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.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links
BBQ Beans
Chocolate Cake
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.
Owned by some longtime locals Union Biscuit opened late January 2025 at the intersection of Brent Thurman Way and West Sunset Road, an early part of The Bend serving up Biscuits by themselves but also topped with Bacon, Eggs, various Spreads and more.
The brainchild of Kyung Lee and his wife, the inclusion of a Kimchi and Spam Bowl plus Korean Fried Chicken juxtaposed by Pancakes alongside French Toast, a first visit focused entirely on the location’s eponymous Buttermilk rounds on their own.
A sparsely decorated space with wood and exposed ceilings, true to its “urban” name, one Biscuit and a Spread runs $4 with results outpacing the likes of Coffee Class in terms of size, butteriness and layering while all three toppings reminisce of Yardbird’s early days at a more favorable price point.
Serving Las Vegas since 1973, Henry and Janie Kang regularly on-site since taking over more than thirty years ago, Ronald’s Donuts is something of a Las Vegas icon thanks to both its longevity and early adoption of Vegan practices in line with the Buddhist ownership.
A small shop that has grown its offerings amidst growing competition, Bagels, Ice Cream and Boba now all part of the line-up, little has changed in Ronald’s décor over the past twenty years aside from a willingness to accept credit cards and a few Maneki-neko that were not present before.
Similar to many So.Cal. Donut shops, right down to pink boxes and Formica tables, Vegan options occupy the top two shelves and are assuredly free of Milk, Butter or Eggs while those beneath are made more traditionally.
Heavier than Friendly or PinkBox, at least as relates to Yeasted Rings with commercial Glazes, Cake Donuts are small with a dry Crumb that isn’t particularly enjoyable aside from the cogwheel Old Fashion that is better than most.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated on Wednesday, GM Joe Muscaglione arriving at 11:45am-sharp with six items portioned large enough for sharing.
Still the top destination in Shanghai Plaza at the corner of Arville Street, family recipes handed down to Chef Jimmy Li comprising a concise menu of scratch-made plates, it was with all items carefully-packed and temperature appropriate that most got started with Fried Rice, a bit of tooth welcomed amidst Pork, Egg and Soy.
Now the 17th time delivered, though Jimmy’s years at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu will find many locals familiar with his authentic brand of cooking, fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard, and whether one prefers Pork, Beef, Shrimp, Crab or even Gluten Free the textures and flavors are great, as too are the fried version entitled Sheng Jian with Sesame Seeds.
Again impressing with House Fried Fat Noodles, each strand slick and slightly chewy tossed with Steak, Stir-fried Rice Cakes traditionally known as Chao Nian Gao remain a personal favorite thanks to sticky-soft pillows with Salt and a bit of sweetness.
Only offering one Dessert, not “American” by any stretch, remaining stomach capacity saw Chocolate Dumplings skipped this time while guests with a sense of adventure enjoyed steamed Wheat Gluten Kao Fu with Mushrooms, fermented Soy and Ginger.
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 Edo’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 four that guests were accommodated, GM Roberto Liendo 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 prior to a 7:30pm buy-out that things were underway quickly with guests enjoying drinks alongside vibrant Gazpacho as well as housemade Bread with Compound Butter and the best Spanish Pork in town.
Starting Seafood-centric as usual, a new Scallop preparation vibrant with acid before its refreshing linger, Hamachi Tiradito continues a Peruvian theme before moving north for snappy Prawns dressed Mexican and creamy Spanish Croquettas.
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 Boar-stuffed Squash Blossoms and soupy Arroz with Shellfish and Pork Belly.
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 with crispy Spinach before a Donut-shaped frozen Dessert taking notes from the Mojito.
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.
Born in Logan Utah Crumbl took the city by storm, their Instagramable rounds offered in thirty stores across six states by 2019 and now in all fifty states with six in Las Vegas including the Durango location opened in May 2020.
