Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated on Tuesday, 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 21st 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.
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.
Located in Spring Mountain Center, across Jones Boulevard from Amador 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.
Now with five locations including a take-out only storefront at 2950 South Durango Drive Naan & Curry seems poised to make a play at Las Vegas’ most-popular Indian eatery thanks to a broad and accessible menu with fair prices.
Ordered for catering for a second time it was straight from the hands of an employee that six items were tasted fresh and temperature appropriate at precisely the desired time with all serviceware included.
Located in Durango Edna Plaza without much seating, though the menu is extensive, Samosas are $3.50 a piece and the size of a tennis ball with aromatic filling while Onion Bhaji are virtually oilless and crispy served alongside dueling Chutneys.
Loading up on Butter Naan, a pillowy tray on par with any in town, Butter Chicken is thick with Garam Masala and Ginger over Tomatoes eaten in comparison to medium-spicy Rogan Josh featuring a lot of Cardamom and Cloves.
Less diverse for Dessert, Gajar Halwa unfortunately not offered, Gulab Jamun are small for $1.67 per-bite, though the taste and texture show a lot effort goes into the recipe.
Guinea Pie – White Garlic Sauce, Spinach, Grandma’s Meatballs, Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese
Buffalo 22 Pizza – White Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni, House Italian Sausage, Crispy Garlic, Hot Honey, Roasted Garlic Crust
Wings (Medium Spicy)
Roasted Garlic Buns
Onion Rings
Fries
Historically the first Restaurant ever selected to #supportlocal with lunch at the office, and reprising their catering role several times since, it was on Friday that Naked City Pizza delivered from the West Flamingo Road “Express” location approximately ten minutes away.
The 27th time bringing Christopher and Michael Palmeri’s Pizza Shop off-site it was minutes prior to 12:00pm that delivery arrived with a glut of items, easily enough Food for twice the number of guests with plenty of leftovers.
Presenting everything temperature appropriate it was not long before first-shift lunchers called dibs on Slices, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni predictably proving popular atop melted Mozzarella with housemade Sauce and Hot Honey, as did Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives famous Guinea Pie featuring White Garlic Sauce and Grandma Palmeri’s Meatballs.
Slinging Sin City’s best Chicken Wings, two dozen devoured in minutes, Fries and Onion Rings also proved popular while Garlic Buns taste great warm, cold or even two days later.
Steamed Butterfly Prawns with Golden and Silver Garlic
Dry Fried String Beans
Shanghai Stir Fried Shrimp
Sheng Jian
Ginger Lobster
Tucked inside Suite 130 of a complex on Rainbow Boulevard it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.
Recently updating the Southwest Menu and putting in serious #influencer work, expansion to Texas part of a growing brand, it is now alongside Las Vegas’ best Soup Dumplings that guests will find delicate Sweet Water Shrimp kissed by Garlic and Yuxiang Pork with a generous bit of heat.
Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai to compliment dishes like Fried Rice and Fat Noodles or all-new additions like fragrant Cumin Lamb or Lobster perfumed by Ginger.
Now expanded to Dallas as well as Plano with more to come, slow expansion ensuring quality, sliced Prawns arrive on a bed of Glass Noodles thirsty for complex Garlic Sauce while Lobster Xiao Long Bao and crinkly String Beans would not be out of place at Jasmine or Mott 32 at more than twice the cost.
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.
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.
Whether the Venetian-Palazzo needs a sixth Steakhouse, the third to open in six months, is a conversation one assumes must have occurred at some point, but in mid-October 2025 California’s BOA debuted for the second time in Sin City where Emeril’s Table 10 used to reside.
A sizable space reinvented thrice in recent memory, Innovative Dining Group sparing no expense with a build-out that looks sleek and sexy, guests are invited to sit in a variety of tables or booths while the diverse menu ranges from Steak or Italian to Indian and Mediterranean.
Targeting locals with an opening 50% discount, arguably one of the best fine dining offers in Las Vegas history, Cocktails are in the expected range with both the Smoke Show and Espresso Martini prepared tableside to pair with Parker House Rolls and luxurious Caviar Cones.
