Visited once in the past with dismissive service, a second look at West Charleston’s Panaderia Y Pasteleria Latina suggests improvement over the intervening decade during which little else has changed in terms of the half-market and half-bakery layout.
Liked by natives of Mexico, the low prices and use of Lard praised by many, Sunday afternoon found a wide array of choices ranging from laminated Pan Dulce shellacked with Sugar to Brioche-like Ombligo.
Sold out of several Cakes, but just removing fresh Concha from the cooling racks, fortunate timing saw this day’s offering outpace many in Las Vegas while Galeta de Gragea and Cortadillo were each on par with what one sees at Cardena’s or La Bonita.
Currently #51 on the S.Pellegrino list Restaurante Alcalde has been on the rise since opening. Owned by Chef Francisco Ruano, a veteran of noma, Mugaritz and El Celler de Can Roca, the idea is largely that of putting a modern signature on the foods of Jalisco without the boundaries of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Offered a la carte or tasting, the later best received at the Chef’s counter, guests are served blind to what’s next across 18 plates by attentive staff happy to discuss techniques, ingredients and inspiration.
Heavily influenced by prior places of stage, slimy Scoby on a rock almost straight out of Redzepi’s cookbook, best bites included an Abalone Tostada and handmade Tortillas referencing fried Courgettes while Duck served rare and Desserts failed to reach the heights of Ruano’s famous Coconut Ceviche.
Note: no menu is presented for the tasting, even after repeat requests, and most plates are described in Spanish or heavily accented English. Those with allergies or intolerances should make them known when reserving as the kitchen is accommodating.
Located in a converted former mansion, now housing a gallery and gardens, Bruna first opened in 2015 but has continued to draw acclaim thanks to a combination of time honored recipes and stylistic choices.
Part of a well-heeled area in Americana, seating from 2:00pm until late providing a range of experiences from the bar to inside or outside or private dining rooms, guests enter amidst black and white past several paintings while music plays at modest volume overhead.
Opting for garden views cooled by fans and shade, well-manicured Aristolochia all-around, service proves informed and efficient while describing the Food of Chef Oscar Garza who draws inspiration from Guadalajara as well as France and even New England.
Focused on traditional flavors with modern plating, while the mixology program matches Bruna’s flamboyant décor, Cocktails such as Fruits of Earth and Wind are poured tableside with subtleties suited for starters like assertive Rib Eye Chicharrón’s in acid or a tasting of ten housemade Moles showing artistry, commitment and skill.
Not lacking for options from Seafood to Vegetarian, though roasted Meats are featured prominently, a Tamal with Duck sees French technique render Thigh tender around Berries while Garza’s take on Chile en Nogada goes all-in on flavor with Sauce thicker and richer than most.
Almost too full for Dessert, mostly due to several handmade Tortillas, leaving Mango Tres Leches behind was a difficult but fortuitous decision since Corn Créme Brûlée was faultless while Rice Pudding Tiramisu took the best parts of each dish to an unexpected level.
Open from 7am until 9pm daily at Avenue 16 de Septiembre 555 La Esperanza opened after the Pandemic, and although it lacks the history of other Jalisco Pastelerias that has not stopped locals from lining up for Bread, Pan Dulce, Pastels or even Gelato.
A large upstairs spot in the middle of a bustling area, Saturday around noon seeing a sizable crowd with limited seating occupied, guests are invited to self-select with tongs everything from fluffy Concha to faultless Besos or Cookies with Sprinkles.
Sold at 11 to 24 pesos per Pan Dulce, the Donut with a Chocolate Bunny more expensive than a dry riff on Pinguinitos, a look at the cold-case will find Arroz con Leche alongside Carrot Cake, though the must-have are air-pocketed Flan and Esperanza’s signature Roll Con Tres Leches.
As the capitol of Jalisco and Mexico’s second largest city the culinary traditions of Guadalajara run deep, and although Menudo or Torta Ahogada are rightfully loved by many Birria de Chivo has moved to another level thanks to international exposure from the United States to Copenhagen.
A trend surely bolstered by Social Media, “juicy” Tacos plunged into savory Consomé perfect for the #gram, visitors to the Pearl of the West will instead find slow-cooked Goat served as Stew on many street corners as well as Restaurants like Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas between Americana and Analco.
Arguably Jalisco’s favorite spot for Birria, hours from 8am until 9pm plus fair prices equally appealing to tourists and locals, early arrival is recommended to avoid long queues and also to sample Breakfast options such as hearty Chilaquiles with dueling Salsas and a choice of Protein.
Using an old recipe for the slow-cooked Goat Stew, boneless with a lot less acidity and more fattiness than seen elsewhere, diners are welcome to add Lime or Onions to brighten things to their liking while those seeking something even richer can try a griddled handmade Tortilla with Meat and stretchy local Cheese for 60 Pesos.
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.
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.
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.
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 Wonton Soup or all-new Beef dishes featuring Peppers or in a Green Onion Stir Fry.
Self described as Las Vegas’ favorite Coffee Shop it was prior to the pandemic that Coffee Religion began pouring, the addition of High Tea and an Instagram-friendly interior building a loyal clientele that has seen the concept expand to three locations.
Best known for the aforementioned Tea and Lattes, Lavender widely discussed by the folks equally fond of Avocado Toast, Coffee Religion also offers everything from Breakfast Burritos to Scones and a handful of Viennoiseries.
Priced equal to spots like Rosallie and less than Coffee Class, a pair of good Muffins and a flaccid Croissant at 11am on Saturday a far cry from either, Coldbrew from Coffee Religion is smooth with notes of Cocoa and Berries with limited acidity and amongst the best in town.
Liked by many locals and tourists as an off-Strip destination for Steak a visit to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse outpaces much of their competition, Landry’s long history finding service gracious yet pleasant while the atmosphere is unpretentious but refined.
Reportedly the busiest of fifteen current outposts, a Hughes Center address well-suited to business meetings frequently held in one of eight private dining rooms, Appetizers are basic fare from Shrimp Cocktail or Bruschetta to a hearty Wedge Salad with punchy Danish Bleu Cheese Dressing.
Offering an array of Cocktails and Wine, the “James Bond Table” a special attraction for “high rollers,” those not interested in Beef will find Chicken, Cauliflower “Steak” and a respectable slice of Sea Bass adjacent everything from domestic Prime to Japanese A5.
Not forgetting Sides, the Creamed Spinach bolstered by Bacon particularly, Dessert predictably sees Chocolate and Cheesecake trying to steer guests away from the only *real* choice of signature Butter Cake with crispy edges surrounding sweet insides prepared to sop up melting Ice Cream.
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.
