Located in the shadow of Southern Hills Hospital Leafs and Grounds opened at the end of 2022, their popularity slowly growing by word of mouth attesting to Sin City’s best Scones and a locally grown feel that taps into Pacific Northwest Coffee culture.
A novelty in Las Vegas, the shop slowing things down compared to Dutch Bros or Starbucks and doing things their own way without a slew of influencers, guests arriving Tuesday through Sunday from 6am until 3pm will find a family owned spot with plenty of room to linger, work, and read.
Using Lavazza for a variety of Lattes and specialty Coffees, a proper grinder and Espresso machine attesting to doing things the right way, Pastries are made on-site by the Mother and children with Empanadas fully loaded beneath a golden shell while Danishes are so flaky that a fork and plate are mandatory.
Onward to Scones, flavors announced daily on Instagram, suffice it to say these aren’t the typical British rounds in need of Clotted Cream or Jam, but rather something like a layered Southern Biscuit loaded with Butter and complex flavors ranging from Banana to Pumpkin.
As the eldest occupant of Global West Plaza and the oldest Persian Restaurant In Las Vegas Zaytoon is more easily overlooked than many local eateries, but using the same recipes for decades the space on Durango is a breath of fresh air in a time when authenticity is often lacking.
Family owned and the combination of eatery plus market, the later featuring imported goods as well as groceries, plates come from a kitchen steeped in tradition such that everything from Lavash to several styles of Baklava are made on-site daily.
Muslim owned and Halal-certified, a name that translates as Olive seemingly appropriate for peaceful confines, guests can expect Kabobs served at a fair price though the real highlights come from Stews such as bold Ghormeh Sabizi and Fesenjaan that is complex but not overly sweet like many.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links
BBQ Beans
Banana Pudding
Open from 11:00am until 9:00pm daily, and Sin City’s best place for Barbecue ever since the Henderson original debuted in January 2016, it was for lunch on Monday that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ filled the downstairs, staff quick to gather for an abundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides from the recently-opened Sahara location.
Named after its Pit Master and changing the long-held belief that Las Vegas is not a Barbeque town ever since the original opened, Big B’s Texas BBQ features the work of Brian Buechner and Natalia Badzjo, the husband and wife team taking a hands-on approach to every aspect of the operation from build-out to driving in fresh piles of wood as needed from the Lone Star State.
Available for dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery, all presented by one of the most pleasant teams in town, over-ordering is easy regardless of preference for Pork or Beef including Ribs, pulled-style or Brisket with a good smoke ring whether fatty or lean.
Texas through and through, the aforementioned wood just one reason why Big B’s Proteins outpace growing competition, sides are highlighted by Creamed Corn and thick-cut Onion Rings plus Sin City’s best BBQ Beans and Mac n’ Cheese.
Never forgetting Cornbread that seems to get better every time Dessert is a pick ‘em including Pecan or Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake or fresh made Banana Pudding as good as any one will find down South.
Offering over two-dozen flavors daily, in addition to freshly-fried minis available in a keto-friendly fashion, any discussion of Wicked Donuts should begin with the base, buttery Brioche or toothsome Cake enjoyable beneath tangy Buttermilk or Vanilla Glaze, though upgrading to Chocolate, Blueberry or Maple is highly advised.
Eschewing Artificial Colors or Preservatives, a fact pertinent to Cream-filled choices, suffice it to say that most will not last long whether it be decadent “Sticky Sinn-a-Bun” or the more nuanced Bella Nutella.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Dubai Chocolate continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Cubes add even more variability to the collection.
Opened in 2018, with Anima by EDO debuting in early 2022 and since a JBFA Semifinalist, EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine remains Las Vegas’ most exciting Restaurant thanks to its unrivaled ability to look backwards while at the same time pushing boundaries rarely challenged in Southern Nevada.
Inspired by Catalonian traditions, Chef Oscar Amador’s upbringing in Barcelona gifting him with a respect for diverse Ingredients and a gift for crafting poignant bites that highlight rather than hide them, it was as a party of two that guests were accommodated, Chef Oscar himself charged with creating a Menu Degustacion including both regularly offered items and nightly inspirations.
