The Single Best Restaurant in Every Casino on the Strip

<strong>Costa di Mare | </strong>Barbara Kraft
<strong>Costa di Mare | </strong>Barbara Kraft

So you've found yourself in Las Vegas for one night... in one casino... and don't have the time, funds, or energy to explore the entire Strip. Just what do you do? Easy, you visit the best damn restaurant on the property and eat like a king. With this in mind, we went ahead and did the hard work for you, picking out the very best place to dine at every casino on the Strip. The choices may not always be the most fancy or most expensive, but each one is the most interesting and delicious choice for its given casino.

And since blowing money on food and blowing money at the tables go hand in hand, we're only talking about casinos, not resorts that don't offer gaming -- like the Four Seasons, Trump International, and Delano.

Dig in...

Courtesy of Bardot Brasserie

Aria:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/bardot-brasserie" target="_blank">Bardot Brasserie

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The basics: it's French food with a relaxed atmosphere from chef Michael Mina. Bardot Brasserie's one of the best new restaurants of 2015 and boasts an impressive menu, a nice collection of rare spirits, and one of the most inventive brunches on the Strip. Order a glass of rosé from the tableside wine cart to wash it all down.

Runner-up: Herringbone... because San Diego chef Brian Malarkey just opened his second Las Vegas spot and is looking to keep the momentum by focusing on seafood this time around.

Courtesy of BLT Steak

Bally's:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/blt-steak" target="_blank">BLT Steak

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A classic American steakhouse with three cuts of 28-day dry-aged meat and a buffet-style Sterling Brunch that includes caviar, lobster, and pours of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Also, people just can't seem to get enough of those Gruyere popovers.

Runner-up: Burger Brasserie... to prove that it's possible to have gourmet burgers made with chicken, lamb, and beef inside a sports bar.  

Courtesy of Lago

Bellagio:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/drink/las-vegas/restaurants/lago" target="_blank">Lago

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Walk into a big bright space with a dining room and patio that overlooks the Bellagio fountains. If you're distracted by the scenery, don't think too hard about the menu. Point your finger anywhere on it and you'll come across an Italian-inspired small plate worthy of your attention from Julian Serrano.

Runner-up: Harvest... because it's hard to find a restaurant more careful about sourcing its ingredients than this brand-new spot, from the fresh vegetables to the grass-fed steaks.

Courtesy of Restaurant Guy Savoy

Caesars Palace:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/restaurant-guy-savoy" target="_blank">Restaurant Guy Savoy

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The only US restaurant from chef Guy Savoy offers one of the best dining experiences you'll find on the Strip, with precise service and preparation on its 13-course seasonal tasting menus. Try to swing a table overlooking Las Vegas Blvd or, for a little privacy, request the exclusive Krug Chef's Table that seats six and offers an intimate view of the kitchen with plenty of Champagne.  

Runner-up: Old Homestead Steakhouse... for its selection of Pat LaFrieda dry-aged beef, New York attitude, and our favorite new burger of 2015.  

Courtesy of The Steakhouse

Circus Circus:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/the-steak-house" target="_blank">THE&nbsp;Steak House

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Often called the best reason to visit Circus Circus and for a big chunk of the Las Vegas population, the only reason to visit Circus Circus. The hard part is choosing between the mesquite-grilled steaks, prime ribm or lobster.

Runner-up: Vince Neil's Tatuado... because it's the only place where you can eat a burger stuffed between a glazed donut while surrounded by Motley Crue memorabilia.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Estiatorio Milos

The Cosmopolitan:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/estiatorio-milos" target="_blank">Estiatorio Milos

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In a town where the phrase "farm to table" gets tossed around like a frisbee, this dining spot competes hard to provide the best ingredients for its Mediterranean cuisine. The seafood is flown in daily from carefully selected locations around the world and even the regionally sourced tomatoes will amaze you with their freshness. Try to score a table on the terrace overlooking the Strip.

Runner-up: China Poblano... for the right mix of Mexican and Chinese by chef Jose Andres.

Courtesy of Giada

The Cromwell:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/giada" target="_blank">Giada

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The first and -- as of now -- only restaurant from Food Network favorite Giada de Laurentiis offers a modern Californian take on traditional Italian dining, and has worked hard to live up to the hype. But what really brings the experience together is the kitty-corner view of the Bellagio fountains through the dining room's wide-open windows.

Runner-up: Well, there aren't any other restaurants at this small-ish boutique hotel... so grab a drink at Bound by Salvatore in the lobby.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Excalibur Buffet

Excalibur:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/the-excalibur-buffet" target="_blank">The Buffet

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Let's be honest: Excalibur isn't known for its restaurants. It's strictly for tourists who prefer their hotel suite to be inside King Arthur's castle. But if you're hellbent on trying a Vegas buffet, the one at the Excalibur has made some recent upgrades and is a good place to load up your plate.