Created by Sawyer Hemsley and Jason McGowan, rapid expansion through franchising yielding mixed results from store to store as evidence by Social Media, it was after several variable experiences that the westside storefront proved competent, the staff exceedingly pleasant while describing each choice.
Undoubtedly popular in part due to photogenicity, though a sterile interior oversells the fact that everything is made from scratch, the first thing those entering will notice is Crumbl’s limited collection of just six weekly flavors, though occasionally one may find “Mystery Cookies” including specials from the previous week.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Sea Salt Toffee Skillet,” a nice texture with complexity added by Heath Crumbles while Milk Chocolate and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunk is executed as it aught to be.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next that “Blueberry Muffin” took on the namesake before “Chocolate Cake Batter” doubled down on Cocoa with good effect.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name suffice it to say “Cookies & Cream Cheesecake” wouldn’t be out of place in a local Restaurant while “Blue Raspberry Cookie featuring Icee” and Churro offer what their names suggest.
Previously located inside Suite 242 of 6380 South Valley View Boulevard, but now sold retail at a pair of sites in town, Chocolate Chip Cookie Company continues to serve Las Vegas’ best collection of locally made rounds.
Focused on “Bringing the Cookie Back,” and also available only by delivery, it was late 2018 that Jovan Mesa-Glennon and husband John opened their small store and business continues to grow today.
Baking everything from scratch, Jovan’s secret recipes yielding the sort of Cookie that blossoms a bit around the edge before becoming crisp, it was based on prior experience that two-dozen were ordered for work, the business’ namesake buttery with just enough Vanilla and Cinnamon to perfume the palate while chunks of Bittersweet Chocolate are partially melted throughout the center.
Prioritizing customer safety by individually bagging each Cookie at no extra cost Peanut Butter Chip wins guests over by way of natural flavors and gooey spots in juxtaposition to sugary Toffee Chocolate Chip that is also slightly salty and heterogeneous from bite-to-bite.
Titling their version of the Snickerdoodle a “Cinnamon and Sugar Cookie,” the granulated top plus plenty of Butter making each mouthful sugary and moist, fans should be sure to follow @thechocolatechipcookieco on Social Media where specials such as White Chocolate and Craisins or Pumpkin Café Marshmallow are frequently announced.
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 “Caramel Sutra” or the more nuanced Caramelized Creme Brulee.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Crème Brulee continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Mochi rings add even more variability to the collection.
Macaron – Grape, Watermelon, Birthday Cake, Red Velvet
Sea Salt Oreo Cake – Chocolate sponge, crushed Oreos, Oreo frosting, ferrero rocher, sea salt
Now with two locations built off Instagram and a heartfelt “about” story on their website Sweet Garden has earned local accolades for their Japanese Cheesecakes while also expanding the menu to include a variety of small treats and interesting Desserts available by pre-order.
Located on Tropicana at Grand Canyon since the end of 2022, a lengthy footprint with simple yet elegant décor, service proves pleasant while describing options ranging from Asian favorites like Taro to Cheesecakes ranging airy to more dense.
Selected for a celebration, Sweet Garden’s Macarons taking on unique flavors like Watermelon with exaggerated sweetness, it was skipping the signature that a Sea Salt Oreo Cake fortunately proved delightful from the light sponge layers with bold Chocolate flavor to creamy frosting perked up by a pinch of Salt.
It’s not every day you open a business with your best friend, lovely lady and family at your side. Add in a great staff, plenty of colleagues and the chefs from Vegas’ hottest restaurant – I’m beyond grateful and extremely blessed.
Glazed Donut Bread Pudding, three rum caramel, vanilla crème anglaise
Bourbon Fudge Brownie, brown butter bacon ice cream
Lemon Bar, hazy ipa, pistachio crumble
Ground-breaking since opening Carson Kitchen’s greatness has seemingly become so expected that many are prone to overlook it, but on Friday eveningn 124 South 6th Street again showed well with four new items debuted just a few days earlier.
