Additional Coverage:
- I ate at Gordon Ramsay, Lisa Vanderpump, and Giada De Laurentiis’ Las Vegas restaurants. One got every dish right. (businessinsider.com)
During a recent trip to Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to sample dishes from three high-profile restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs Lisa Vanderpump, Gordon Ramsay, and Giada De Laurentiis. Each brought a distinct flavor and atmosphere to the table, showcasing the diversity of the Vegas dining scene.
First, I visited Giada at The Vanderpump Hotel, De Laurentiis’ first Las Vegas restaurant. The space felt slightly nostalgic with its warm, ‘90s-inspired décor and charming views of the Strip.
We started with the Brunch Favorites Tower, enjoying the crostini topped with truffle-honey ricotta, though the crepes and some other items missed the mark in flavor. Among the entrees, the rigatoni alla vodka stood out for its creamy richness, while the cavatelli pasta fell short with bland seasoning and dry shrimp.
The following day, I crossed over to Caesars Palace for lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Although I’m not a viewer of the TV show, I’m a fan of Ramsay’s culinary work and was eager to try his signature beef Wellington.
The restaurant’s design faithfully recreates the show’s set, complete with an open kitchen divided into red and blue teams. The Hell’s Mary cocktail was a highlight, delivering a refreshing yet spicy start.
Scallops were cooked flawlessly, and the decadent lobster and truffle-infused onion soup exceeded expectations. True to its reputation, the beef Wellington was perfectly executed, featuring tender medium-rare beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry and served with a smooth red-wine demi-glace.
We finished with a sticky toffee pudding that provided a satisfying sweet ending.
For our final evening, I explored Vanderpump’s Parisian-themed restaurant, Vanderpump à Paris, located inside the Paris Las Vegas hotel. The moody ambiance, complete with faux rain on glass and Eiffel Tower views, set the tone for an elegant night.
The Birdcage Á Charcuterie offered a well-curated selection of meats and housemade chips, though I wished for a creamy dip to accompany the chips. The standout dish was a truffle-stuffed baguette layered with Brie and drizzled with truffle honey-a truly indulgent bite.
Among inventive cocktails, the Louvre at First Sight impressed with its smoky presentation and balanced flavors. Mini Monsieurs and Gruyère frites rounded out the meal, though the carb-heavy order was a bit much.
We concluded with delicate Rose & Rosé Eclairs, a fitting light dessert.
Overall, Hell’s Kitchen emerged as my top dining experience in Vegas, with impeccable execution from appetizers through dessert. That said, Vanderpump à Paris offered a captivating atmosphere and memorable cocktails, and Giada’s offerings at The Vanderpump Hotel made for convenient and tasty room service options. Whether you’re seeking classic Italian-American dishes, theatrical dining inspired by a hit TV show, or chic Parisian vibes, Vegas’s culinary landscape has something to satisfy a range of tastes and moods.