Originally opened in 2001 in West Hollywood, signatures such as Goat Cheese Baklava and Wagyu Cigars with Black Garlic Aioli still showing well today, Steak Tartare is fairly typical while the Meatballs with a fine grind are not overworked and stand out even in a Casino with at least a dozen other options.
Sourcing Steaks from top purveyors domestic and abroad, Thursday’s “Boa Westholme Trio” perfect for sharing, Chicken Parm is as it should be adjacent Sweet Corn Agnolotti that outpaces Lobster Fra Diavolo which is more “fishy” than spicy.
Dividing Sides into “Classic” and “Signature,” the Fries and Mac decidedly underwhelming, Boa’s “Boujee” Twice Baked Potato delivers on the name while Corm Creme Brulee offers a nice segue to Desserts such as warm Cookies or Mascarpone Cheesecake.
Rotating additional sweets, “Valrhona Chocolate Cremeux” offering five decadent textures, Carrot Cake is easily overlooked but executed nicely with the same to be said of steamy Toffee Pudding crowned by a scoop of slowly-melting Ice Cream.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links
Pecan Pie
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.
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 “Caramel Shortbread Cookie,” a nice texture with complexity added by Twix Crumbles while Double Chocolate Chip 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 “Red Velvet Cupcake” took on the namesake before “Strawberry Milk” doubled down with Pirouline to good effect.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name suffice it to say “Pumpkin Square” wouldn’t be out of place in a local Restaurant while “Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie” yields precisely what the same suggests.
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 19th 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.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links
BBQ Beans
Pecan Pie
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.
Red Velvet Cake Doughnut with Cream Cheese Frosting
Blueberry Cake Doughnut
Salted Caramel Pearls and Pecan Doughnut
The Islander Doughnut
Maple Longjohn
Blueberry Cinnamon Toast Doughnut
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.
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.
Currently Chef James Trees’ sixth Las Vegas venture, the first proper Restaurant in a Casino following quick-casual concepts at The Strat and Resorts World, High Steaks Vegas opened atop the Rio’s Masquerade Tower in early October.
Previously home to VooDoo Steak & VooDoo Lounge, at one time premier Off-Strip destinations for locals and tourists alike, 2025 instead sees casino brass attempting to resurrect a derelict property with free parking, affordable Cocktails and the sort of Food worth getting excited about.
Visited very early, service and expediting an expected challenge across an immense dining room dominated by green, panoramic views of Las Vegas come at a fraction of the cost of Top of The World, Foundation Room or whatever replaces Vetri at The Palms.
No doubt a space willing to take chances to capture locals, a $16 Sidecar or Espresso Martini roughly half-off compared to three recently-opened Steakhouses at The Venetian, housemade Bread offers a stretchy surface complimented by Mustard Butter while several sizes of Seafood Tower deliver Prawns and Crudo plus the usual Lobster, Oysters and Crab.
Taking on several common themes for Starters, Bar Boheme’s French Onion Soup ported over perfectly to the Rio, “Truffle Crusted Mushrooms” taste better than their presentation lets on while Crab Cakes and Bacon are enjoyable if not “wowing” in comparison to Pork Terrine as good as one will find on the streets of Paris.
Not an “Italian Steakhouse,” though Trees and team smartly flex their muscles with spicy Seafood Rigatoni, delicate Tortellini and a “Mac & Cheese” dish that rethinks mom’s advice to “eat your veggies,” diners tired of the same tired Steak & Salmon will love “The Hunt” with Boar, Elk, Venison and “Lion” in the form of a Vegan-friendly Mushroom treated to a multi-step process that will impress Carnivores, as well.
Not forgetting Smoked Prime Rib, not pretty but tender and tasty, Trees elevates Midwestern stable Salisbury Steak to new heights with rich Mushroom Gravy while sides range from simple Fries to Asparagus with King Crab and Jalapeno Creamed Corn.