Runner-up: The Steakhouse at Camelot... but not until you've been to these other 40 steak joints first.

Courtesy of Center Cut Steakhouse

The Flamingo:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/center-cut-steakhouse" target="_blank">Center Cut Steakhouse

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While not looking to be among the most talked-about restaurants on Strip, this steakhouse has filled its role quietly for years, yet aspires to be more than just a pit stop on the way to the Olivia Newton-John residency. Center Cut takes extra measures to ensure its steaks come from humanely raised cattle from carefully selected ranches, so you can be sure you're getting a quality cut.

Runner-up: Margaritaville... even though this tourist trap can be found in other vacation destinations around the world (and the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica), there's something special about having a Cheeseburger in Paradise right next to the busy entrance of the LINQ promenade.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Fulton Street Food Hall

Harrah's:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/fulton-street-food-hall" target="_blank">Fulton Street Food Hall

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It's not quite a buffet, but more a glorified food court with individual offerings that change throughout the day and stations that serve almost everything -- including pizza, sushi, pastries, soups, and sandwiches. Get whatever you want. Just don't call it a buffet.  

Runner-up: Ruth's Chris Steak House... but only if you don't already have one back in your hometown. We're looking at you Traverse CIty, Michigan.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar

The LINQ:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/guy-fieris-vegas-kitchen-bar" target="_blank">Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen &amp;&nbsp;Bar

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Sometimes you have to pretend calories don't matter. And that's when Guy Fieri comes into play, drawing long lines of people who have absolutely zero interest in fancy stuff like a mixed-green salad. You're going to scarf down the Dragon's Breath chili cornbread Benedict instead. And you are going to love it.

Runner-up: Flour & Barley... because even though you've technically stepped away from the LINQ casino and are now walking down the LINQ promenade, you're eager to wash down a slice of pizza with an authentic cask beer.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Tender Steak &amp; Seafood

Luxor:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/tender-steak-seafood" target="_blank">TENDER&nbsp;Steak &amp; Seafood

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Luxor's a protein-packed paradise with a wide array of beef from around the world, including five distinct ribeye cuts and a game-tasting trio of venison, elk, and wild boar. Begin the meal with a glass of wine and a few choices from the surprisingly deep artisanal cheese menu.

Runner-up: T&T Tacos & Tequila… for the best Mexican food you'll find inside a giant black pyramid.

Courtesy of StripSteak

Mandalay Bay:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/stripsteak" target="_blank">StripSteak

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Bustling and busy with a modern dining room full of energy, Michael Mina's StripSteak makes a second appearance on this list, proving that the best cuts of steak can be prepared with a sophisticated style. It also doesn't hurt to have a deep selection of single-malt Scotch to help settle things down afterwards.

Runner-up: Aureole... because even though the four-story tower of wine will get your attention (along with the "wine angels" retrieving your bottles), it's the diverse and inventive menu that will have you marking down a return trip in your day planner.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Joel Robuchon

MGM Grand:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/joel-robuchon" target="_blank">Joel Robuchon

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What will you find here? Fine cuisine from one of the most highly regarded chefs in France, in perhaps the most elegant dining room in Las Vegas. For a less expensive and more casual alternative, try L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon next door.

Runner-up: Crush... for small bites that can be shared by the table in an open dining room that soaks in the energy of the casino floor.

Courtesy of Portofino

The Mirage:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/portofino" target="_blank">Portofino

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Las Vegas is full of great Italian restaurants, but chef Michael LaPlaca has found a way to stand out from a crowded pack by constantly trying out new tricks on traditional favorites. If you want your meatballs blended with fried squash and goat cheese or your lasagna made with braised oxtail and ragu, this is your place.

Runner-up: Heritage Steak... Tom Colicchio cooks all-natural meat over an open flame, whether it's a charcoal grill or wood-burning fire, with one of the best dessert selections on the Strip.

Courtesy of Andre's

Monte Carlo:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/andres" target="_blank">Andre's

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Founded by Andre Rochat who took French fine dining to new heights in Vegas long before the celebrity-chef invasion. Make a point to relax in the cigar lounge, either before or after your meal, with a strong glass of whiskey.

Runner-up: Yusho... is known for its Logan Poser ramen but is much more than a ramen house, with an eclectic mix of Asian-inspired snack foods and in-house cocktails on draft.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Nine Fine Irishmen

New York-New York:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/nine-fine-irishmen" target="_blank">Nine Fine Irishmen

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Try ignoring this place when you walk by and smell the fish & chips being made in the kitchen. This pub was literally imported brick by brick from Ireland, along with a healthy Irish spirit that will encourage you to order a shot of Jameson to chase down your Guinness.

