To gather an update on the food and wine scene in Las Vegas, we dispatched our resident culinary writer, Chris Dymoke, to search out some new hot spots. His expenses claim for weight-reduction treatment after his trip was denied.

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE NOTION OF FOOD AND DRINK in Las Vegas conjured up perceptions of a $9.99 buffet line or a smoky bar with peeling wood panels. Delete all those thoughts from your memory bank. This is not your father’s Las Vegas. In fact, it can be argued that Las Vegas is the new Food and Drink Capital of the USA. You can find every conceivable type of restaurant, open all hours of the day, serving whatever you want, whenever you want it, in whatever surroundings you prefer.

Here is a selection of some of our favourite restaurants visited during a recent trip to this adult playground.

FIVE50

There are very few times of the day when pizza does not taste good, and the pizzas at FIVE50 really hit the spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. Thin-crust and created with top-quality ingredients, the pizzas come in a wide range of toppings, including a variety of fresh mushrooms or even truffles. A large pizza is typically in the $24-$27 price range. FIVE50 also has an excellent range of craft brewed beers. FIVE50, ARIA Resort & Casino.

As you would expect,
Jean Georges Steakhouse is famous for its delicious steaks

JEAN GEORGES STEAKHOUSE

Not recommended for vegetarians, Jean Georges is the new Gold Standard for steak houses in Las Vegas. With an unusually-open feel, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, the service is super-attentive without being over-bearing – and the steaks are exceptional! The wine list is extensive (presented on an iPad) and, while not cheap, is also not expensive for this class of restaurant. Jean Georges Steakhouse, ARIA Resort & Casino.

JOE VICARI’S ANDIAMO ITALIAN STEAK HOUSE

My veal osso buco was to die for! Beautifully prepared for seven hours, the meat was literally falling off the bone, yet still incredibly moist considering how long it had been in the oven. Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steak House serves steaks, fish and the traditional Italian standards. Service was relaxed and even homely … evoking thoughts of your favourite Italian friend’s cooking for a special occasion. Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steak House, the D Las Vegas.

TENDER

I have been lucky enough to have had dinner twice at TENDER and both have been excellent. Steaks and seafood are the specialties, but be sure to make a reservation because this is a busy place any night of the week. TENDER, Luxor Hotel & Casino.

HECHO EN VEGAS

Hecho en Vegas is the new provincial Mexican restaurant at the MGM Grand hotel. It serves all the usual Mexican favourites such as fajitas, enchiladas and tacos, but with flair and freshness. The bacon-wrapped jalapenos and shrimp were so good, especially with a margarita or Mexican beer. Hecho en Vegas, MGM Grand.

WHISKEY DOWN

Whiskey Down is a new whiskeys bar close to the lobby of the MGM Grand hotel. It has a huge selection of whiskeys from all over the world, including some rare bourbons from Kentucky and single malts from Scotland. Whiskey Down, MGM Grand.

SAGE

Sage, inside the ARIA hotel, is THE place to go for cocktails. Craig Schoettler, the resident mixologist, is a true genius. The drinks list is comprised of some familiar favourites but also a large number of Schoettler’s’s own creations. Such are his skills that, during a tasting of six of his signature cocktails, not once was I able to identify the ingredients, despite all the drinks tasting wonderful. That is the sign of a master at work. Sage is a decadent treat not to be missed. Sage, ARIA Resort & Casino.