Open for just over a year Santa Canela finds pastry chef Ellen Ramos rethinking the traditional Panaderia with better ingredients, modern design and French technique from her small shop in Highland Park.
Formerly responsible for Pastry at Frogtown’s Mexican Seafood restaurant Loreto, the choice to strike out on her own in February 2025 almost immediately successful, guests at Santa Canela will discover a seasonally-changing menu tucked behind glass while staff busies themselves pouring Horchata and Burnt Cinnamon Lattes.
No doubt championed by social-media, freshly piped LA-shaped Churros fried to order a necessity for first time visitors, it is after every crisp bite is gone that the humble Concha takes center stage with a lighter-than-average crumb gussied up by Cream.
Certainly not a spot for 60-cent Pan Dulce, most items ranging $6 to $9, a look at Viennoiserie shows Chef Ramos far more talented than the usual East Los Angeles Baker whether one opts for a Croissant rolled in Cinnamon Sugar or Brittany’s signature Kouign Amann renamed La Odette around a pool of Cajeta.
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
Cannoli
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.
Arguably Sin City’s eldest purveyor of Fried Dough 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.
Serving Las Vegas since 1988 Paymon’s Restaurant is as close as it gets to a local “institution,” its longevity attributable to fair prices and the sort of Food that is “ethnic” but familiar and focused on good products made fresh daily.
A labor of love from Paymon Raouf, the decision to change from a “Mediterranean Café” to a “Fresh Kitchen and Lounge” in 2020 seeing the menu expand into Indian and Italian options, plates still focus on healthy preparation eschewing additives and preservatives with options to suit most dietary preferences.
Ordered as delivery, everything arriving temperature appropriate in individual packaging, the first thing one will notice is that instead of just Rice the Kabobs arrive with Roasted Vegetables and Potatoes with limited Salt but lots of seasoning to match moist but well-cooked Meats.
Teamed with Jeff Ecker since 2000, a number of accolades earned since, Paymon’s Hummus arrives smooth with lots of Garlic matched to Tahini, though Pita is unfortunately no better than the store bought stuff.
Looking next at Fesenjan, decent but a far cry from Zaytoon in terms of taste or consistency, dueling Desserts perform well whether one prefers thick Baklava with Walnuts or large-grain Rice Pudding with Whipped Cream on top that eats light like the versions in France.
Now with two Las Vegas locations, long after franchises debuted in Florida decades ago, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has been serving the Big Island for over forty years with a name that plays homage to burrows that carried Beans down the mountains in the 19th century.
Part of “the 9th Island” since 2022 on West Charleston, the menu expanding with time to include specialty Lattes and Breakfast Sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian Rolls, fans of Hawaiian Coffee will find several blends as well as 100% Kona by the cup.
Far better sourced than Dutch Bros or Starbucks, a few Koolers and Smoothies a sign of modern times, Cold Brew is smooth with soft acidity and doesn’t dilute thanks to frozen Coffee Ice Cubes while “Twisted Malasada Donuts” served warm are soft, springy and not overly sweet thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.
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 Sweet Potato & Carrot Puree.
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.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Smoked Turkey Breast, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno Cheese Hot Links
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 2025 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.
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing Dad’s 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.
Popular with their target audience since 1996, though nothing they do here is particularly spectacular, The Bagel Cafe fills a niche and does so consistently at a fair price.
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.
Eating at Torrisi Italian Specialties in the early 2010s it would have seemed improbable that Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick would someday own nearly fifty restaurants across the globe, but under the Major Food Group label guests can now get Carbone from coast-to-coast and Sadelle’s from Las Vegas to Seoul.
Named after Zalaznick’s great-grandmother, the New York original giving rise to Bellagio’s Conservatory-facing Cafe in 2018, guests at Sadelle’s can expect many of the trappings of a traditional LES deli to more indulgent dishes served without pretense from early morning until 3pm daily.
A sprawling space still prone to long waits, the ability to make reservations a big bonus added recently, Sunday around 1:30pm found nearly all seats filled with a wide range of diners while service was thoroughly friendly and efficient from the podium to tableside.