Trusting Chef Jake Yergensen for Desserts, a smart choice after his work at Esther’s and Bar Boheme, suffice it to say High Steaks’ “Piecaken” poses nicely for the #gram while straddling a fine line between French Silk and Black Forest while the Pumpkin Souffle and Donuts with impeccable Coconut Ice Cream are enjoyable, but not quite on the level of Hummingbird Cake made exactly as it aught to be.
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.
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.
Recently expanding their footprint just steps from the California State Capitol Pizza Supreme Being looks like many slice shops throughout America, the décor an afterthought and a concise menu which allows Food to take center stage from 11am until 8:30pm daily.
Less busy on weekends when many government-centered businesses shutter, seating both inside and out less than half full, guests are invited to choose slices or whole pies featuring owner Ben Roberts’s signature Sourdough Crust.
Bright blue tiles with Televisions showing the NFL, mere moments wait between ordering and tucking in, Pizza Supreme Being’s slices fold well with a brisk crackle but pleasant pliability while Housemade are soft at the center of a gently crisp rim.
Already sold out of Pepperoni slices at 2:00pm, and not particularly interested in Roberts’s much-discussed Hawaiian featuring Spam, “Squares” unfortunately eat less like a Sicilian and more like Focaccia topped with Sauce plus a ton of Pep that offers good value but a complete lack of finesse.
Corn Taco – Corn, Peanut Chipotle Aioli, Lime, Chili Powder
Flan – Caramel
Debuted in 2015 by Patricio Wise and Cinthia Martinez Sacramento’s most acclaimed Mexican eatery is tucked away in a Roseville Strip-mall, the corner slot adjacent a church continuing to draw Michelin Bib Gourmand acclaim each year since the guide expanded past Napa Valley.
Unassuming from the outside, an outdoor patio giving way to booths and tables stretched along the open kitchen, light music plays while guests peruse a menu of Tacos and Burritos rooted in tradition but unafraid to have fun.
Natives of Monterrey, but not afraid to riff on the Capitol’s “farm to fork” ethos by calling their concept “Farm to Tacos,” all tables begin with complimentary housemade Chips alongside four Salsas ranging from mild green to smoky Peanut and fiery Habanero Carrot.
Proud of their process, educated servers discussing everything from nixtamalization to the slow-cooked Proteins, options run the gamut from Esquites done the right way to Birria de Res complete with a sidecar of Consommé.
Priced $6 to $9 per Taco, pricey but justified by the quality of each bite, Chicken Mole skips sweetness in favor of earthy aromatics complimented by Crema while Fried Chicken and the signature “Nixtaco Combination” are busy but tasty while nearly overwhelming the faultless Handmade Tortillas.
Faced with tough decisions for Dessert, though staff suggests Flan over Churros, a $10 square arrives oversized and soaked with Caramel atop density and creaminess that features no air pockets but rather a texture akin to French Crème Caramel but better.
Monte Cristo – French Toast, Uncured Applewood Smoked Ham, Swiss Cheese, Raspberry Chipotle Jam, Breakfast Potatoes
Cornbread – Maple Butter, Bacon Relish
Carrot Cake
Home of the original Tower Records and Tower Theater the “best brunch” in Sacramento comes from Tower Cafe, a space opened by James Seyman on Earth Day 1990 that dials up the kitsch while serving a globally influenced menu of savories and sweets.
Serving Sacramento daily from 8am, with Dinner hours Wednesday through Sunday and their famous Brunch on weekends, walk-ins are welcome but may wait a bit during peak hours for tables spanning across several sections from outside to indoors.
No doubt a diverse menu, weekly specials and a Bakery case adding intrigue to a list of Pancakes, Omelets and Bennys, many will find themselves drawn to renowned French Toast offered half, whole, plain, topped or wrapped around Meats such as in the case of an unfried but enjoyable “Monte Cristo.”
Decorated with all manners of knickknacks and accolades, servers friendly in front of an efficient kitchen, fans of Carrot Cake with “the works” will note Pineapple plus Nuts in the Tower Cafe version while Cornbread comes piping hot and plenty moist even before adding Bacon “Relish” or Maple Butter.