Fortunate to have tasted every new plate at Carson Kitchen since summer of 2015, Chefs Harwell, Simon and team forever rethinking even longtime best-sellers, it was alongside drinks that dining began shortly, all well-suited to iconic Chicken Skins, Bacon Jam and Tempura Green Beans with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese.
Continuing with more Skins, equally enjoyable today as in 2014, Devil’s Eggs stand out thanks to Fish Roe while seasonal Salads are highlighted by “Grape & Burrata” best enjoyed adjacent Young Beets with Citrus.
Forever exuding creativity, quality and the sort of Food that challenges without compromise Calico Beans are unfortunately too salty while the all-new Steelhead Trout with crispy skin shines in Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc.
Going Miso and Feta for this season’s flatbread, and Softshell Crab for “Between Bread,” Creole Remoulade finds balance in Pickled Onions while classic Carson Sides like Black Rice & Oxtail Risotto or Mac & Cheese compliment the Short Rib Steak.
Never forgetting Dessert, a mellow Lemon Bar with buttery Pistachio Crumble new for Summer, Las Vegas’ best Brownie and Donut Bread Pudding remain mainstays and should be requisite to end a visit to DTLV’s best Restaurant.
BOURBON FLAMBÉED CHOCOLATE FONDUE – cookie dough, peanut butter ganache, coconut almond cake, fresh strawberries, house made vanilla bean ice cream, red velvet bundt, cinnamon spiced churros, mascarpone cheesecake
Although the Bourbon Steak brand has been part of Chef Michael Mina’s portfolio for nearly two decades it was not until the end of 2024 that Las Vegas received their outpost, a space formerly occupied by Charlie Palmer Steak fully re-imagined at Four Seasons as only Sin City can do it.
Currently Chef Mina’s sixth local eatery, the spot-lit room described as “a love letter to the classic American Steakhouse” his first try at a “Supper Club” vibe, guests enter through the complimentary valet to warm greetings at a tucked-away hostess podium prior to seating.
Now managed by James Aarhus, an eight year Mina veteran, Dinner starts with signature Duck Fat Fries fried crisp with three Sauces followed by seasonal Appetizers like Hamachi Tostadas, stuffed Squash Blossoms and pint-size Crab Cakes.
No doubt a Mina Restaurant, though Josh Smith continues to add his own ideas to both the Main menu and that at the bar, crispy-skin Branzino tastes like Summer while off-menu Pasta with Sea Urchin and Butter plus bits of Pork offers a lesson in refined simplicity.
Eventually envisioned as a venue with live music, themed dinners and “Industry Night,” business on this Friday substantially greater than prior, Shellfish and Mina’s Tuna Tartare remain classics while A5 Wagyu torched tableside finds balance in Celeriac plus a hint of fresh Wasabi.
Not lacking for Steaks, a domestic Wagyu Ribeye ideal medium-rare, those familiar with Chef Smith will quickly recognize upright Macaroni that seems even more decadent with shaved Aussie Truffles or the Puff-Pastry Spinach Pop Tart.
Smart to save room for Dessert, the faultless Beignets from upstairs at Mandalay Bay seamlessly carried over, Mina’s Root Beer Float gets reinvented as a large goblet with Ice Cream, Sorbet and textural additions but still can’t match upgraded Basque Cheesecake or a “Tarte Tatin” on French Toast that may be Las Vegas’ best new Dessert thanks to its varying textures, temperatures and nostalgic feel in a space so luxurious.
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.
Anyone familiar with dining in Las Vegas will know the name Marc Sgrizzi, his original location giving way to Pizzerias followed by a Trattoria and even a hotel venture prior to a new eponymous venture located on South Rainbow.
Self-taught, with over four decades of experience, Sgrizzi Ristorante & Bar promotes itself as a traditional Italian eatery while an attached market offers everything from import specialty goods to handmade Pasta and Desserts from Pastry Chef Roman Ritz under the name of Florentine Cafe.