Built for mass appeal, the Strip-typical pricing matched by mostly-shareable plates, fans of Pastry may notice a small take-away cart near the front offering Cookies, Danishes and Bagels, and those dining in would be smart to order at least one of the faultless Cinnamon Rolls and a slice of Babka either to start or as Dessert topped with Ice Cream.
Clearly fond of frying, the Veal Parm bone at Carbone just one clue, Sadelle’s Fried Chicken arrives as three pieces with loosely adherent breading and minimal greasiness, while Fries, Onion Rings and the famous French Toast also all succeed thanks to similar technique.
Smart to serve bottomless carafes of Coffee, servers thus able to focus on more pressing topics while cups never go empty, Dessert can go any number of ways from an overpriced Black & White Cookie to the aforementioned options, but no matter what the Strawberry Tall Cake should not be missed.
Opened late-Spring of 2018, N9NE Steakhouse making way for a room decorated in modern art, guests visiting Scotch 80 today will find things largely unchanged in terms of aesthetic while the Bar remains well-stocked with rare Whiskeys served by bartenders who also continue to come up with creative Cocktails.
Located at the resort’s east end with an entirely revamped menu, seasonal changes occurring alongside A5 Wagyu varieties straight from Japan, it was deferring Carte Blanche to the kitchen that Dinner began with an Amuse matching Wagyu to Caviar and starters including vibrant Hamachi Crudo, Sushi and crunchy Poke “Tacos.”
Not forgetting Tammy’s Milk Bread, nor golden A5 Empanadas and cheffed-up Lumpia, Bone Marrow now comes with Filipino Sausage and Papaya while Steaks on this evening included one from Creekstone Farms, another by Allen Brothers and two Japanese A5 cuts including one with Sea Urchin on top.
Never afraid to blaze a new trail, Chef Marty Red DeLeon Lopez turning Scallops into a Ramen-inspired plate with a different kind of Noodle, Gnocchi with Calabrian Sausage, Peas and Morels is arguably the best Side in Vegas while Pastry Chef Tammy Alana’s work is no less impressive whether one opts for Creme Brulee, seasonal Cheesecake or re-imagined Bananas Foster riffing on Turon flamed tableside.
Described as a “Faith-based” business Abel’s Bagels opened late-2022 at 7150 S Durango Blvd Suite #130, owner Nick Pace of an organic juice bar in Roslyn New York hoping to bring “authentic” New York Bagels to Sin City along with other favorites from “Nook’s Organic.”
Inspired by the Bible’s Abel and Mr. Pace’s commitment to quality it is from 7am Monday through Saturday and 8am Sunday that Abel’s offers not only hand-rolled, boiled and baked rounds but also Sandwiches, Smoothies and Acai Bowls.
Sourcing good Ingredients and Coffee, high-gluten Flour the backbone of any proper Bagel, Abel’s collection includes all the favorites save for Egg while Cream Cheese is offered on its own or with up to three mix-ins ranging from Fruits or Vegetables to Macha and Peanut Butter.
Friendly in terms of service, though prone to selling out of top choices early on weekends, Bagels run $1.75 a piece with discounts by the dozen for specimens with a good skin and light crackle that quickly gives way to a chewy center that performs at nearly New York standards whether flecked in Seeds or dotted with Raisins.
Now with two Las Vegas locations, long after franchises debuted in Florida decades ago, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has been serving the Big Island for over forty years with a name that plays homage to burrows that carried Beans down the mountains in the 19th century.
Part of “the 9th Island” since 2022 on West Charleston, the menu expanding with time to include specialty Lattes and Breakfast Sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian Rolls, fans of Hawaiian Coffee will find several blends as well as 100% Kona by the cup.
Far better sourced than Dutch Bros or Starbucks, a few Koolers and Smoothies a sign of modern times, Cold Brew is smooth with soft acidity and doesn’t dilute thanks to frozen Coffee Ice Cubes while “Twisted Malasada Donuts” served warm are soft, springy and not overly sweet thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.
