Italy has always been known far and wide for its enticing selection of dishes. It’s even revealed that pizza is the classic Italian dish that is often voted by most people as their ultimate favorite food. Some even claim that pizza would be their number one choice if they could only choose a single food to eat for the rest of their lives.
With such immense popularity, it’s no surprise that some of the finest Italian restaurants have already found their way into many prominent cities across the United States. Some of them have also entered the culinary scene of Las Vegas, serving some lip-smacking favorites.
If you’re craving a satisfying dinner before you hit the strip, here are some of the top Italian restaurants you should check out.
Amalfi by Bobby Flay
Chef Bobby Flay’s first Italian concept restaurant Amalfi opened its doors in the spring of 2021. Its menu features numerous seafood dishes that took inspiration from its namesake, none other than the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi region is acclaimed for having some of the best seafood selections in the world. Anchovy, seabream, octopus, and shrimp are some of the classic ingredients in the dishes inspired by the Amalfi. These ingredients are used in most of the traditional dishes such as pasta dishes.
Amalfi by Bobby Flay highlights the chef’s take on the coastal and classic ingredients, with a menu featuring antipasti, whole fish, and crab salad. An on-site knowledgeable fishmonger also introduces and explains a fresh fish display.
The menu also includes an amazing selection of pasta prepared using homemade dry pasta from the kitchen of the restaurant.
Aromi Italian Restaurant
The executive chef of Valentino alum German Castellanos together with his partner pastry chef Alessandro Stoppa are the people behind Aromi Italian Restaurant. The dining spot is known for its duck prosciutto salad with sweet Maui onion dressing with golden beet carpaccio topped with burrata as a starter.
Cioppino and octopus, rabbit ragout pappardelle, and spaghetti neri in lobster bisque are among the recommended dishes of Castellanos. Other crowd favorites include branzino in Prosseco sauce and thyme and bread-crusted New Zealand lamb chop. A risotto of the day is also featured in the restaurant.
Balla Italian Soul
The Sahara Las Vegas is treated to a menu of flavorful light pasta and coastal Italy’s lovely touches through the seasonal Italian fare selections of chef Shawn McClain. The tiled and domed ceiling adorns the dining room festooned with twinkling fairy lights and small trees.
This creates the perfect rusting ambiance for casarecce, an Italian dish made up of chewy noodles in a tangy sauce that overflows with Calabrian pepper, garlic, and tomatoes. You can also enjoy Roman-style pizzas here such as the Gotham with fennel pollen, pomodoro, and cured meats.
Carbone at Aria
Carbone at Aria is the perfect dining spot for those who crave New York Italian food while surrounded by a cool old-school ambiance. This restaurant serves dishes perfected at the famous location in New York.
The popular Captains serving at the restaurant are donned in burgundy-colored tuxedoes by famous fashion designer Zac Posen to replicate the unique fashion of the 1950s. The restaurant features two gorgeous dining rooms. The Blue Room’s walls are made of tiles from the subway stations of New York while the Red Room draws inspiration from the Milan Opera, featuring a Murano glass chandelier that hangs from floor to ceiling.
Pasta lovers must definitely check out the signature spicy rigatoni vodka of the restaurant or the tortellini al ragu, linguini vognole, and gemelli di rabe, just to name a few. Guests can also choose main entrees from the seafood favorites such as lobster fra diavolo, Dover piccata, and branzino, or meat delights such as chicken scarpariello, steaks, veal, and lamb chops.
Ferraro’s
Ferraro’s is a classic Italian restaurant that is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Las Vegas and you’re a fan of authentic Italian food. The same family has owned and operated the restaurant for more than three decades, which is not an easy feat on the strip.
Among their classic Italian selections include carpaccio, fine sirloin cuts, and homemade pasta. They also take great pride in their authentic dishes that use only the finest ingredients. Favorite ingredients such as fresh antipasti, truffle oil, and Parmigiano cheese are all available on Ferraro’s menu.
They also have special menus in addition to their authentic Italian dishes. For those with alternative dietary requirements, the restaurant also has a vegan-friendly menu that features plant-based Italian classics. Their menu also includes gluten-free pasta and bread.
Ferraro’s also takes great pride in their fabulous wine bar featuring an award-winning selection of wine. They have an impressive list of wines that suit every palate and will make any pasta lover stay longer.
Esther’s Kitchen
Known for being a super welcoming spot, Esther’s Kitchen consists of friendly staff that will make you feel right at home without being too intrusive. Don’t miss the chance to try their burrata bread and their true standout dish, the mafladine nero which is infused with squid ink and expertly made. It is an upscale cozy restaurant perfect for special occasions and night outs.
Lago at Bellagio
Would you like to try several Italian dishes? Make sure you check out Lago by the Michelin Star Chef Julian Serrano where you can get a taste of Italy in several small plates. These little plates include selections of raw seafood such as Skuna Bay salmon and ahi tuna.
You can also choose from a variety of cheese and meat plates, vegetarian dishes, pastas, and pizzas. Make sure you try their risotto al vino rosso prepared with burrata and red wine.
If the small plates are simply not enough, the menu also has a Piatti Grandi section for diners who prefer more indulgent meals such as baked boneless whole fish good for two, red wine braised osso buco, and one-pound bone-in ribeye.
Be sure to check out Bradley Schnickel’s OceanBeachTravel.com to learn more about the latest and hottest Italian restaurants in Las Vegas!