Delectable Dining Options

Las Vegas is saturated with world-class restaurants, one-of-a-kind cafés and a sophistication that is unmatched across the globe. Just like Las Vegas’ diverse business culture, the food follows suit. Event planners are blessed with quality options spread throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Meeting attendees are showered with a wide variety of delicacies, all of which add value to any business event.

Bon Appetite magazine, a leading authority in the culinary world, named Las Vegas one of the best five cities in the nation to dine in 2007. In addition, Travelocity, a leading online travel site, ranked Las Vegas second in the world in its’ list of the Top Ten Gourmet Destinations in the World.

While the buffets that made Las Vegas famous are still around, it’s fun to discover new culinary haunts. Specialty and ethnic restaurants located around the city can satisfy cravings for just about any cuisine – Guatemalan, Italian, Sicilian, Jewish, Creole, Peruvian, southern barbecue, French, contemporary American, Chinese, Thai, Bulgarian, Greek, Korean, Indian, Scottish, German, English, Japanese and Mexican.

The attention placed on each individual ingredient has made Las Vegas cuisine highly-desired across the globe. Locals and visitors alike, expect fresh, gourmet ingredients that tantalize the taste buds and excite the palate. Restaurant patrons have high expectations for the quality and variety of wines available in the Las Vegas Valley and most restaurants boast extensive wine lists. In addition, many establishments offer private dining areas for parties, meetings and other events.

Dining in Las Vegas can be a daunting task, simply because there are so many excellent choices. Here are our best tips for dining in Las Vegas:

On the Strip

Dining options on the Strip run the gamut from those run by celebrity chefs to massive casino buffets. Either way, dining on the Strip can be a perfect option for large events where attendees are expected to eat on their own. The Strip offers 24-hour dining service and budget-friendly options for those who don’t want to break the bank. Strip dining is ideal for those who have limited transportation alternatives.

Off the Beaten Path

Dining off the Strip is a great option for those that want the authentic Vegas experience with fewer crowds. Restaurants across the Valley offer a multitude of choices from New York inspired delis to rock-bottom budget meals to exclusive culinary masterpieces. Traveling Off-Strip is a great alternative for patrons who want to keep their waistline trim. While the extravagant buffets are part of the Las Vegas experience, healthy dining options are a great break from the unlimited prime rib and mounds of shrimp.

Make Reservations

Dining at Las Vegas’ most popular restaurants can be quite difficult without reservations. Experts suggest making reservations in advance for groups of all sizes, from eight to 98. This will ensure that your group doesn’t end up going hungry and sending you into panic mode.

Time is of the Essence

Planning group dining outings can be much easier if you choose to eat at off-peak times. Busy restaurants appreciate groups that choose to dine during these hours. Peak hours are from 11:30 to 1:30 for lunch and 5:30 to 8:30 for dinner.

Save Money

Sampling the cuisine at high-end restaurants is something that everyone should do when they visit Las Vegas. However, many of these ritzy establishments are pricey and out of many budgets. A great way to ease your pocketbook when it comes to high-profile eateries is to enjoy them at lunch. Eating the midday meal can be almost two-thirds cheaper and just as delicious.

Local Haunts

While name recognition is a powerful indicator of an establishment’s quality, there are thousands of hometown options that offer unique experiences. Drifting away from well-know hotel buffets and celebrity endeavors, could lead your group to an untapped secret. Family-run and locally-owned businesses are perfect for groups that want to see the authentic Las Vegas approach to dining.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Most restaurants require event planners to choose a predetermined menu for groups of 20 or more. To accomplish this task, many meeting planners typically attend a tasting prior to the event. At the tasting they also may tour the restaurant, discuss plans for the event and determine any special instructions – such as how the president is allergic to chocolate and will require the fruit plate instead of the “chocolate thunder.” Many Las Vegas restaurants are equipped to handle large groups and hundreds offer their own special event planners.

There’s a unique restaurant designed to satisfy any appetite in the Las Vegas region. For more information see the resource directory section of this site.