An acronym for “Extra Day Off,” though EDO itself is open from 5pm until 9pm daily, it was by 5:30pm that things were underway quickly with guests enjoying drinks alongside vibrant Gazpacho as well as housemade Bread with Anchovies and the best Spanish Pork in town.
Starting Seafood-centric as usual, new Oyster and Scallop preparations vibrant with acid before its refreshing linger, Bluefin Tuna Tostadas travel north to Mexico before classic Bikini, Tarte Flambé and Patatas Bravas.
Always exploring new ideas, Oscar and Roberto’s La Loba recently debuted in Seattle, the “Paju Taco” pays tribute to a Pacific Northwest bite with candied Seaweed around Rice and Short Rib before Octopus & Kaluga Caviar kissed by Chef’s take on Tapatío.
Happy to see off-cuts in a city dominated by Steakhouses serving domestic Wagyu at Japanese A5 prices savories concluded with Pork Cheek in Curry and Kimchi Crab Cakes before a seasonal Sorbet and Roberto’s family-recipe Flan.
At the end of September EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine will transition to something new and exciting while Oscar and Roberto expand their reach east of Las Vegas Blvd. Though I may just be one voice, after 21 meals at EDO I’ll nonetheless say Sin City has never had a better Restaurant in the global sense. I’ll remember every visit fondly, especially those where I introduced new people to the sort of high-concept cooking people travel for. If you haven’t been, now’s the time to fix that, If you have, here’s at least 15 reasons to go back before the change.
Debuted in 2025 at Boca Park and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for unique Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, Roberto Armanino’s famous Caramel Cheesecake now “The Caramelo,” “Baby Got Razz” succeeds thanks to the homemade Filling and plenty of complexity while “John Lemon” uses Meringue for texture atop a Bismarck stuffed with Housemade Lemon Filling.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, “Dubai Chocolate” and “Chocolate Banana Fo Fanna” each achieve high marks while “Mama’s Tres Leches” is wetter and better than ever.
Established in 2020, but finally with a storefront that officially opened August of 2024, bake the Cookie Shoppe comes from a group of friends focused on making better Cookies than franchises like Crave or Crumbl and based on 4 visits so far the results are impressive across the whole collection.
Part of Vandrey Plaza on South Decatur, just North of Sunset and the I-215, it is inside a small space that guests will discover a dozen or more daily flavors ranging from “No Chip” with just the Dough to seasonal inspirations such as Vanilla Bean that wows despite its simplicity.
Sold for $4 per round, each individually packaged before entering a branded box and bag, fans of Filippino flavors will be excited to know Ube shines brightly whether “crinkled” on its own or fused with Oreo Cookies.
Happily delivering orders over $65 for free locally, or shipping nationally for a fee, additional classics come in the form of soft Chocolate Chip or Snickerdoodle, though those in search of bake’s best bites should strongly consider gooey Oreo Milkshake or green-hued Pandan.
In a city inundated by mediocre “Red Sauce” Italian it stands to reason that a Restaurant which recurrently wins “Best of Vegas” Gold must be doing things better than most, and despite a conspicuous location in Downtown Summerlin Trattoria Reggiano does exactly that.
An offshoot of the Venetian Hotel original, both locations open for lunch and dinner daily, guests arriving at Trattoria Reggiano are greeted by friendly smiles and a blast of air conditioning while 80s and 90s “Top 40” plays subtly overhead.
Priced lower at the Downtown Summerlin location than on Las Vegas Boulevard, also offering $6 Vodka Martinis plus weekday Happy Hour, all tables begin with freshly-baked Garlic Knots that are tied and twisted with a golden exterior overlying fluffy insides.
Showing four different NCAA games on televisions at the bar, while those without interest in sports can watch an open kitchen including the enormous Pizza oven, Cocktails include the herbaceous “When In Rome” plus Limoncello Spritz that pair well to Appetizers such as tightly packed Meatballs or Panzanella Salad similar to those in Italy.