Runner-up: Tom's Urban... for the diverse menu that includes oddities like the BLT lobster roll and boozy snow cones as well as the Bacon Bourbon Mary.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Carnevino

Palazzo:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/carnevino" target="_blank">Carnevino

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Carnevino covers a lot of ground with Italian cuisine, steaks, wine, and antipasti, and you'll be tempted to try a little bit of everything on the menu, but zero in on the red meat. The dry-aging process lasts anywhere from 90 to 240 days, culminating in the rare "riserva" cut that's sold by the ounce and only available on select days.

Runner-up: CUT... because despite being overshadowed a bit by Carnevino, this steakhouse is the most impressive option in Wolfgang Puck's Las Vegas empire.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Gordon Ramsay Steak

Paris:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/gordon-ramsay-steak" target="_blank">Gordon Ramsay Steak

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If you're a fan of the famous British chef, you're probably already planning to order the beef Wellington. But if you are really, really, really a fan, there's also the Hell's Kitchen tasting menu, based on the TV show.

Runner-up: HEXX... not only for the in-house single-origin chocolate and desserts, but also a full dinner menu that doesn't rest on the reputation of the sweet stuff.

Courtesy of Strip House

Planet Hollywood:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/strip-house" target="_blank">Strip House

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What may be the most overlooked steakhouse in Las Vegas could also be the most carefree and fun. With blood-red decor and authentic photos of vintage pinup girls, Strip House has mastered how to prepare a perfectly charred steak to go with addictive side dishes like the black truffle creamed spinach and a recently introduced flaming baked Alaska for dessert.

Runner-up: Gordon Ramsay BurGR... makes burgers for people who don't usually eat burgers and is worth the wait in the long line out front.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Bazaar Meat

SLS Las Vegas:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/bazaar-meat" target="_blank">Bazaar Meat

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In a town where steakhouses are often routine, chef Jose Andres' Las Vegas masterpiece is truly unlike anything you'll come across. With early courses like foie gras cotton candy and a tableside-prepared beef tartare, it's hard to save room for the main course, whether it's a Spanish-style bone-in ribeye or a roasted pig being shared among your table guests.

Runner-up: Umami Burger... where else you can enjoy a truffle cheeseburger and sweet potato fries with a beer garden on one side and a sportsbook on the other?

Courtesy of&nbsp;Gilley's

Treasure Island:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/gilleys" target="_blank">Gilley's

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You're not at TI for fine dining. You're here for fun. And Gilley's has the best BBQ on the Strip that just so happens to be served by cowgirls in chaps. When you're not line dancing, you're eating ribs and washing 'em down with a cold draft beer.

Runner-up: Señor Frog's... because, like we said, you're not here for fine dining.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Biscayne

Tropicana:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/biscayne" target="_blank">Biscayne

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Biscayne offers a South Beach atmosphere with steak, seafood, and an underrated wine list. It's your best bet without walking across the street to the MGM Grand.

Runner-up: Bacio... for the simplicity of an Italian meal that doesn't stray far from traditional staples.

Courtesy of&nbsp;Delmonico Steakhouse

The Venetian: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/delmonico-steakhouse" target="_blank">Delmonico Steakhouse

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Emeril Lagasse has more than a few worthy Las Vegas restaurants in his arsenal, but none are more impressive than this one. The dining room is elegant but simple, and a place where the focus remains firmly on the food, wine, and whiskey -- rather than celebrity star power.

Runner-up: Yardbird... because you want to know what upscale organic fried chicken tastes like, at least just once.

Barbara Kraft

Wynn:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/costa-di-mare" target="_blank">Costa di Mare

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The restaurant formerly known as Bartolotta has been revamped with a new name and a new chef but some things remain in place, like the deep selection of seafood flown in daily from Italy and the outdoor lagoon seating. This is where you come to discover fish that's hard to find anywhere else.

Runner-up: Mizumi... where you can enjoy sushi or authentic Kobe beef at your own private table overlooking a koi pond.

Barbara Kraft

Wynn Encore:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/las-vegas/restaurants/sinatra" target="_blank">Sinatra

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Making a reservation here is the best Sinatra-related thing you can do in Las Vegas in 2016. The spaghetti and clams alone makes it worth the visit (whether you really believe it was Frank's favorite dish or not).

Runner -up: Andrea's... because whether you go with sushi, steak, or sea bass, this is the perfect place to load up on calories before a busy night at Surrender nightclub next door.

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Rob Kachelriess has given up on Powerball and is looking for the one perfect slot machine to play at every big casino on the Strip. Follow him on Twitter: @rkachelriess.