The locals always know: the best food at fair prices, and all the hidden gems of their city’s culinary scene. If you’re willing to gamble on some places off the beaten path, you’ll enjoy a culinary payout that beats the odds!
As we’ve previously indicated, Vegas is a gastronomic haven offering a veritable cornucopia of amazing eateries – on the Strip and off. But where do the locals go when they want to get a good meal at a fair price? Here’s a sampling of some of Vegas’ best eats, according to locals.
Mexican – Lindo Michoacan
http://www.lindomichoacan.com/
2655 E. Desert Inn Road
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 735.6828
If a local were you take out to eat on your visit to Vegas, there’s a good chance they’d introduce you to local favorite Lindo Michoacan. But you don’t need a local guide: even though Lindo Michoacan is loved by locals, the restaurant also offers free shuttle service between the restaurant and the Las Vegas Convention Center Monorail Station. It’s located about 10 minutes off the Strip.
The fresh tableside guac gets regular raves, but you can’t go wrong with any of the tempting choices from their huge menu. One of our favorite things about Lindo Michoacan? They really strive for authenticity, and it shows with delicious dishes inspired by Mexico City eateries.
Italian – Piero’s
http://www.pieroscuisine.com
355 Convention Center Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 369-2305
Located within walking distance of the Strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center, Piero’s offers a classic, old style Vegas experience. You’ll be forgiven if you think you’ve stepped through a time portal into the past when you enter their doors, but trust us, you’ll forget time altogether while you savor dishes like vitello (veal) “del chef” that just melts in your mouth. Expect to spend a little more at this place than others on our local faves list, but you won’t just be dining among locals, you could very well be surrounded by Vegas glitterati.
French Bistro & Wine Bar – Marche Bacchus
http://www.marchebacchus.com/
2620 Regatta Drive #106
Las Vegas, NV 89128
(702) 804-8008
While dining on delicious French cuisine, you’ll eat up the gorgeous lakeside view while lingering for the live flamenco guitar and old school jazz. But for oenophiles, the true draw is the on-premises wine-market.
When you eat here, the entire store is your wine list, with no bottle ever more than $10 over the retail price. An unbeatable selection of wines, without the retail markup, and a staff that really knows their wine? Bon appétit indeed!
Cuban – Florida Café
http://www.floridacafecuban.com
1401 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(inside the Howard Johnson hotel)
(702) 385-3013
What’s that, you say? You didn’t come to land-locked Nevada to eat at some café called Florida, offering Cuban island cuisine? Oh, but this is where Vegas’ rich and multicultural dining community really pays off! Otherwise we’d miss the succulent roasted leg of pork and that not-to-be-missed, crispy-sweet Caribbean specialty, tostones (fried plantains).
Don’t let the older, run-down neighborhood turn you off. Once you step inside, you’ll be transported into a cool oasis of Latin flavors.
R Steak & Seafood
http://rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-dining/r-steak-seafood/
2901 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 794-9233 for reservations
Do locals eat along the Strip? For sure! Sometimes it’s for special occasions, and sometimes it’s just because the restaurant is so darn good! And we’re so happy that locals and guests alike describe our own R Steak & Seafood as a “hidden gem” on the north end of the Strip. Speaking as the people behind this place, we take its quality very seriously. The restaurant manager has even been known to reach out to people who leave reviews!
And if you happen to be local, or are lucky enough to be dining out with some local residents, we’ve got a special offer just for you: a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entries. See the link above for more details.
