What Are the Top 10 Most Iconic Restaurants in Vegas?

If you had to pick a top ten for the most iconic restaurants in Las Vegas, what would they be?

Number one, of course, would be the Golden Steer. For starters, it's the second oldest restaurant in Las Vegas, having opened in 1958, and in the past 68 years, it's served everyone from Elvis and Frank to Paul (McCartney) and Adele. Also, it hasn't changed all that much since it first opened, with the same classic Vegas decor.

Number two would be the Peppermill. This is las Vegas' fourth oldest restaurant (1972) and it's right on the Strip, with glitzy neon border lighting, abundant faux foliage, plush velvet booths, and adjoining bar complete with fire pit. The food is classic Vegas as well, huge plates overflowing with items off the giant 10-page menu.

Number three, in our humble opinion, is Spago at Bellagio. Wolfgang Puck was Vegas' first celebrity chef, who took a big big gamble in opening at the Forum Shops at Caesars in December 1992, mere months after the mall itself debuted. Puck is widely acclaimed for launching the city's rocket shot into becoming one of the great foodie cities in the U.S. Spago remained at the Forum Shops for 26 years, only moving to Bellagio in 2018 into the much more desirable space formerly occupied by Todd English's Olives overlooking the Fountains from its patio.

4. Hugo's Cellar. Ninth oldest (1976), original basement location, classic steakhouse experience with tableside preparation, excellent service, romantic ambience -- Old Vegas charm.

5. Joël Robuchon. Brought French haute cuisine to the Strip, earned three Michelin Stars, legendary tableside carts -- unparalleled, theatrical, fine-dining experience.

6. Lotus of Siam. Popularized authentic northern Thai cuisine (less coconut, more herbs/spices) across the U.S., award-winning wine list, Gourmet magazine's "best Thai in North America" -- all from a humble Commercial Center location where most restaurants go to die.

7. Top of the World. Highest restaurant (with city views) in the U.S., revolving with 360-degree views, fine dining -- what's not to love?

8. Carbone. Retro Italian-American eatery at Aria, old-school service/tableside preparations, hugely popular with celebrities, reservations notoriously difficult -- over-the-top interactive dining.

9. Bootlegger. Nothing retro about fifth-oldest Vegas restaurant (1972), classic Italian-American, family-run charm, vibrant live-music scene, late-night hangout for entertainers -- iconic unpretentious vibe.

10. South Point Garden Buffet. Exceptional value, consistent quality, iconic seafood night and Champagne brunch -- wildly popular with locals and visitors in the know.

11-20. Who wants to add another 10 iconic restaurants to our modest list?

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Comments

Dave Kamsler Jan-19-2026

Iconic

Battista’s is certainly iconic.

Michael Taylor Jan-19-2026

My Favorite

Michaels at South Point. Exceptional Old School Vegas

Charles Franco Jan-19-2026

Iconic

Mon Ami Gabi for an on Strip al fresco experience

Kevin Lewis Jan-19-2026

It' was cheaper than food

It may be closed, but the Circus Circus $2.99 buffet lives on in the memories and the digestive systems of Vegas aficionados

Joseph Jan-19-2026

Binions

The Steakhouse at the top of Binions is classic old school.

Bob Nelson Jan-19-2026

Long lost $2 steak dinner

Binions Cafe was classic/iconic.

John Hearn Jan-19-2026

Magnolia's

OK, while Magnolia's at 4Q is really not Top 20, it is consistent, fairly affordable with good specials, and convenient. I would have added Roberta's/Siegel 1941 at the El, but that is being changed. Didn't know about the Bootlegger and I need to check that out if I ever go down south of the Strip. I also need to give Hugo's another go, as it is a reasonable alternative to our fave Vic & Anthony's (as sides are included.)

Randall Ward Jan-19-2026

Battistas

I've never been to most of these, but I'd replace Carbone with Battistas.  I'm sure Carbone is better in every way except iconic, it's relatively new and probably serves a fraction of the customers

Robert Byrne Jan-19-2026

Binion's Steakhouse

Got to agree with Joseph about this and add in Oscar's at the Plaza. For steak lovers, neither has ever let us down in multiple visits over fifteen years.

T. Ferguson Jan-19-2026

Herbs and Rye

on West Sahara.  Also Capo's Speakeasy.

Corey Levitan Jan-19-2026

Golden Steer

They lie about opening in 1958. They opened in 1962...

https://www.casino.org/news/vegas-myths-re-busted-the-golden-steer-steakhouse-opened-in-1958/

Jeremy Gray Jan-19-2026

Caesars Palace’s 2

If you’re talking about iconic, I would put Hell’s Kitchen toward the middle, as its Strip-side dining is front and center and is also a hard to get reservation. I’d also put Bacchanal above that, as it ushered in the “no price is too high” for a buffet. 

Those two restaurants are also among the most photographed places in the world.

John Dulley Jan-19-2026

Buffet??

Sorry but there never has been and there never will be a buffet that’s iconic! Binions steakhouse sounds like a great answer tho I’ve never been there. Peppermill sucks but it IS iconic, bootleggers is awesome tho!

Scott Fegley Jan-19-2026

Underrated / Lesser Known

Nora's Italian Cuisine

Linda Collinge Jan-19-2026

Green Shack

Though now closed, it was the oldest restaurant in Vegas on Las Vegas Blvd feeding the workers working on the Dam project

Maggie Fisher Jan-19-2026

Menus on the wall

I agree with adding Battista's.  And I miss Gordy, the accordian player.

Marcus Leath Jan-19-2026

Ferraro's

The best Italian restaurant in Las Vegas; also has the best wine list.

Michael B Jan-19-2026

Binions

I go to Top of Binion's every year with the MRB of course and it's truly an old Vegas experience every time. I really should try Hugo's sometime.. Are there any discount opportunities for that place?

Ken Kjelson Jan-19-2026

Bob Taylor

My vote goes to Las Vegas' oldest restaurant. Bob Taylor's Ranch House has gtrat BBQ steaks at reasonable prices in a fun atmosphere.

IdahoPat Jan-20-2026

I second Nora's

I would not include Lotus of Siam here, at least not the OG location. I've been told the ones at Red Rock Casino and on Sahara Ave. are the ones to dine at these days.

Jersey Jeff Jan-20-2026

Binions

Top of Binions, another vote.

Question of the Day - 19 January 2026

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