Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has arrived and the dining options are downright fascinating. While some new concepts and operators in Vegas are naturally part of the opening offer, three of the restaurants that anchored the property when it was known as the Hard Rock Hotel have been brought back to life in new and improved forms.
A steakhouse (702.522.8111) is the next development for famous restaurateurs Michael and David Morton, who originally teamed up to bring MB Steak to Hard Rock. One Steakhouse expands that concept by adding more personalized service and table preparation to the menu of the warm and familiar steakhouse cuisine, and the restaurant has literally been expanded. A cozy new lounge was built from the bar area, which reached out an inviting hand into the casino and attracted attention with a beautiful, ceiling-spanning chandelier installation.
The original Nobu Las Vegas (702.693.5090) has always been a landmark of hard rock, and the Virgin version has been updated with fresh energy and decor, while maintaining the proven culinary innovations of legendary Nobu Matsuhisa. Having this intimate eatery back in the mix also creates a happy dilemma for Vegas visitors and locals who may opt for that quieter Nobu experience again or hit the road Caesars Palace (702.785.6628) to dine in one of the largest and most dynamic Nobu restaurants in the world, adding a masterful teppanyaki menu to the menu.
The third remaining restaurant at the Virgin is the energetic one Strong pizza (702.693.5000), a quick and convenient place to have a tasty piece for lunch or a late night snack. These include New York and Roman pizzas. The continued popularity is due in part to the owners’ commitment to quality and authenticity. No wonder when you learn that this is the same family behind Ferraro’s legendary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (702.364.5300), right across from Virgin on Paradise Road. Ferraro’s recently expanded its hours as it returns to normal operations and is ready with signature dishes like red wine braised osso bucco, handmade pasta, and decadent tiramisu when your craving for homely Italian food arises.
A popular hip hangout is back in action on the Strip at Park MGM. Celebrity chef Roy Choi Best friend (702.730.6770) recently reopened with a plan to only serve its daring Los Angeles-style Korean grilled and fusion dishes like short rib tacos, kimchi fried rice, and eggplant schnitzel on weekends only. But the restaurant’s return was received with such enthusiasm that it quickly returned to a five-night schedule.
At the north end at The STRAT, PT’s Wings & Sports (702.380.7777) continues to establish itself as one of the best places on the Strip to watch the game and enjoy elite bar food. Recently, some Canadian-inspired dishes were unveiled, available during the Vegas Golden Knights games during the NHL season. The PT’s Power Play box contains curd-coated poutine, beaver tails (fried batter served with cinnamon, sugar, and maple butter), cheese pusher, two pounds of chicken wings, and more, enough to satisfy any sporting appetite.
When you’re ready to get off the main drag and explore something new in the neighborhood, head east on Flamingo Road until you get there Drowned cakes and Birria el Chacho (702.832.2683), a small but mighty Mexican eatery that is almost instantly buzzing for its two specialties: a deliciously authentic rendition of the Guadalajaran staple, the torta ahogada, a roast pork sandwich drowned in tomato and chilli sauce; and rich, long-boiled beef birria, available as a stew or in cheesy grilled tacos. Both dishes are worth the trip.
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