Every year Nevada—like pretty much every other state—publishes a “Best of” guide to the very best restaurants, attractions, hotels, places to shop, nightclubs, golf courses, and anything else that could be a “best” in the state. Taken from Nevada Magazine’s Readers’ Survey “Best of” lists, the world-famous Zagat survey, and other local and national surveys, here are 13 of the very best of Nevada restaurants you simply must try. Believe me, you won’t be sorry.
1. Cactus Creek Prime Steakhouse, Bonanza Casino, 4720 N. Virginia St., Reno (775) 334-5555
A seven-time "Best of Nevada" restaurant in Nevada Magazine, Cactus Creek's southwest atmosphere, freshly prepared USDA Prime-grade beef dishes, award-winning desserts, and extensive wine list make this restaurant one of the best in the state.
In addition to delicious steaks, Cactus Creek also serves fish, chicken, duck, and lamb. Also, like a true steakhouse, sides are all a la carte.
2. Michael's Gourmet Room, South Point Hotel & Casino, 9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas (702) 796-7111
Michael's at South Point has been a Best of Nevada restaurant and Las Vegas institution for over 30 years. In addition to its Best of Nevada distinction, Michael's has also been recognized as a Zagat's Top 5 Restaurant in Las Vegas and was also voted the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Readers' Poll Finest Gourmet Restaurant.
The dinner-only menu consists of amazing soups, hot and cold appetizers, steaks, rack of lamb, seafood, veal, and a wonderful selection of decadent desserts.
3. The Steakhouse at Western Village, 815 Nichols Blvd., Sparks (775) 353-4916
Located in the Western Village Inn & Casino, this casual yet elegant, award-winning restaurant is a local favorite thanks to its top-notch food and exceptional service.
Menu items include steak, prime rib, Chateaubriand, seafood, an extensive wine list, and the most amazing desserts including the always popular Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee. Reservations are requested due to the steakhouse's popularity.
4. Top of the World, Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas (702) 380-7777
Located 844 feet above the city, this gorgeous restaurant rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes giving diners breathtaking views of the Las Vegas glitz and glamour below. Top of the World has been voted Nevada Magazine's "Best of Nevada 2016" and "Best of Las Vegas, "Most Romantic Restaurant" by Gayot, and "Best Fine Dining Restaurant" and "Best Restaurant with a View" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The menu consists of the finest seafood, lamb, foie gras, duck, and a wide variety of steaks, all prepared fresh and showcased beautifully.
5. Symphony's Restaurant, Pahrump Valley Winery, 3810 Winery Rd., Pahrump (775) 727-6900
Located in the Pahrump Winery, this upscale yet casual, white linen restaurant has steadily received "Best of" accolades by Nevada Magazine.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves a variety of delicious steak, seafood, sandwiches, pasta, soups, salads, and incredible desserts.
6. Pittman Cafe, The Mizpah Hotel, 100 Main St., Tonopah (775) 482-3030
Located in the famous haunted Mizpah Hotel, Pittman Cafe takes guests on a journey to the past with its beautifully restored decor inside this historic hotel.
Pittman Cafe serves typical diner fare in one of Tonopah's most renowned attractions. Period furniture and atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food made this restaurant a Best of Nevada winner.
7. Roundabout Grill, Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N. Virginia St., Reno (775) 398-5454
Editor's Note: As of May 2020, Roundabout Grill has permanently closed and been replaced by Cafe Whitney. Owned and operated by Chef Colin Smith and his wife Mary Beth, Roundabout Grill is a locals' favorite upscale casual restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.
While the menu is not extensive, items are fantastic and delicious. From sandwiches to soups to steaks to seafood to pasta and (everything in between) Roundabout Grill is a locals' and visitors' favorite in Reno.
8. Adele's, 1112 N. Carson St., Carson City (775) 882-3353
Editor's Note: As of October 2019, Adele's was forced to permanently close due to smoke damage from a fire that occurred earlier in the year. One of Carson City's finest restaurants, Adele's is owned and operated by Chef Charlie Abowd and his wife Karen. Charlie's parents opened the restaurant in 1977, and today Adele's has become a local favorite casual chic eatery.
This 5-star, 2017 Diners' Choice (and other) Award-winning restaurant proudly supports local arts and is a farm-to-table establishment. Among the delectable menu items include artisan pizzas, unique salads, steak, seafood, duck, lamb, pasta, sandwiches, and amazing desserts.
9. Le Bistro Restaurant, 120 Country Club Dr., Suite 29, Incline Village (775) 831-0800
This authentic French bistro is located in Incline Village, near Lake Tahoe. The delicious French menu is created by award-winning Chef Jean-Pierre Doignon.
This charming bistro serves a variety of authentic French dishes in a prix-fixe, five-course format. Among the amazing dishes: tomato bisque en croute, duck confit, Coq au Vin, truffle and cream gnocchi, lamb, and seafood. The desserts are also unbelievable. It's no wonder why Le Bistro continues to receive acclaim.
10. Picasso, Bellagio Hotel, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas (702) 693-8105
World-renowned chef Julian Serrano brings his classical French and Spanish-inspired dishes to Picasso, a romantic and beautiful restaurant that is consistently atop Las Vegas' and Nevada's "Best of" lists.
Known for its prix-fixe multi-course meals, as well as vegetarian options and amazing desserts. For the true gourmand, this dining experience surrounded by Picasso paintings is not to be missed.
11. McAdoo's, 382 5th St., Elko (775) 777-2299
Opened in 2012, McAdoo's is a charming little diner that serves breakfast, lunch, and sweets.
Menu items are typical breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare like quiche (pictured), breakfast burritos, pancakes and french toast, homemade soups, sandwiches, sandwiches, and, of course, amazing baked goods. McAdoo's has been a consistent people's choice Best of Elko favorite.
12. Cafe del Rio, 394 S. C St., Virginia City (775) 847-5151
This award-winning Virginia City opera house-turned-restaurant serves fine, homemade Southwestern fare with the freshest ingredients and provides friendly and impeccable service.
From traditional Tex-Mex fare to the very popular Gospel Chicken to Mexican favorites, Cafe del Rio is a local and visitor favorite. Don't forget to save room for the incredible desserts like the Mayan Chocolate Creme Brulee.
13. Romanza Ristorante Italiano, Peppermill Reno, 2707 S. Virginia St., Reno (775) 689-7474
Roman opulence meets authentic Italian cuisine at this multi-award-winning and frequent "Best of Nevada" restaurant.
Italian favorites like veal, pasta, risotto, and short ribs are to die for, as are the desserts.
There you have it. While an abbreviated list, these are some of the very best of Nevada restaurants. How many have you visited? Have I left your favorite off the list? Please share your experiences and thoughts below.
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