We turned this one over to Eating Las Vegas author Al Mancini, since this is a subject close to his heart. Here's what he had to say.
While several restaurants have a special reserved table they refer to as the "chef’s table," I’m assuming you’re talking about something a lot of people call a "kitchen table." That’s a table that’s in, or directly adjacent to, the kitchen. And it allows you to watch the chefs prepare your meal up close and personal. For serious foodies, there’s nothing cooler than witnessing what I like to refer to as the choreographed chaos of a world-class kitchen team in action.
Two years ago, three of Las Vegas’ best restaurants offered that experience. Unfortunately, two of them have since closed their doors (Alex and Restaurant Charlie). Among the ultra-fine-dining restaurants on The Strip, the only one that still offers a kitchen table is Guy Savoy at Caesars. It’s located in a small alcove in the kitchen, completely separated from the main dining room. It has clear glass doors, which guests can open or close, depending on the level of privacy they want, and how much of the chefs’ shouting they want to hear.
There are a few catches to scoring that table, however. First, it isn’t necessarily available every night. It’s generally reserved for visits by VIP's and friends of the chef. But General Manager Alain Alpe has the power to open it up for anyone he’d like, and from time to time he’ll grant access to members of the general public. Call the restaurant, ask to speak to him, and make your case. As a general rule, you’ll be expected to order the ten-course Prestige Menu, which is $298 a person, before wine. And on busy nights, they may also add a room fee, although that’s not set in stone.
A very similar experience on The Strip is available at restaurant "é" - a small single room in the back of The Cosmopolitan’s Jaleo. The food is made by utilizing a mind-blowing collection of scientific methods most Americans refer to as molecular gastronomy, but which José Andrés (who owns the restaurant and pioneered many of the methods) calls Spanish avant garde. The restaurant seats no more than eight people at a single table that resembles a blackjack table. Two to three chefs work across the table from the guests, preparing a 15 to 20-course meal. The food will cost you $160, with a beverage pairing available for an additional $105. Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance, by email only. Send a request to [email protected].
One final Strip option is L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Sitting next door to Robuchon’s namesake formal restaurant in The MGM Grand, this casual establishment feels more like a nightclub than a restaurant. And the majority of seats are at a bar that surrounds the kitchen. Much like é, the chefs here know they’re on display, so you won’t hear any screaming or cursing. But it’s still a pretty amazing sight. If you’re willing to dine early you can get a three-course meal for $59 until 6:15. Later in the evening, tasting menus cost either $155 or $190 a head, with a la carte options also available.
Finally, if you’re willing to head off the Strip, Rosemary’s, at 8125 West Sahara Avenue, offers a "food bar" with seats just inches away from some of the line chefs. While it’s much more causal than a formal kitchen table, it’s just as cool and much less expensive than the options listed above.