As much an American success story as anything in the Social Media era Jeff’s Bagel Run has grown from a pandemic home business to 20+ stores including one that opened on February 4 2026 in Suite 107 at 9400 South Eastern Avenue.
Begun when Jeff and Danielle Perera grew tired of Central Florida’s options, a promise of “always boiled, never toasted” Bagels first thrilling friends before opening their brick-and-mortar store in Ocoee, it has been through Franchising that the couple now sees shops in Georgia, Illinois, Texas and the Carolinas just five years later.
Made fresh throughout the day and available for online pre-order, hours from 6:30am until to 2:00pm daily occasionally seeing specials sold out, guests can expect to find roughly fifteen choices plus more fresh-made Spreads, “Treats” and Coffee from Otus.
Certainly not an “old-school” spot, Spreads like Birthday Cake and Banana Pudding with Cinnamon Sugar Bagels sure to horrify New Yorkers who grew up dreaming of Ess-A-Bagel or that elusive “perfect” Bialy, suffice it to say Jeff’s product is very good with a proper skin and medium-elasticity for a good chew.
Staffed by energetic youngsters, though the store itself is fairly basic, best bites on this first Bagel run include Everything that trends less garlicky than most, Blueberry with lots of natural Fruit flavor and Cacio e Pepe which oddly does taste a lot like the eponymous Pasta.
Finally debuted in Autumn 2023, nearly two years after Aaron Lee and Mal Gott entered and subsequently won the Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner has undeniably filled a niche for locals on the northeast side of the Strip.
A true success story for the Chef husband and Wife in creative design, their take on classic Americana witnessing the talents of each dovetail at Huntridge Shopping Center, guests are invited to dine from 8am until 2pm daily inside a bustling and open space.
Inspired by roadside eateries but benefited by Chef Lee’s time at upscale Restaurants including Esther’s Kitchen, Winnie & Ethel’s menu is a two-page affair focused on good Ingredients and scratch cooking while the scene is packed and bustling as music plays overhead.
Offering both a waitlist and Opentable Reservations, either strongly recommended for those planning to visit on weekends, it is with bottomless Coffee in mixed mugs that weekends feature a large Cinnamon Roll served hot and fluffy beneath a liberal amount of melted Icing.
Happy to serve Bacon, Eggs and Waffles, the latter malted with choice of toppings, those seeking something more will note everything from Steak & Eggs to a generous Chicken Sandwich, and for something truly hearty there’s always Country Fried Steak of Pork or Chicken served with Eggs, Gravy, Homefries and a Biscuit for just $17.99.
Taking a chance on the “Haystack,” a Midwest concoction here elevated by vibrant Chorizo Gravy, it was after a prolonged wait that sweets emerged from the kitchen with an apology, the Pancakes good but not special while fluffy French Toast dressed like a Bearclaw and a slice of Chess-like Pie studded with Chocolate Chips competed for top billing.
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 “Blue Suede Banana” or the more nuanced Guava Cheesecake.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Caramel Sutra continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Cubes add even more variability to the collection.
Unquestionably Las Vegas’ top choice for French Pastry for over 10 years Rosallie Le French Café continues to show well on-site or to-go, a Wednesday morning delivery finding Pastries carefully arranged with several old favorites including an Almond Croissant better than those in Paris.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated on Friday, Managing Partner 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 26th 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.
Now with two Las Vegas locations, long after franchises debuted in Florida decades ago, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has been serving the Big Island for over forty years with a name that plays homage to burrows that carried Beans down the mountains in the 19th century.
Part of “the 9th Island” since 2022 on West Charleston, the menu expanding with time to include specialty Lattes and Breakfast Sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian Rolls, fans of Hawaiian Coffee will find several blends as well as 100% Kona by the cup.
Far better sourced than Dutch Bros or Starbucks, a few Koolers and Smoothies a sign of modern times, Cold Brew is smooth with soft acidity and doesn’t dilute thanks to frozen Coffee Ice Cubes while “Twisted Malasada Donuts” served warm are soft, springy and not overly sweet thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.
