TL;DR: The 4 Must-Try Italian Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip
- Best for Theatrical Old-School Glamour: Carbone (ARIA Resort & Casino). Known for its retro-American-Italian vibe and famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka.
- Best for Hand-Made Pasta: Scarpetta (The Cosmopolitan). Offers coastal Italian cuisine, stunning views, and exquisite fresh pasta, including their signature Spaghetti.
- Best for Fountains View: LAGO (Bellagio). Features modern, shared-plate Italian food with a coveted patio overlooking the Bellagio Fountains.
- Best for Classic Comfort Food: Buddy V’s Ristorante (The Venetian). Celebrity Chef Buddy Valastro’s spot focuses on rich, authentic, and shareable family recipes.
The Las Vegas Strip is a global dining hub, and no cuisine is more strongly represented than Italian. Forget what you think you know about red sauce and checkered tablecloths—the Italian Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip are world-class, run by celebrity chefs, and often feature dramatic views or unforgettable old-school glamour.
But with so many options, how do you choose the best? I’ve navigated the menus and the reservations to bring you the definitive guide. Whether you crave a casual bowl of handmade pasta, a theatrical dining experience, or a romantic Fountain-side view, these restaurants deliver the best Italian food Las Vegas has to offer.
5 Luxury Spots: Celebrity Chefs and Grand Ambiance
These Italian Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip offer high-end, often celebrity-driven dining experiences where the atmosphere is as impressive as the meal.
1. Carbone (ARIA Resort & Casino)
Carbone is less a restaurant and more an immersive, retro-glam experience inspired by mid-century Italian-American restaurants. The food is phenomenal, but the atmosphere—complete with “Captains” providing theatrical service—is what makes this a must-visit.
- Expert Take: It’s lively, loud, and incredibly fun. Don’t leave without trying their famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka. Reservations are notoriously tough, so book months in advance.
- Vibe: Retro, Theatrical, Ultra-Glamorous Italian-American.
2. LAGO (Bellagio)
LAGO offers a contemporary, modern Italian menu focused on small plates designed for sharing, but its main draw is its location. It features a spectacular dining room and patio that provides a prime, unparalleled view of the Bellagio Fountains.
- Expert Take: Time your reservation for sunset and request a window table or the patio for the most romantic experience. The focus on sharing makes it perfect for date night.
- Cuisine Style: Modern Italian, Small Plates, Coastal Inspiration.
Also Read: Best Bellagio Restaurants Las Vegas
3. Scarpetta (The Cosmopolitan)
Known for its beautiful interior and ocean views (even in the desert!), Scarpetta specializes in refined, coastal Italian cuisine. The philosophy is to create bold flavors by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients and focusing on house-made pasta.
- Expert Take: The signature Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil is famous for its simple perfection. The dining room, with its views of the Strip, makes it a highly romantic choice.
- Signature Dish: The Creamy Polenta with Fricassée of Truffled Mushrooms is legendary.
- Vibe: Modern, Romantic, Highly Refined.
4. Sinatra (Encore at Wynn Las Vegas)
As a tribute to Frank Sinatra, this restaurant captures the elegance and timeless style of the Rat Pack era. Sinatra offers sophisticated Italian fare, including many of Frank’s personal favorite dishes.
- Expert Take: The ambiance is pure class—think cozy fireplaces and Frank’s mementos displayed throughout the room. The food is traditional, rich, and perfectly executed, earning a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating.
- Vibe: Classic, Elegant, Romantic.
5. Amalfi by Bobby Flay (Caesars Palace)
Chef Bobby Flay’s Amalfi is a vibrant tribute to the stunning Italian coast, specializing in fresh seafood and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. The open kitchen and market-style setup (where you can choose your daily fish) make it feel like a trip to the sea.
- Expert Take: This spot has some of the freshest seafood on the Strip. Great for a date that wants excellent food with a modern, coastal edge.
- Cuisine Style: Southern Italian, Seafood Focus.
5 Excellent, Value-Driven & Family-Friendly Options
These Italian Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip offer fantastic quality and a great atmosphere without the heavy fine-dining price tag or intensity of places like Carbone.
6. Buddy V’s Ristorante (The Venetian)
“Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro brings his family recipes to the Strip at Buddy V’s Ristorante. This spot offers generous portions of authentic Italian comfort food inspired by the women in his life.
- Expert Take: The focus here is on rich, shareable family dishes—perfect for groups or a satisfying date night. Don’t skip the dessert from his famous bakery nearby!
- Must-Try: Grandma’s Meatballs and Nonna’s Lasagna.
7. LAVO Italian Restaurant (The Palazzo)
LAVO offers modern Italian-American cuisine in an energetic, ultra-chic setting. It serves as a precursor to the nightclub above it, making it a great spot for a lively dinner before a big night out.
- Expert Take: It has a great patio overlooking the Strip. The famous giant meatball appetizer is great for sharing! The late-night vibe makes it a fun option.
- Vibe: Chic, Energetic, Great Patio.
8. Eataly Las Vegas (Park MGM)
Eataly is less a single restaurant and more a massive Italian marketplace with multiple dedicated dining stalls and casual eateries, offering incredible variety and freshness. You can grab quick pizza, fresh pasta, or cured meats.
- Expert Take: This is the best value spot for high-quality Italian food. It’s perfect for families or groups because everyone can choose a different type of food from different stalls.
- Style: Casual, Marketplace, High Variety.
9. Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano (The Venetian)
Located inside The Venetian, Matteo’s offers an approachable but indulgent menu focusing on Northern Italian cuisine. It’s a great, slightly quieter spot than the main dining areas of the resort.
- Expert Take: They excel at house-made pasta and classic dishes. It’s an excellent, reliable option for a straightforward, delicious Italian meal with professional service.
- Vibe: Approachable, Reliable, Northern Italian Focus.
10. Trattoria Reggiano (The Venetian)
Nestled within the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Trattoria Reggiano offers classic Italian favorites with huge portions. It’s a vibrant, bustling environment perfect for a casual, fun meal.
- Expert Take: You feel like you’re dining on a busy Italian street. The prices are reasonable for the location and the portions are large, making it a great place to split a plate of pasta.
- Vibe: Bustling, Traditional, Good Value.
A Quick Tip for Pasta Perfection:
When dining at high-end spots like Scarpetta or Carbone, always ask the server for their pasta specials. Many restaurants feature seasonal, house-made pasta dishes that don’t make the standard menu but are often the chef’s best creations. Enjoy your trip to Italy, Vegas-style!
❓ Italian Dining FAQ
Which Italian restaurant is best for a romantic proposal?
LAGO (Bellagio) or Scarpetta (Cosmo) are excellent choices, as both offer coveted tables with stunning views of the Fountains of Bellagio, providing a perfect backdrop.
Are reservations essential for all these Italian restaurants?
Yes, absolutely. Reservations are essential for all high-end Italian Restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, especially for dinner (5 PM – 9 PM) on weekends. Book 4-8 weeks in advance for Carbone or LAGO.
Can I find family-style dining on the Strip?
Yes! Buddy V’s Ristorante (Venetian) and Carmine’s (Forum Shops at Caesars, though not listed above, it’s a popular family spot) both specialize in serving huge, shareable portions meant for the whole table.
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