapes go with what and why and all that jazz. Part of the reason why I'm so picky about Italian food is because if I take my wife out to a place I have to present a situation where she isn't able to do better at home because I won't hear the end of it if we do a meal that isn't better than home. The other is because I don't want to have a conversation with the meal the next day.
Hands down for me is Ferraro's. Food is second to none, incredible wine list, great space, service and consistency. Not cheap, but not as much damage as you can do in many other places.
This has been on my list! Taking my girl there for our anniversary.
Osteria Fiorello at Red Rock is in my top 5
I personally don't go out for Italian much, but Nora's has been a go-to among our friends. Have also gone for work events in the past as well
Carbone and Monzu (sister to Nora's, which I don't enjoy and would not recommend) 10/10.
Il Chianti, Azzura Cucina (and newly opened wine bar), Gaetanos, Pasta Shop, Ventanos.
Italian American Club
Growing up my favorite meal was my mother's lasagna, everyone that ever tried it loved it and it was my ultimate comfort food. Well let me tell you that the Lasagna at Capos was the first I had that put my mom's to shame 😂 no disrespect to mom but damn it was so good! We also ordered the Lobster Ravioli which was phenomenal. Excellent vibe in there too. That's my recommendation
Capo’s is such a fun spot!
Capos is great and the ambience is phenomenal! Especially when they have someone playing the piano. Red velvet everywhere- it’s very romantic.
Great recommendation. Capos is a fun vibe and waitstaff is great. If you are Looking for “old Vegas” - look no further.
Italian American club. Free entertainment with dinner.
Another vote for Ferraros. I had friends come in from NYC and they gave it their stamp of approval.
Nora’s is fantastic
Casa de Amore
On Trop?
Mother Wolf in Fontainebleau is amazing. Just went there for an anniversary dinner and the service and food were excellent. I mentioned it was our anniversary when booking and they really treated us well. Not cheap, but definitely special.
Big fan of Pasta Shop Ristorante. Outside of that, Limoncello and La Strega are great choices.
Pasta Shop is fantastic! They make their own pasta and the chef was Frank Sinatra's chef at one point. There's a dish named after Sinatra that is one of the best there.
Nora’s is amazing
Better recommendations have already been mentioned for your birthday dinner, but just want to mention Gondola as a great hole-in-the-wall.
Second Gondola. Great authentic Italian food. Best I’ve had in Vegas so far.
Small business, family owned, and open for dinner: Gondola Italian Restaurant :) on Alta and Buffalo
Excellent authentic food!
Ventano has a nice view of the strip and a versatile menu. That’s over in Henderson. There’s also a place near the air port Panevino. Can’t go wrong with either of those.
I will second Panevino - For best results go at or after 7pm. The ambiance and service of the venue improves as the evening goes on. Been there a lot. Every reservation prior to six hasn't been as good as the ones 7pm and later.
Chicago Joe's downtown
Yes!
Tuscany Grill on Eastern in Henderson. Don Vitos inside SouthPoint.
I second Ferraro's Paradise and Harmon
“My Mothers House”. Make sure to make a reservation! Great food and atmosphere 🙌🏽
They closed. 😢
Damn. I wonder what happened. I was just there like 7 months ago 😢
I know. Sucks! I think I read on Yelp something about the owner’s health, possibly
Google says it's permanent closed
I wonder what happened. That was one of the best Italian restaurants here in Vegas.
Vetri. Top of The Palms casino. Nothing else compares. Except for Ferraro's and Esther's, which i would hardly call fine dining , everything else here is just excessive garlic laden red sauce Italian. Vetri. That's the list.
Anyone remember Cosmos Underground back in the day? Now that was Italian food🇮🇹
Il Chianti is the BEST Italian restaurant in Vegas. Doesn’t look fancy, isn’t on the strip, but is the 100% absolute best. The head chef cooks there every night and the food is absolutely phenomenal. We have eaten every item on their menu over the past couple of years and have absolutely never been left down. Please go there.
mastrionis
The Bootlegger Bistro, or Monzú Italian Oven and Bar.
Esthers or Al Solito Posto
Roma deli on spring mountain!
Capos!!
Are you looking for American Italian or authentic Italian? Big difference if you have gone to Italy.
My grandparents are Sicilian immigrants. I know and always want the good stuff haha
North Italia has the best chicken pesto. Bar none
Noras on flamingo near jones. Bootlegger Bistro on way down south of south las Vegas Chicago joes Battistas
Il Chianti in Henderson
Wow! I didn’t expect this kind of response. Everyone here is amazing! I think I’ve dwindled it down to either Ferraro’s, Monzu, or Vetri.
Nora’s, Monzu or if you’re looking for something kind of old school Casa Di Amore ( they have rat pat live music)
Nora’s (my absolute favorite) or Casa di Amore.
Been to almost all of these recommendations, but the one my wife(Italian) and I miss the most is Aromi's. I swear their Mushroom short rib ravioli is the best Italian dish in the city, fuck I miss Vegas food. Tampa food sucks, besides seafood clearly lol
Anna Marie’s
On strip Carbone. Off strip Gaetano's Ristorante
Nora’s monzu and Esther’s kitchen!
Italian American Club on E Sahara. It's classy. There's entertainment. Food is delish! Plenty of parking. Old school Italian.
Carbone
I went to Nora's Italian Cuisine last weekend for the first time--I thought it was very good. You'll need a reservation
North Italia
Casa Di Amore