Open for Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, the recent addition of Sunday Brunch from 9am to 2pm perfect for NFL football at the bar, it was on a Tuesday prior to noon that a collection of Pastries were enjoyed and whether one selects better-than-average Cornetti or impressive Pan Suisse the real star are Sfogliatelle with faultless layers and lemony filling nearly as good as those in Naples.
Now part of the regular rotation Friendly Donut House remains a Henderson staple for good reason, opening hours as early as 4:00am daily finding shelves full of fried Dough paired to pleasant customer service.
The sort of place built for Veterans to linger over Coffee, a strip-mall on South Boulder Highway playing host to regulars for decades, fans of classics will find lightly fried Yeast rings beneath Glaze while those who favor Cake can choose Vanilla or Chocolate with Sprinkles, Cinnamon Crumble or plain.
Also offering Longjohns and Bismarcks, the later piped with Cream or Custard, Buttermilk Bars are textbook thanks to penetrant Sugar plus Icing in a variety of flavors while the Bear Claw and Apple Fritter are easily Sin City’s best and well-worth the drive, cost and calories thanks to the golden exterior and Cinnamon-spiced Fruit inside.
Already taking a chance by opening another KBBQ concept on Spring Mountain Mr. BBQ’s Jenny Chai doubled down in early February 2023 with Mama Chai’s, the Boba and Dessert shop joining a crowded market but hoping to succeed thanks to cute design plus quality baking.
Accessed via a separate entrance towards the rear of 4240 Spring Mountain Road, an outdoor patio and murals greeting guests, it is via digital menu that one may construct Beverages to their liking while Mochi Donuts and other sweets line a Pastry case near the front.
Open Noon to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and an hour later on weekends the menu continues with Mochi Donuts, an idea popularized by Japan’s “pon de ring” already done far better at Mama Chai’s than by Paina Café down the road.
Made from Tapioca Flour and naturally free of Gluten, their consistency often described as bouncy or light, Jenny’s Mochi rings pull inspiration from a variety of cultures, Fruity Pebbles and Oreo as expected while flavors topped in Strawberry Shortcake or Dubai Chocolate further magnify the pleasantly chewy base.
www.mamachais.com / @mamachaislv on Facebook / @mamachais_lv on Instagram
Shabby-chic in the heart of Jordaan a visit to Toki will mostly see locals lounging on grungy couches, though proximity to Centrum and the Anne Frank House also offers tourists an opportunity to visit for Food that is far better than many similar shops in The Netherlands.
Embracing a hip aesthetic, both Baristas and Bakers chill while performing their duties, it is while tapping on phones or laptops that most guests sip Coffee while indulging in flaky Kouign Amann or subtly savory Peanut Butter Miso Cookie with generous flexibility.
Popular for Cakes sliced arbitrarily, the Chocolate bagged to go a messy decision but rich and moist, rumors of excellent “Banana Bread” prove factual though the fact that it is indeed Cake should make it evident that the flavor is sweet while the crumb is dense.
Born out of Germany in 2022 Madame Croissant has quickly grown its brand via franchising, its first international expansion found at Hartenstraat 29H where friendly staff and a clean yet modern décor do a nice job of selling the #gramworthy Viennoiseries.
A small space with just a handful of tables, prices topping out at €8,50 for savory selections, each Croissant is carefully plated with its own gold cutlery and an eye towards not only presentation but also taste and craftsmanship.
Undoubtedly a place for trends, Dubai Chocolate just one of many options, Madame Croissant’s current best-seller is actually a Croissant Cookie best known overseas as a “Crookie” but here served warm with big discs of Chocolate still gooey.
Just ordering sweets this time, Hazelnut skipped in favor of Pistachios with White Chocolate Cream, Belgian Biscoff finds itself present in three forms titled “Speculoos Cheesecake” with the filling plentiful and drizzled in Cookie Butter.
