Published on: December 18, 2024, 03:26h. 

Last updated on: December 18, 2024, 03:26h.

Las Vegas has evolved significantly in terms of culinary experiences, moving away from the traditional $9.99 buffet to becoming a globally renowned dining hotspot. The city now sees openings and closures of restaurants that make headlines worldwide. Here are some notable ones that made a significant impact.

Memorable Openings

Bazaar Mar
The Shops at Crystals

Celebrity chef José Andrés opened Bazaar Mar in August, offering a seafood and tapas-focused menu with Spanish influences. Dishes include Hokkaido sea scallops crudo, Maine lobster croquetas, and jamon Ibérico de bellota tacos.

José Andrés introduced his fifth restaurant on the Strip this year, following past successes like Jaleo and China Poblano. He is set to relocate Bazaar Meat to a more upscale location at the Venetian next year.

Dominique Ansel Marché
Paris Las Vegas

French pastry chef Dominique Ansel opened his second Strip eatery in December, offering a variety of sweet and savory treats inspired by French markets.

Bourbon Steak
Four Seasons

Celebrity chef Michael Mina launched Bourbon Steak, a classic steakhouse, on the 35th floor of the Four Seasons. The menu features Japanese A5 wagyu and prime angus, prepared using a signature slow-poaching technique.

Gjelina
Venetian

Set to open on December 26, Gjelina has already garnered attention in Las Vegas for its seafood-focused cuisine. Founded in 2008, the restaurant will offer dishes like orecchiette with beef cheek Bolognese and striped sea bass stew.

Pinky’s by Vanderpump
Flamingo

Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump opened Pinky’s in December, serving upscale American classics like wagyu sliders. This restaurant occupies a large space at the Flamingo and is the third dining establishment from Vanderpump on the Strip.

Vanderpump also operates the Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace and Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas.

Ole Red
Grand Bazaar Shops, Horseshoe

Country singer Blake Shelton debuted his Ole Red venue in January, offering Southern-inspired cuisine and live entertainment on the Strip.

Singer Jason Aldean also opened a similar concept in December, showcasing his love for the Vegas food scene.

Saddest Closures

Picasso
Bellagio

The renowned French restaurant Picasso closed in August after more than 25 years of operation at the Bellagio. The closure was attributed to the retirement of chef Julian Serrano, but questions were raised about the true reason behind the shutdown.

Casino.org highlighted inconsistencies in the retirement narrative, suggesting that Serrano may not be retiring completely as he continues to operate other restaurants in Vegas.

The closure of Picasso marked the end of an era for fine dining at the Bellagio.

Ocean One
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood

After almost two decades of serving affordable meals on the Strip, Ocean One Bar & Grille permanently closed in November. The restaurant was known for its budget-friendly lunch and dinner options.

Although management cited lease expiration as the reason for closure, rumors circulated about other factors contributing to the shutdown.

Ocean One’s closure signaled the end of an era for cheap eats on the Strip.

Crown & Anchor
1350 E. Tropicana Ave.

This beloved British pub closed its doors in July after nearly 30 years of operation, leaving a void in the local pub scene. The pub held significance as a place where musician Brandon Flowers of The Killers found inspiration for the band’s hit song “Mr. Brightside.”

While one location shuttered, another branch of Crown & Anchor remains open to serve patrons.

Margaritaville
Flamingo

Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett’s iconic establishment at the Flamingo, shut down in June after 21 years of serving drinks and entertainment to guests. The closure was attributed to a business decision by Caesars Entertainment, signaling the end of an era for the beach-themed venue.

The closure of Margaritaville marked the end of an era for tropical-themed dining experiences in Vegas.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
AREA15

The steampunk-themed restaurant, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, closed when Lost Spirits Distillery ceased operations at AREA15 in April. Known for its unique culinary experience and themed decor, this eatery was a standout in the entertainment complex.

Holsteins Shakes & Buns
Cosmopolitan

Holsteins, a popular burger joint at the Cosmopolitan since 2010, closed in July. Known for its extravagant burgers and boozy milkshakes, the restaurant was a favorite among guests.

New ownership at the Cosmopolitan led to the closure of Holsteins, with plans to introduce a new Mexican concept in its place. Fortunately, Holsteins will relocate to a new location in the downtown arts district.