Best Restaurants off the Strip

Al Solito Posto checks several boxes for noteworthy Las Vegas restaurants. It's helmed by an esteemed local chef James Trees, who has an impressive track record. The restaurant's off-Strip location offers a relaxed vibe, and while not a cheap eatery by any means, you'll pay less here than for a comparable meal on the Strip. Most importantly, the acclaimed food is delicious. The traditional Italian dishes have been prepared with a modern approach and include rigatoni alla vodka, pappardelle Bolognese, spaghetti, butternut squash risotto and eggplant parm. A selection of steaks and chops is also offered. Look for seasonal dishes as well, like the caprese salad in summer.

Echo & Rig's distinctive design, which features a butcher shop on the first floor, elevates the traditional steakhouse experience. The décor's comfortable, slightly industrial style keeps the atmosphere casual and welcoming, and diners come dressed both casually and more formally. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, signature selections include the Spencer Steak, classic Rib-Eye, and the unusual Bavette ("American Kobe" beef), as well as a host of other Butcher's Cut steaks (including tri-tip, flank and skirt). All steaks are served with a selection of tasty sauces like a red wine demi, brandied mushroom, and horseradish cream. Beef isn't the only choice at Echo and Rig, which also offers lamb, chicken, and fish.

Esther's Kitchen is a modern, farm-to-table style Italian restaurant with a fresh take on food that's been a hit with diners since the restaurant opened in late 2017. Fans of seasonal, artisanal fare will find a lot to like at this popular downtown spot, which enjoys consistent acclaim because of its flavorful dishes. Describing their food as "seasonal Italian soul food," Esther's Kitchen delivers a menu full of house-made pasta--spaghetti, chitarra, rigatoni, bucatini, you name it--house-made bread, unrivaled meat and cheese boards and pizzas. While dinner is standard sit-down service, lunchtime is informal, with orders for salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizzas placed at the counter and delivered to the table. Esther's Kitchen is named after the woman who taught the chef to cook, and Esther's home-style touch is apparent in every part of the restaurant, from the food to the inviting atmosphere.

Originally, the traditional Cornish pasty was the solution to a food problem for miners. The potpie/calzone-like creation was designed with a thick, crimped edge of the dough so it could be held with one hand while eating. Cornish Pasty's versions stay true to tradition in their shape and heartiness. Come with a big appetite as the portions are definitely large enough to satisfy a hungry Cornish miner. The Oggie, the traditional pasty, is filled with steak, potatoes, onion and rutabaga with a side of red wine gravy or ketchup. Other signature pasties include Bangers and Mash, Royale with Cheese, Cajun Chicken, Mexican or the Cubano, with house-pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese and dill pickles. The pasty selection is extensive, with a wide range of flavors like chicken tikka masala, Guinness Stew or lamb vindaloo. Vegetarian and vegan pasties are also available.

Lamaii is a new restaurant in the thriving Chinatown district in Las Vegas, an area that's become a hotspot for fabulous restaurants. Offering Thai cuisine and a robust cocktail and wine menu, Lamaii's food has been attracting buzz since the restaurant opened. Look for small plates like the taro crispy roll, served with plum sauce, or the shrimp cakes with creamy plum and blueberry sauce. Entrees include dishes like Gang Rawaeng, ancient turmeric curry with braised beef, or Steak Pad Prik with stir-fried steak, curry sauce, string beans and peppercorn. You'll also find familiar dishes, like Pad Thai and drunken noodles, but why not try something new (and wonderful)?

La Strega proves again that the restaurants in Las Vegas off the Strip are just as worthy of attention as anything on the Strip. Located in the space formerly occupied by Due Forni, La Strega offers fresh Italian dishes. The bright and airy décor invites guests to enjoy finely crafted food. Dishes include selections like duck arancini, braised pork and anchovy crostini, a New York Strip steak and roasted Cornish hen. Several pizzas are offered, from the classic Margherita to choices like the Spicy Pig with soppressata, smoked mozzarella, Calabrian chiles and scallions. A full selection of pasta is available, with dishes like the spaghetti Pomodoro, rigatoni Bolognese with wild boar or the Pasta al Fruitri di Mare with rock shrimp, calamari, lobster, spicy Pomodoro and mint.

The Black Sheep brings American-Vietnamese food to Las Vegas in a modern, comfortable setting on the south side of the valley. Chef Jamie Tran is a veteran of the Las Vegas Strip restaurant scene, and she brings her considerable talents to the table at The Black Sheep. The food is crafted carefully to be both delicious and a new version of Vietnamese comfort food. The popular Vietnamese Imperial Rolls are made with Duroc pork, shrimp, pickled heirloom carrots, radish and yellow frisee salad. Entrees include dishes like the Lemongrass Duck Confit with yellow curry couscous, sautéed Chinese broccoli, lap Cheong sausage and charred plum sauce, or the slow-braised short rib with horseradish risotto, golden bet rosti, purple kale and smoked baby beets. A full wine list with both domestic and imported selections gives guests plenty of options to pair with their meal.

Lotus of Siam has enjoyed a long history of culinary acclaim in Las Vegas. Regarded by many as one of the best Thai restaurants in the United States, Lotus of Siam has earned its place on a lot of foodies' bucket lists. Fans of the restaurant were dismayed when it closed after a flood in September of 2017, but luckily, Lotus of Siam opened a second location a couple of months later. The new restaurant is closer to the Strip, making it easier for visitors to find out why this small, family-owned restaurant is so well-regarded. Noted dishes include the sa-tay, their prawns (in any style they serve), stuffed chicken wings, and Thai jerky. Their signature Northern Thai style is what sets them apart from other Thai restaurants. If you've never ventured beyond Pad Thai, this is the place to try something new.

Not all of Vegas' fine dining restaurants are located on or near Las Vegas Boulevard. Vintner Grill is tucked away in the heart of the neighborhood of Summerlin, on the bottom floor of an office building. The crisp interior sets the stage for a menu full of classic dishes that take inspiration from Spain, France and Italy. For dinner, starters include pan-seared crab cakes with tarragon cream sauce and white bean hummus with olive relish and spicy pita chips. Flatbreads, pasta and risotto dishes offer a tempting list of possible choices, like the pan-seared diver scallops with sweet corn risotto, heirloom tomatoes and pecorino cheese. Entrees include a selection of fish, veal and chicken dishes, as well as wonderfully tender, perfectly prepared steaks.

Serving up one of Las Vegas' most unforgettable dining experience, Marché Bacchus is a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip but feels worlds away. Located in the Desert Shores community, guests can enjoy the lovely lake view as they dine on the restaurant's romantic patio along Lake Jacqueline. The fabulous French cuisine is worth the drive and keeps both locals and visitors coming back. The bistro serves soups, salads and appetizers, like selections of cheese and charcuterie, escargot or beef tartare with quail egg. During lunch, specialty sandwiches are offered in addition to entrees. The dinner menu offers entrees like pan-seared duck breast, steak frites and lamb chops. Guests who would like to take advantage of the restaurant's wine shop can roam the store's 950+ selections to find the perfect bottle to go with their meal. A nominal corkage fee applies.