Less impressed by Pizza, the unleavened Crust neither Roman or Neapolitan nor Sicilian, credit is due for at least usimg imported Ingredients ranging from San Marzano Tomatoes to Bufala Mozzarella plus good Olive Oil.
Not a space trying to reinvent the wheel, ownership by Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group placing Trattoria Regianno in the same portfolio as many Las Vegas casino food courts, Penne a la Vodka is acceptable despite limp Pasta while Sandwiches on toasted Hoagie Rolls see both Caprese and Chicken Parm perform well at less than $20 including Fries or a Salad.
Importing some Desserts while fabricating others on-site, the Tiramisu lighter than many but still quite rich, fans of Cannoli will find two varieties piped fresh with sweet Ricotta while the Tartufo cracks to a knife yielding three creamy layers of Gelato.
Located just off the 405 in Inglewood is Randy’s Donuts, this year celebrating its 70th year slinging fried Dough under an iconic 32-foot sign 24/7, and now growing the name globally with 20+ locations stretching to South Korea and Dubai – or in this case Sin City.
Unimpressive in 2015 at the Original, though new outposts trend cleaner without the cash-only policy, Randy’s on South Rainbow Boulevard opened in August 2022, recipes reportedly unchanged since day one though premium toppings and savory items have been added.
Busy at noon on a Thursday, though the full selection was available, it was in exchange for cash that a dozen Donuts were received, the Apple Fritter far better than those at Randy’s flagship thanks to crackling Glaze over a soft center while the laminated “Crondy” failed to rival Pink Box, Wicked or Coco.
Recalling Cake Donuts greasy, though Randy’s long Buttermilk Bar actually performs well, Maple and Chocolate Frosting taste artificial thus making Coffee and Nutella a safer choice in addition to a decidedly good Butter Crumb Yeast ring.
Combo Ole – Nutella, Spanish Hot Chocolate, Bavarian Cream, Dulce de Leche, Cinnamon Sugar
Started at Town Square and since expanded to a strip-mall on the edge of Henderson Ole Churros comes from Spaniards David and Jose, their dedication to creating proper Spanish Churros going so far as to import equipment and Chocolate from Alicante and a storied recipe from Madrid.
Even more basic a setup than Chocolateria Los Artesanos 1902 or Chocolatería San Ginés, Soft Serve Ice Cream perhaps the only inauthentic item on a concise menu, Churros come freshly-fried and unadorned so that each golden piece can be dunked in quality dips including proper Hot Chocolate or luscious Dulce de Leche.
A “do one thing do it well” concept, as Churros routinely are in Spain, expect each bite to be crisp and oilless on the exterior with a soft flex in the middle that is even more exaggerated when eaten fresh at the store.
Zamboni Pizza – Sausage, Old School Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella Cheese
86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Old School Pepperoni
Brooklyn Jr. – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil
The Bleecker Street – Italian Sausage, Garlic, Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Basil, Olive Oil
Garlic Knots
Chicken Wings
Serving Las Vegas for over forty years one might well assume Metro Pizza has the take-out game down to a science, and even now with more competition than ever John Arena and Sam Facchini’s Pizzeria remains irreproachable in terms of customer service and quality.
Featuring locations North, South, East and West, with another soon to come at the Convention Center, it was minutes prior to 12:00am that delivery arrived porting Food, utensils, plates and condiments, each carefully packaged.
Never ignoring “Old New York,” or in this class “The Bleecker Street” with a classic trio plus Sausage on voluptuous Crust, “The Zamboni” offers two Meats, Roasted Peppers and a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey while Metro’s cold-fermented 86th Street remains defiantly light despite its thickness even after traveling whether topped with Cup n’ Char Pepp or Mushrooms.
No less impressive with Wings and Knots there is a reason John and Sam have been successfully serving Las Vegas for so long, a good part of it skill and doing things the right way but also by focusing on the customer to deliver on their promises for budgets big or small.
Founded in early 2021 Milpa has come a long way since it took over the former Elia space at 4226 South Durango Drive, Chef DJ Flores’ embrace of traditional techniques with an eye towards health-conscious cooking earning a James Beard Award semi-finalist nod in 2024.
Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with an odd location in the lot of a Strip-mall, easily missed despite the fact that Chef Flores is cooking some of the best contemporary Mexican Cuisine in Sin City, guests will find the interior quaint while service is both efficient and charming.
Recently forming Nivel Hospitality Group with Aaron Cappello, their bar called Nocturno earning positive reviews in the Arts District, Milpa remains part Molino and part sit-down Café with stone-ground housemade Tortillas and slowly-braised Meats a point of pride.
Simple in signage, Milpa Mexican Cafe in yellow over the door, most Entrees hover in the $15-20 range with both Barbacoa and Beef Birria with Consomme showing the sort of depth one might expect of a Vegas native with skills developed under thinkfoodgroup and Too Hot Tamales before staging at Quintonil in Mexico City.
Achieving the rare trifecta of healthy, affordable and delicious, all while utilizing time honored techniques plus many local Ingredients, handmade Tortillas are medium-thick, soft and with the perfect amount of flex while Corn Esquites paired to Chips channel Elotes minus all the Mayonnaise.
Located in Spring Mountain Center, across Jones Boulevard from EDO and China Mama, Noodlehead has quietly been earning a reputation thanks to handmade Noodles and Asian small plates offered at bargain prices with exemplary customer service.
Offered at a range of spice-levels, Malaysian Curry using Coconut Milk to keep Chilies in check, Dan Dan Noodles come tingly but not fiery in a huge bowl for just $10.95 while similarly priced Chow Mein performs well for more timid palates.
Adding Chinese Beef Rolls that come densely packed with Meat, or faultless Scallion Pancakes for those seeking something lighter, Yibin Burning Noodle are a worthy “signature” from the Chef’s home town that adds Pickled Vegetables and Peanuts to the mix.
Open for lunch and dinner daily Noodlehead also offers exceptional Vegetarian options such as Black Fungus and Cucumber Salad or Crispy Satay Tofu across a diverse menu from which almost anyone can find something to suit their tastes.
Offering over two-dozen flavors daily, in addition to freshly-fried minis available in a keto-friendly fashion, any discussion of Wicked Donuts should begin with the base, buttery Brioche or toothsome Cake enjoyable beneath tangy Buttermilk or Vanilla Glaze, though upgrading to Chocolate, Blueberry or Maple is highly advised.
Eschewing Artificial Colors or Preservatives, a fact pertinent to Cream-filled choices, suffice it to say that most will not last long whether it be decadent “Cookies & Cream” or the more nuanced Bella Nutella.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Blue Suede Banana continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Cubes add even more variability to the collection.
Charbroiled Pork Banh Mi – charbroiled pork belly, house pickles, homemade mayo, homemade pate, jalapeño, cilantro
Originally established as close as one can be to Henderson while retaining a Las Vegas zip-code PHO Saigonese debuted in early 2024, word-of-mouth popularity almost unprecedented in the Social Media era now seeing a second location on Spring Mountain that opened in July 2025.
Owned by Danmy Nguyen, a simple message on the website suggesting “we are passionate about sharing the delicious flavors of our homeland with others,” guests entering 6125 Spring Mountain Road are greeted by warm smiles and a menu identical to the original.
Not a flashy space, Lamoon proving essentially turnkey in terms of kitchen, PHO Saigonese’s menu explores a wide swath of Vietnamese Cuisine including staples like Pho and Spring Rolls but also more esoteric plates as well as specials.
Managed by bilingual staff with good knowledge of the Food, this order taken to-go, Bun Cha Hanoi proves a bit sweeter than expected while Shaken Beef Ribeye Rice and Banh Mi are par for the course when compared to other Vietnamese spots nearby.
Selected specifically for Banh Khot, crispy cups with a custard layer supporting Shrimp, fans will find these better than many heralded Orange County icons while oversized Banh Xeo and Cha Gio are no less impressive and arguably each the best in Sin City.
Also giving “Thai Chicken Wings” a try, out of place but crispy beneath sticky-sweet Sauce, Spring Rolls are very good whether one selects Shrimp intended to be dunked in Peanut Hoisin or Thit Nuong Cuon featuring fatty Pork Belly.
