Poll - 2020-02-05 | Las Vegas Advisor

We haven't run a dining poll in a while and this one was a suggestion from LVA reader "Fiasco," who we're sure just wanted to get a free peek at John Curtas' "Essential 52" restaurants in Eating Las Vegas. Note that this poll didn't require a preview last week, since the choices are all predetermined.

What we'd like to know is: Which of the "Essential 52" restaurants in our Eating Las Vegas 2020 edition do you like the best?

This is a popularity contest, so you can use whichever criteria you like: food, prices, value, setting, location, service, bar, etc., to vote for as many of the selections as you like. (Note that there are only 51 choices; since the book was printed, bBd's at Palace Station has closed.)

358 Total Votes

Lotus of Siam

9% (32)

Bazaar Meat

5% (18)

Mabel's BBQ

5% (18)

Bouchon

4% (14)

Carson Kitchen

4% (14)

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4% (14)

Estiatorio Milos

4% (13)

Ferraro's

4% (13)

Restaurant Guy Savoy

4% (13)

Spago

4% (13)

Joel Robuchon

3% (12)

Le Cirque

3% (12)

Raku

3% (12)

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

3% (10)

Jaleo

3% (9)

China Mama

2% (8)

'e' by Jose Andres

2% (8)

Esther's Kitchen

2% (8)

Marche Bacchus

2% (8)

The Kitchen at Atomic

2% (7)

Bardot Brasserie

2% (6)

Hatsumi

2% (6)

Matteo's Italiano

1% (5)

Pizzeria Monzu

1% (5)

Rooster Boy Cafe

1% (5)

Weera Thai

1% (5)

Cipriana

1% (4)

Edo Gastro Tapas & Wine

1% (4)

The Black Sheep

1% (4)

Twist by Pierre Gagnaire

1% (4)

Wing Lei

1% (4)

District One

1% (3)

Elia Authentic Greek Taverna

1% (3)

Kabuto Edomae Sushi

1% (3)

Lamaii

1% (3)

Mordeo Boutique Wine Bar

1% (3)

Oh La Las French Bistro

1% (3)

Old Soul

1% (3)

Other Mama

1% (3)

Sage

1% (3)

Sparrow + Wolf

1% (3)

Tatsujin X

1% (3)

Yui Edomae Sushi

1% (3)

Boteco

1% (2)

Kaiseki Yuzu

1% (2)

Khoury's

1% (2)

Mott 32

1% (2)

Pamplona Tapas

1% (2)

Vetri Cucina

1% (2)

EATT Gourmer Bistor

0% (1)

Partage

0% (1)

Analysis

Like most of our dining polls, this one didn't generate much response, but even so, the top vote-getters corroborate our own view of John Curtas' Essential 52.

Without doubt, Lotus of Siam has the renown to be number one, especially now that it has both locations, the new on E. Flamingo and the old one at the Commercial Center on E. Sahara.

Bazaar Meat is one of the most expensive restaurants in town, but it's the best thing about the Sahara and it's a media darling, due to all the exotic proteins, the fame of owner Jose Andres (Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018, and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation), and the ambience (among Open Table's top 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S.).

Mabel's BBQ is similar, with its celebrity chef Michael Symon, its exquisite barbecued meats and sides, and its location front and center in the hip Palms.

As for the rest of the list, you get a free look at the favorite restaurants of Las Vegas' most veteran restaurant critic and their relative popularity with the poll respondents who seem to know Vegas fine dining inside and out.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Comments

Dave Feb-05-2020

None of the above

Maybe I need to explore a little more, but I’ve only heard of a small handful of the ones listed. And I’ve never eaten at any of them.

O2bnVegas Feb-05-2020

same here

Didn't like Spago, and haven't been to the others.  Sorry.  I'll be looking for the winners, to branch out a bit!

Ray Feb-05-2020

Me too

Never been to any of them, but I would like to see comments from those who DO vote, about why they like it, how much they spend, etc.

Martyn Feb-05-2020

Half of the Above

I have eaten at about half of these restaurants, and I've had many fabulous meals.  I'm working my way through the other half.  I particularly like the non-casino restaurants, because it's fun to get off the strip and explore.  I also appreciate getting expert advice on restaurants rather than crowd sourced yelp reviews.  Kudos to John Curtas on the 2020 edition of his guide.  Now when I'm hungry I'm just as likely to drive into Chinatown as to stand in line for yet another buffet.

lvgecko55 Feb-05-2020

Only one...

I've eaten at so, so many great restaurants in Las Vegas, but I've only eaten at one on this list. 50 restaurants to go!

Joseph Hupcey Feb-05-2020

missing

How could the Eiffel Tower restaurant not be in the list. To me that invalidates the entire list.
So I am not voting at all.

Donzack Feb-05-2020

Ditto

I thought I was the only one that hadn’t been to any of these restaurants. Always Anthony’s at the M for me

[email protected] Feb-05-2020

Only one

The only one I've been to is Spago, which was very good, so I voted for that one.  However, my favorite Las Vegas restaurant is the Border Grill.  I've eaten there many times and the food has always been fantastic.

T. Ferguson Feb-05-2020

Anything off strip

Never go to a restaurant on the strip, too many good places otherwise.  Every trip to Vegas includes a visit to Rooster Boy.

Tad Adachi Feb-13-2020

My favorite is Raku

Been going there for a decade now and it's a must every time I visit LV. I have dined at 31 of the 51 Essential Restaurants.

Poll : 05 February - 18 February 2020

Analysis

Comments