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in nearly a decade while their soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Black and White Sesame dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Vanilla with Oreos do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
Now with three Las Vegas locations, plus more than two-dozen in California and outposts in Seattle as well as Texas, it is safe to say Sunright Tea Studio has found an audience for its diverse menu of Bubble Tea, Coffee, Frosties, Matcha and Yakult.
Locally operated since Autumn of 2023, the space at 4545 Spring Mountain Road featuring an expansive footprint and menu, guests are greeted warmly by patient staff happy to describe any drink before finally instructing each be shaken “17 times.”
Using brand-specific Ingredients, Organic Tea Leaves and a blend of Coffee Beans plus Housemade Creams and Foams, choices on this visit included “Signature Coffee” that takes inspiration from Vietnam with lots of smooth sweetness while the icy Mango Chamoy Frostie would not be out of place at any Mexican market or eatery in town.
Occupying Feng Cha’s former storefront Airoma Cafe is Sin City’s latest Orange County import, the thirst for more Matcha and Vietnamese Coffee seemingly unquenchable on Spring Mountain Road ever since the start of 2024.
Born in Garden Grove with “Blends that refine your life,” Matcha from Uji the base of several $7.00+ drinks praised by fans, Airoma Cafe’s aesthetic is simple and clean with wood juxtaposing white and lots of glass filling the space with natural light.
Served Einspanner-style or blended, the former common to Vienna as well as Vietnam, Airoma’s Egg Coffee uses a thicker Custard than nearby “Whip x Bahn Mi” with sips through the topping smooth and medium-sweet while a Pandan-blend over Ice proved a bit one-note with Coffee overwhelmed by Coconut.
Located on North Tenaya Way in a strip mall one should not confuse Cake World with Cake World Bakery on Maryland Parkway, though each are long-established community staples they are independently operated and in no way related.
Owned by a second generation baker and open at 7:00am seven days per week, Cake World occupies a small corner of the shopping plaza where the ceiling decorated in pinata feels as joyous as all the custom Cakes on display throughout the interior.
Greeted by pleasant staff, prices barely changed in the past decade, Pan Dulce comes in a good variety from sprinkled Cookies to crisp Oreja and Cheese-filled Empanadas.
Still not impressed by the Concha, dryer than many but perhaps a matter of personal preference, Cakes prove excellent whether one selects jiggly Flan by itself or atop a Chocolate base while Cake World’s signature Tres Leches Cake exceeds expectations thanks to light Cream, Fruit and a Sponge that stands up well to the moisture.
Located at Hughes Center since 1997 Lawry’s The Prime Rib can safely be described as a Las Vegas icon, and although both Dallas and Beverly Hills have outposts that does nothing to dampen an Art Deco dining room and service on par to what one will find at some of The Strip’s top Steakhouses.
Known for Meats carved tableside from gleaming carts, though Certified Angus Steaks and fresh Seafood are also available, Lawry’s experience begins with check-in at the hostess’ podium, a trip to the lounge favored by some while most won’t wish to delay the main event.
Lavish without being stuffy, curved banquettes and tables each available, guests dine in a lively environment fueled by Wine or Cocktails poured shortly after the arrival of warm Sourdough Bread.
Smart to order some starters, though those seeking lunch in under an hour could surely achieve such with Salad, a Sandwich or Prime Rib plus sides, Lawry’s Cheesy Onion Fondue outpaces Crab Cakes with Remoulade while the “Famous” Spinning Salad is a polarizing experience mostly thanks to the inclusion of Beets.
Offering Roast Beef as a full-Dinner or a la carte, the former inclusive of Salad, Mashed Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding, the quality of Lawry’s Prime Rib is evident in terms of taste, texture and appearance while additional sides range from luxurious Creamed Corn and Spinach to crispy Fries.
Not forgetting extra Au Jus, nor sizzling Mushrooms and Whipped Cream Horseradish for fans, Desserts come at the bargain price of $10 each for Coconut Banana Cream Pie that is heavy on the Cream plus seasonal English Trifle and Sticky Toffee Pudding better than one will get from Gordon Ramsay.
